Y'know, I can't say I'm bothered at all about playing Pong, but I'm really digging the aesthetic of the machine itself. The combination of the woodgrain look with the yellows and oranges really gives it a great retro vibe.
This video made this thing more appealing than I expected it to be. I’m not even a giant pong fan but the hardware looks cool, and warlords looks fun! I’m considering it… space is kind of the biggest factor for me.
Wow. Awesome review, awesome unit. I really like that warlord game! Loved that on the Atari 2600. I wore out a couple sets of paddle controllers on that game. And, of course, I always look forward to the “chucking of the instructions” part! Did not disappoint!👍🏻
Man, I was waiting for this review as soon as you announced it. Answered all my questions. I really wanted the Pong Cocktail, but don’t quite have enough room for it and the $699 price is ridiculous. This unit at $229 is right up my alley, I can throw it on a small end table or even take it with me for family game night. The inclusion of Pong Sports makes it even better. I’m going to order one before they disappear. Thanks for a great review!
Ok, had to do a follow up on this unit. I received mine from Amazon today for $229. This little thing is even nicer in person. All the options, including scan lines are icing on the cake. The paddle (spinner) controls are excellent. Even better that we can take this on the go. We’re going to be playing with this little baby quite a bit. My only issue is that I almost wish I would have ordered the Pong Head to Head cabinet, but I couldn’t justify $699 for a Pong unit, so $229 for this seems like a great deal. Thanks again for a great review.
This, in a 3/4 scale cocktail cab, with these colours would really have sealed the deal for me. The screen is just way too small, though. For this model, they should've gone with a 10" screen. But, it does look like a great portable unit. It's big sibling, the 4 player table sized pong is also a cool item I'm considering. Thanks for sharing.
John, this is my first comment on all the great work you and the guys do at Genx Grown Up. Keep it up! I love the videos, you do an outstanding job! The only problem I have is that you make me go out and spend more money on all these great games when you give them good reviews! I’m a proud Atari kid who was six when Pong was released. This looks great. Thanks bud!
Many thanks, Brian. _"Long-time listener, first-time caller,"_ eh? 😉 I get that. We have been accused on more than one occasion of being a bad influence on the wallets of our viewers. Your kind words are very much appreciated!
That cabinet and graphics and controls are swank! I still rememeber like it was yesterday playing Pong at my friend’s house and was enthralled how it worked detecting the graphics on the screen. I bet I was 5 or 6. And definitiey remember playing it at random pizza places. Whoa Jon are taking me back to childhood happiness!
Great review. I had one on order for a while and it finally shipped. Can't wait to check this out. Too---you have to wonder who out there will be the first to MOD this unit with a larger screen, more weighted aluminum wheels, and hacked for more ROMS that use the wheel! Got mine for $129 NEW in the BOX.
Nice. Looks very cool. A tip about the protective film is to back off the screws a little then pull off the film. I am not sure where I saw that but definitely a welcomed tip for me.
Fantastic review. Gets right to the point. No stories about how this game or that game was your favorite back when you were a kid visiting the pizza hut blah blah blah. Great questions answered competently. My major fears were the viewing angles, the spinner, and the crampness of the hand space. All answered quickly and knowledgably. Thanks Jon. Your best work yet.
Super-seriously: you just made my day. Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Fungible. I'm trying to improve and learn over time to improve structure & pacing, but I'm never sure if anybody notices except me. Your message here is both gratifying and flattering. Thank you for your continued viewership, engagement, and support! 🥰
This pong machine looks fantastic! I have a few countercades and a partycade, but this thing screams early 80s. It's the colors, reminds me of the old match game set or something lol
I had forgotten I asked a question way back when you first mentioned this, before I went MIA on all of you. I haven't really even been checking out the Discord. Anyway, thanks Jon, and I also want to say I don't even remember Pong Sports. We had several games back in the day like Space Invaders, Asteroids, Missile Command, Defender, and more, but I don't remember even hearing about this game let alone playing it. Now I have to see if it's in the Atari Vault which will make me feel all the more stupid if it's there. EDIT: You know, Pong Sports still looked familiar like the "Volleyball" game you played, so I looked it up and in fact "Pong Sports" is also known as "Video Olympics" which is definitely a title we had.
Absolutely. IIRC, "Pong Sports" was the title sold through the Sears Tele-Games brand, and "Video Olympics" was the Atari branded one. Same contents, same fun, different name. 😀
Well, a couple of years on, I couldn't afford the 4 player Pong pub table, but did get the Pong cocktail cabinet. Very enjoyable. Only wish A1up had carried the wood grain styling over to the bigger cabinets, too. Again, thanks. ;)
Great review! On sale at Best Buy for $165 right now. Two things are preventing a 'shut up and take my $' situation. No rechargeable battery or external usb power option. It's portable but, kinda not. The other thing that's missing is Circus Atari. It's on the big version..... Still a super cool little device.
The only thing better than this is the 4 Player Pong Pub table, but man, I love this. Thanks for posting. For some reason I completely missed the fact that it had other games on it like Warlords, Tempest, Super Breakout.
@@GenXGrownUp That’s true!! I “built” my own out of a gutted 70s 4-player cocktail cab & a Paddle IV pong clone & an Atari 7800 W/ 4 paddles for Warlords, Super Breakout etc. it’s fun & it works but I love the look of this.
Great video… Three questions: 1) Is there any plexiglass under the controls to prevent wear of the woodgrain stickers? 2) Are the stickers a thick vinyl or cheap paper? 3) have you heard of any facility to mod this to add games? Seriously would LOVE to add Major Havoc on this thing.
Thanks! 1) No plexi under the controls, but a you noted, the wood grain is a decal, not paint. 2) I didn't peel any decals off to check, but they're certainly a glossy & slick finish. If it's paper, it feels resilient. 3) Honestly haven't explored, but MH would be a GREAT addition!
