It’s worth mentioning at the very top that the latest Switch update rendered this unit a little botched thanks to knocking out its Home and C button functions. I wanted to give a shout out to iMP for getting out a firmware update for the device very quickly, and even providing a cable that allowed owners to attach the unit to a PC to download it. Absolutely terrific handling of that minor snag.

Nostalgia is one hell of a drug, eh? 

Whilst the biggest companies on earth relentlessly battle to have the shinest, most powerful and most terrafloppy thing available for consumers, there is a corner of the internet which simply wishes everything was back to the way it was. Simpler times, simpler setups. Recreating that feeling is big business in the gamingsphere, and none more so than the slowly-fading arcade experience, where many folk my age spent their formative years having their minds blown by enormous cabinets that only asked for 50p to play their games. It was a joyous way of life.

The Switch’s recent firmware update actually broke the Mini Arcade Pro’s ability to wake the console via the Home button and the functionality of the ‘C’ button, but, in a move which hopefully shows how committed the manufacturer is to making this device a success, it has received a firmware update to fix the problem.

While I think the iMP Gaming Mini Arcade Pro’s cheap-looking artwork counts against it, I can’t fault the controller when it comes to delivering that old-school arcade experience. At £45, it’s not likely to break the bank, either (although it’s $90 in the US).

Now iMP are attempting to stretch that nostalgia right down to your Nintendo Switch with their Gaming Mini Arcade Pro controller/cabinet, to reimagine arcade machines but in your living room. Or your bedroom. Or your office. This thing could sit anywhere. 

Compatible with both Switch and Switch 2 – though the size of the screen bezel suggests this was built primarily for the latter in mind, the Mini Arcade Pro is a mini arcade cabinet/cradle you can slide your Switch or Switch 2 into, and in turn, connect the included arcade buttons and stick and play retro/fighting games the way they are meant to be played.

Admittedly, the Mini Arcade Pro doesn’t make the best first impression. The colours of the unit itself are brash and a little ugly. Whilst the idea was to clearly recreate the look of an old-school arcade cabinet (and the side bezels certainly bring that energy, certainly), the front of the unit looks untidy, with a logo that feels somewhat juvenile – giving the impression the unit is for kids rather than the obvious demographic of adults that want to play their old games the old fashioned way. Still, aesthetically the look of the unit is pleasing and not overly large, I was just hoping for a little more focus on who they’re really trying to market this unit too. 

Fortunately, the layout of the buttons is exemplary, and they feel fantastic. Bringing back that untouchable arcade button clicky sound that consoles have always struggled to match. Just pressing the buttons feels like a shot in the arm of nostalgia and it’s a lovely unit to play games on for this reason. 

And whilst the system is naturally built for your classic shmups or fighting games (the Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection feels especially lovely playing with the unit), I did find myself using the buttons for old school platformers too. This device is not designed for Fortnite, so don’t even try. If you have retro games – and if you’re signed up to Nintendo Switch Online, you will have plenty – there’s a ton of enjoyment to be had playing them with such a controller. If anything, it’s the optimum way to play most games.

And play games you will. On the back of the unit there is space for 12 Switch game cards, along with 12 MicroSD cards, so no matter where you go or how you play, the unit will ensure you’re taking all your games with you. A really neat touch. 

For convenience the front panel has what you’d expect along with being able to choose how the stick functions to your preference (between D-Pad, left or right analogue stick) along with a C button for Switch 2 users to bring up Gamechat. Handy. 

I’d lament the lack of a Capture button when it’s designed for both Switch systems, but I’ll let it slide as the layout of the buttons is so pretty.

The Gaming Mini Arcade Pro brings the classic arcade gaming kicking into the modern day, with Switch gamers feeling the massive benefit of being able to play retro and (certain) modern games on a device that works really bloody well. 

I just wish there was an alternative version that didn’t look so abrasive in its chosen art. Still, when you’re playing you’re not looking so does it really matter? 

It’s like being back in the arcades. They weren’t this small back then though, right?

The iMP Gaming Mini Arcade Pro is available for £44.99 from Amazon.

Disclaimer: In order to complete this review, we were provided with a promotional copy of the game. For our full review policy, please go here.

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