Missile Command X Replicade Cabinet Now Available for Preorder

New Wave Toys is once again taking us to the early ‘80s with its brand new Missile Command arcade cabinet.

The Missile Command X Replicade is a 1/6th scale arcade cabinet of the original 1980 Missile Command shoot ‘em up. The cabinet is designed to bring the fantastic gameplay of the classic arcade title, but with a much smaller profile so that it can comfortably fit in any game room, as well as with certain hardware improvements to not only breathe new life into the game, but also to make playing it better than ever.

For those who are unfamiliar with it, we can say that, despite its positive reception and recognition as one of the classics of the “golden era” of gaming, Missile Command actually garnered quite a bit of controversy. This was mostly due to its subject matter, which depicted an alternate scenario of the Cold War, while the tension was still ongoing in certain parts of the world. This is further compounded by the fact that its gameplay, quite literally, consists of defending a series of cities from falling nuclear warheads, which definitely drives home the point of what the developers were trying to convey.

Premise and setting aside, the gameplay itself could also be quite frustrating; not because it’s bad (far from it, actually), but because there was a point where winning was virtually impossible for all but the most battle-hardened arcade gamers. This was also partially to reinforce the helplessness that the average person would experience in case a wide-scale nuclear conflict would break out. In the creator’s own words, “”That was the whole point of the game… to show that if there was ever a nuclear war, you’d never win.”

Personally, we find it ironic that something so grim in concept could rise up and become so popular. We guess it just goes to show that, when it comes to video games, or at least the old school arcade games, gameplay always trumped the story. And thus Missile Command is remembered quite fondly by many gamers who grew up playing it in their local arcades, us included—we even wrote a guide with several Missile Command tips and tricks for newcomers a few weeks ago.

But with all that backstory out of the way, we’re pleased to see that New Wave Toys is releasing a miniature version of Missile Command in their ever-expanding Replicade series of cabinets. As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, the Missile Command X Replicade cabinet will be manufactured at 1/6th the scale of the original, and will also include a few additions to improve the classic game. 

As per the official description, here’s what you’ll find in this product:

“New Wave™ is proud to present our next addition to the RepliCade family, Missile Command x RepliCade! Missile Command x RepliCade is a fully playable 1/6th scale replica of the arcade classic Missile Command & is presented by New Wave™.  Missile Command was originally released by Atari in 1980 and was designed by the legendary programmer Dave Theurer. Missile Command x RepliCade features our new & improved, smooth rolling Trak-Ball XL™, CRT FX™ a convex transparent lens that looks like a CRT Television, fully customizable dipswitch and cabinet settings menu, and runs the original arcade Missile Command ROM. These cabinets are hand crafted with pride using traditional materials including MDF wood, diecast metal, and plastic. Officially licensed by Atari.”

And in terms of features, the Missile Command X Replicade cabinet includes the following:

• Replica Missile Command cabinet in 1/6th scale 12.8″ tall
• Trak-Ball XL™ free spinning, extra-large Trak-Ball that provides sooth & accurate control
• CRT FX™ convex, transparent lens that transforms LCD screen to look-like a CRT Television screenPlays the original arcade Missile Command ROM
• Arcade Operator’s menu with customizable dip switch and cabinet settings
• Cabinet constructed from premium materials: MDF wood, diecast metal, and plastic
• Illuminated marquee and cabinet accents
• RepliCade signature amplified mono audio reproduction with volume control
• High-resolution cabinet art reproduction on quality 3M vinyl overlays
• Diecast metal coin door with storage compartments
• High score saving with non-volatile memory
• Built-in, high-capacity rechargeable battery
• Premium LCD color screen 4:3 aspect ratio (horizontal orientation)
• Officially licensed by Atari
• 100-Day New Wave Factory Warranty

It’s worth pointing out that there’s also going to be a premium edition of this product, which includes much of the same, except with an exclusive backlit marquee panel, preproduction side panels with custom artwork, and a preproduction 3-coin slots door. Moreover, Each limited edition cabinet will be individually numbered.

In terms of pricing, the standard Missile Command X Replicade cabinet is pre-selling for $139.99 (currently marked down from $149.99), while the Field-Test Limited Edition costs $159.99 (currently marked down from $159.99). The preorder period is currently active and will remain open until November 5th, 2021. And lastly, the orders are expected to start shipping in Q1 2022.

Thanks for reading! Here at PrimeTime Amusements, we like to keep ahead of the curve in arcade game rental and sales and pride ourselves in providing the best service in the country. If you’re looking for a game in particular, or have a few questions about the industry, feel free to give us a call at 1.800.550.0090 or to swing by at 5300 Powerline Rd. Suite 210, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 33309.