Arcade Machines – Game and Entertain

If you're looking into getting an arcade machine, or even building out your arcade room, then you need to know about all the different types of arcade games on the market. In this article, I'll take you through all the different types of arcade games and cabinets, including their pros/ cons, size and price so you can choose the best option for you. Types of Arcade Game Machines: Single Game CabinetsMulti-Game CabinetsPinball MachinesDriving GamesShooter GamesDancing GamesSports GamesArcade Coffee Table UnitsArcade Cocktail Bar UnitsTable Top Arcade Games Single Game Cabinets Single game cabinets are one of the most popular choices for home-use, and if you're looking to play classic games. If you're looking for a retro experience and want to play games like Pac-man and Space Raiders, then this is the option to go for. You can also get modern games in these types of cabinets which are usually quite inexpensive. If you're looking for a classic cabinet, then you'll be looking at a reconditioned model in most cases which usually start at around $3000 for something like Pac-man.If you're looking for a modern single-game cabinet then the price is around $500-$600 for a new model. These can still include classic games, just not in the classic cabinet. FeatureSpecificationPrice Range$500-$5000Dimensions70 x 25 x 25″Weight165 lbsExamplesPac-man, 1UP Machines (different games) Advantages: Cheapest starting priceLightweight and small Disadvantages: Only one game includedExpensive for classic games Imagine links to Amazon Multi-Game Cabinets Multi-game arcade game cabinets are very popular for home-use but seen less in arcade games. Many multi-game cabinets have thousands of games included which means they're the perfect option for home games rooms because they offer the most compact solution to having multiple games. Cabinets with 100-200 games typically cost just over $1000, cabinets with thousands of games often cost over $2000. FeatureSpecificationPrice Range$1000-$3000+Dimensions70 x 25 x 30″Weight180 lbsExamplesAtGames Legends Ultimate 300, Cosmic Supernova 6000 Advantages: Cost-effective for multiple gamesLightweight and small Disadvantages: Most require a WiFi connectionExpensive for classic games Imagine links to Amazon Pinball Machines Pinball machines are very popular in home games rooms and arcades. They're a classic kind of arcade game that's popular with pretty much everyone. You can get classic and modern versions of pinball machines with colour schemes and designs inspired by pop culture. FeatureSpecificationPrice Range$1000-$3000+Dimensions75 x 25 x 55”Weight280 lbsExamplesStern Pinball, Arcade 1UP Pinball Advantages: Good for all agesLoads of design options Disadvantages: Relatively heavyExpensive for a single game Imagine links to Amazon Driving Arcade Games Driving games are one of my personal favourites when I go into an arcade. Two-player racing games in particular are some of the best as they add a competitive element which can be very fun! Driving games are much less popular in homes simply due to the amount of space they take up and how expensive they can get, but you can still purchase them for recreational use. FeatureSingle PlayerTwo PlayerPrice Range$3000-$5000$5000-$10000Dimensions80 x 40 x 60”80 x 75 x 70”Weight600 lbs1500 lbsExamplesCrazy Taxi, Mario Kart Arcade GP DXRaw Thrills Fast and Furious, Need for Speed Advantages: One of the most popular gamesTwo-player options Disadvantages: Very largeExpensive option Imagine links to Amazon Shooter Arcade Games Shooter games have been around for a long time and are staples in arcades, but much less common in the home due to their size and cost. You can get one person and two person versions of these games and there's a pretty big price difference depending on the model. Many are based on popular films and video games such as Jurassic Park, Terminator and Halo. Two person games can either have a single or dual screen design. Seated games tend to be significantly more expensive than standing games. FeatureSingle ScreenDual ScreenPrice Range$5000-$10000$10000+Dimensions100 x 50 x 60”100 x 75 x 60”Weight650 lbs1200 lbsExamplesSega House of the DeadNamco Time Crisis Advantages: One of the most popular gamesTwo player options Disadvantages: Very largeExpensive option Dancing Arcade Games Driving games are one of my personal favourites when I go into an arcade. Two-player racing games in particular are some of the best as they add a competitive element which can be very fun! Driving games are much less popular in homes simply due to the amount of space they take up and how expensive they can get, but you can still purchase them for recreational use. FeatureSpecificationPrice Range$4000-$8000+Dimensions90 x 80 x 100”Weight800 lbsExamplesDance Dance Revolution X, Dance Stage Fusion Advantages: Fun for all agesTwo player options Disadvantages: Very large and heavyHard to find suppliers Sports Arcade Games There are a few types of sports games that you can get in an arcade machine. Some of the most popular are basketball, boxing, soccer and bowling. These games are great for groups but are less commonly seen in home games rooms due to the amount of space they take up. They're also a bit harder to get hold of than standard classic arcade games. FeatureBasketballBoxingSoccerPrice Range$500-$6000$500-$5000$4000-$6000Dimensions100 x 90 x 40″85 x 50 x 30”70 x 55 x 30”Weight600 lbs275 lbs300 lbsExamplesStreet Fun BasketballBoxer SpiderKicker Arcade Machine Advantages: More unique gamesGood for groups Disadvantages: Large cabinet Not very readily available Imagine links to Amazon Arcade Coffee Tables Arcade coffee tables are a great way to get a dual-purpose out of the cabinet. They can include a single game or multiple games and are usually reasonably small so fit in most areas. They aren't used in arcades but they're a popular option for home games rooms and office break rooms. They can feel a little awkward to play though when you're leaning over, so are more suited to a casual quick game. FeatureSpecificationPrice Range$1000-$2000Dimensions20 x 35 x 25″Weight125 lbsExampleInvader 60 Coffee Table Arcade Machine Advantages: Dual-purposeTwo-player options Disadvantages: Not the iconic designLess comfortable to play Imagine links to Amazon Arcade Cocktail Bar Cabinets These are similar to coffee table cabinets but instead are taller and come with stools. You can get single game versions but most units have multiple games making them quite a cost effective option. In a practical sense, combining an arcade game with a cocktail table isn't the most conventional and can be a little unsociable but they're a unique idea and suit buyers who are looking for a dual-purpose. With this design, you will sometimes sacrifice some of the quality, controls and games available compared to a standard upright cabinet. FeatureSpecificationPrice Range$1000-$2500Dimensions40 x 35 x 25”Weight150 lbsExamplesStern Pinball, Arcade 1UP Pinball Advantages: Dual-purpose Two-player options Disadvantages: More awkward to play than a standard unitNot the iconic design Imagine links to Amazon Table Top Arcade Games Table top arcade cabinets are cost-effective, very portable and great for saving space. Most table top units will have multiple games, but you can also get classic single game units as well. The starting price is very low, but can get expensive if you're going for a wide range of games and better quality controls and screen. FeatureMiniDouble-Side MiniLargePrice Range$30-$50$50-$100$300-$1000Dimensions17 x 11 x 13″15 x 13 x 16″28 x 23 x 19″Weight10 lbs15 lbs45 lbsExamplesArcadePro Zodiac 3442 MiniArcadePro Proteus 3442Doc and Pies Multi Table Top Advantages: Portable and space-savingAffordable option Disadvantages: Limited gamesNot as iconic Imagine links to Amazon Check out more information on the cost, size and space needed for different types of arcade games.