Forget the SNES and Go Real Retro with These Refurbished Arcade Tables

By Geoff Nudelman October 12, 2017

surface tension arcade tables game — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Sometimes, a regular coffee table just won’t do. If you’re a gaming enthusiast like many of us are at The Manual, you’ll probably be as stoked as we were to discover Surface Tension, a UK-creative firm crafting arcade tables.

The concept is pretty neat: They take a standard, everyday coffee table and insert the mechanical and electrical interiors necessary to turn it into a plug-and-play arcade game.

arcade tables — Image used with permission by copyright holder

These tables are available in a few different options. The Dual model comes with 60 preloaded games ideal for one-on-one competition. It replicates the old vintage setup with a screen flip that moves to either side of the table, so both players share one viewing experience. (Plus, the walnut veneer and glass sides remind us of those old-school ’90s games at the pizza parlor.)

Surface Tension arcade game tables

Surface Tension arcade game tables

Surface Tension arcade game tables

The Nucleus is the granddaddy of functional arcade tables with plenty of games and the ability to install your own. You can also plug in an HDMI cable and stream from your favorite video service.

The arcade tables’ classic styling make them a great addition to any living room or the most epic of additions to a modern man cave. When not in use, the control panel hides away so your friends won’t get too jealous (they’ll think you just have a regular coffee table). When you’re ready to unveil the surprise, the panel opens to reveal an assortment of buttons and levers.

Surface Tension also takes the same approach to recreating traditional upright game cabinets — the ones we all know and love from the arcades of yesteryear. The Retrograde model builds on that with a modern sound system and similar connections to stream music and video after gameplay is done. The company also offers “pre-loved” models, functional Rubik’s Cube storage tables, and other game-themed accessories.

All of Surface Tension models are available online.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff is a former contributor to The Manual. He's a native Oregonian who’s always up for a good challenge and a great hike…

Culture

The Night Agent season 2: Everything we know so far

We'll get you ready for The Night Agent season 2!

Luciane Buchanan and Gabriel Basso in The Night Agent.

The Night Agent may not be everyone's choice to be among the best shows on Netflix, but it's in the top ten for us! The Shield creator Shawn Ryan adapted Matthew Quirk's spy action thriller, The Night Agent, for Netflix in 2023, and it proved to be a hit out of the gate. By Netflix's internal metrics, it's the sixth-highest viewed series in the history of the platform.

Those kind of numbers mean that a second season was inevitable, and Netflix made it official just over a week after The Night Agent premiered. Since the series is back in production, the details about what's coming up on the show have started to trickle out. To help you stay on top of this series, here's everything we know about The Night Agent season 2.
What is The Night Agent about?

Culture

The 10 best Dominican cigars I’ve tried and tested in 2024

Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

Every seasoned cigar lover has a preference for where their cigars come from. Cuban and Cuban cigars are the more obvious choices, but there is also Nicaraguan tobacco, Central African, Indonesian, Mexican, Ecuadorian, and Dominican. Some tobacco is even grown in the United States. Each region has a distinct flavor profile that adds a little something extra to the tobacco grown locally, as well as the cigars made there. The Dominican Republic is prized by many connoisseurs because of exactly this -- a rich, unique profile that enhances Dominican-grown cigars. That's in no small part due to the fertile soil and thriving climate of the region, which is ideal for tobacco growth and cultivation. If you've never tried a Dominican cigar, you're in for a real treat, there are some fantastic options out there.
The best Dominican cigars I've tried

Out of all the cigar guides I've put together so far, this one was one of the more interesting experiences for me. I had a great time trying out Dominican cigars, and I've definitely come away with an appreciation for blends made in the region. I'd also like to point out that Corey Suarez helped recommend some of these. If you haven't tried the JR Cigars or Cigars.com concierge service yet, you really should. Here's a little more about all of the best Dominican cigars I've tried:
Ashton Symmetry

Culture

The 12 best Connecticut cigars I’ve tried and tested in 2024

Best Connecticut cigars up close and personal

Connecticut cigars are the clear winner for smoking on a hot summer day, in the morning with some coffee, or when you just don't want a swift kick in the teeth (of pepper). There's no shortage of options, either. Connecticut shade wrappers are one of the most prevalent in the world of cigars, and it's certainly the most common natural shade. Maduro is also popular, but the two wrapper types couldn't be any more different. Connecticut wrappers, and by proxy Connecticut cigars, are typically mild to medium in strength and brimming with creamy, smooth flavors. They're composed of tobacco leaves grown in the Connecticut River Valley in the United States -- which is where the name Connecticut comes from. Consistent and flavorful, some of the best beginner-friendly cigars are Connecticut-wrapped, but you should never sell them short. A Connecticut shade cigar can be just as refined, elegant, and premium as any other. If you know where to look, you may even find some of your favorite blends in the category across a wide range of brands and cigar makers.

I'm about to take you on a magical, doughy, and delicious trek through the broad range of Connecticut cigars. In short, here are the best Connecticut cigars tried and tested by a genuine enthusiast of the craft: yours truly.
The best Connecticut cigars I've tried and tested
While the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper is considered a Connecticut shade, I did my best to steer clear of recommending them for this list. They're better classified as a Maduro shade or darker cigar. That doesn't mean you should avoid them, quite the contrary. But for this list, I wanted to stick to smooth, relaxing smokes that are strong on flavor but not quite so strong on pepper and spice. I also tried not to choose a lot of repeats. If you see your favorite cigar missing, that might be because it was recommended on another list or it just didn't make the cut. If you have any recommendations of your own, I'm always available through social media or email. Without further ado, let's get this thing started.
Aganorsa Leaf Connecticut