The Taito Egret II was an arcade cabinet that first appeared in Japanese video game arcades in the 1990s. It’s a cabinet style affectionately known as a “candy cab”, most likely because of the bright, often neon, colours associated with the cabinets. What made the Egret II stand out was the fact the monitor inside could be easily rotated for games that used a vertical monitor instead of horizontal. This meant it could accommodate most arcade games of the era in a comfortable, sit-down cabinet.
In March 2022, Taito released the Egret II mini, a miniature version of the Egret II cabinet, with 40 in-built games, and the ability to add more games with official SD cards. I purchased one from Amazon Japan that year. It’s a magnificent mini arcade machine. Although I’ve had the device since that time, I’ve had requests to do an unboxing today, as the machine is not well-known outside Japan so still of interest to many around the world, and still available to purchase (in fact, with a slight colour variant as of late 2025).
Announcement
The announcement for this product was actually made almost a year before it was released – manufacturing was delayed due to COVID. Taito announced at the time the following items:
- The Egret II mini console (with 40 games built-in)
- An optional handheld controller
- An optional arcade controller
- An optional paddle and trackball controller (with 10 additional games on SD card)
They also announced a “Deluxe Special Edition” with all of the above, plus:
- Mini instruction cards for all 40 games
- The full-colour magazine “Taito Station Volume 1”
- The “Taito 70th Anniversary/Zuntata 35th Anniversary Soundtrack” CD set.
The cost at the time for the deluxe edition through Amazon was around ¥45,000, which is around AU$530. That’s not cheap – at the time, a PlayStation 5 Digital Edition was not much more. But I am a massive golden-age arcade fan, and Taito fan, so I ordered online, to be delivered to the family home in Japan.
The Package
The deluxe edition came in a single Taito-branded box. This was unexpected, as I thought it would all come in a plain box, given it is a stand-alone console with optional extra controllers. Everything about this release appears to be a labour of love. The unboxing is a truthfully joyful experience.
Opening the box, on top was “Taito Station Volume 1”. Well packed below were the controllers and the unit itself.
And here is everything out of the large box.
The Console
Let’s start with the console itself. Here’s the box.
The box shows the optional controllers available, the console and its features, and the 40 in-built games.
In-built Games
The games included are as follows:
- Adventure Canoe
- Bubble Bobble
- Bubble Memories
- Bubble Symphony
- Cadash
- Chack’n Pop
- Dan-Ku-Ga
- Darius Gaiden
- Don Doko Don
- Elevator Action
- Elevator Action Returns
- The Fairyland Story
- Gun Frontier
- Halley’s Comet
- Hat Trick Hero (Football Champ)
- Kaiser Knuckle
- KiKi KaiKai
- Kyuukyoku Tiger (Twin Cobra)
- The Legend of Kage
- Lunar Rescue
- Lupin III
- Metal Black
- Mizubaku Adventure (Liquid Kids)
- The New Zealand Story
- The Ninja Kids
- Outer Zone
- Pirate Pete
- Puzzle Bobble 2X (Bust-a-Move 2)
- Qix
- Rainbow Islands Extra
- Raimais
- Rastan Saga
- RayForce
- Runark (Growl)
- Scramble Formation
- Space Invaders
- Steel Worker
- Tatsujin (Truxton)
- Violence Fight
- Volfied
This is a great collection of Taito classic games, with some of my favourite games of all time (where the games had a different title outside Japan I have included the name in brackets). Here’s a video from Taito showing all of the games.
Opening the Box
Opening the box we are greeted with this cute “thank you”. Everything about this collection feels like it was built by people who really love the brand and history. The little character, by the way, is Chack’n, from the game Chack’n Pop.
Inside the box we have a thin instruction manual, a set of exclusive Taito stickers (the Taito logo through the ages), an HDMI cable, a USB-C to USB-A power cable, the instruction card holder for the top of the unit, and the unit itself. Note, as with most devices today, there is no power brick – you are expected to use your own, though they supply the cable (in this case USB-C to USB-A) if you need it.
The Unit
Taking out the Egret II mini unit itself we can take a look at all sides. The front of the unit has the screen, speakers, joystick, and buttons. The back shows us power, audio out, HDMI-out (for connecting to a TV), and USB-A ports for external controllers.
SD Card Slot
On the side is an SD card slot. We’ll look at that in more detail later, but basically you can insert an SD card from Taito and different games will appear in the menu of games you can choose.
4-Way/8-Way Joystick
On the bottom of the unit is a dial that lets you switch between a 4-way and 8-way joystick (that is, a restrictor plate is added to the joystick to prevent diagonals when in a 4-way set up). This is a premium touch, because certain arcade games had 4-way joysticks, so this gives you an authentic recreation of the game play on the unit. I’m not aware of any other mini arcade games with an option like this, making the Egret II mini quite unique.
Powering On
Powering on the unit, the Egret II mini supports multiple languages including English.
