Next year marks the 45th anniversary of Space Invaders, the classic arcade shooter that first took the world by storm in 1978. In celebration of the milestone, Numskull Designs announced they will bring back this beloved Taito title, and its 1979 sequel, as the latest entries in Numskull’s popular range of Quarter Arcade gaming cabinets.
For those who don’t know, the Quarter Arcade line painstakingly recreates the freestanding machines of the ’70s and ’80s at a quarter of their original size — both freeing up space and preventing your pocketbook from getting seriously pwned! Since the series launched four years ago, such landmark titles as Dig Dug, Galaga and Pac-Man have joined its ranks. Thus, it should come as no surprise that another golden-age gaming franchise like Space Invaders would eventually end up within this Parthenon of pixelated pleasure.
These completely new and re-engineered miniatures will feature a shell constructed of premium quality wood, making them some of the heaviest cabinets released in the line at close to four pounds. Realistic artwork plus an authentic shape and buttons that resemble those found on the full-sized machines further make these cut-down cabinets as true to form as their late ’70s siblings. Running inside will be the original arcade ROM, displayed on a full-colour 4:3 thin-film-transistor (TFT) liquid-crystal display. The display is also mirrored, just like the original, using the “Pepper’s Ghost Effect” that made these two coin-operated games so iconic back in the day.
Both machines measure 17 inches high x 6.5 inches wide x 8.8 inches deep. Each also features built-in 3W speakers with volume control and an internal rechargeable lithium battery. Made for durability, playability and portability, both Space Invaders games will come in some choice collector’s packaging plastered with original artwork.
In addition to the standard cabinets, Numskull Designs is offering a number of exciting exclusives through partnership with a few select retail partners. One such partner is Just Geek. They will offer consumers an exclusive pre-order bonus in the form of a “money can’t buy” quarter-scale Space Invaders stool. Two designs will be available and match the machine you decide to order. Offered at no additional cost as an add-on to the standard cabinet, these stools will available only while supplies last. Furthermore, both will be in scale with the cabinet of your choice. Outside of Just Geek, places such as Big Bad Toy Store and Zing Pop Culture will also be offering an exclusive collector coin as a pre-order bonus with either machine. Two separate designs are available and will, once again, match the machine that you decide to order.
There will also be a special edition version made available for those who are quick to order: 78 Space Invaders cabinets and 79 Space Invaders: Part II machines signed by the game’s creator, Tomohiro Nishikado. The limited production numbers represent the years that both games were released. Available exclusively through Just Geek, these unique signed editions will also come complete with a certificate of authenticity, a postcard, and the aforementioned collector coin, and a quarter-scale stool. These signed cabinets are selling out fast from what we are hearing!
Numskull Designs’ Space Invaders and Space Invaders: Part II Quarter Arcades are both available for pre-order. While the standard version will set you back $339.99 USD, the limited signed edition can be yours for $699.99 USD through Just Geek. They ship worldwide.
Slated for release between July and August, these new Space Invaders machines are the perfect way to celebrate one of the most recognizable titles from the halcyon days of arcading! No quarters required!
