Quarter Arcades Bubble Bobble is an authentic desktop replica of a two-player co-op classic

These days, Bub and Bob are best known for slingshot match antics in the Puzzle Bobble series. But back in 1986, Bobble Bobble invited you to “make a journey to the cave of monsters” for videogaming’s finest two-player arcade classic. That title’s co-op platforming hasn’t been entirely forgotten, though – witness 2019’s Bubble Bobble 4 Friends for Switch – but if you want a taste of the original, Quarter Arcades Bubble Bobble (£149.99) is a better bet. This desktop-sized cab runs the original ROM and is housed in a fully playable replica of the 1980s Bubble Bobble arcade cab. Dip switch access lets you fiddle with the game’s settings, and an internal battery means you can play the game on the go, just like on a newfangled handheld sequel. Well, sort of. Still, short of magicking an original cab into your flat, we can’t think of a better way for you and a friend to give Baron Von Blubba a kicking.

Craig Grannell Contributor

About

I’m a regular contributor to Stuff magazine and Stuff.tv, covering apps, games, Apple kit, Android, Lego, retro gaming and other interesting oddities. I also pen opinion pieces when the editor lets me, getting all serious about accessibility and predicting when sentient AI smart cookware will take over the world, in a terrifying mix of Bake Off and Terminator.

Areas of expertise

Mobile apps and games, Macs, iOS and tvOS devices, Android, retro games, crowdfunding, design, how to fight off an enraged smart saucepan with a massive stick.