Atari and Alan-1 have opened orders for Asteroids Recharged Arcade, bringing the modern remake of the 1979 coin-op classic into a dedicated, officially licensed cabinet.
The arcade edition was first shown at Amusement Expo in Las Vegas in March 2024. Alan-1 secured the agreement to develop the cabinet only six weeks before the event, making the project a notably quick arrival for a new arcade manufacturer.
Three cabinet versions planned
Alan-1 intends to offer the game in PRO, PREMIUM and LE cabinet formats, following a model familiar from the pinball industry. The company has not yet detailed the differences between those versions.
The two-player Premium cabinet is scheduled to appear at CAX later in July 2024. A larger cabinet format is also planned for later in the year, while the initial two-player model uses the footprint of a traditional arcade machine.
The game began as the 2021 home release Asteroids Recharged, but this version has been adapted for public arcades. Its development included feedback from arcade professionals and classic-game enthusiasts, with the aim of retaining the feel of the original while meeting current operator and player expectations.
Arcade testing and location plans
Dave & Buster’s is expected to test Asteroids Recharged Arcade at two locations from August 2024. A successful trial could lead to a broader, permanent rollout across more United States venues.
Testing has already taken place in Utah, while Genda’s Enterrium venue in Schaumburg, Illinois, was also seen hosting Asteroids Recharged alongside Avian Knights during June.
For Australian operators and collectors watching the release, the location trials should provide an early indication of how the cabinet performs in commercial settings. Readers can follow more arcade news and gaming updates as the rollout develops.
Asteroids Recharged cabinet features
- Classic-inspired design: The cabinet combines vintage styling with a high-definition display and upgraded audio designed to present the game’s graphics and sound effects clearly.
- Two-player cooperation: A new multiplayer mode allows players to work together rather than limiting the experience to the original solo format.
- Arcade-sized footprint: The initial two-player cabinet is designed to match classic arcade dimensions, leaving room for additional machines in a venue. A larger form factor is planned later in 2024.
- Physical feedback: Knockers, shakers and force-feedback systems are intended to make explosions and impacts more tactile.
- Operator controls: Operators can adjust coin settings, redemption mode, card-reader integration and feedback intensity. These controls are also accessible through Alan-1’s free operator MLeS app.
- MLeS competition: Integration with the optional, free Major League eSports System (MLeS) app lets players compare scores across cities and states, collect achievements and points, and receive notifications when another player takes their position on a machine’s leaderboard.
Ordering and regional availability
The release represents the first time Atari has sold arcade cabinets online. The Atari pre-order programme includes free shipping and is listed as running until 26 August 2024, although the supplied launch information also describes an exclusive Atari pre-order period ending on 1 August, after which distributors are expected to process orders.
At launch, online ordering is limited to the United States. Alan-1’s licence for Asteroids and Atari does not cover Europe, so a European release is not expected despite Atari having substantial operations in France. Prospective distributors are directed to contact Alan-1, while further ordering information is available through www.alan-1.com.
Australian buyers should confirm territory, shipping and distribution arrangements before planning an order. Our arcade machine buying guide may also help when comparing a full-size commercial cabinet with other arcade machines for a home or venue.
About the companies
Atari is an interactive entertainment company with a portfolio of more than 200 games and franchises, including Asteroids, Centipede, Missile Command, Pong and RollerCoaster Tycoon. It has offices in New York and Paris, and its shares are listed on Euronext Growth Paris under ticker ALATA and OTC Pink Current under ticker PONGF.
Alan-1 is a game studio focused on innovative and immersive entertainment projects. Its partnership with Atari marks the company’s move into officially licensed arcade hardware.
Alan-1 chief game director Luke Anderson described the cabinet as a way to preserve the character of the classic while adding modern features and a stronger social arcade experience.
For venue owners considering installation and ongoing maintenance, Retrocade also provides information about arcade repairs and servicing.
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