After reviewing ThinkGeek’s joke about the arcade machine gadget that would be available to use with an iPad; fortunately we’ve found a gadget that does exists and works the same way as this fake “iCad”: Mameta, presented in the Europe campus party.
Ok so you don’t believe us, here’s a video (Spanish explanation):
Basically this is a HP Tablet inserted in a nice looking arcade box, with MAME application installed. The controllers are integrated with a special electronic motherboard, which is connected to the Tablet using USB ports.
And if you look closely, they’ve also inserted some lateral buttons to use it with the pinball emulator.
Using it as a docking station, you can launch the iCad App available from the AppStore and play your favorite Arcade games. Here are some of the specifications on this product:
Beautifully retro styled, handcrafted wooden tabletop arcade cabinet and MAME emulator for your otherwise useless iPad.
Play your favorite arcade games anywhere there’s a table.
Hundreds of games available from various online sources – not included in product!
Professional grade arcade stick and microswitch buttons rated for 10,000,000 uses
Authentic arcade controls connect to your iPad via a standard 30 pin dock connector
One and two player select buttons add authenticity and really work!
Integrated 2.1 dolby speakers and subwoofer in cabinet
Includes 10w USB power adapter
Separate iCade app required to use the cabinet controllers available soon from the App Store
Dimensions: 9″ wide x 10″ deep x 16″ high.
iCad App is totally free!
The cabinet includes the options for one or two players but I’m not quite sure how do two players can interact.
I wanted to share with you a very, very cool set of posts from Scott Hanselman: Building your own arcade cabinet. This I’m sure fulfills almost every man’s dream, that spent a lot of time with these magnificent toys.
Within the articles Scott will guide you to the entire process about how to build this machine. Including all the tips regarding to the materials used, where to buy them, etc:
Here’s a video that gives you a tour to the entire process:
Here are some of amazing facts about it:
Cost = $441. Yep, only 441 dollars. But there are some disclaimers about it, for example, the monitor was recycled from an old one. But still, sounds like a great number to me.
The work hours took him around 24 hours total, divided in six weeks. I know what you are thinking, if you start building it right now, by this time tomorrow you’ll have it all set
Don’t tell me that you are not considering the idea!
Beautifully retro styled, handcrafted wooden tabletop arcade cabinet and MAME emulator for your otherwise useless iPad.