The screen is a large 5 inch (12.7 cm) LCD display in 4:3 format – the same aspect ratio as the original full-size machines. This is also a sign of the quality of this unit, as many mini arcade machines use 16:9 displays and cover or black-out the LCD, as 16:9 LCD displays are easier (and likely cheaper) to obtain.
Speakers on the machine are loud for such a small unit, with a bright, backlit marquee. The micro-switched joystick and buttons have a quality feel, and are quite usable even on such a small unit.
Rotating the Display
One of the stand-out features is the ability for the display to rotate to a vertical orientation (also known as TATE mode). I am not aware of any other mini arcade unit with this feature. Basically, you push in on the border of the screen, and the screen pops out. You rotate, and push it back in. The onscreen menu adjusts to the new orientation, as do the games.
Here are two examples of games – one in horizontal format (the classic Bubble Bobble), and the other Vertical (RayForce).
Launching Games
Launching a game gives on-screen instructions in your chosen language.
This includes a brief explanation of the game, what each button does, whether the game uses a 4-way or 8-way joystick, and any saved games you might have from previous play. The display will even change if you have certain other controllers plugged in, to match that controller.
HDMI-Out
You can also use the HDMI-out to connect to an external display or your TV. Given your TV likely has a much wider display that the original Egret II or mini (16:9 in most cases), the system will provide artwork surrounding the game, based on the original artwork from the arcade games. Once again, this is serious attention to detail to ensure every game has its own unique artwork.
Finally, here’s a short video showing the menu system on the Egret II mini, selecting and playing a game.
Handheld Controller
The handheld controller box contains just the controller itself, comfortably packaged.
The controller is lightweight and comfortable, with a good-length cord (a welcome addition to most wired controllers nowadays). The d-pad has a good amount of travel, and isn’t overly mushy. Obviously, plugging this in provides the ability to play with the controller, or for 2 players to play (one using the unit itself). The mini has 2 USB ports at the back, so you could also plug in 2 external controllers if you have more.
Arcade Controller
The arcade controller is quite a large device. The box contains just the device, well packed.
The controller is about twice the width of the console, with a full-size micro-switched joystick and arcade buttons. It is weighted, so it doesn’t move when playing sitting on a desk, and has a generous length cable.
The bottom of the controller has a similar 4-way/8-way switch as the mini itself.
This is a really great, quality controller, and the perfect way to play the Egret II mini when you are using an external monitor or TV. Easily my favourite controller of all the devices I own.
Paddle and Trackball Controller
The final controller in the package is the Paddle and Trackball Controller.
SD Card
This controller comes with an additional SD card that plugs into the side of the Egret II mini.
A firmware update for the Egret II mini actually removes the need for this SD card, as Taito later decided to include the 10 games on the SD card in the firmware update for the actual machine (I assume there was room available on the internal firmware, which makes me wonder if there is any more room there?). However, those 10 games only appear if you plug in this controller – they aren’t available to everyone. Which makes sense, since you need either a paddle or trackball to play these games.
Additional Games
So the games included with the paddle and trackball controller are:
- Arkanoid
- Arkanoid Returns
- Arkanoid: Revenge of Doh
- Birdie King
- Cameltry
- Marine Date
- Plump Pop
- Puchi Carat
- Strike Bowling
- Syvalion
Arkanoid is a particularly popular arcade game that uses a paddle to play, and this collection has all 3 releases from the arcades. Cameltry is also a classic that makes use of the paddle. Syvalion is a classic shooter that uses the trackball to control a flying dragon.
Here’s a video of all the games from Taito:
This is a nice controller. It is not weighted like the arcade controller, but I guess it doesn’t move around quite as much as when someone is moving a joystick. The trackball has good spin, though small. The paddle has a nice feel to it, with some mechanical resistance that gives good control. There are only 2 buttons on the controller, which is ideal for the games that come with the controller, but means you can’t use it on another system for, say, Missile Command, which needs 3 buttons.
The video below shows the controller in action.
Instruction Cards
Also in the box is a collection of instruction cards. These are miniature versions of the instruction cards that were displayed above the original full-size Egret II machines. You can place these into the special plastic instruction card holder that comes with the device and attach it to the top of the mini itself.
There are 40 cards with the mini itself, and another 10 with the paddle and trackball controller.
Taito Station Volume 1
Taito Station Volume 1 is a full-colour magazine that outlines every game included in the unit, plus the additional 10 games from the paddle and trackball controller, making a total of 50 games.
The magazine outlines the history of the games, how to play, strategy guides and walk-throughs. It is incredibly detailed.
As you will have observed from the photos, it is all in Japanese; there is no English translation. So be prepared to use translation apps if you do not read Japanese. Fortunately, you can work out much of what is going on in the pictures, and the full-colour format and attention to detail make the magazine a joy to just look at. If Taito released a hardcover version of all the volumes combined it would make a wonderful arcade-history coffee table book.
Taito 70th Anniversary/Zuntata 35th Anniversary Soundtrack CD
Zuntata is a group of Japanese video game music developers within Taito, responsible for much of the music in Taito’s games over the decades. The final addition to the deluxe set is a 4-CD set of game music from Zuntata.
