Marvel Cosmic Invasion is being tested in arcades as a new cabinet from Montreal-based operator and manufacturer Adrenaline Amusements. The location test has reportedly appeared at selected Dave & Buster’s venues, although the number of participating sites is not known.
This is an unannounced arcade project, so the test version may change substantially before any broader release. It is also possible that the cabinet could remain a limited deployment rather than become widely available.
From home consoles to the arcade floor
Tribute Games released Marvel Cosmic Invasion for all major home platforms in December 2025. The Canadian studio is also known for TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge, and the two games share a multiplayer beat ’em up structure and a similarly styled presentation.
The Marvel game draws on the tradition of classic comic-book arcade brawlers, with its format likely to remind players of Konami’s X-MEN from 1992. The home release includes an arcade mode, which could provide a practical foundation for an arcade adaptation.
For an arcade conversion, that mode could be adjusted by reducing menus, shortening or skipping longer story sequences, and making the available downloadable characters accessible. Whether the cabinet adds exclusive characters, stages or other content remains unknown.
A large-format Marvel cabinet
Images from the test locations show a substantial two-screen cabinet designed for the large-footprint environment common to modern family entertainment centres. One image appears to show the machine during installation, with tools still visible; the source image provides that view.
Adrenaline Amusements has not previously been associated with a conventional beat ’em up, although its Montreal base places it in the same city as Tribute Games. That shared location may point to close cooperation, but no partnership details have been announced.
The upper display carries an Avengers: Doomsday sticker, suggesting a promotional connection with the upcoming film. Dave & Buster’s has used specialised game releases and movie-linked presentations before, including Adrenaline’s Hot Wheels: Victory Lap racing title.
Controls, screens and presentation
Footage from a new Dave & Buster’s venue in Bristol, Tennessee shows the upper screen displaying game cutscenes while the lower screen is used for the main fighting action. The available control layout appears to include a ball-top joystick, possibly analogue, alongside four buttons. The precise functions have not yet been confirmed.
A further view shows projected Avengers symbols beneath the control panel, illuminating the carpet. It is a distinctive presentation feature that appears intended to make the cabinet stand out in a busy venue.
Another location photo shows more of that floor-projection effect.
Will it receive a wider release?
At this stage, the cabinet could be a limited Dave & Buster’s exclusive rather than a machine planned for the wider arcade market. Its two-screen arrangement and projected lighting may also be the main hardware-specific additions if the gameplay remains close to the console arcade mode.
Adrenaline has not yet provided further details, and its limited public commentary during testing makes the final release plan difficult to assess. It is not known whether the game will be shown at IAAPA 2026, which is expected to take place in roughly a month. The answer may depend on whether this is a venue-exclusive project.
For Australian operators and collectors following new arcade industry news, the project is worth watching, particularly if a production model eventually moves beyond the initial US location tests. Anyone comparing cabinet formats can also consult RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide or browse current arcade machines.
Until Adrenaline confirms the details, the arcade edition of Marvel Cosmic Invasion remains an intriguing test rather than a finished, widely announced product.
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