Coin Detected

About Coin Detected

A deep dive into the golden age of video arcade games. Each episode unpacks the history, development, and cultural legacy of a single arcade classic from the 1980s. Whether it was a blockbuster or a hidden gem, if it had a cabinet and took quarters, it's fair game. With a focus on real arcade releases, not home ports or prototypes, Coin Detected delivers detailed storytelling, behind-the-scenes developer insights, and smart analysis for the generation that grew up with CRT screens and joystick blisters. No fluff. Just pure arcade history, told like you were back in line at the mall food court waiting for your turn.

Publisher

Retro Rob

Category

leisure · leisure

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

29 May 2025

Latest episode

14 Nov 2025

Latest episodes

30 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   14 Nov 2025

   Tron - 1982 - Bally Midway

   Tron, Bally Midway's multi-game sci-fi shooter from 1982, was built on MCR II hardware, a glowing joystick, and a set of four distinct gameplay challenges inspired by the Disney film. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most visually striking and culturally iconic arcade games of its era.

2. 

   21 Oct 2025

   Pole Position - 1982 - Namco

   Pole Position, Namco’s Formula One racing simulation from 1982, was built on groundbreaking dual 16-bit processors, a real-world Fuji Speedway track, and immersive cockpit controls. This episode covers how it was developed, the custom hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most influential arcade games of all time.

3. 

   10 Oct 2025

   BurgerTime - 1982 - Data East - Bally Midway

   BurgerTime, Data East’s quirky maze action game from 1982, was built on fast-paced ladder-and-platform gameplay, oversized burger ingredients, and a chef armed with nothing but pepper. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most beloved and distinctive arcade hits of the golden age.

Podcast Authority Score: 40 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

80

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

Contact Coin Detected

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.