The two player Pong Doubles, while not making a lot of sense, mimics the home Pong (and clones) "Hockey" mode exactly, so maybe that's why they decided to keep it in this collection
You might be onto something. I saw it as a, "well, it fits with the theme and it's free to include, so why not," sort of thing. Happy to have it, but I don't see myself playing it with all the other options available. ⬜
@@GenXGrownUp If I buy one of these (and it's very tempting), I think I would be the same - the other modes are more appealing. If anything from the home versions was to be included, I would have preferred the Squash mode where both players were on the same side, alternating volleys. It could have been reproduced the same way they mirrored the screen for Pong Sports
@@GenXGrownUp Annoying not in this instance. I order a significant amount from Amazon US (The all new pocket players for example...though Galaga and Tetris are still out of stock). Sadly despite this item saying it will ship to the UK, once I place it in the basket it says it isn't shippable to my address. I will have to keep trying. I have had previous countercades shipped by Amazon US.
But how does it tase?!?!?! Seriously though, thanks for answering my question about the spinner quality and screen. Great review, I'm considering adding one to the collection. I wonder if this will be modded in the future? Would love to play some kaboom or circus atari on this.
Got the Ms Pac-Man on sale. It's pretty cool. I just with they would've had 10 inch screens at least, but all in all, it's good. I'll more than likely buy this unit as well. Great video btw.
I think by using the rear paddle to hit the ball through the front paddle in doubles makes the ball a little less predictable for the opposition to counter. It can speed up or exit at a different angle.
I'm so used to the Countercades looking like the regular stand up cabs, but this Pong version looks like a miniature cocktail cab. I would have rather it looked like the actual 70's. Stand up cab.
I think you kind of missed some nuance regarding doubles pong. First, you can use the first paddle to rush a "volley" return if you are very fast, forcing less reaction time for your opponent. But more important, when returning from the "rear" paddle, you can then hit the ball with your "front" paddle to change its trajectory, throwing off your opponent (you did this accidentally in the video at least once). It really makes for a much more dynamic game.
Thanks for your comment, Paul. I understand these little tweaks to Pong, but it still doesn't substantially improve on the Pong experience for me. If it weren't included here I'd have been equally happy.
@@GenXGrownUp understandable, it’s not the most compelling game ever invented but I did enjoy this variant quite a bit when I was a kid without access to millions of games 😀. So I feel it’s a worthy addition to a game that is dedicated to pong
gamestop has these on sale for $199 now. lowest price. getting mine today. looking forward to it. will try to mod it with glenns retro spinner. later -1
I… kinda want one. I wonder if it would be possible to swap out its LCD for an OLED. I feel like OLEDs would look great for those games with mostly black backgrounds.
I'm not really bothered about the games, but the design is fantastic. If there were similar ones with joysticks that allowed you to load football games etc, I'd want one.
Oooooo, that spinner is NIIIICE! Maybe not quite arcade-perfect, but at least passable. I have the Arcade1UP deluxe 12in1 tall cabinet, and THAT "spinner" is an absolute rubbish twelve-position rotational clicker, NOT an optical spinner.
They must've been listening. Mine came with all the screws loose. The only thing I dislike, is the offset of the score. It kinda interferes with the play, on the one player side.
I was thinking about buying one if these pong Countercades but I heardcthat after a while the spinner quits working, does your still work ok? I saw these are now on sale. The sole reason for getting this is because I want to get the game Tempest.
If memory serves, "Pong Sports" was the title is had from Sears Tele-Games, and "Video Olympics" was the Atari-branded flavor. Feel free to fact-check me, though, as that's just from memory.
@@GenXGrownUp No need to fact check! That sounds close enough for jazz. (And thanks for the video! I’m always on the lookout for a good way to accurately play Tempest.)
@@GenXGrownUp Excellent review as always. Agree this is the best version of Pong since the original. I hope this makes its way to Australia. A keeper for sure. Most Appreciated.
@@GenXGrownUp Yes some of them have but unfortunately not all. Last resort becomes ebay which is not the preferred given the price hikes. Thank you again for great viewing.
Why do people call it the spinner when it’s called the paddle? Minor detail but I am a huge fan of Atari. And also one more thing! HAVE YOU PLAYED ATARI TODAY
Don't quote me on this, but I've always differentiated the two by whether they're free-spinning or have stops at min/max. The Atari 2600 had paddles for sure. Those couldn't spin indefinitely, but spinners are this type where you can spin & spin & spin forever without reaching a stopper in either direction. Thanks for watching!
@@GenXGrownUp On the Atari I believe they called that the Driving Controller? I remember it with Indy 500 I believe. Though it looked like the paddles, it was only one controller per plug and, of course, free spinning whereas the paddles definitely had min and max positions.
@@QunMang I distinctly remember the driving controller. I thought it was just a single paddle with a different sticker. Did the driving controller have no min/max?
@@GenXGrownUp I remember when playing Indy 500 we would have a little fun just spinning the controller and watching the player car spin, so it must have been free spinning or I'm misremembering.
$229 is pretty high for this. By contrast, the Atari Tempest 3/4 stand up cabinet only costs $315 at Walmart, has a trackball, a spinner, a larger screen, and has more and better games: Asteroids, Centipede, Major Havoc, Missile Command, Space Duel, Akka Arrh, Crystal Castles, Tempest, Millipede, Gravitar, Liberator, Asteroids Deluxe.
