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Star Wars Battle Pod is the first Star Wars arcade game in years. I guess because playing it in game centers isn’t enough, Bandai Namco is selling it to the Japanese public. There’s a catch! And it’s the price.


Update: Namco Bandai will be making the Battle Pods available for purchase in the U.S. and Europe. The standard cabinet is US$35,000, while the premium version is $100,000. Shipping is not included, and orders start next month.

The premium Star Wars Battle Pod cabinet will set you back 12 million yen, which is around US$98,000. These are different from the ones in arcades. What’s the difference? And why’s this so expensive?


The designs—a Rebel pilot’s helmet and Darth Vader—are unique to the premium versions. The pod’s movable seats are covered with real leather, the cabinet has exclusive carpeting, and the machine comes with a specially bound owner’s manual.

Each cabinet is numbered and emblazoned with the owner’s name on a plaque. And in the game, the owner’s name appears in the credit scroll. And so, a hundred grand price tag.

You can also buy the same Star Wars Battle Pod that’s in arcades for a mere 4.6 million yen ($37,000). Instead of buying a new sedan, you can buy this!


Bandai Namco is making these cabinets available for purchase in Japan. No word yet if a similar offer will be made internationally.

In case you missed it, check out Kotaku’s Star Wars Battle Pod impressions.

To contact the author of this post, write to bashcraftATkotaku.com or find him on Twitter @Brian_Ashcraft .



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