5 Alternatives to the Mini Arcade Racing Machine (Including Better Value and Premium Picks)

If you like the idea of a compact retro gaming toy but want to compare what else is available, these five alternatives cover the main paths: cheaper-ish handhelds with more games, themed mini arcade cabinets, and premium collector pieces. The original Mini Arcade Racing Machine by Thumbs Up! is £23.08 with a 4.4★ rating, so it sits in the budget-to-mid range for novelty retro devices. That means the best alternatives aren’t just about price — they’re about whether you want more games, a better screen, a more authentic arcade feel, or simply a stronger display piece.

1) Mini Arcade Machine, 156 Built-In 16-Bit Games, 2.8” Full Colour Screen, 8-Way Joystick, Handheld Retro Games Console – Gaming by Golden Security! — £24.69, 4.2★

This is the closest “value upgrade” to the original. It costs only £1.61 more, so the price difference is basically negligible, but it gives you a much bigger game library: 156 built-in games versus the original’s 30. In practical terms, that means you’re far less likely to get bored after the novelty wears off. The 2.8-inch full-colour screen is also slightly larger than the original’s 2.4-inch display, which should make games easier to see and play for longer sessions. The 8-way joystick suggests a more traditional arcade-style control setup, which is a better fit if you want a broader range of retro games rather than a racing-focused toy.

Build quality is the main trade-off. The original Thumbs Up! product has a slightly stronger rating at 4.4★ versus 4.2★ here, which suggests the Mini Arcade Racing Machine may feel a bit more dependable or better finished out of the box. The Golden Security unit is likely more of a general-purpose retro handheld than a themed collectible, so it may not have the same charm or tactile personality as the steering wheel and gear stick on the racing machine. But if your priority is actual replay value, this alternative is better value for money.

Verdict: choose this if you want the most games per pound and don’t mind losing the racing-themed controls. It’s the best pick for someone who wants a broader retro experience rather than a specific novelty device.

2) Basic Fun Pac-Man™ Mini Arcade Game Machine, Retro Classic Electronic Toy with New TFT Color Screen, Authentic Miniature Replica — £23.99, 4.4★

At £23.99, this is only 91p more expensive than the original, so it’s effectively the same budget. The key difference is focus: instead of a racing-themed handheld with 30 pre-loaded games, you get a single-icon classic in Pac-Man, which is usually more appealing if you care about nostalgia and display value. The TFT colour screen is an important practical upgrade over many cheap monochrome or low-quality LCD devices, because it tends to make the game easier to read and the unit feel more polished.

The trade-off is obvious: you’re not getting 30 games, you’re getting a more curated experience around one famous title. For some buyers, that’s a downside because it limits variety. For others, it’s a benefit because the machine feels more authentic and less like a random bundle of filler games. The 4.4★ rating matches the original, which suggests a similarly solid satisfaction level. In build terms, Basic Fun products often lean toward toy-like authenticity rather than raw feature count, so this is likely a more collectible-feeling item than a more generic multi-game handheld.

Verdict: choose this if you want a classic arcade icon, a cleaner presentation, and a product that looks better on a shelf. It’s less versatile than the original, but arguably more satisfying as a nostalgic gift.

3) My Arcade Space Invaders Mini Arcade Machine - Micro Player Pro Table Top Arcade Machine, Portable Handheld Game, Retro Gaming Console — £35.93, 4.5★

This is a clear step up in cost, at £12.85 more than the original, and that higher price buys you a more premium-feeling mini arcade experience. The My Arcade Micro Player Pro line is generally aimed at collectors and retro fans who want something that feels closer to a real arcade cabinet in miniature form. Compared with the Thumbs Up! racing machine, the key practical difference is that this is less about novelty controls and more about a polished tabletop display piece with a strong brand identity.

The 4.5★ rating is slightly higher than the original, which hints at better overall satisfaction. In build quality terms, this is likely sturdier and more display-worthy than a cheaper handheld toy, with a cabinet-style form factor that feels more substantial. The downside is portability and variety: you’re paying more, and you may not get the same “pick it up and play a bunch of little games” flexibility. If you mainly want something to keep on a desk, shelf, or gaming corner, though, the higher-quality presentation can be worth it.

Verdict: choose this if you want a more premium mini arcade cabinet and are happy paying extra for better presentation and collector appeal. It’s not the best value, but it is one of the better-feeling alternatives.

4) Quarter Arcades Lunar Lander Mini Atari Replica Cabinet with Original ROM – Retro Machine with Thrust Lever, CRT Lens, Rechargeable Battery – Mini Game for Home — £218.37, 4.4★

This is in a completely different category from the original. At £218.37, it costs £195.29 more, so it is not an impulse-buy toy — it’s a collector’s item. The big difference is authenticity: an original ROM, a thrust lever, CRT lens styling, and a replica cabinet design make this far more faithful to the arcade era than the Thumbs Up! racing handheld. In practical terms, that means you’re buying a display piece and a serious nostalgia product, not just a casual handheld game.

The 4.4★ rating is strong, but the value proposition depends entirely on what you want. If you only want something fun and affordable, this is overkill. If you care about original arcade feel, better materials, and a machine that looks and behaves like a miniature version of the real thing, then the price starts to make sense. Build quality should be significantly higher than the original, with more attention to cabinet styling and controls. The rechargeable battery also makes it more usable as a standalone collector item.

Verdict: choose this if you’re a dedicated retro collector or want a premium gift that feels special. It’s not a replacement for the original; it’s a luxury upgrade.

5) STAR WARS ARCADE MACHINE — £493.99, 4.8★

This is the most expensive option by a huge margin, at £470.91 more than the original. It is only worth considering if you want a showpiece rather than a casual gaming toy. With a 4.8★ rating, it has the strongest satisfaction score in the list, which suggests buyers see it as a high-end product that delivers on presentation and nostalgia. Compared with the original Mini Arcade Racing Machine, the difference is not just price — it’s scale, presence, and likely a far more convincing arcade experience.

The practical impact for the buyer is simple: this is for people who want a centerpiece. It will almost certainly offer better build quality, more impressive controls, and a much stronger visual impact than a £23 handheld. But it also makes no sense if you just want a small retro game to mess around with on the sofa. The size, cost, and likely ownership expectations are all much higher. It’s more of a collector’s indulgence than a functional alternative.

Verdict: choose this only if you’re buying for a dedicated Star Wars fan, arcade collector, or home game room. For everyone else, it’s too expensive to be a practical alternative.

Overall, the best alternative depends on what you value most. If you want the closest price-and-feature match, the Golden Security 156-game handheld is the strongest value swap. If you want a more iconic and giftable product, the Basic Fun Pac-Man machine is a smart choice. If you want premium build and collector appeal, the My Arcade and Quarter Arcades options move you into a much nicer category — but at a much higher price.

The original Mini Arcade Racing Machine still makes sense if you specifically want the steering wheel, gear stick, and racing theme in a compact, affordable package. But if you’re open to broader gameplay or a more premium feel, one of these alternatives may suit you better.