Arcade1Up Isn’t Going Away: The Facts
December 17, 2025
As of December 16, 2025, Arcade1Up is NOT going out of business, although it is undergoing a major transition. The toy company Basic Fun! officially confirmed that it has acquired “select assets” of the brand from its founder, Tastemakers.
Current Status and Ownership
- Acquisition by Basic Fun!: Rumors spread after bogus reports of layoffs and the company shutting it’s door by prominent Home Arcade Community content creators, Basic Fun! released a statement on December 16, 2025, confirming they are assuming control of the Arcade1Up brand.
- Ongoing Support: Basic Fun! has stated its intention to support existing Arcade1Up products currently on the market and the “Home Arcade” category as a whole.
- Company Shifts: Earlier in 2025, the brand faced significant challenges, including the departure of long-time CEO Scott Bachrach and reports of internal restructuring.
Future Outlook
- 2026 Plans: Basic Fun! has indicated they will share more details regarding the future of the brand in the new year (2026).
- Product Availability: While some specific cabinet models were temporarily removed from the official website during the transition, many have since reappeared as the new management takes over.
- Legal Challenges: Amidst this transition, Arcade1Up’s parent company, Tastemakers, was reportedly hit with a lawsuit by Coleco in late 2025 regarding intellectual property and licensing issues.