The Arcade 1971–1999: The Stories Behind Classic Coin-Ops, Told by Their Creators is a 408-page, interview-led history by Paul Drury, published by Bitmap Books. Its focus is not simply which games became famous, but how arcade games were made: Drury draws on more than twenty years of conversations with programmers, designers, artists and musicians, alongside photographs, sketches, coding notes and licensed concept art. The publisher’s selection rule matters, too: a game needed at least one original creator Drury could interview.
What kind of arcade history is this?
This is a creator-focused account of 120 selected coin-op games, spanning the period in its title, 1971–1999. Rather than claim to catalogue every landmark or fan favorite, the book builds its history around firsthand testimony from people who worked on the games.
That approach is designed to capture the decisions, experiments and imperfect working processes behind the finished machines. In a 1 October 2026 interview with Creative Bloq, Drury described creators as people who “were working things out as they went along.” He also recalled the childhood impression that arcade machines “just sort of arrived.” The book’s premise is to replace that apparent magic with accounts of the people and work behind it.
Which games and creators are included?
The publisher’s selection moves from early arcade landmarks such as Computer Space, Pong and Space Invaders to later releases including Dance Dance Revolution, SoulCalibur and House of the Dead. These examples indicate the breadth of the list, not a promise that every widely praised arcade game appears.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Bitmap Books says inclusion depended on whether Drury could locate and interview at least one original creator. That access-based rule explains why a much-loved title may be absent: the book is shaped by available firsthand voices, rather than a ranking of the most popular games. Creative Bloq reports contributions from more than 90 programmers, designers, artists and musicians; that figure is the publication’s report, distinct from the publisher’s stated total of 120 games.
What archival material and artwork does it contain?
The publisher describes the interviews as accompanied by personal photographs, design sketches and coding notes. It also says the book reproduces licensed concept art from The Strong National Museum of Play, including Atari examples for Star Wars, Paperboy and Gauntlet. That mix gives the oral history visual and documentary context beyond finished-game imagery.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Atari co-founder Nolan Bushnell wrote the foreword, and Eugene Jarvis, creator of Defender and Robotron, wrote the afterword. Bitmap Books also quotes Bushnell calling the stories a way of capturing the feeling of going “from nothing to something,” and Al Alcorn, identified by the publisher as creator of Pong, describing the book as an account of how a new industry was created.
Format, price and preorder status
Bitmap Books specifies a 250 × 250 mm hardback with a gold foil-blocked cover, edge-to-edge lithographic printing and sewn binding. The listing also includes a free PDF and gives a volumetric weight of 2.5 kg; these are publisher specifications, not independent measurements.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
As of the publisher listing’s 2026 preorder information, the book is listed at $48 USD with shipping from 7 October 2026. Prices differ by territory and listing: Wallpaper* reported £34.99, $48 and €41.95, while Creative Bloq listed a UK Amazon price of £34.99 on 1 October 2026. Those are dated snapshots, not guaranteed current prices. Check the Bitmap Books product page or your local retailer for current availability and price.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who is this book for?
The strongest reason to choose this volume is its access to makers’ accounts, paired with archival material and a substantial print format. It should suit readers interested in game-development history, arcade-era design and the people behind familiar cabinets. Readers who want a comprehensive checklist of every major classic should note the creator-access selection rule: the 120 games are a curated set, not an exhaustive canon.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
