SNK SCB-U4

SNK SCB-U4
Type	Sitdown
Released	1991
Dimensions	655 x 520 x 1412 mm
Wiring	MVS
Monitor	19 in
Power	100 W

SNK launched the SCB-U4 between spring and fall 1991 as its "smallest upright" cabinet (though it is really a sitdown model), 8 months after the release of the MVS system. It was intended to be an upgrade to usual dagashiya wooden frame generic models mainly for candy shops, with the benefit of incorporating an MVS 4-cart system (NEO-MVH MV4), but also meant as a compact cab for hotels, inns, toy stores, commercial venues and so on as explained in various adverts (see below in gallery).

The control panel featured right in the middle the miniature counter display, counter formerly located on MV19SC-0 (see further notable differences below) next to the Game Select button, all between Player 1 & Player 2 start buttons, on a mini panel above the main panel.

SCBU4 has 2 Stereo speakers, visible behind their respective grille, located each left and right of the game selection mini panel, they face thus the player(s). This contrasts to the old school mini upright option of a mono speaker placed way below on the front service door with or without vents in the wooden door, or on the bottom of the control panel enclosure itself as in some cocktail cabs or even early metal candy cabs such as Candy 18 (latter has stereo though).

It is SNK's second MVS cab to adopt the mini-upright all wood dagashiya "SC" type, shortly after the MV19SC-0. SCB-U4 did not propose any form of optional "sun visor" (small shader hood) as available on MV19SC-0. Unlike the latter, the SCB-U4 omitted the Memory Card slot on the front of the cabinet.

SNK released for demo & even advertised a prototype version of SCB-U4 circa first half of 1991 (see april 1991 ad below) where the top part differs radically from the final version. The proto has the cabinet stop flush where the plexi topper's base (topper in the style of MV25UP-O or Candy 18) is affixed whereas the final SCB-U4 has its wooden side panels extend upwards in such a way that they form a header where the 4x MVS game insert marquees are displayed, header being integral with the cabinet's structure. Thus the final form is 3cm deeper than the prototype and evidently taller than the proto's main body without its topper as well for the reasons mentioned above, though said topper plexi adds a quasi imperceptible extra 3mm. Width of proto and final release remain the same.

Ad states the prototype has a 18" monitor.

• Prototype SCB-U4 circa Spring of '91: 62.5cm (depth) x 52cm (width) x 141.5cm (height, including topper panel)

• SCB-U4 released officially: 65.5cm (depth) x 52cm (width) x 141.2cm (height)

Details worth noting:

• Prototype could have made it to early version, albeit a very short lived one, but this needs confirmation. Journals don't mention anything about any revision yet, usually a big brand such as SNK would have made a point advertising a "New version" for successful cabs especially so close to the MVS system's beginnings.

• SNK SCB-U4 cabinet's general design (moreso the prototype) is strikingly similar to SEGA / Coreland Soft Desk 10 & Soft Desk 10 MkIII (1985) cabinets.

• The overseas/USA exclusive "woodgrain" SNK MVS-2-19 is directly inspired in its design by the Japan exclusive SCB-U4.

• A simpler, more "dagashiya mini-upright cabinet" oriented cabinet named "Liberty cabinet", inspired by SCB-U4 was advertised late 1991 jointly by SNK & manufacturer TOWA of Japan, produced by the latter. It featured an 18" monitor, only a 1-slot MVS system, it was 172mm smaller than the SCB-U4, slightly less narrow and deep also.

• SNK claimed at the time in promo material that the SCB-U4 was the "smallest MVS cabinet in the series" though the SNK/TOWA Liberty would appear as reduced SCB-U4; a couple months later the hooded SC14-2 would be also reveal be more compact than the SCB-U4.

• Ads would mention "SC" (shopping center) venues as preferred location for SCB-U4 although the cab is not of the SNK "SC" series later in 1992. It is not known what "B" is SCB-U4 means for the moment.

Gallery

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  Flyer for final version
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  april 1991 advert for prototype/1st version (short lived)
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  side by side proto VS final (only relevant part)
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  USA version SNK MVS-2-19 (left) vs Japan exclusive SNK SCB-U4 prototype (middle) vs SEGA Coreland Soft Desk 10 MkIII (right)
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  "Neo Geo exhibition" at Taito Headquarters, 16 July '91 (bottom right: SCB-U4 cabs)
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