TL;DR
The iMP Tech Mini Arcade Pro is a compact arcade shell that works with the Nintendo Switch family (including Switch 2) and offers a pleasing joystick and an eight-button layout for classic games. It’s hampered, however, by poor graphic design, occasional twitchy inputs, and a firmware hurdle for some units after a Switch system update.
What happened
iMP Tech’s Mini Arcade Pro is a flat-packed, single-player arcade cabinet shell designed to house an original Switch, Switch OLED or Switch 2 tablet and turn it into a desktop arcade rig. Assembly uses six main panels (seven delivered) and includes a magnetically closing console tray, a docking connector, a rear panel with a 12-card game-slot rack, and a snap-on marquee. The base draws power from the console but permits passthrough USB-C charging. Once attached to a Switch, the unit registers to the console as a wired Pro Controller and offers a mappable Turbo function and a hardware toggle to swap the stick between D-pad and thumbstick modes. The joystick itself was praised for feel, but other buttons sometimes produced multiple inputs. A system update to Switch (21.0.0) broke compatibility for Mini Arcade Pro units from batch 0925, requiring a Windows .exe updater and a special female USB-C cable that iMP says it will supply on proof of purchase. Separately, the product’s graphic design—heavily using AI-generated imagery—drew strong criticism; iMP says the artwork is under review but gave no timeline for revisions.
Why it matters
- Third-party Switch accessories can be disrupted by system updates, forcing firmware fixes and special tooling.
- A well-made joystick and classic button layout can make retro collections more enjoyable, but hardware polish across all inputs matters for consistent play.
- Graphic and production choices (including use of AI imagery) can significantly affect how a hardware peripheral is received.
- Revisions or support actions from manufacturers may be necessary after launch if design or compatibility issues emerge.
Key facts
- Compatibility: original Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED, and Switch 2.
- Assembly: flat-packed in seven pieces; six are used in construction.
- Weight: 891 g when using the Switch 2 shell; 1,200 g with the Switch 2 tablet inserted.
- Storage: rear panel includes 12 slots for Switch game cards.
- Controls: eight-button layout, retro eight-way joystick, and a mappable Turbo feature.
- Controller pairing: appears to the console as a wired Pro Controller; users may need to change controller settings if they normally use a Pro Controller wirelessly.
- Firmware issue: units from batch 0925 need an updater to work with Switch system update 21.0.0; the updater is a Windows .exe and requires a female USB-C cable to apply.
- iMP response: company says the side imagery was produced due to time constraints and that the artwork is under consultation for revision, with no schedule provided.
- Review rating: Wired’s review gave the Mini Arcade Pro a score of 4/10.
What to watch next
- Whether iMP provides an updated production run or revised artwork, and when those units will appear — not confirmed in the source.
- Availability and distribution of the special female USB-C cable and the Windows updater from iMP for affected customers.
- Future Nintendo Switch system updates and whether they produce more third-party peripheral compatibility issues — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Joystick: A directional control lever used for arcade-style input; it typically translates hand movement into directional commands in games.
- Turbo feature: A function that rapidly repeats a button input while held down, useful for shooting or rapid-action mechanics in older arcade games.
- Pro Controller (wired mode): A controller profile the Nintendo Switch recognizes; in wired mode the console treats an attached peripheral as a Pro Controller rather than the Joy-Con set.
- Firmware update: Software distributed by a device maker to alter device behavior or compatibility; may require a host computer or special cable to apply.
- USB-C passthrough: A port on a peripheral that allows a power or data cable to pass through the accessory to the console or host device.
Reader FAQ
Is the Mini Arcade Pro compatible with the Switch 2?
Yes; the Mini Arcade Pro is designed to accept the Switch 2 tablet, but some batch numbers need a firmware update to work with the 21.0.0 system update.
Do I need to assemble the unit myself?
Yes. The product ships flat-packed and requires the user to snap together panels, a console tray, and a marquee.
Will iMP change the cabinet artwork?
iMP stated the imagery was used to meet production timelines and that the artwork is under consultation for revision, but no timeline or details were provided.
Is it suitable for competitive fighting-game play?
The review advises against using it for competitive play because some inputs can be overly sensitive or produce multiple presses.
MATT KAMEN GEAR DEC 29, 2025 8:00 AM Review: iMP Tech Mini Arcade Pro A fun diversion for retro gaming on the Nintendo Switch 2—if you can stand to look…
Sources
- iMP Tech Mini Arcade Pro Review: A Nintendo Switch Arcade Cabinet
- iMP Gaming Mini Arcade Pro Cabinet Review
- A review of the iMP Gaming Mini Arcade Pro
- Review: iMP Gaming Mini Arcade Pro – Turns Your Switch …
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