I originally saw this last Thanksgiving for $499 less $50 savings and an extra game dongle. It sold out and took almost a year to see it turn up again. Given the issue of availability, I’d way the manufacturer’s problems start with manufacturing challenges. But they don’t stop there.
Still, I loved the idea of a full-size arcade game with tons of games (over 300) and the ability to add more or connect another gaming device, and the price point was hard to resist. Arcade 1-Up is they’re main competitor but you get a 3/4 size machine with only a handful of games with their many models (I have one, purchased it on sale, and would give that 4 stars based on better overall quality).
So, I decided to take a chance when the Legends Ultimate Arcade became available again. By the way, I don’t see the Legends Ultimate sold anywhere but Sam’s Club and also Walmart (for $100 more).
When it arrived and I unpacked it, I found a broken support piece. After trying to get just that one piece replaced through Sam’s Club Customer Service, somehow they ended up sending an entire replacement unit. That ended up being a good thing because I ended up finding the main control panel was broken too. So in the end, I cobbled together enough parts from both units to end up with a complete unit without broken parts. But even then, I had to add some of my own DYI repair to replace stripped out screws, glue a couple of things, etc. So buyer beware, based on my experience and almost universal reviews from others, expect that you will very likely receive a unit that will have problems. I will add, assembly is pretty simple once you have all the parts.
I now have a unit that does work and does not have any broken parts, so let me tell you about playing it. First, the full size arcade size is only the size of the unit and not the screen size. With the functionless border around the playing screen, it is actually the same size gaming screen as Arcade 1-Up units. Next, keep in mind that the games, while offering a huge choice, are all games from years ago when graphics were basic. But the nostalgia is part of the appeal. I have not tried downloading newer games from my STEAM account to see whether the graphics card actually has better capabilities.
One very positive thing is the wide selection of controls, which surprisingly seem quite solid and function smoothly. Some games even let you choose between controllers such as the joystick or trackball. There are also two full sets of controls for the two-player challenge games.
Connecting up to my WiFi network and getting firmware updates was easy. Other than that, I haven’t really tested Internet-based games, externally connected gaming, or adding games on my own, yet. Frankly, having over 300 as it is and apparently a few more added when it did it’s last firmware update, are probably more than enough. Some games are throwaways for two reasons; you’ll find multiple versions of some games (original, deluxe, etc. versions of Asteroids, for example) and since you will encounter a few that just don’t work right or the sound is flawed (might even screech). Related to that is the last odd thing, the unit does not have volume control, and the volume is generally too loud. You can’t even turn the sound off/on, but I hope they’ll somehow address that in one of their firmware updates.
Overall I gave this product 3 stars. On a frustration scale it would be a 1 star review, but once I finally had a complete machine and consider the value price point, I’ll say it could be worth the money if you have patience and if Sam’s Club Customer Service came through as they did for me. Or at least, figure you’ll get more or less what you pay for. That said, I would have been happier if I got the extra $50 off and the extra dongle that had PacMan on it too last Thanksgiving.
Customer reviews for AtGames Legends Ultimate Home Arcade with Special Bonus for
