BANDAI
Pac-Man Connect and Play - 12 Classic Games
Bottom line: The BANDAI Pac-Man Connect and Play ($134.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-20 22:16 UTC): 12 arcade games built in, including Pac-Man, Super Pac-Man, Dig Dug, New Rally-X and Pac & Pal; main trade-off: needs 4 AA batteries that Bandai does not include in the box.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-20. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 12 arcade games built in, including Pac-Man, Super Pac-Man, Dig Dug, New Rally-X and Pac & Pal
- ✓ Pac-Man 256 mode unlocks the coveted level a program bug kept out of the original game
- ✓ Cords run straight to a TV AV jack - no console, cartridge or emulator setup needed
- ✓ Cords store inside the Pac-Man styled case, so the whole unit packs away as one piece
Cons
- ✗ Needs 4 AA batteries that Bandai does not include in the box
- ✗ Connects by AV cords only, so an AV-input TV or a composite adapter is required
- ✗ One built-in joystick means single-player only, with no port for a second controller
- ✗ Fixed 12-game library - nothing can be added, downloaded or swapped in later
Manufacturer description
Bandai's Pac-Man Connect and Play packs 12 classic arcade titles into a single plug-and-play joystick unit released for the 35th anniversary of Pac-Man. The hardware lives inside a game case styled in the iconic Pac-Man design, and the cords store inside that case when you are finished. Setup skips consoles entirely: run the included cords straight into your television's AV jack, drop in 4 AA batteries (not included), and you are playing. The lineup covers Pac-Man, Pac-Man Plus, Super Pac-Man, Dig Dug, New Rally-X and Pac & Pal, plus the Pac-Man 256 mode that finally opens the coveted level…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored BANDAI Pac-Man Connect and Play using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the retro software & media category. BANDAI's retro software & media lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for retro software & media of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What games are included with the Pac-Man Connect and Play?
12 classic games ship on the unit, including Pac-Man, Pac-Man Plus, Super Pac-Man, Dig Dug, New Rally-X and Pac & Pal, plus the Pac-Man 256 challenge.
Do I need a console or cartridges to play it?
No. The joystick and games are built into the case, and the included cords connect directly to your television's AV jack. There is no console, cartridge or download step.
Does it come with batteries?
No. The unit is battery-operated and requires 4 AA batteries, which Bandai does not include in the box.
Can two people play at the same time?
No. There is one joystick controller built into the game case, so play is one person at a time, taking turns.
What is the Pac-Man 256 level everyone mentions?
Level 256 was made unavailable in the original arcade Pac-Man by a bug in the program. The 256 Challenge on this unit lets you start at that point and play the level the original never allowed.
Key Features
- Celebrating the 35th anniversary of Pac-Man; Bandai's Pac-Man connect and play brings back your favorite classic video games right to your television
- Game case styled in iconic Pac-Man design, cords store inside case
- Connect the included cords directly into your television arch Jack to play
- One joystick controller built into game case - and now with improved functionality
- Includes 12 classic games to play: iconic Pac-Man game, rare level 256 game, and 10 other games; 4 AA batteries required (not included)
Full Specifications
| Size | set |
|---|---|
| Brand | BANDAI |
| Color | Yellow |
| Theme | Video Games |
| Set Name | Pac-Man Connect and Play - 12 Classic Games |
| Sub Brand | Bandai |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Model Number | 38886 |
| Power Source | battery powered |
| Material Type | Plastic |
| Item Type Name | Pac-Man Connect and Play |
| Operation Mode | Manual |
| Item Dimensions | 3.94 x 7.48 x 9.84 inches |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Subject Character | Pac-Man |
| Included Components | AV Cords, Joystick Controller |
| Number of Batteries | 4 AA batteries required. |
| Indoor Outdoor Usage | Indoor |
| Age Range Description | 4+ |
| Educational Objective | Play |
Ready to buy?
Pac-Man Connect and Play - 12 Classic Games is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-20. Price and availability subject to change.
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