GenXGrownUp, This and Arcade1up's Pong Pub Table intrigued me, but they are both missing the best version of Warlords, the Atari 2600 version of Warlords, and the best version of Breakout, the original Breakout on the Atari 2600 (replete with Breakthru). And usually the arcade counterparts of games are better, but in the case of arcade Warlords and arcade Super Breakout, the console versions are just superior, gameplay-wise. (Don't get me wrong, I do kinda like arcade Warlords and arcade Super Breakout) And I really do wish Arcade1up would hit me up before releasing these products. I'm not by any means an authority when it comes to classic gaming, but could you imagine if the Pong countercade came with two replica Atari 2600 paddles you could plug into usb ports on either of the device (the sides with no controls) and you could play 4 player Warlords? It's a shame Warlords never gets it's due when ported home (almost did with the Arcade1up Pub Table, but again, with the inferior arcade version). Thanks for showing off the device. Maybe we'll get the aforementioned improvements in a 2.0 version of this countercade :) vgv
Which versions of which games is subjective so I won't debate you there, but I'm 100% onboard with the desire that more spinner/paddle games had been packed onto this gadget. Where's my Major Havoc and Kaboom!? I don't know how often we'll get a spinner-centric unit, so anything not included feels like it just might never see the light of day in a device that works this well.
GenXGrownUp, I agree, game version preference is subjective. I do hope you get a chance to play paddle versions of Atari 2600 Breakout and experience 2600 Warlords with 4 players, 4 paddles. There's nothing like it :) I was lucky enough to pick up one of those Jakks Pacific Atari duel paddle plug and play TV games when they originally came out, $40. It comes with Arcade versions of Pong and Warlords, but also 11 Atari 2600 games including 2600 Breakout and Warlords (Best Of Both Worlds!). It also has a similar way to choose game types when playing 2600 games. It shows all variations on the screen and then numbers up above to indicate which version of the game you're on. I like how Arcade1up took it a step further with this countercade, scrolling through the lines themselves. Love Kaboom! And you know what's funny? I recently picked up the new Arcade1up Atari Legacy cabinet (Tempest design). They switched the movement controls of Major Havoc from the spinner to the trackball. I own Arcade1up's first Atari 12 in 1 iteration with an upgraded spinner from Glen's Retro Show. I've found that Major Havoc plays much better using the trackball than the spinner. It's now REALLY fun to play! I could never get used to using a spinner. I never got the chance to play Major Havoc in the Arcade, though I guess it used a horizontal rolling mechanism for movement. I always hope I'll run into that version in an arcade someday :) vgv
@@videogamevegasYeOldeAccount So much good stuff to talk about! I'll try to be brief. I played more than my fair share of 4-player 2600 Warlords on my first VCS, so I know just the fun you're talking about. Major Havoc is an interesting beast - it had that weird flat sideways spinner in the cabinet, but the game can play pretty well with either a spinner or trackball (though I see how a trackball is a bit more analogous to the original). I liked this enough that if a v2 came along loaded with even more spinner-y goodness, I just might be tempted to upgrade.
Well Major Havoc would be tough because its a Horizontal game and the controls would not work. Kaboom is Activision, not Atari so it would be awesome to have.... but another "rights" problem. Adding more Atari 2600 or 7200 paddle games would of been nice.
Hmmm i have a bad feeling about this one 🤔 Edit: well i was wrong this actually looks good, I just had low expectations because of the party arcade thing
Have you priced parts lately? There's $100 in the spinners alone. Cheaper's always better, but I found the price to be fair for the quality and components this time around.
@@seany84uk They arent. A GSR arcade quality metal spinner is $55.00 on Amazon. I which I could actually switch it because the metal knob and heavy feel is more arcade acurate.
I don't have any of the manufacturers' release roadmaps, but Robotron at least was a Williams classic that is likely to make it to the mini world eventually.
@@GenXGrownUp well. Black Widow has been re-imagined on nintendo switch and steam as Black Widow recharged. but original Black Widow from 80's still isn't out on nintentdo switch or steam. Blaster once was put out on PS2 disc. but nothing since. the same with Robotron 2084 and Sinistar. Both of them were once on PS1 and PS2 discs. but nothing since. and Inferno was never re released on anything. i think it sends a bad message when the best arcade games like these don't have 2021 releases. don't you?
@@keepdreamin It's disappointing, but the only message it sends is that only the absolute most popular games are gonna get re-re-re-released (Pac-Man, Galaga, etc.) until we stop buying them and force companies to dig deeper in the back catalog.
@@GenXGrownUp How is Pac-Man more popular than Robotron 2084 and Black Widow and Blaster and Sinistar? Pac-Man is an easy game to play and win. There is no challenge with Pac-Man. Meanwhile, Robotron 2084, Black Widow, Blaster, Sinistar, and Inferno are hard and challenging games to play. If I had a choice I would choose the hard and challenging games to buy and play instead of the easy ones like Pac-Man.
@@keepdreamin Easy there. 😜 I didn't say one game was better than another, only which were most popular. That's just statistics. Pac-man, for example, is the highest grossing arcade game of all time. Those stats are what vendors look at when deciding what toys might sell best.
GASP!!! They put the buttons on the wrong side!!! And you're not even using your left hand to control the paddle, like you're supposed to! Everyone knows that all movement in video games is now controlled via the left hand!
Nope. Tempest and Warlords (cocktail) have the buttons on the left side, so it’d be a huge mistake to place them on the other. And I’m pretty sure all you right handers out there use your right hand on the stick when playing games like PacMan.
Hey Jon I'm thinking about getting other counter cade arcade the Pong one from arcade 1 up plus the fact I already have the Ms. Pac -Man 40'Th Anniversary arcade I still have room in my apartment for other one that would be Pong counter cade arcade from arcade 1 up lol I'm still having so much fun with Ms. Pac -Man 40'Th Anniversary arcade it's time for a new one the old classic Pong counter cade arcade from arcade 1 up you won't be able to get me out of my apartment lol
That's just far too expensive for what it is, what a ridiculous price. Especially when they always use such poor quality displays. I will pick one up if they drop in price. I can't see many takers at that level. Arcade 1UP suddenly think they are Apple (without the quality) For the same price you could get a Pandora's Box with a trackball added. Which is what I'm going to do to get my pong/breakout kicks. This is a fail.
