I'll admit, I'm not a reasonable retro game enjoyer, and I've considered putting a mini Burger Time arcade machine in my kitchen more than once. Is there any practical reason to have a tiny cabinet on my bunker? Absolutely not, but I can't stop thinking about how stinkin' cute it'd look given its incredible Chef Peter Pepper and sentient sausage artwork would look next to my utensils.
So far, the only thing that has stopped me from replacing either my toaster or air fryer with a Quarter Arcades Burger Time machine is price. However, Amazon apparently wants my cooking space to descend into chaos, as it just knocked that specific version down to $178.11 from $249.99. That 29% discount is posing a serious threat to both my finances and limited counter space, but y'know what? I still think it's worth it.
Even at just under $180, this mini Burger Time machine is expensive. It's what I'd call an indulgent self-treat for those of you who've already picked up all the best retro consoles and crave something bougie. Yes, there are also many other cheaper ways to play Data East's fast food frenzy, but this device feels almost like a permanent heirloom for your house rather than a mere gaming machine.
If I hadn't already spent a lot of time with the Quarter Arcades Bubble Bobble, I probably wouldn't be into the idea of spending $180 on a 1/4 scale Burger Time cabinet. However, Numskull's miniature machines feel spectacularly authentic despite their size, packing surprisingly vivid visuals, impressive audio, and gorgeous detailing.
Look, I'm not saying the tiny controls are as comfortable as a full-size deck. They aren't remotely as daft as you'd think. I'd argue part of the fun here is laughing at your thumbs clutching the comically sized controls, and I'm sure kitchen dwellers will love it for that alone during any house parties you may have. But, they are also perfectly usable, too, and I often find myself playing the Bubble Bobble version over multiple other ports I own.
I don't own the Burger Time machine (yet), but if the Bubble Bobble version is anything to go by, it'll be an immersive treat. There's something about the tiny setup, the type of screen lens covering the 5-inch TFT screen, and the speakers within the wood cabinet that make for a ridiculously immersive experience. The soundtrack sounds warm and bassy, and being up close to the small display really draws you in.
Even if you do just want this machine to sit on a shelf (or next to your spatulas if you're bananas like me), it's going to make a huge impression. It can be surprisingly hard to find mini arcade cabinets that capture all the right details and decals, but Numskull absolutely understands the assignment with its Quarter Arcades range. The entire cab is clad in all the same artwork, bezel information, and even has an illuminated marquee at the top for extra pizazz. Even the coin slots are glowing buttons you can use to add credits, so it's safe to say it's committed to the bit.
One feature that really makes all the difference, though, is the built-in battery. I didn't expect the tiny machine to be USB-C rechargeable before getting my hands on the Bubble Bobble version, and while it might sound a bit daft, being able to pick it up and play anywhere is phenomenal. It basically means you can fetch it when you've got guests over without also dragging out power supplies and cables, in turn also making it easier to pop away.
If I were to pick a gripe with the Quarter Arcades machines, it's the fact that they only include one game. For the price, that feels a bit absurd, but I guess it does help it feel like a "Honey, I shrunk the arcade cabinet" scenario. If you'd rather invest in more games and features over sheer vibes and authentic design, you'll probably want to eye up something like the Evercade Alpha instead since it's larger and runs plenty of games via cartridges.
I do think it's worth viewing the Quarter Arcades range as both a gaming machine and a piece of detailed decor. I'm not remotely saying it's a wise use of your money, but it's certainly going to bring you lots of joy if you're after a self-treat.
Will I actually replace my air fryer with a tiny Burger Time arcade cabinet? Probably not, but I can't promise my toaster won't end up under the cupboard.
- Super Pocket Data East Edition | $69.99 at Amazon
- Burger Time Micro Players machine | $36.99 at Amazon
Looking for ways to play on the go? Swing by the best gaming handhelds and best retro handhelds for portable consoles and PCs. If you've already got Valve's device, check out the best Steam Deck accessories and best Steam Deck docks for our favorite add-ons.
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