If you spent your days frequenting game centers in the early 2000s, you must have seen it at least once. Yes, that ”THE IDOLM@STER” arcade cabinet. The beginning of a story where the player, as a producer, shares joys and sorrows with future idols. The machine packed with those memories has returned as a 1/12 scale plastic model. Moreover, this is a reissue to celebrate the milestone of the series’ 20th anniversary. This is not only a piece of nostalgia but also proof that THE IDOLM@STER continues to be supported even now.

This model features a snap-fit design, which means it can be assembled without using glue. However, that doesn’t mean it’s ”simple”; a great deal of attention has been paid to the fine details. For example, the monitor section of the cabinet comes with 20 cards imitating the in-game screens, allowing you to choose and recreate your favorite scenes. Furthermore, a chair of the same scale is included in the set, and when combined with a seated figure, the atmosphere of those game centers instantly spreads. With just a little bit of work, a miniature theater is completed on your desk.

There is no compromise whatsoever in the accessories. It comes with 10 types each of unit cards and producer cards in the same scale, creating a configuration that allows you to fully enjoy the atmosphere of being in the middle of a game. Additionally, paper accessories such as totem pops and posters are included, offering the fun of building up the background. The charm of this kit lies in the fact that it is not just a model, but a tool for memory and staging that can be enjoyed in various ways.

What makes this cabinet special is that it does more than just evoke nostalgia. For fans who are currently supporting THE IDOLM@STER, this kit is a valuable item. You can combine it with a figure of your favorite idol to recreate ”the day she passed her first audition.” Or you can display it by imagining a scene from your ”first day as a producer.” Precisely because it is content that resonates across eras, it does not fade even after 20 years.