You can't play pong with a tribal lol THATS ridiculous. I own this unit and love it!!! The spinner is great and Tempest rules!! My defender partycade is set to arrive any minute!! Can't wait!!
The screen looks very small / company’s make these screens bigger / there too small / i would get it if it had a bigger & better quality screen / & also if the games looked better / i give it a 6 out of 10 / a real rating / it’s average
UPDATE: The overlay for Warlords is available by adjusting cabinet mode in the settings. (Thanks to Tonia L for the heads-up.)
>gasp< Did someone READ the instructions?? 😂
@@robblerobble8382 Perish the thought!
Y'know, I can't say I'm bothered at all about playing Pong, but I'm really digging the aesthetic of the machine itself. The combination of the woodgrain look with the yellows and oranges really gives it a great retro vibe.
There's something to be said for design, right? I'm quite fond of it.
This video made this thing more appealing than I expected it to be.
I’m not even a giant pong fan but the hardware looks cool, and warlords looks fun! I’m considering it… space is kind of the biggest factor for me.
Thanks for watching, Wolf. If you have any other questions to help inform your buying decision, fire away and I'll help as best as I can.
Wow. Awesome review, awesome unit. I really like that warlord game! Loved that on the Atari 2600. I wore out a couple sets of paddle controllers on that game. And, of course, I always look forward to the “chucking of the instructions” part! Did not disappoint!👍🏻
Hahaha! If there are instructions to chuck, you can count on me! Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the kind words, Butter Spider! 😀
Man, I was waiting for this review as soon as you announced it. Answered all my questions. I really wanted the Pong Cocktail, but don’t quite have enough room for it and the $699 price is ridiculous. This unit at $229 is right up my alley, I can throw it on a small end table or even take it with me for family game night. The inclusion of Pong Sports makes it even better. I’m going to order one before they disappear. Thanks for a great review!
You're very welcome, D&D. Glad I could help and I really appreciate your viewership!
Ok, had to do a follow up on this unit. I received mine from Amazon today for $229. This little thing is even nicer in person. All the options, including scan lines are icing on the cake. The paddle (spinner) controls are excellent. Even better that we can take this on the go. We’re going to be playing with this little baby quite a bit. My only issue is that I almost wish I would have ordered the Pong Head to Head cabinet, but I couldn’t justify $699 for a Pong unit, so $229 for this seems like a great deal. Thanks again for a great review.
I'm happy to hear you're enjoying as much as I am. Thanks for the update!
Is it possible to play outside without too much glare?
I CAN'T WAIT I LOVE TO SEE THE PONG COUNTERCADE THIS WILL BE FUN😃
I hope you enjoy it, Adam. See you then.
Right! I knew that Tempest looked extra sharp, but didn't know why.
Bingo!
This, in a 3/4 scale cocktail cab, with these colours would really have sealed the deal for me. The screen is just way too small, though. For this model, they should've gone with a 10" screen. But, it does look like a great portable unit. It's big sibling, the 4 player table sized pong is also a cool item I'm considering. Thanks for sharing.
John, this is my first comment on all the great work you and the guys do at Genx Grown Up. Keep it up! I love the videos, you do an outstanding job! The only problem I have is that you make me go out and spend more money on all these great games when you give them good reviews! I’m a proud Atari kid who was six when Pong was released. This looks great. Thanks bud!
Many thanks, Brian. _"Long-time listener, first-time caller,"_ eh? 😉 I get that. We have been accused on more than one occasion of being a bad influence on the wallets of our viewers. Your kind words are very much appreciated!
@@GenXGrownUp haha! As someone who is in the radio business I can appreciate “Longtime listener, first time caller”! Be well!
That cabinet and graphics and controls are swank! I still rememeber like it was yesterday playing Pong at my friend’s house and was enthralled how it worked detecting the graphics on the screen. I bet I was 5 or 6. And definitiey remember playing it at random pizza places. Whoa Jon are taking me back to childhood happiness!
All part of the service, Ben! Glad you dug it.
OG GenXGrownUpper - this is a fantastic review of this device, and also the most relatable review as well. Perfection. Thank you sir.
And thank you, sir. Your long-running viewership and support is valued more than you might know.
Great review. I had one on order for a while and it finally shipped. Can't wait to check this out. Too---you have to wonder who out there will be the first to MOD this unit with a larger screen, more weighted aluminum wheels, and hacked for more ROMS that use the wheel! Got mine for $129 NEW in the BOX.
Thanks, Erik. Wow! $129 is an absolute steal for this unit. Congrats, and I hope you dig it! 😀
Nice. Looks very cool. A tip about the protective film is to back off the screws a little then pull off the film. I am not sure where I saw that but definitely a welcomed tip for me.
Nice tip. Either way, a screwdriver is involved, but I can definitely see how that would make it less work.
Fantastic review. Gets right to the point. No stories about how this game or that game was your favorite back when you were a kid visiting the pizza hut blah blah blah. Great questions answered competently. My major fears were the viewing angles, the spinner, and the crampness of the hand space. All answered quickly and knowledgably. Thanks Jon. Your best work yet.
Super-seriously: you just made my day. Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Fungible. I'm trying to improve and learn over time to improve structure & pacing, but I'm never sure if anybody notices except me. Your message here is both gratifying and flattering. Thank you for your continued viewership, engagement, and support! 🥰
It's hard not to reminisce about the old days in the arcades though! I see nothing wrong with paying homage or mentioning your past in gaming.
