F-Zero AX in Herne, Germany

Contributing to the dedicated F-Zero AX Cabinet Log. I figured that it was easier to have everything posted here. I'm expecting to post something like this once every few years, when the opportunity arises. Today's archive is for the AX located in Herne, Germany: Insert Coins e.V. The condition of the machine is good, but it's starting to show its age.

Prior to this blogpost, the condition of this one was last publicized in 2023. Most notably, a functional GC memory card slot (2023) and a pilot license reader (2022). The memory card is still functional, but the license reader is not. It's set to "OUT OF SERVICE" (page 92); see video: "The F-ZERO LICENSE CARD can not be used or purchased at this time", at 1:18. I've asked the staff about this, but unfortunately they were unfamiliar with the license card feature. Tough luck.

For the sake of brevity, here's a summary of the machine's condition. For reference, Juni's video is a solid benchmark.

• This is a single, Deluxe F-Zero AX Cabinet. No multiplayer. Game is set to English.
• English decals, but was missing some on the dashboard, license card reader and above the roll cage. The condition of most decals are good. Note the peeling decal on the back of the seat.
• Minor cracks on the monitor box lid, most notably around the screw on the right side. See video.
• It no longer has the Toshiba CRT monitor. The LCD replacement is good, albeit wrong aspect ratio.
• The fluorescent lights on the back are still functional. Coin chute lights were offline.
• Audio exclusively came from the TV. Speakers from the seat and the subwoofer were offline.
• Memory Card reader works, but the License Card reader was set to "OUT OF SERVICE". Custom vehicles from memory card works (see video). 20 tickets per race, regardless of how the race went.
• Steering works fine, including tilt. Calibration is decent, but the steering is not sensitive enough to register small inputs. Steering rumble works. All buttons on the steering wheel works. T-drifts are possible.
• Seat motion works. Seatbelt not included, it plays without. No issues with the chair itself. Calibration of the seat motion is good. You cannot adjust the seat, it is bolted down. The safety sensors work.
• Accelerator is in poor condition. Earlier on the day it had trouble registering inputs, but that got better after several plays. At best it was about 70% of a vehicle's expected speed, but at worst it was under 100 km/h. Your mileage may vary. Staff mentions that it's an ongoing task, but a difficult problem to fix. Brakes work.
• Pricing: the machine is free, but there's an entrance fee of 15 euro for 3 hours (early afternoon), or 20 euro for 4 hours (late afternoon/early evening). Tickets must be ordered (online) one month in advance. Venue is only open once per month. That said, it's massive and the selection of (racing) arcade machines, pinballs and (retro) consoles made it worthwhile. The staff are involved and passionate about their arcade, so it's safe to assume that this specific machine will remain operational and preserved in a good state.
• Gameplay wise: it's perfectly fine for parents and children that wants to play only once or twice. A decent experience for F-Zero fans, arguably great when the accelerator is fixed. Beating the hard tracks is unlikely because of the latter issue, so keep this in mind.