The CDs consist of game music from different arcade games over the first 3 CDs, with the 4th being an “Arrange Disc” with different arrangements of many tunes, and some music from the Egret II mini’s menu system.
A short booklet outlining the talented team behind the music is included. Once again, this booklet is in Japanese only.
You can hear samples of much of the music here:
Firmware Updates
Since the release of the Egret II mini there has been regular yearly firmware updates to correct small bugs and add new features (new controller compatibility, for example).
These updates are very easy to apply, though you need to buy a blank SD card to do the upgrade. Unlike many of these consoles, you do not need a special program to install the update (usually only running on Windows, leaving Mac users without a solution). Instead, you put the update file on the SD card, and follow instructions to update the firmware.
As mentioned previously, one of the updates actually put all the games from the Paddle and Trackball Controller SD card onto the main unit, so the SD card is no longer required when playing these games. This was a welcome addition to the unit.
Game Packs
Taito has released a new game pack for the Egret II mini every year. These have included an SD card with 10 classic games, 10 instruction cards, and a copy of Taito Station, once again in full-colour with the 10 games discussed within.
Here is a list of the games in each collection.
Arcade Memories Vol.1
Another 10 games are included with Taito Egret II mini Arcade Memories Vol.1.
- Cleopatra Fortune (Cleopatra’s Fortune)
- Daisenpuu (Twin Hawk)
- Gekirindan
- Great Swordsman
- Grid Seeker: Project Storm Hammer
- Light Bringer (Dungeon Magic)
- Ougon No Shiro (Gladiator)
- PuLiRuLa
- Riding Fight
- Slap Fight
Here’s a video showing all of the games:
Arcade Memories Vol.2
Another 10 games are included with Taito Egret II mini Arcade Memories Vol.2:
- Chuka Taisen
- Crime City
- Kyukyoku Tiger II (Twin Cobra II)
- Night Striker
- Operation Wolf
- Return of the Invaders
- Tokushu Butai U.A.G. (Thundercade / Twin Formation)
- Wardner no Mori (Wardner)
- Wyvern F-0
- Yuuyu no Quiz Go! Go!
Here’s a video showing all of the games:
Arcade Memories Vol.3
Another 10 games are included with Taito Egret II mini Arcade Memories Vol.3:
- Galactic Storm
- Wiz
- Rumba Lumber
- Metal Soldier Issac 2
- Akkanvader (Space Invaders ’95: The Attack of Lunar Loonies)
- Extermination
- Dr. Toppel Tankentai (Dr. Toppel’s Adventure)
- Aqua Jack (Aquattack)
- Mr. Do!
- Top Landing
Here’s a video showing all of the games:
Arcade Collection Part 1
Another 10 games are included with Taito Egret II mini Arcade Collection Part 1, due at the end of 2025:
- Mysterious Stones: Dr. Kick’s Adventure (Mysterious Stones: Dr. John’s Adventure)
- Bogey Manor
- Nekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun (Renegade)
- Xain’d Sleena (Solar Warrior)
- Double Dragon
- Atomic Runner Chelnov
- Dark Seal (Gate of Doom)
- The Cliffhanger: Edward Randy
- Wolf Fang: Kuuga 2001 (Rohga: Armor Force)
- The Great Ragtime Show (Boogie Wings)
Here’s a video showing all of the games that will be released in December 2025:
Intelligent Controller Cyber Stick
In 2024 the Intelligent Controller Cyber Stick XE-1AJ-USB was released. It is compatible with the Egret II mini, and a number of games on Arcade Memories Vol.3 specifically work with the controller for authentic arcade action.
There is a full review on the Intelligent Controller Cyber Stick available with unboxing photos, videos and translated instructions.
Egret II Mini in 2025
As of 2025, Taito has announced a new variant of the Egret II mini. By popular demand, the new unit uses violet coloured ball top and buttons, matching a common variant of the Egret full-size arcade machines. There are no functional changes to the unit.
You can buy a set with the Egret II mini in the new colour and Arcade Collection Part 1 together.
Each of Arcade Memories Vol.1, 2 and 3 has been re-issued as “Lite” versions that don’t include the strategy guides/magazines. This is good news for people who missed the original releases. Unfortunately, the magazines not being included may disappoint collectors.
So you can still get involved in the Egret II mini and buy all of the games. It looks like you can’t buy the full-colour magazines any longer (apart from someone reselling the originals). The optional controllers may be difficult to find but can be found from third-party sellers on Amazon Japan and possibly on eBay and other places. There was also a limited edition version released with blue ball top and buttons that may be available from some resellers.
Conclusion
If you want to purchase anything mentioned here, you can check out the Taito shop (I make no money from these links). These products are meant for the Japanese market, so you might have some difficulty (or expense) getting them delivered outside of Japan.
The Egret II mini is a premium mini console, and you pay a premium price to own one. But it is likely the best mini arcade available today. If you love classic arcades, and particularly love Taito, this is a great purchase. It is the pride and joy of my retro gaming collection.