Whoa, your video production value (and content) are blowing my mind! Surely you used to work in TV production?? (Former broadcast editor here. 😁)
Ben, I plead guilty as charged. 😜 Thank you once again for your kindness. I wish I had a thousand more viewers just like you!
Cost kept me from this but man, it's such a sexy unit. Like the format of the review by mentioning the folks asking. Nice touch man.
It really is, Creep. I'm happy to have it in my small collection. Thanks for the kind words and for watching, Creep! 😀
Not sure if you're still looking but it's down to $149.99 now!
This pong machine looks fantastic! I have a few countercades and a partycade, but this thing screams early 80s. It's the colors, reminds me of the old match game set or something lol
It does, and I'm glad I picked it up. Thanks for watching, Ryan.
I had forgotten I asked a question way back when you first mentioned this, before I went MIA on all of you. I haven't really even been checking out the Discord. Anyway, thanks Jon, and I also want to say I don't even remember Pong Sports. We had several games back in the day like Space Invaders, Asteroids, Missile Command, Defender, and more, but I don't remember even hearing about this game let alone playing it. Now I have to see if it's in the Atari Vault which will make me feel all the more stupid if it's there.
EDIT: You know, Pong Sports still looked familiar like the "Volleyball" game you played, so I looked it up and in fact "Pong Sports" is also known as "Video Olympics" which is definitely a title we had.
Absolutely. IIRC, "Pong Sports" was the title sold through the Sears Tele-Games brand, and "Video Olympics" was the Atari branded one. Same contents, same fun, different name. 😀
Thanks for answering my question. Great video nice positive product from arcade 1 up.
For sure. Thanks for the question and for watching, Steven! ⬜
Great review! Keep up the good work my friend.
Thanks, will do!
Well, a couple of years on, I couldn't afford the 4 player Pong pub table, but did get the Pong cocktail cabinet. Very enjoyable. Only wish A1up had carried the wood grain styling over to the bigger cabinets, too. Again, thanks. ;)
Same here. I very much like the visual design of this device. Thanks for watching! 😁
Great review! On sale at Best Buy for $165 right now. Two things are preventing a 'shut up and take my $' situation. No rechargeable battery or external usb power option. It's portable but, kinda not. The other thing that's missing is Circus Atari. It's on the big version..... Still a super cool little device.
Thanks for watching, bib. That's a really great price, Circus Atari or no. 💸
I definitely wanna get this model...🤘🏼💯✔️
What a great looking cabinet
It really is!
Very entertaining and fun to watch. Thanks for posting this.
Glad you enjoyed it!
My first was an atari junior, then an oric-1 then amiga 500 ,master system ,megadrive
You had me at Amiga 500. 😀
I bought it for pong as a gaming collector I needed a good version of pong to add to my collection and this was an obvious choice for me
Cool I
have a collection of mini arcade games retro buddies
Sweet!
I so want this due to Tempest, sadly no Alien Demon artwork....
It's not a Tempest Countercade, it's a Pong Countercade! 😜
@@GenXGrownUp Ohhh man. I have a cocktail Tempest. If A1Up would reskin this to look like a miniaturized version of it, they would have my money.
The only thing better than this is the 4 Player Pong Pub table, but man, I love this. Thanks for posting. For some reason I completely missed the fact that it had other games on it like Warlords, Tempest, Super Breakout.
Thanks for watching, Moxxi. The nice thing with this one is that it doesn't take up the space of the larger model.
@@GenXGrownUp That’s true!! I “built” my own out of a gutted 70s 4-player cocktail cab & a Paddle IV pong clone & an Atari 7800 W/ 4 paddles for Warlords, Super Breakout etc. it’s fun & it works but I love the look of this.
Great video… Three questions:
1) Is there any plexiglass under the controls to prevent wear of the woodgrain stickers? 2) Are the stickers a thick vinyl or cheap paper? 3) have you heard of any facility to mod this to add games? Seriously would LOVE to add Major Havoc on this thing.
Thanks!
1) No plexi under the controls, but a you noted, the wood grain is a decal, not paint.
2) I didn't peel any decals off to check, but they're certainly a glossy & slick finish. If it's paper, it feels resilient.
3) Honestly haven't explored, but MH would be a GREAT addition!
I wish it had plug in spinners for player 3 and 4. 4 player video olympics and warlords is awesome and almost impossible to do on modern hardware.
The two player Pong Doubles, while not making a lot of sense, mimics the home Pong (and clones) "Hockey" mode exactly, so maybe that's why they decided to keep it in this collection
You might be onto something. I saw it as a, "well, it fits with the theme and it's free to include, so why not," sort of thing. Happy to have it, but I don't see myself playing it with all the other options available. ⬜
@@GenXGrownUp If I buy one of these (and it's very tempting), I think I would be the same - the other modes are more appealing. If anything from the home versions was to be included, I would have preferred the Squash mode where both players were on the same side, alternating volleys. It could have been reproduced the same way they mirrored the screen for Pong Sports
Sadly another one that hasn't made it to the UK. It definitely looks great fun to play.
Are you able to import from Amazon US? Here's a link if you'd like to investigate: amz.run/76k7
@@GenXGrownUp Annoying not in this instance. I order a significant amount from Amazon US (The all new pocket players for example...though Galaga and Tetris are still out of stock). Sadly despite this item saying it will ship to the UK, once I place it in the basket it says it isn't shippable to my address. I will have to keep trying. I have had previous countercades shipped by Amazon US.
Emceemur sent me here! New sub.. Gen X unite!
That Emceemur -- what a guy. Thanks for hitting us up, TiltingT; happy to have you here! GenX!
But how does it tase?!?!?!
Seriously though, thanks for answering my question about the spinner quality and screen. Great review, I'm considering adding one to the collection. I wonder if this will be modded in the future? Would love to play some kaboom or circus atari on this.
