Welcome to the first entry in my new monthly series "Arcade Block Unboxing". For those of you not familiar with Arcade Block, it is one of the "Blocks" offered at NerdBlock.com. It is a monthly subscription service in which the company selects random video game themed items and puts them into a cool, NES themed box and ships it to your doorstep. NerdBlock offers a few different themed "Blocks" to choose from, such as NerdBlock Classic, Horror Block and of course Arcade Block, each of which cost $19.99 a month. They also offer a couple Junior themed "Blocks" for the kids at a smaller price. There is no minimum subscription length, so you can try it out for a month and decide if it is for you or not. I have had my Arcade Block subscription for 3 months now, and I have been pretty happy with what I have received.

Now let's get to this month's Arcade Block! I wanted to do a video unboxing for this month, but I was unable to. For this month I have to post pictures, but next month I will start with video unboxings.

The first item in the box is a Super Smash Bros. T-Shirt. The only thing you are guaranteed to get every month with any of the higher priced "Blocks" is a T-shirt. When you sign up for the subscription, you select what size shirt you would like so you will always receive the correct size. I really like the design on this month's shirt and will definitely keep and wear it.

The next item in the box is a package of Sonic the Hedgehog fridge magnets. There are quite a few magnets in the package and I'm sure my kids will have fun creating different "levels" on the fridge.

Next, we have a "Touch Control Joystick for Touch Screens" by Asobu. The package says it works with all touchscreen devices, including tablets and smartphones. I have not had the chance to test it out yet, but based on what the package shows, it appears the joystick attaches to touchscreens with a sort of suction-cup type bottom. You can attach it anywhere that a game or application uses a virtual d-pad or stick and it will input just as if you were using your fingers. I am looking forward to testing this out and may post a review of it once I get some time with it.

The next item is a Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass collectible figurine. I have seen these egg shaped mystery containers at places like GameStop and Walmart before. My container had Goronbeck and Son. Since Legend of Zelda is one of my favorite series of all time, this will go pretty nicely with the rest of my collection.

Next, we have a Halo lanyard with an ID badge holder and charm. Not really sure what I will use this for, but I'm sure I will find something for it someday.

And last, but not least, we have a Portal 2 themed scarf with "Aperture Laboratories" on it. One side is white with black text, the other side is reversed, black with white text. It is a pretty nice scarf. I don't wear scarves, but this would even look nice hung up like a banner or something in my game room. I'm sure I will find some use for this as well.

Well, that is a quick "unboxing" and review of the January 2015 Arcade Block. As said before, next month I will be changing this series to a video instead of writing and pictures.

Have any thoughts, suggestions, questions? Feel free to comment!

Arcade Block Unboxing - December 2014