The 11 Types of Arcade Game Machines and Cabinets

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 Cabinets
• Multi-Game Cabinets
• Pinball Machines
• Driving Games
• Shooter Games
• Dancing Games
• Sports Games
• Arcade Coffee Table Units
• Arcade Cocktail Bar Units
• Table 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.

Feature	Specification
Price Range	$500-$5000
Dimensions	70 x 25 x 25″
Weight	165 lbs
Examples	Pac-man, 1UP Machines (different games)

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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.

Feature	Specification
Price Range	$1000-$3000+
Dimensions	70 x 25 x 30″
Weight	180 lbs
Examples	AtGames Legends Ultimate 300, Cosmic Supernova 6000

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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.

Feature	Specification
Price Range	$1000-$3000+
Dimensions	75 x 25 x 55”
Weight	280 lbs
Examples	Stern Pinball, Arcade 1UP Pinball

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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.

Feature	Single Player	Two Player
Price Range	$3000-$5000	$5000-$10000
Dimensions	80 x 40 x 60”	80 x 75 x 70”
Weight	600 lbs	1500 lbs
Examples	Crazy Taxi, Mario Kart Arcade GP DX	Raw Thrills Fast and Furious, Need for Speed

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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.

Feature	Single Screen	Dual Screen
Price Range	$5000-$10000	$10000+
Dimensions	100 x 50 x 60”	100 x 75 x 60”
Weight	650 lbs	1200 lbs
Examples	Sega House of the Dead	Namco Time Crisis

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.

Feature	Specification
Price Range	$4000-$8000+
Dimensions	90 x 80 x 100”
Weight	800 lbs
Examples	Dance Dance Revolution X, Dance Stage Fusion

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.

Feature	Basketball	Boxing	Soccer
Price Range	$500-$6000	$500-$5000	$4000-$6000
Dimensions	100 x 90 x 40″	85 x 50 x 30”	70 x 55 x 30”
Weight	600 lbs	275 lbs	300 lbs
Examples	Street Fun Basketball	Boxer Spider	Kicker Arcade Machine

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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.

Feature	Specification
Price Range	$1000-$2000
Dimensions	20 x 35 x 25″
Weight	125 lbs
Example	Invader 60 Coffee Table Arcade Machine

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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.

Feature	Specification
Price Range	$1000-$2500
Dimensions	40 x 35 x 25”
Weight	150 lbs
Examples	Stern Pinball, Arcade 1UP Pinball

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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.

Feature	Mini	Double-Side Mini	Large
Price Range	$30-$50	$50-$100	$300-$1000
Dimensions	17 x 11 x 13″	15 x 13 x 16″	28 x 23 x 19″
Weight	10 lbs	15 lbs	45 lbs
Examples	ArcadePro Zodiac 3442 Mini	ArcadePro Proteus 3442	Doc and Pies Multi Table Top

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Check out more information on the cost, size and space needed for different types of arcade games.