Thanks, MGS. Oh, man, you're singing my song with Kaboom! I also thought Arkanoid and Major Havoc would've been fantastic additions.
I wish they’d installed a port that allowed me to use a set of original Atari paddle controllers for 4 player Warlords and Pong Doubles. Oh well.
Cool idea!
Excellent review!
Thank you kindly, John!
7:59
That was just another time Wozniak got used by Steve.
👌
Got the Ms Pac-Man on sale. It's pretty cool. I just with they would've had 10 inch screens at least, but all in all, it's good. I'll more than likely buy this unit as well.
Great video btw.
Thanks for watching!
I think by using the rear paddle to hit the ball through the front paddle in doubles makes the ball a little less predictable for the opposition to counter. It can speed up or exit at a different angle.
Yes, you are right. The second paddle does affect the ball as well. But in the same was as it should if a second player on your team was guiding it.
I'm so used to the Countercades looking like the regular stand up cabs, but this Pong version looks like a miniature cocktail cab. I would have rather it looked like the actual 70's. Stand up cab.
Go grab the Pong Pub tower. That sounds more your speed.
Would anyone know what external battery pack can be used with this? (I can't determine the size of the tip for the original power adapter.)
I think you kind of missed some nuance regarding doubles pong. First, you can use the first paddle to rush a "volley" return if you are very fast, forcing less reaction time for your opponent.
But more important, when returning from the "rear" paddle, you can then hit the ball with your "front" paddle to change its trajectory, throwing off your opponent (you did this accidentally in the video at least once). It really makes for a much more dynamic game.
Thanks for your comment, Paul. I understand these little tweaks to Pong, but it still doesn't substantially improve on the Pong experience for me. If it weren't included here I'd have been equally happy.
@@GenXGrownUp understandable, it’s not the most compelling game ever invented but I did enjoy this variant quite a bit when I was a kid without access to millions of games 😀. So I feel it’s a worthy addition to a game that is dedicated to pong
@Paul Bruneau You make a really compelling point, there: *NOT* having it present would feel like a miss on a gadget so clearly focusing on Pong.
gamestop has these on sale for $199 now. lowest price.
getting mine today. looking forward to it.
will try to mod it with glenns retro spinner.
later
-1
That's a great deal.
Just got mine for 150 on amazon
@@jakep8484 Great!
Jon how hard is it to play pong with the book lol I can't wait to get myself pong counter cade I'm getting mine on Tuesday!
Great!
Someone needs to make a Magnavox Odyssey mini
Shut up and take my money. 💸
@@GenXGrownUp ikr
I… kinda want one. I wonder if it would be possible to swap out its LCD for an OLED. I feel like OLEDs would look great for those games with mostly black backgrounds.
That would look fantastic.
I'm not really bothered about the games, but the design is fantastic. If there were similar ones with joysticks that allowed you to load football games etc, I'd want one.
I would like to see more Countercades with this flat configuration, too.
Oooooo, that spinner is NIIIICE! Maybe not quite arcade-perfect, but at least passable.
I have the Arcade1UP deluxe 12in1 tall cabinet, and THAT "spinner" is an absolute rubbish twelve-position rotational clicker, NOT an optical spinner.
This one turned out to be quite nice in the controls department.
They must've been listening. Mine came with all the screws loose. The only thing I dislike, is the offset of the score. It kinda interferes with the play, on the one player side.
Great review! Can all games be played as single player, even Warlords?
Thanks, Dave. Yes, for almost all games you can play single-player (you can see me doing so throughout the video review).
@@GenXGrownUp thanks, I wasn't sure about Warlords, but that's probably more fun with another player anyway! Cheers!
@@GenXGrownUp No A.I. for Pong Doubles, I presume?
@@KoolKatDave That's right.
@@KoolKatDave Still fun either way!
I want this its stunning
Can't blame you one bit.
I was thinking about buying one if these pong Countercades but I heardcthat after a while the spinner quits working, does your still work ok? I saw these are now on sale. The sole reason for getting this is because I want to get the game Tempest.
My spinners are still great, Phil.
Nice hat🎩
Thanks 😁
Oh, I didn’t realize “Pong Sports” was actually “Video Olympics.” Makes sense due to licensing.
If memory serves, "Pong Sports" was the title is had from Sears Tele-Games, and "Video Olympics" was the Atari-branded flavor. Feel free to fact-check me, though, as that's just from memory.
@@GenXGrownUp No need to fact check! That sounds close enough for jazz. (And thanks for the video! I’m always on the lookout for a good way to accurately play Tempest.)
@@RonnieBarzel Indeed! Thanks so much for your viewership.
Look forward.
Thanks, John. I hope you enjoy it.
@@GenXGrownUp Excellent review as always. Agree this is the best version of Pong since the original. I hope this makes its way to Australia. A keeper for sure. Most Appreciated.
@@mrjohntheo154 Thank you, John. I hope it makes its way to you. Good luck! 😀 Have other A1U products become available down under?
@@GenXGrownUp Yes some of them have but unfortunately not all. Last resort becomes ebay which is not the preferred given the price hikes. Thank you again for great viewing.
My pleasure, John. Thanks again.
Why do people call it the spinner when it’s called the paddle? Minor detail but I am a huge fan of Atari. And also one more thing!
HAVE YOU PLAYED ATARI TODAY
Don't quote me on this, but I've always differentiated the two by whether they're free-spinning or have stops at min/max. The Atari 2600 had paddles for sure. Those couldn't spin indefinitely, but spinners are this type where you can spin & spin & spin forever without reaching a stopper in either direction. Thanks for watching!
@@GenXGrownUp On the Atari I believe they called that the Driving Controller? I remember it with Indy 500 I believe. Though it looked like the paddles, it was only one controller per plug and, of course, free spinning whereas the paddles definitely had min and max positions.
