This round-up covers significant arcade and pinball developments from late May 2023, including new exA-Arcadia software, rare cabinets reaching players, delayed reproductions finally shipping and an unusual Atari prototype.
Batsugun Exa Label opens for pre-order
exA-Arcadia has opened pre-orders for its enhanced version of Toaplan’s Batsugun, following the release of a new trailer. The project involves original staff members and aims to refine and expand the classic shoot ’em up for modern arcades.
The package includes the original game in Original mode, alongside Special, Special (dash), EXA LABEL and EXA LABEL EXTREME. Players also receive three selectable soundtracks—Original, Sega Saturn and EXA—plus new voice acting and further additions.
Standard and Limited Edition versions use the same game software. The Limited Edition is aimed primarily at collectors and dedicated Toaplan fans, with the differences centred on presentation and included artwork. Details are available for the Standard Version here and the Limited Edition here.
Customers in Japan and Europe have dedicated distributors, including Red Sun Systems for Europe. The listed shipping window was June 2023, although the earlier Shinorubi Pink Label and Donut Dodo Do! pre-orders had not shipped at this point.
Enter the Gungeon cabinet sightings
A small number of Enter the Gungeon: House of the Gundead machines had reportedly begun shipping. These early units appeared to be test shipments rather than the full fulfilment of orders, but their arrival provided the first practical sign that production was moving forward.
New tools and machines for active arcades
Step Revolution adds SMXEdit
Step ManiaX players can now create and edit step charts through SMXEdit, a new chart-editing feature in the SMX companion app. The platform also received additional songs as part of content update #39.
Wahlap reveals Thunderbolt Shot
Wahlap’s Thunderbolt Shot adapts the older Crossfire concept into a head-to-head ball-shooting game. Players fire from opposite sides, while a video display presents information and animations. The screen appears to function largely as an enhanced scoreboard, although its full gameplay significance was not yet clear. Distribution in the United States had not been confirmed, though a release there seemed possible.
Ice Cold Beer reproductions begin shipping
Retro Arcade’s officially licensed Ice Cold Beer reproduction cabinets were originally expected to ship on 20 February 2023. Parts problems delayed that schedule, but those issues were reported as resolved and the cabinets had finally begun shipping.
Communication with pre-order customers was unclear, highlighting the importance of openly explaining production and component delays when arcade hardware schedules change.
QBIX expands its mixed-reality line-up
Romanian company Inowize has shown three games for QBIX, its flagship mixed-reality game-room platform first unveiled at IAAPA 2022. Astro Riders was the original showcase title, while Fright Maze and Pack A Boom expand the offering.
Rare games and prototypes preserved
Castlevania: The Arcade reaches playable emulation
Konami’s 2009 Castlevania: The Arcade is now playable on PC through emulation work shared by preservation-focused enthusiasts. This is not Haunted Castle; the later game used Wiimote-style controls and had limited Western distribution through Konami’s former European arcade operation.
Very few machines reached North America, placing it in the same hard-to-find category as Silent Hill Arcade and GTI Club – Supermini Festa. The accompanying video explains the preservation progress. Capcom’s unusual GAMSHARA has also joined the group of rare arcade titles receiving emulation attention.
Atari’s one-handed racing prototype discovered
The National Videogame Museum in Frisco, Texas has uncovered an Atari prototype known as Slot 4. Designed by Roger Hector, it shared ideas with Sprint 4 but was built for bar environments. Instead of a steering wheel, the cabinet used a single control for speed or acceleration, allowing a player to keep one hand free for a drink.
Hector explained that the game was intended for a multi-game stand-up cabinet. The cabinet and its control panels could be changed for different titles, with game cartridges swapped on the circuit board—a remarkably flexible arcade concept for the 1970s.
Other arcade and pinball headlines
- Jersey Jack Pinball may hold the Harry Potter licence, although the claim remained unconfirmed.
- The Pac-Man LEGO set received further coverage.
- BumbleBear advertised a $500 reduction on Black Emperor; whether this was permanent or promotional was unclear.
- Arcade Legend VR added Bay Tek Games content as downloadable content.
- Stern Pinball launched the Foo Fighters Tour Quest, encouraging players to visit public locations.
- A Pulp Fiction Pinball machine appeared on location, despite general shipping being expected in the third quarter of 2023.
- Andamiro highlighted a London Pump It Up tournament, while Taito reported strong profits amid weaker results elsewhere at Square Enix.
- Bandai Namco projected stronger amusement profits for 2024; Konami’s amusement figures improved only marginally.
- The next Japanese version of the popular Gundam Extreme VS arcade series was scheduled for release the following month. Fate/Grand Order Arcade was no longer adding new Servants, and The Idolmaster Tours received a not-so-secret location test.
- Trio-Tech won a contract to develop Hasbro-themed Transformers attractions.
- Additional videos covered Atari’s War: Final Assault, the Playbox, and the use of “rad” in 1980s culture.
Community projects and home arcade ideas
The creator behind the news site also opened a print-on-demand merchandise store on Redbubble, alongside an established TeePublic store, and planned to introduce YouTube member videos plus a SubscribeStar support page. Proposed content included commented arcade play sessions, emulated retro games and direct captures from an exA-Arcadia machine, with possible membership tiers under consideration.
For readers building a collection at home, RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide covers the key decisions before choosing a cabinet, while upright arcades and bartop arcades suit different spaces. Owners planning restoration work can also explore arcade parts.
Supporting a local arcade remains one of the best ways to keep dedicated machines available to Australian players.
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