Performing essential surgery on our Arcade1Up Pinball machine
The Arcade1Up Pinball machines have recently received a new lease of life with community enhancements, like Team Encoder’s brilliant A1Pinner software, which allowed owners of these machines to install other Arcade1Up pinball packs (Marvel, Star Wars and Williams) and the Pinball Arcade and Zen Pinball applications (Android versions) with their plethora of pinball tables. Team Encoder went as far as creating a custom launcher and the ability to change the display to 1080p, which was a bit of a hit or miss due to the limited hardware spec inside these pinball machines.
We came across IntecGaming’s Nintendo Switch DIY Pinball kit about a year ago and have been eagerly awaiting its release. Once IntecGaming had this kit up for pre-order, we immediately jumped on it. The improvement is great value with this low cost kit, and of course, playing video games, especially the pinball (and shoot’em ups) variety in 1080p is exactly what this machine should have had from the start.
The IntecGaming Switch DIY Pinball kit is a physical modification to the Arcade1Up Pinball Machine, so we had to get our hand dirty so to speak. With no soldering required, this was as easy as unplugging the old and replacing them with the new! Of course the control panel with its ball-top joystick provides the arcade experience we were missing when playing Switch games.
Without further ado, here are the steps (with photos) that we took to operate and modify our A1Up Attack From Mars pinball machine:
Time to commence Operation Switch!
Unboxing the contents of the IntecGaming Switch DIY Pinball Kit: We need to replace 3 boards (marked A, B and C)
One last look at the machine before we start operating
Popping the hood
Popping the rear to get to the smaller (DMD) screen
Following the instructions to unplug the controller wiring from the old board and connect them to the new (A) board
Board A attached and controller connectors rerouted to plug into the new board
Next, is the sound and solenoid driver board (board B)
Second board is totally removed from the A1Up and replaced by IntecGaming’s Board B
The metal casing is replaced with a breathable plastic cover for Board B
The main board hiding in its metal casing attached to the LCD
Last of the board updates – replace the main board with IntecGaming’s Board C
The original main board is unplugged
Got to follow the instructions carefully here, as any wrong move will render the machine an expensive doorstop!
Wiring up the replacement main board (Board C) and putting it back in the casing. Having two HDMI out ports is a godsend!
With the boards replaced and connections all plugged in, it’s the control panel that the last thing to add
The new replacement lockdown bar is beefier than the original!
All modifications completed!
Instructions to sync the control panel and kit to the Switch
The plastic stand is perfect to keep the Switch and dock tucked away
Switch is docked, 3.5mm sound jack & HDMI are plugged in too
Success! All powered up and ready to go! The DMD LCD acts as our selection screen
First game we boot up, Zen’s Pinball FX 3!
Going to put the original boards & other parts in a safe place
