Pac-Man Micro Player Pro review: small, loud, nostalgic
20/11/2025
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
Pictures: Martin Jud
Dazzled by the game, overwhelmed by the action: the My Arcade Micro Player Pro brings back Pac-Man – complete with wailing sirens, panicky ghosts and a score that rarely exceeds 9,780.
A mini arcade machine, just 17.5 cm in size, with a classic design, small joystick and original game feel. The Pac-Man Micro Player Pro from My Arcade is a compact piece of arcade history – officially licensed and fully playable. Instead of an emulated front end or menu interface, the game starts directly and feels just like it did back then. And that’s exactly what makes it so charming. Even if the gameplay quickly becomes a test of nerves for people with two left Pac-Man hands.
Game feel: classically jumpy
This console uses the original Pac-Man ROM is played. In other words: no extras, no level selection, no help. I start at level 1 and fight my way through – or not. Sometimes I even reach level 2, with my record so far at 9,780 points – that’s really bad, by the way. The joystick reacts directly, but hectic movements are a one-way trip to failure. Those ghosts are merciless, the controls aren’t very forgiving, and the gameplay is just as nerve-wracking as it was back then.
The audio is loud, clear and dominant. Those wailing sirens in the background especially get my pulse racing – an acoustic stress factor that characterises the feel of this classic. Anyone who struggles with Pac-Man’s playstyle faces quite the challenge. For everyone else, it’ll be a pure nostalgic adrenaline rush.
A retro design with sharp edges
The front of the Micro Player Pro reminds me of a classic Pac-Man cabinet, including the yellow housing and printed frame. At the bottom left of the display, you’ll see a tiny Instructions area – only legible with a magnifying glass or nostalgia goggles. At the bottom right, there’s a second white bit with two sections: Monster Point Value and Extra Points. It shows how many extra points the ghosts earn you, as well as other relevant figures.
The housing is made of plastic all round, but looks well thought out and cleanly put together. No rattling, nothing’s loose. The joystick sits firmly, and the Home, 1P, 2P and Credit buttons respond quickly. The back features a power slider, buttons for controlling the volume level, a brightness button, a USB-C port for power, a headphone jack and the speaker. Alternatively, the device can also run on four AA batteries – ideal for spontaneous retro jaunts or your display case.
The 2.75-inch colour display shows off the maze clearly, and it’s bright enough for indoor use. Its resolution is good enough to game, that’s all it needs. The picture remains stable from the side, but it appears significantly brighter when observed from above. I can adjust the brightness in three stages.
Measuring around 10.5 × 11.8 × 17.5 cm and a weighing about 340 g, the Micro Player Pro won’t slip when you’re changing directions. A mains adapter and AA batteries aren’t included in the scope of delivery.
Note: the Pro version tested here was provided to me by the manufacturer. My Arcade also offers other Pac-Man devices.
In a nutshell
For the display case – or for raising your pulse
I’m bad at Pac-Man. The game makes me nervous, I tense up, and those ghosts are quicker than my thumbs. Nevertheless, I love it. I don’t just own the Micro Player Pro to break a high score, I also cherish the memory. It’s a conversation starter, an eye-catcher, a piece of my childhood I can switch on.
Don’t expect a technical miracle when you buy this mini video arcade. You get exactly what it claims to be: a small, loud piece of nostalgia. If you enjoy Pac-Man, you’ll love it just as much as I do. Even if that high score remains out of reach.
Pro
- The original Pac-Man
- Compact cabinet design with a retro charm
- Cable and battery operated (mains adapter, USB-C cable and batteries not included)
Contra
- Controls unforgiving to hectic hands
Martin Jud
Senior Editor
martin.jud@digitecgalaxus.chI find my muse in everything. When I don’t, I draw inspiration from daydreaming. After all, if you dream, you don’t sleep through life.
