Upgrading your Arcade1Up experience with the ThunderStick LED Arcade Trackball (TS-UTB01) is a worthwhile investment, offering a significant improvement over the stock trackball. This review details my extensive experience with the product.
For years, I’ve enjoyed classic arcade games. However, the included trackballs in many Arcade1Up cabinets often fall short, leading to frustrating gameplay. A malfunctioning trackball can ruin the experience, turning a nostalgic trip down memory lane into an exercise in patience. I realized I needed a reliable upgrade to fully appreciate my retro gaming setup; the ThunderStick LED Arcade Trackball (TS-UTB01) promised to be that solution.
- NOT COMPATIBLE WITH A1UP CENTIPEDE LEGACY UNIT(TS-UTB-PRO on our website is compatible with LEGACY CENTIPEDE)
- Compatible for Arcade1Up Atari 12 in 1 Unit, Centipede Unit and PC, Mac, RaspberryPi via USB interface board
- Simplest way to upgrade your arcade1up stock trackball to an industrial quality arcade trackball
Pre-Purchase Considerations for Arcade Trackball Replacements
Before investing in an arcade trackball replacement, consider your needs and the compatibility with your arcade cabinet. Do you need a simple drop-in replacement, or do you require advanced features? What is your budget? The ideal customer for a replacement trackball is someone who values improved responsiveness, durability, and potentially enhanced aesthetics compared to the stock option. Someone who’s perfectly happy with basic functionality may not find the upgrade necessary. Think about your Arcade1Up model, the games you play most, and whether the benefits of a higher-quality trackball outweigh the cost and potential installation challenges. Consider the specific features offered by different models: LED lighting, different ball sizes, compatibility with various systems.
- Ergonomic Design with Smooth Thumb Control: Move your cursor by the smooth trackball instead of moving your wrist and arm. Let the easy and smooth thumb...
- Large 55mm ball design and Diamond Eye optical tracking for precise cursor control; Patented scroll ring lets you scan up and down pages with ease
- Smart adjustable hinge plus extra 10? wedge for customized hand position and greater comfort.
Introducing the ThunderStick LED Arcade Trackball
The ThunderStick LED Arcade Trackball (TS-UTB01) is a direct replacement for the stock trackball in several Arcade1Up cabinets, including the Atari 12-in-1 and Centipede units. It promises a smooth, responsive experience and boasts an attractive LED backlight. The kit includes the trackball itself, necessary hardware, and instructions. Compared to the stock trackball and some competitors, this model provides a superior build quality and the added visual appeal of the LED lighting. This specific trackball is ideal for those seeking an upgrade for their Arcade1Up system who value improved functionality and aesthetics. It’s not for those seeking a simple, inexpensive fix, or who are not comfortable with minor assembly/disassembly tasks.
- Pros: Improved responsiveness, durable construction, LED lighting, relatively easy installation (for those comfortable with basic electronics work), enhanced gameplay experience.
- Cons: Requires opening the trackball housing for installation, potentially sensitive response curve (requires adjustment for some games), slight grinding noise at high speeds (not always noticeable), instructions could be clearer.
A Deep Dive into the ThunderStick’s Features and Benefits
Installation and Compatibility
While the ThunderStick LED Trackball is designed as a drop-in replacement, it does require opening the unit to remove a jumper to ensure optimal compatibility, which some might find inconvenient. The instructions could be more detailed in this area. However, plenty of online resources (YouTube videos, forum posts) offer assistance. Compatibility varies slightly depending on your Arcade1Up model; checking the product description is crucial before purchasing.
Performance and Responsiveness
The most significant improvement is the responsiveness. The stock trackballs are often sticky, unresponsive, and lack the smooth precision of the ThunderStick. This improved responsiveness dramatically enhances gameplay, especially in fast-paced titles. The sensitivity can be adjusted depending on your preferences, but some users have reported it’s slightly too high out of the box.
LED Backlighting
The LED backlight is a nice touch, adding a visually appealing element to your arcade cabinet. The ability to choose different colors is a bonus, allowing for customization to match your cabinet’s theme. While purely aesthetic, the lighting enhances the overall gaming experience and adds a touch of modern flair to a retro setup.
Durability and Build Quality
The ThunderStick LED Arcade Trackball feels significantly more robust than the stock trackball. The materials are high-quality, and the construction seems durable enough to withstand extended use. This is a crucial element for those who play frequently, guaranteeing a long-lasting upgrade that justifies the investment.
What Other Users Are Saying
Numerous online reviews praise the ThunderStick trackball for its improved responsiveness and build quality compared to the stock Arcade1Up trackball. Many users highlight its enhanced gameplay and the pleasing aesthetic addition of the LED lighting. Some reviewers mention the slight grinding noise and the initial installation process as minor drawbacks but overall agree that the upgrade is worthwhile for the improved gaming experience.
Final Verdict: A Worthy Upgrade
The ThunderStick LED Arcade Trackball (TS-UTB01) solves the problem of unresponsive and low-quality stock trackballs. It offers significant improvements in responsiveness, durability, and aesthetics. While there are minor drawbacks, such as the installation process and a potential sensitivity issue, the overall enhanced gameplay experience makes it a worthwhile upgrade for any serious Arcade1Up enthusiast. If you’re tired of struggling with a faulty trackball that impacts your enjoyment of classic arcade games, Click here to purchase the ThunderStick LED Arcade Trackball and experience the difference. The improved precision and durability will elevate your retro gaming sessions to a new level, and the LED lighting is a fun bonus. For the price, the ThunderStick provides excellent value and a noticeable improvement over the original.
Last update on 2025-09-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API