New Merit MegaTouch Rx by Ion Arcade Game

The Rx also builds on Merit’s development of hi-res (or high-definition) game support, dating back to Luxor in 2006 and continues Merit’s move to widescreen started with the Aurora WS. The media sidebar takes advantage of the extra screen size with much improved operator-ad capabilities, plus the Rx features fully-integrated credit card support to woo younger players. On the business side, the Rx optionally offers a subscription model for broadband-connected machines. Operators pay only a small monthly fee, which amounts to less than buying software kits, and always receive the latest software while never paying for or installing another kit.

Inspired by a request from the late Bob Anderson of San Diego-based Aztec Vending, Merit designed the low-profile Megatouch Rx to seamlessly integrate into the day-to-day operations of just about any location. Bartenders can now have unimpeded back and forth with customers and even serve drinks directly over the unit. The lower angle of the Rx’s 19” widescreen monitor keeps it out of the bartender’s eye line and is at an optimum height for player comfort.

By design, the Megatouch Rx is the most easily serviced counter-top on the market. Its flip-open top makes all components instantly accessible, gives operators room to maneuver, and also features interior lighting to make collections and service checks a snap when working in even the darkest bar. Every major component can be accessed with one tool and the time it takes to swap these components has dramatically improved. “The Megatouch Rx is a great product for a number of reasons,” said Tom Green of Blackhawk Amusements. “Our service guys love it because it’s easy to access, my Tournamaxx players love it because it looks cool, and bar owners love it because it doesn’t block sightlines to their customers.”

The weather-resistant design of the Megatouch Rx opens up even more locations for operators as smoking bans become more prevalent across the country, driving the need for outdoor entertainment options. The rugged cabinet allows the unit to be placed in protected settings, such as smoking areas, typical outdoor bars and patio areas. Enhanced security features give operators peace of mind that a unit placed outside won’t go missing.

“Opening up new locations for our operators was a major priority when designing the Rx,” said Colin Higbie, Merit’s Director of Marketing & New Business Development. “With outdoor bars springing up all over the place in the wake of smoking bans, we saw an opportunity to help operators take advantage of this change. The Rx gives them the flexibility to place units outside today, or place them inside now and relocate them to outdoor bars as they open in the future.”

The Rx also leverages the light show technology developed for the Aurora, but in a more subtle, location-friendly way. With the goal of opening up new locations for operators, Merit used the results of thousands of location visits to find the right balance between attracting players and alienating locations. Embedded clear side panels cycle through glowing colors, attracting players from every angle, but also blend in with the décor of the vast majority of bars and restaurants. Merit received strong positive feedback from locations during the Rx Beta test, with many suggesting that it is their favorite countertop.

Meanwhile, Merit continues to build on the credit card features first revealed on the Aurora WS. Players are becoming more comfortable using credit cards instead of cash, with plastic being the preferred method of purchase for the under-35 set. Merit has taken notice of these changes and includes fully-integrated credit card capabilities on all of its newer cabinets, including the Megatouch Rx. With this feature, players are able to select blocks of credits in $5, $10, or $15 amounts, directly through the touchscreen. Any unused credits are stored in Merit’s exclusive, patent-pending Player Vault and can be used at a later time. Unlike many other systems, the operator gets paid when the credits are purchased and doesn’t have to wait until they’re played. Unused credits are free money for the operator. Through a partnership with USA Technologies, Merit is able to offer a high level of security to operators and players for credit card transactions.

Credit card support is only one of many new features available to all broadband-connected widescreen Megatouch games. With the optional Software Subscription Model on the Rx, operators can choose to pay $25 per month for access to all connected benefits, including remote diagnostics, free software downloads, and a perpetual hard drive guarantee. Better yet, the entire first year (that’s all twelve months) is free. If operators want to run tournaments, they need only pay an additional 5 cents per Tournamaxx® play.

The Megatouch Rx also features the most advanced and complete promotional tools of any touchscreen unit. The 19” widescreen monitor has an on-screen promotional media sidebar and optional top-mounting paper marquee holder that can be customized by operators. Simple to use, online tools make it easy to create professional quality ads for both the sidebar and the marquee. It’s never been easier to promote upcoming events and tournaments, increasing revenue for locations and operators.

“We’ve really been listening to the issues facing our customers,” added Higbie. “Figuring out how to solve their problems in new and creative ways has gone hand in hand with the development of the Rx. Through this collaborative process with operators, we believe that we’ve found real solutions that work for locations, for operators, and for players.”

For over 30 years, Merit has ensured long-term return on investment for operators by providing continually high-earning equipment along with regular updates and upgrades for its products.  With an installed base of over 250,000 touchscreen games garnering nearly 4.6 billion plays per year, Merit Entertainment products appear globally in a wide array of venues and appeal to an almost limitless demographic.  Merit continues to expand its position in the industry with ever-increasing entertainment, music, content, and new games.  This new rx will make you a lot of money.