Earlier on in the year, we had the news come through that Sega Amusements were bringing out a new Theater model for House of the Dead: Scarlet Dawn. The company is clearly in the mood right now to keep some of their mainstay titles from the past few years around, as we have now got another new cabinet version for a big game released from that time – Daytona Championship USA. This is getting a surprise motion edition, which will be debuting on their booth at IAAPA 2025. Also, we have got a press release that also details their other IAAPA offerings, such as Maimai DX. Let’s go away!:
Background
Before jumping straight into the cabinet, a little bit of a background recap. For anyone who may have not been around for it, back in 2017, Sega brought back their iconic ’90s stock car arcade racer with Daytona Championship USAÂ (known early on as Daytona 3). Initially this game was only available in a Deluxe cabinet, with premium features like a video screen marquee and bespoke engine model underneath the seats; a year later, they also launched a Standard edition more akin to the older racing game designs they’d done. There was additionally a super rare conversion kit that changed Sega Showdowns over to the game; I had a pair of these for a time, but had to sell them when I closed my second location.
Unlike some other racers, both of these cabinets did not use motion bases, something that was rectified in 2019 with a huge four player ‘Motion SDLX’ edition. This used a design Sega originally made for Showdown SDLX from a few years before, with pivot seats. However, that seems to have only been available in limited quantities (just a select few locations like Lucky Strike got one, and AFAIK it never went to trade shows).
Both the aforementioned SDLX and Deluxe cabinets have also been out of production for a number of years, leaving just the Standard edition available for purchase from Sega Amusements… until now. This is where this brand new motion cabinet comes in, marking the fourth design DCUSA will have had.
Daytona Championship USA Motion Edition
For the first look and impressions, this new motion cabinet gives the game a full air compressor motion base for the first time, unlike the previous Super Deluxe edition (which used the aforementioned ‘pivot’ format). Though seen below in four, it will additionally be available as this twin setup, with both options making it more accessible price-wise for operators than the SDLX as that was only purchasable as a full 4P special attraction piece. The LEDs corresponding to colors of the famous Hornet car is also a nice touch:
If certain elements of the cabinets look familiar, that would be because this is using the deluxe motion design of 3MindWave and Sega Amusements’ Apex Rebels as a base, albeit with a few changes (e.g. there being no micro LED video marquee, and a slightly smaller 49″ screen). We have also seen this be used for the rare motion edition of Bandai Namco’s Dead Heat Unleashed, which has only been promoted in China and the Middle East since appearing last year, so it’s definitely seeing a lot of action.
These should come with the New Season Edition of the game as standard, which was introduced back in 2019 and brought forth numerous tweaks to the original release’s software (video of that can be seen below). Those included improved handling and graphics to make it a better playing game. It would be nice if there was some additional new content like an extra track introduced with this cabinet, but it seems that some players didn’t get to play that update anyways, so this might feel new nonetheless.
As detailed in the press release at the end of this post, the new motion cabinets will be debuting on Sega Amusements’ booth at IAAPA 2025, which besides this will also feature their new Putt It! Par-Tee and Simon Arcade redemption pieces, as well as a number of returning titles seen at other recent trade shows, including Maimai DX, Subsoccer Arcade, and the lower-cost versions of Apex Rebels, On Target, and Hyper Cross (which is getting its new single cabinet released out West). There will of course be plenty of their cranes and merchandizers in the mix too, such as the Mini Cube Prize World system. Also worth noting is that there is a separate press release for EMEA territories which leaves out Maimai, owing to it not being available there, but oddly mentions a video puncher called Cyber Boxer.
Quick Thoughts
Overall, the original Daytona certainly had a long run in arcades, and this new motion edition is still managing to bring different things to the table than what previous Championship USA cabinets had, so it’s cool that it is having some time in the sun again on the market. I know some would probably like to see more new-new games, but development of those is only getting more expensive, and the likes of Raw Thrills have been keeping plenty of their existing titles (e.g. Halo) going with more new models too. Plus, it’s always a good thing to hear Takenobu Mitsuyoshi in even more arcades, be it via Maimai or Daytona 🙂
What do you think of the new motion edition for Daytona Championship USA?
Press Release (US)
Level Up Your IAAPA Expo Orlando 2025 Experience with SEGA Amusements International!
IAAPA Expo Orlando 2025 is almost here! Be sure to stop by SEGA Amusements’ Booth 1006 to experience the latest innovations up close. From the 18th – 21st at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, we’ll be unveiling a lineup of thrilling new releases designed to excite, inspire, and push the boundaries of the amusement industry. Make sure you come and see firsthand how SEGA Amusements is shaping the future of entertainment and discover experiences you won’t find anywhere else!
Daytona Championship USA Motion Edition makes its world debut in a striking new motion cabinet. Featuring a custom air-ride system engineered for reliability, every twist, turn, and bump delivers an adrenaline-fueled rush. Its race car cabinet, chrome accents, chequered flag header, vivid lighting, and iconic Hornet High Class livery make it a show-stopper on any arcade floor. Also on display is Apex Rebels STD, the hit racer now in a sleek, compact cabinet, bringing high-octane arcade driving to more locations, and Hypercross Motion Single Player, offering the ultimate snowmobile racing experience in a compact single player cabinet.
You will not want to miss Maimai DX, the global rhythm game sensation with over 6,000 units sold, is set to ignite the U.S. market. Its distinctive circular touchscreen, vibrant design, and intuitive interface offer a unique rhythm experience with 1,100+ songs. Online connectivity, global leaderboards, Aime card integration, and annual music updates, Maimai DX delivers endless fun, competition, and community for players worldwide. Jonathan Holm from Velocity Esports says “If you’re looking to boost your arcade’s atmosphere and attract a dedicated crowd, maimai DX from SEGA is a must-have!”
For sports fans out there, we are thrilled to expand our offering with the addition of Subsoccer Arcade to our lineup. This crowd-pleasing football game can turn any corner of your venue into a revenue hotspot. Intuitive, fun and fast-paced 90-second seated match is ideal for all ages! Also featured will be our iconic Allstars range: Ultimate Disc that challenges players to hit six lit targets, Air Hockey wows with animated lighting, and Allstars Basketball delivers immersive gameplay on a 65” screen.
These crowd-pleasing games, along with the premier launches of Putt It! Par-Tee, Simon Arcade, and Mini Cube Prize World, we are bringing the most innovative experiences designed to transform your venue and delight every player. So join SEGA Amusements at IAAPA Expo Orlando, Booth 1006, from 18–21 November, and discover experiences you won’t find anywhere else!
For more information or to order contact SEGA Amusements International at +44 (0)208 391 8090 / +1 847 364 9787; sales@segaarcade.com.
