Arcade1Up cabinets have taken the home arcade scene by storm, offering classic arcade experiences in a compact and affordable format. But for many enthusiasts, the stock game selection and hardware limitations can feel restrictive. That’s where soft modding comes in. In this guide, we’ll explore which Arcade1Up cabinets can be soft modded, what the process entails, and how you can unlock a whole new world of retro gaming.
What Is a Soft Mod Arcade1Up?
Soft modding refers to modifying a system’s software to enable additional functionality, without physically altering or replacing major hardware components. In the context of Arcade1Up cabinets, soft modding often involves updating firmware, adding custom software, or tweaking settings to allow for more games to be played beyond what was originally installed.
Which Arcade1Up Cabinets Can Be Soft Modded?
Not all Arcade1Up cabinets are easily soft modifiable. The ability to soft mod largely depends on the type of hardware and mainboard your cabinet uses. Here’s a general breakdown:
Easily Soft Moddable Cabinets
- First-Generation Cabinets (2018-2019) – These early cabinets often use simple board configurations that allow for soft modding through USB or SD card-based solutions.
- Legends Ultimate Cabinet – While not an Arcade1Up machine, it shares similarities and is one of the most mod-friendly options with official and unofficial firmware support.
- Midway Legacy Cabinets – Certain versions of these cabinets have been successfully soft modded using Raspberry Pi solutions or custom firmware.
- Pinball Variants – Most Arcade1Up pinball cabinets have been modded using A1Pinner software.
- Counter Cades (MK, MSH, NBA, TMNT) – Some have been successfully soft modded using MysteryCounterCade firmware.
- Infinity Table – Can be modded using Infinite Mystery software.
- Racing and Shooting Cabinets (Outrun, T2, Big Buck Hunter, Fast and Furious) – Some have received custom modifications but may require additional hardware tweaks.
- Android-Based Cabinets (Simpsons, TMNT: Turtles in Time, Marvel vs. Capcom, Big Blue, Ridge Racer, Yoga Flame, etc.) – These can be soft modded using the keyboard escape method, detailed below.
- Fast and Furious Cabinet (MysteryFF Mod by Team Encoder) – This mod introduces the Team Encoder (SAM) menu, allowing ROM selection while maintaining stock functionality.
- Terminator 2 Cabinet (NOFATE Mod by Team Encoder) – Enables expanded game support while preserving original gameplay mechanics.
Difficult or Impossible to Soft Mod Cabinets
- Newer 2022+ Arcade1Up Cabinets – These often have more locked-down software and proprietary hardware that makes soft modding challenging.
- Big Blue & Marvel vs. Capcom 2 Cabinets – These newer machines have encrypted software and online features that make modification more difficult.
- Deluxe and XL Models – The newest models sometimes use revised PCBs with fewer known modding methods.
- Certain Non-Android-Based Cabinets – Some older cabinets do not support the keyboard escape method and require a full hardware replacement to be modded.
The Soft Modding Process
1. Checking Your Hardware
Before attempting a soft mod, check what type of hardware your Arcade1Up cabinet uses. Open the back panel and look at the mainboard to identify:
- Processor Type – Most older Arcade1Up cabinets use ARM-based processors, which are easier to modify, while newer ones use proprietary PCBs that may not support soft modding.
- Storage Medium – Check if your cabinet has a USB port or microSD slot. If it does, you may be able to load custom firmware from external storage.
- Available Ports – HDMI, USB, and SD card slots are indicators of modding potential. If your cabinet lacks these, it may require hardware replacement rather than a simple soft mod.
- Model Number – Compare your cabinet’s model number with known modifiable models online to confirm compatibility.
2. Installing Custom Firmware Using the ADM Soft Mod Guide
One of the easiest ways to soft mod an Arcade1Up cabinet is by using THE-ADM’s Soft Mod Arcade1Up. Here’s how:
- Format a microSD Card – Insert it into your computer and format it as FAT32.
- Insert the microSD Card into the Cabinet – Locate the microSD slot in the back of the cabinet.
- Access the Secret Menu:
- Power on the cabinet and hold Windows Key + N on a connected keyboard.
- Scroll to the bottom and find SD Card.
- Click the arrow and select Set Up > Portable Storage > Done.
- Download and Install the Softmod Pack:
- Download Ley Arcade OneUp Soft Mod Pack 2.
- Optionally, download a ROM Pack (such as FB Neo Arcade ROMs).
- Extract the files onto the formatted microSD card.
- Safely eject and insert it back into the cabinet.
- Install the Software:
- Power on the cabinet and press Windows Key + N.
- Drag down the menu and open Settings > Storage > MicroSD Card > Softmod Pack.
- Install the necessary apps: Button Remapper, Nova Launcher 7, and RetroArch (optional).
- Remap Controls:
- Open Button Remapper, enable it in Accessibility Settings.
- Set a shortcut for returning to the home screen (e.g., long press Live button).
- Customize Home Screen (Optional):
- Set Nova Launcher 7 as the default home screen.
- Customize wallpapers, icons, and layout.
Why Consider a Hard Mod Instead?
While soft modding offers a convenient way to add more games, it does have its limitations. For those seeking more power, flexibility, and long-term reliability, hard modding is the better solution. Our hard mod kit offers several benefits:
- Expanded Game Library – Unlike soft mods, which are often limited to pre-approved software, a hard mod allows you to install full versions of classic arcade and console games with no restrictions.
- Better Performance – By replacing the stock hardware with a Raspberry Pi, PC, or custom motherboard, you get smoother gameplay, higher resolution, and better emulation performance.
- No Software Limitations – Soft mods are subject to firmware restrictions, while a hard mod removes all limitations, allowing you to install RetroPie, Batocera, CoinOps, or other custom frontends.
- Online Play & Updates – Hard mods allow for Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling online play, leaderboards, and automatic game updates.
- Enhanced Controller Support – A hard mod enables full support for Bluetooth controllers, arcade fight sticks, and modern USB gamepads.
- Higher Storage Capacity – Instead of being restricted by built-in memory, hard mods support larger SSD or USB storage devices for thousands of games.
- Complete Customization – With a hard mod, you can swap out buttons, install LED displays, modify sound systems, and create a fully personalized arcade experience.
Ready to Upgrade? Get Our Hard Mod Kit
If you’re looking for the ultimate Arcade1Up upgrade, our hard mod kit provides everything you need to transform your cabinet into a powerful, all-in-one gaming system. Check out our hard mod kit here to get started today!
Conclusion
Soft modding an Arcade1Up cabinet is a great way to expand its functionality, but it’s not possible on every model. If you’re looking for the best gaming experience with no limitations, a hard mod is the superior choice. Whether you’re soft modding or hard modding, customizing your Arcade1Up cabinet is a fun and rewarding project that brings new life to your home arcade setup!