I don’t know about you, but it seems to me that the mini-arcade market is oversaturated. Walk into any branch of GAME in the UK (if you can find one…) or big box store in the US, and you’ll see a dozen different boxes promising nostalgia, only to deliver slightly dodgy emulation and sticky controls. But the collaborative efforts between PIKO Interactive and Coleco have attempted to stand apart, often by tackling control schemes other companies won’t touch.
This week, they’ve announced their next two targets for the Coleco Mini Arcade line, and both are intriguing: the imaginative mini-golf game Zany Golf, and the 90s beat-’em-up Stone Protectors.
The Trackball problem solved (and why build quality matters)
The immediate standout here is Zany Golf Mini Arcade. For anyone who played the quirky, excellent original—which was a huge hit on the Apple IIGS and later the Sega Genesis—you know the mouse-based, precise control is what made the game great. Replicating that on a tiny cabinet is a nightmare, but PIKO has committed to including a fully functional trackball controller.
This is the kind of detail that potentially turns a cheap collectible into a serious piece of retro preservation. As PIKO Interactive CEO Eli Galindo noted, their mission isn’t just to recreate history, but to enhance it with innovative elements.
However, veteran fans of the Coleco Mini Revival series will be hoping this new batch focuses heavily on build quality. Past releases like the Berzerk and Frenzy units were marred by initial quality control issues, particularly with screen centering and display problems that required backers to perform DIY board swaps. While PIKO and Coleco provided the necessary replacement parts free of charge, it highlights the technical hurdles in delivering a flawless, premium mini-cabinet experience right out of the box.
The inclusion of the custom trackball for Zany Golf, following the working steering wheel on Top Racer, certainly proves they are willing to invest in new mechanics. For this new wave to truly succeed, that hardware innovation needs to be backed by flawless execution on the display and core components that caused friction for early adopters. If they pull it off—and deliver a reliable, working trackball—it will be a brilliant, immersive way to enjoy the classic’s whimsical courses like Hamburger Hole and Pinball.
The 90s beat-’em-up you (might) remember
Alongside the golf eccentricity is Stone Protectors Mini Arcade. Based on the 90s action game that originated on the Super Nintendo, this promises straight-up, beat-’em-up excitement. The game choice itself shows they aren’t just chasing low-hanging fruit, but digging into the deeper cult catalogue of the era.
This title will benefit from some robust controls and vibrant displays to deliver the proper action feel.
Grab your early bird slot
Both of these new mini arcades—which feature the high-quality construction and authentic artwork that define the Coleco Mini line—are set to launch in November 2025.
The launch will use a dual crowdfunding approach on Gamefound and Indiegogo. This is smart: since Gamefound acquired Indiegogo earlier this year, this combined approach offers creators maximum exposure and streamlined fulfillment.
If you’re a collector, a Coleco fan, or just appreciate a retro project that genuinely respects the original control mechanics, you’ll want to jump on those early-bird specials when they drop next month. More importantly, we’re keenly watching to see if PIKO and Coleco can deliver on their promise of modern craftsmanship and eliminate the technical gremlins that plagued the past revival series.
Head over to Gamefound now to follow the campaign and get notified of the launch.
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
