I recently got my hands on the Unico Nova Blast, a modern take on the classic Japanese “candy cab” arcade cabinets. These compact, stylish machines have been a staple in arcades for years, and I was excited to unbox and set one up myself. In this video, I walk through the unboxing, assembly, and first gameplay session with Ninja Baseball Bat Man.
Unboxing and Assembly of the Unico Nova Blast
Right out of the box, I was impressed with how well the Unico Nova Blast was packaged. Everything was securely packed to prevent damage during shipping. As I pulled out the individual components—the sleek panels, high-resolution monitor, joysticks, and buttons—I could already tell this was going to be a fun build.
The assembly process was straightforward, and I appreciated how user-friendly the design was. Even if you’re not experienced with arcade setups, putting this cabinet together is a rather simple process.
Design and Features
Once assembled, the Nova Blast really stands out. It’s not perfect and has some fit and finish issues, but its nice enough. The control panel is designed for an authentic arcade feel. The joysticks and buttons are responsive, giving that classic arcade clickiness we all love.
One of the biggest highlights of the Unico Nova Blast is the 26″ LCD display. The colors are vibrant, and the visuals are crisp, whether you’re playing retro games or something more modern. The cabinet also has multiple connectivity options, so you can hook up different gaming systems or a PC for added versatility. The display is an LCD, rather than a CRT though, and this might be a negative for some buyers.
Gameplay Experience
To put the Nova Blast to the test, I installed Ninja Baseball Bat Man, a classic beat ‘em up that holds a special place in arcade history. The controls felt great—responsive and precise—and the sound and visuals made the experience even better. Playing this game on a brand-new cabinet like this brought back so much nostalgia while still feeling like a modern gaming experience.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Unico Nova Blast is a decent arcade cabinet that blends nostalgia with modern convenience. It’s easy to assemble, looks great, and supports a wide variety of games. Whether you’re an arcade veteran or just getting into the scene, this is a great addition to any game room.
