Important regional note: This event was announced for Maximum Tune 5DX+ machines connected to Bandai Namco’s North American network. It does not apply to the International Version used in regions including Australia and Southeast Asia, or to Japanese machines.
Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 5DX+ is one of the arcade racers built around an online-connected service. Players can use a cloud account to track their progress and car builds, then compete against recorded ghost data from other drivers around the world.
Bandai Namco has also run occasional nationwide competitions since the game first launched as Maximum Tune 5 in 2017. The 2023 event was presented as the first Online Champion Match for the 5DX+ upgrade.
Maximum Tune 5DX+ event schedule
The North American Online Champion Match qualifiers were scheduled to run from 8:00am CDT on 14 June 2023 until 5:00am CDT on 9 July 2023. The main event was then due to begin at 8:00am CDT on 9 July and conclude at 10:00pm CDT on 23 July.
During qualifying, players had a chance to earn one of four name-plate designs by taking part in a short mini-game after each race. Every main-event participant was set to receive a participation name plate, regardless of ranking.
The event’s top 100 players were to receive the special Pegasus name plate. This was the grand reward attached to the main competition.
Online maintenance and machine updates
Event maintenance was scheduled twice daily, at 1:45am CDT and 7:45am CDT, with each maintenance period lasting 15 minutes. Online Champion Match play was unavailable while rankings were being calculated.
Internet-connected Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 5DX+ machines began receiving event promotional information from 7 June 2023. Further updates were scheduled as the competition progressed.
For the complete North American event details, visit the official Online Champion Match information page.
Why connected arcade racers matter
Online features give dedicated racing arcades a stronger competitive focus, adding progression, ghost battles and organised events to the physical driving experience. They also show how modern arcade news increasingly spans both venue hardware and connected services.
For operators and home users considering an arcade setup, the regional network distinction is important. A cabinet’s version and online connection can affect which events and services are available; our arcade machine buying guide offers broader advice before choosing a machine.
Bandai Namco Amusement America describes itself as a manufacturer of coin-operated arcade games and attractions using advanced electronics and technology. Its catalogue includes video games such as Pac-Man Battle Royale Chompionship and Mario Kart Arcade GP DX, as well as redemption titles including Pac-Man Power Pellets and DC Superheroes Coin-Pusher.
Australian readers should therefore treat this Online Champion Match as a North American network event rather than an event for local International Version machines.
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