@@QunMang I distinctly remember the driving controller. I thought it was just a single paddle with a different sticker. Did the driving controller have no min/max?
@@GenXGrownUp I remember when playing Indy 500 we would have a little fun just spinning the controller and watching the player car spin, so it must have been free spinning or I'm misremembering.
@@QunMang No, I trust your memory. Next time I see one of those I'm going to have to grab it.
$229 is pretty high for this. By contrast, the Atari Tempest 3/4 stand up cabinet only costs $315 at Walmart, has a trackball, a spinner, a larger screen, and has more and better games: Asteroids, Centipede, Major Havoc, Missile Command, Space Duel, Akka Arrh, Crystal Castles, Tempest, Millipede, Gravitar, Liberator, Asteroids Deluxe.
Like Tempest, that was the original launch MSRP and has been steadily coming down. I hear it's going for as low as $165 at Best Buy now.
@@GenXGrownUp Tempest costs $449.99 at Best Buy.
if this ships to the UK IM HAVING ONE!!! I bet he is playing it now and the video will start late!! 😀
Wait, what? Did you say something? I was busy playing Warlords for the umpteenth time! 😁
@@GenXGrownUp Can I be cheeky and ask if Breakout is also included?
@@ag3ntorange164 Yes, you may. 😉
GenXGrownUp,
This and Arcade1up's Pong Pub Table intrigued me, but they are both missing the best version of Warlords, the Atari 2600 version of Warlords, and the best version of Breakout, the original Breakout on the Atari 2600 (replete with Breakthru). And usually the arcade counterparts of games are better, but in the case of arcade Warlords and arcade Super Breakout, the console versions are just superior, gameplay-wise. (Don't get me wrong, I do kinda like arcade Warlords and arcade Super Breakout)
And I really do wish Arcade1up would hit me up before releasing these products. I'm not by any means an authority when it comes to classic gaming, but could you imagine if the Pong countercade came with two replica Atari 2600 paddles you could plug into usb ports on either of the device (the sides with no controls) and you could play 4 player Warlords? It's a shame Warlords never gets it's due when ported home (almost did with the Arcade1up Pub Table, but again, with the inferior arcade version).
Thanks for showing off the device. Maybe we'll get the aforementioned improvements in a 2.0 version of this countercade :)
vgv
Which versions of which games is subjective so I won't debate you there, but I'm 100% onboard with the desire that more spinner/paddle games had been packed onto this gadget. Where's my Major Havoc and Kaboom!? I don't know how often we'll get a spinner-centric unit, so anything not included feels like it just might never see the light of day in a device that works this well.
GenXGrownUp,
I agree, game version preference is subjective. I do hope you get a chance to play paddle versions of Atari 2600 Breakout and experience 2600 Warlords with 4 players, 4 paddles. There's nothing like it :) I was lucky enough to pick up one of those Jakks Pacific Atari duel paddle plug and play TV games when they originally came out, $40. It comes with Arcade versions of Pong and Warlords, but also 11 Atari 2600 games including 2600 Breakout and Warlords (Best Of Both Worlds!). It also has a similar way to choose game types when playing 2600 games. It shows all variations on the screen and then numbers up above to indicate which version of the game you're on. I like how Arcade1up took it a step further with this countercade, scrolling through the lines themselves.
Love Kaboom! And you know what's funny? I recently picked up the new Arcade1up Atari Legacy cabinet (Tempest design). They switched the movement controls of Major Havoc from the spinner to the trackball. I own Arcade1up's first Atari 12 in 1 iteration with an upgraded spinner from Glen's Retro Show. I've found that Major Havoc plays much better using the trackball than the spinner. It's now REALLY fun to play! I could never get used to using a spinner.
I never got the chance to play Major Havoc in the Arcade, though I guess it used a horizontal rolling mechanism for movement. I always hope I'll run into that version in an arcade someday :)
vgv
@@videogamevegasYeOldeAccount So much good stuff to talk about! I'll try to be brief. I played more than my fair share of 4-player 2600 Warlords on my first VCS, so I know just the fun you're talking about. Major Havoc is an interesting beast - it had that weird flat sideways spinner in the cabinet, but the game can play pretty well with either a spinner or trackball (though I see how a trackball is a bit more analogous to the original). I liked this enough that if a v2 came along loaded with even more spinner-y goodness, I just might be tempted to upgrade.
Well Major Havoc would be tough because its a Horizontal game and the controls would not work. Kaboom is Activision, not Atari so it would be awesome to have.... but another "rights" problem. Adding more Atari 2600 or 7200 paddle games would of been nice.
Hmmm i have a bad feeling about this one 🤔
Edit: well i was wrong this actually looks good, I just had low expectations because of the party arcade thing
I waited to reply until after the video released so as to not spoil the surprise. I'm glad it exceeded your expectations. It did mine, as well.
This should be 200 max and also have a rechargeable battery inside
Have you priced parts lately? There's $100 in the spinners alone. Cheaper's always better, but I found the price to be fair for the quality and components this time around.
@@GenXGrownUp Wow i didnt know they were that expensive!
@@seany84uk They arent. A GSR arcade quality metal spinner is $55.00 on Amazon. I which I could actually switch it because the metal knob and heavy feel is more arcade acurate.
Im getting that hat
Make the dream a reality: amzn.to/3q7j1Er
hey dude. will Robotron 2084, Blaster, Black Widow, Sinistar, and Inferno ever be released on mini arcade?
I don't have any of the manufacturers' release roadmaps, but Robotron at least was a Williams classic that is likely to make it to the mini world eventually.
