One of the most appealing features of the Switch when it was first released back in 2017 was its ability to be played in both handheld and docked mode. But what if there was another way to play? This is a question that seems to have plagued the incredibly talented designers over at Passocade, and what they came up with is surely every gamer's dream — a cocktail table arcade cabinet.
Right off the bat we want to clarify that this device is only a prototype and although Passocade does have other cabinets for sale, there are currently no plans to make it available to purchase. But all the same, how cool does it look? The table cabinet controller offers the big screen experience of the Switch's docked mode with the classic button capabilities of a retro arcade machine.
The above trailer showcases the device in action with some of the console's retro-inspired titles such as Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers showcasing this throwback playing mode. Some might prefer upright cabinets, but there's no denying that this one is a bit more practical, as it can double as a normal coffee table for the brief periods when you're not using it to beat Ken to a pulp with a Spinning Bird Kick.
The Switch has become a great port for a host of Nintendo's classic games, thanks in large part to the introduction of the Nintendo Switch Online retro library, but the Arcade Archives range also offers a huge number of coin-op classics to choose from. We know that each of these would be prime material for this arcade setting.
Alternatively, there's nothing stopping playing modern games on it. How about some Shredder's Revenge if you're after that neo-retro flavour? Or something more modern, perhaps, to see how newer titles mapp onto the classic controls (Super Smash Bros. Ulimate and something un-arcade-y like, say, Pokémon Sword and Shield would be first on our list we think).
- Nintendo Switch Online - Every NES, SNES, N64 And Sega Genesis Game Available
- Every ACA Neo Geo Game On Switch
- Every Arcade Archives Game On Switch
With an HD monitor and documented co-op capabilities, the device would be a must for any competitive gaming night — there is nothing quite like the aggravated button mashing of an arcade cab!
Are you also itching to get your hands on this awesome device? Let us know what you think down below. And for other Nintendo big builds that have impressed us no end, check out the links below (warning, may result in serious feelings of envy):
[source twitter.com, via nlab.itmedia.co.jp]
Comments 18
My posture says "no".
Why? The library of arcades/classic games on switch is sad.
I lol'ed HARD.. table top?? what is this, the 1970's??
@Tendogamerxxx the switch has a vast library of arcade games arcade archives alone must have over 200 games then you’ve got the Sega ages releases and various others
@Tendogamerxxx ...
This would be cool if I didn't already have a PC/Switch arcade cab.
The problem is, unless this is a really good price, nobody will buy it. If you've wanted a Switch arcade cabinet, you would already have one. If you didn't, you're probably not going to drop > $200 on one.
I would rather just have some mini-arcade cabinet I would just put my Switch in.
@Smug43 you missed it by a decade. Tabletop arcade machines were a product of the 1980s.
It's huge and ugly, not as nice and sleek like these ones:
Kinda weird to see a cocktail style arcade cabinet with a two-player SFII style control layout. I can't imagine actually trying to play two-player SFII on this thing, though, between the poor viewing angle and the way too close together P1 and P2 controls.
@coderkind Came here to say this but you already beat me to it.
Sure, it’s a neat novelty, but my neck hurt watching the video.
It would be a much more effective retro gaming machine if connected to a Raspberry Pi or pretty much any other machine that did not require an internet connection and subscription to play old roms. This must be the only arcade table that booting up an old genesis ROM costs $50 a year.
Lazy integration of the dock. Just a cable, And the switch, sits on the top of the table like that?
I should build my own using my two PowerA arcade sticks.
I should make a homemade arcade cabinet with my old raspberry pi...
This looks like TV mode with extra steps and a neck ache
My neck says "hell no".
...and looking at this a second time, it's evident that this cabinet is not designed to support TATE mode with the built-in controls.
Many of the games that are most closely associated with cocktail style cabinets are games that tend to benefit from TATE mode support, because they tend to be more vertical than horizontal, with controls placed on the shorter ends of the cabinet.
I can't figure out why they designed this cabinet the way they did or who the target audience is that would want such a thing.
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