If you’re old enough to remember playing games at the local video arcade, then you know there’s nothing like crowding around a machine and pounding those buttons with all your might. You probably spent your childhood dreaming of having one of those arcade game machines in your home, and now that you’re an adult, you can make it a reality.
Though everyone has a favorite title from their youth, the Arcade1Up Street Fighter 2 Classic 3-in-1 is an excellent choice because it offers full-size competitive fun with three games, two sets of controls and bright decals. Whether you want a big cabinet with thousands of games or a mini version of a single title, there are several great options for nostalgic classic game fanatics.
What to know before you buy an arcade game machine
What games does it have?
If you’re going to be spending several hundred dollars on an arcade cabinet for your home, then it needs to be a game you’ll want to keep playing once the novelty has worn off. While there are versions with only a single game, the best machines offer several. Some have a few titles from the same series, while others have dozens or hundreds of games. Beyond video games, there are also basketball arcade games designed for the home.
Size and style
While the notion of an arcade game machine might bring to mind the towering cabinets from your youth, not everyone has that much space. There are full-size upright machines, but also smaller units, as well as some that connect to a TV. There are also cocktail versions and even miniature options, so you don’t have to sacrifice an entire corner of a room to play your favorite game.
Is this for personal or commercial use?
Old-fashioned games were all coin-operated. Anyone with one in the home would have to repeatedly put in quarters or utilize a button on the system to add credits. These days, though, there are many machines geared toward home use that aren’t coin-operated. If you’re hoping to employ this machine for a business and make money off it, they won’t be helpful.
Arcade game machine features
Controls
Each machine should have joysticks and buttons to suit the games that come with it. However, the number of controls may vary. Some games are built for only one player, while others are built for two or four players. If you plan to have fun with friends, a one-player machine may be a bit of a let-down.
Assembly
Depending on the size and style of the machine, you may have to perform some assembly to get it up and running. Pay attention to customer reviews and keep an eye out for machines that require no setup. If you don’t want to deal with putting something together, a smaller version could save you a lot of hassle.
Screen size
Having a home arcade machine will not impress anyone if you have to squint to see the action on screen. Since you’ll be standing or sitting right in front of it, the screen doesn’t have to be huge, but some games have screens that are only a few inches, and in those cases, you may be better off with a version that plugs into your TV.
Accessories
If you’re getting a cocktail version or don’t care to stand while you play, make sure the machine comes with stools or that you purchase some separately so you’ll have a place to sit. And if this is a tabletop game, a protective mat might be smart to keep it from scratching your table.
Arcade game machine cost
Depending on the size and number of games, prices vary widely here. On average, a full-size version will cost at least several hundred dollars, ranging to several thousand. Cocktail versions can cost twice as much, but it all comes down to what games you want. If you’re dying to play Mortal Kombat in your home, then you don’t have a ton of choice when it comes to style, but you’ll probably be willing to pay more to get the game you want instead of paying less for a game you don’t care about.
Arcade game machine FAQ
Do these machines feature original game boards or emulators?
A. For some people, having a game that’s almost indistinguishable from the original is not good enough. Websites that log world records often forbid the use of emulators, which is why original game boards are highly sought-after and can fetch a high price. Most home machines, especially those with multiple games, use emulators. To get an original board, you’ll have to find one, and for most casual users it won’t be worth the trouble.
Do arcade game machines consume a lot of power?
A. One nice thing about many of these machines is you can plug them into a normal AC outlet, meaning you won’t need professional installation and don’t need to worry about the power source. While games in commercial situations are kept on all the time, you don’t have to do that with a home version. You can turn a cabinet with multiple games on and off. They often require you to do so to change games, but this also means you’ll only be consuming power when you use it. Quality machines will keep your high scores even if you unplug them.
Which arcade game machine should I get?
Best of the best arcade game machine
Arcade1Up Street Fighter 2 Classic 3-in-1: available at Amazon
Our take: Because there were so many versions of this classic, you might not remember which one has your favorite characters and moves. This cabinet allows you to play Super Street Fighter II: The New Challengers, Street Fighter II Turbo and Champion Edition all in one.
What we like: Volume is adjustable. Eight-direction joysticks and labeled punch and kick buttons. Can play with one or two players. Coinless operation.
What we dislike: The machine itself is only 4 feet tall. It gains extra height by sitting on top of a riser that may irk superfans who’d rather pay more for a real classic cabinet if they’re able to track one down.
Best bang for your buck arcade game machine
Doc and Pies Classic Tabletop: available at Amazon
Our take: Doc and Pies offers several arcade machines, including a cocktail version with comparable games to this more expensive machine. While pricey, this tabletop version offers 412 games like Pac-Man, Arkanoid and Blades of Steel, so the price-per-game is incredibly low.
What we like: Wide selection of games to keep you from getting bored with it. Big 19-inch screen. The cabinet is available in other game styles. Comes with a 7-year warranty.
What we dislike: It only has buttons for one player at a time, and some of the 412 games are obscure.
Honorable mention arcade machine
NBA Jam Special Edition: available at Amazon, Kohl’s and Home Depot
Our take: The original NBA Jam allows for four-player fun, but when you’re by yourself, it can get boring to face the computer all the time, which is why this version can connect via Wi-Fi for online multiplayer.
What we like: Cabinet lights up and has four sets of controls. Comes with a stool. Has three games, including NBA Hangtime. A strap keeps it from tipping over.
What we dislike: Wider than most machines, so it does take up a lot of space.
Gregg Parker is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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