@@GenXGrownUp well. Black Widow has been re-imagined on nintendo switch and steam as Black Widow recharged. but original Black Widow from 80's still isn't out on nintentdo switch or steam. Blaster once was put out on PS2 disc. but nothing since. the same with Robotron 2084 and Sinistar. Both of them were once on PS1 and PS2 discs. but nothing since. and Inferno was never re released on anything. i think it sends a bad message when the best arcade games like these don't have 2021 releases. don't you?
@@keepdreamin It's disappointing, but the only message it sends is that only the absolute most popular games are gonna get re-re-re-released (Pac-Man, Galaga, etc.) until we stop buying them and force companies to dig deeper in the back catalog.
@@GenXGrownUp How is Pac-Man more popular than Robotron 2084 and Black Widow and Blaster and Sinistar? Pac-Man is an easy game to play and win. There is no challenge with Pac-Man. Meanwhile, Robotron 2084, Black Widow, Blaster, Sinistar, and Inferno are hard and challenging games to play. If I had a choice I would choose the hard and challenging games to buy and play instead of the easy ones like Pac-Man.
@@keepdreamin Easy there. 😜 I didn't say one game was better than another, only which were most popular. That's just statistics. Pac-man, for example, is the highest grossing arcade game of all time. Those stats are what vendors look at when deciding what toys might sell best.
May have missed it, how much does it weigh?
Both of your questions answered in the video.
Do the side views of the screen get washed out?
It's been a while since I played with it. As I recall, the side angle was watchable, but not ideal - there is a bit of washout from those angles.
Is it possible to play outside without too much glare?
Both of your questions answered in the video.
Hello Jo it’s Jayden
👋
GASP!!! They put the buttons on the wrong side!!! And you're not even using your left hand to control the paddle, like you're supposed to! Everyone knows that all movement in video games is now controlled via the left hand!
Reprehensible. I'm calling my legislator to take immediate action.
@@GenXGrownUp You should! Everyone knows that all game consoles are now legally required to put the movement controls on the left!
Nope. Tempest and Warlords (cocktail) have the buttons on the left side, so it’d be a huge mistake to place them on the other. And I’m pretty sure all you right handers out there use your right hand on the stick when playing games like PacMan.
@@Fungib1e Sarcasm alert! ;)
@@lurkerrekrul Ah. Good. My faith in humanity is restored.
Hey Jon I'm thinking about getting other counter cade arcade the Pong one from arcade 1 up plus the fact I already have the Ms. Pac -Man 40'Th Anniversary arcade I still have room in my apartment for other one that would be Pong counter cade arcade from arcade 1 up lol I'm still having so much fun with Ms. Pac -Man 40'Th Anniversary arcade it's time for a new one the old classic Pong counter cade arcade from arcade 1 up you won't be able to get me out of my apartment lol
that spinner need some little microswitches or someting like that.
Microswitcher in a spinner? What would that accomplish?
an analog control is too unpredictable and uncontrollable. We are not in the 70s. A digital control will always be more precise
There was no accuracy problem with the provided equipment, but you're always free to modify to suit you preferences.
I wonder how long it will take to hack it to add support for true 4-player Warlords.
I can't imagine. If that's the goal, I think someone would be better off just getting the four-player Pong pub table from A1U.
What?
No beer pong? 😕
😜🍻
That’s cool and all, but can it run doom?
My Magic 8-Ball says, "My sources say no."
I'm a 71
'69 here. Welcome, brother! 😉
Hey Jon it’s Jayden it’s OK if you want to reply to me Buddy
Howdy, Jayden. I hope you're doing great!
Like all their other products, the display is too small.
I disagree that this a problem with _all_ A1U products, but this one would certainly benefit from a bit more display real estate.
@@GenXGrownUp 17" displays..Displays... Even with light gun games. The 19" panels they have on the refresh models are weak. Golden Tee, exhibit one.
@@rushmore3927 I find the current Partycades (i.e. Defender 40th) to be appropriately sized. Exhibit two. 😉
@@GenXGrownUp Hah! Got me there!
@@rushmore3927 😂
Can this be modded?
Everything can be modded with enough effort. What do you want it to do?
@@GenXGrownUp add more games
@@akanicolerocks711 No native method of doing it, so the return on the cost of time & materials may not make it worthwhile.
I was born in 72… 😰
You and Pong both! ⬜
Sadly it's a US only device, once again us Europeans have to go trough hoops and pay double to even have a chance at this.
Yuck.
Price point isn't right on this one overpriced would never buy at retail.
It's a bit on the high side, but you must consider that there's $100 just in quality weighted spinners as part of the package.
Its to bad dosent connect to a tv
Hm. That's not a feature I expected or missed, but extra options are always nice.
That's just far too expensive for what it is, what a ridiculous price.
Especially when they always use such poor quality displays. I will pick one up if they drop in price. I can't see many takers at that level.
Arcade 1UP suddenly think they are Apple (without the quality)
For the same price you could get a Pandora's Box with a trackball added. Which is what I'm going to do to get my pong/breakout kicks. This is a fail.
If you would purchase it at a lower price, then doesn't sound like a fail for you, but a win that's overvalued. 😀 Thanks as always for watching. 🍊
You can't play pong with a tribal lol THATS ridiculous. I own this unit and love it!!! The spinner is great and Tempest rules!! My defender partycade is set to arrive any minute!! Can't wait!!
Pong has to be the most boring game ever I’ll pass on pong
It's not about excitement. It's about nostalgia and accuracy. My guess is you never had the opportunity to see it in the wild in the early '70s.
The screen looks very small / company’s make these screens bigger / there too small / i would get it if it had a bigger & better quality screen / & also if the games looked better / i give it a 6 out of 10 / a real rating / it’s average
OK
Those spinners look like the same piece of crap on the original astroids machine.
Huh? Asteroids doesn't use a spinner, so that doesn't make any sense.