Arcade machines have been triggering nostalgia since the early 1970s with their classic pixelated graphics and electronic sounds. Yet, over time arcade machines have transformed from simple joysticks and buttons to large flat-screen monitors and modern sound systems – all of which can provide a unique arcade experience right in your own home.
When it comes time to invest in an arcade machine for home, there are a lot of factors that you need to take into consideration. From styles and upgrades all the way down as cost per play (if you are a business), your options may seem daunting at first! Luckily we’ve laid out everything for buying one, so get shopping today with this guide on how to find great deals when investing in arcades using our guides below:
Table of Contents
Price & Budget
Of course, this is one of the most important factors when buying arcade machines. This will determine what kind of machine you can get and how much fun it’ll be. Before you start shopping for arcade machines check out a few arcade forums to see what other arcade lovers are building or buying. You’ll want to have an idea of your budget before going into stores so that you don’t get sold something you can’t get. A good arcade machine will cost you between £800 – £1,000 with a customised machine coming in higher.
Style
You need to think about what arcade machine best fits your needs and preferences. For example, arcade machines vary in sizes and styles: arcade cabinets, bar tops, cocktail arcade machines, or home arcades. All of these arcade types come in different shapes and styles which all affect the price; so make sure to check out arcade forums for opinions on what arcade machine type is right for you before purchasing one. Also, note that arcades come in a variety of colors – not just black! At Arcade Mania we also offer custom graphics.
Arcade Cabinets & Cabinetry
Most arcade machines are designed to mimic arcade cabinets that were built in the 1970s, but there are other arcade cabinet types for arcade machines. For example, some arcade cabinets have both sides open so you can easily pick up and move arcade controls, monitors, and other arcade parts around. Other arcade cabinets might only be one-sided enclosures with arcade controls on the front panel of the machine or facing towards a user instead of outward. It all depends on what kind of experience you want from your arcade machines.
Some arcade cabinets are designed to look like arcade machines that were built in the 1970s, but arcade machines can also be made to mimic arcade cabinets from other decades. An arcade machine with an 80’s arcade cabinet style will have two side panels for arcade controls and a rectangular monitor. There are 70’s arcade cabinet styles, including miniature cars, school desks, or even mini basements. If you’re into nostalgic decor you might want to get arcade cabinets that resemble arcade cabinets that came out when you were young.
Arcade Machine Controls
If you plan on buying arcade machines, keep in mind that some controls are easier to use than others. It’s also nice if the arcade controls have their own sound effects so you don’t have to hook up external speakers. Some arcade controls include generic joysticks and buttons, while others come with trackballs or spinners. There are arcade controllers that look like classic eight-bit Nintendo gamepads too. The best solution is to buy an all-in-one arcade control panel that has everything you need including joystick handles, large arcade buttons, trackball, option switches, coin slots, start buttons, etc…
Arcade Monitor Size & Engines
Arcade monitors range in size from 15 inches to 27 inches, but most arcade machines use 21-inch arcade monitors. Before buying arcade machines make sure the arcade monitor is a good size for you and that it’s a good fit for your gaming space. It’s also nice if you can get arcade monitors with built-in speakers so you don’t have to hook up external speakers. There are other arcade engines for arcade cabinets too, which can provide arcade experiences that look and feel like arcade-perfect emulations. Arcade machines with arcade engines will just have arcade controls built into the machine, but they can still be hooked up to external speakers for arcade-perfect sound.
Upgrade & Add-ons
Upgrades can be a great way to really personalize your arcade machine by adding a new flair to it that matches your personality or playing style. However, arcade machines can be a bit pricey, so taking your time before investing in arcade upgrades is a must. Keep an eye out for arcade forums and blogs that offer arcade building tips or ideas on arcade add-ons. The more you know what you want the better equipped you’ll be when purchasing arcade machines.
In conclusion, arcade machines are a great way to add fun and excitement to your home. With arcade cabinets that can be customized for any decade or arcade machine controls that provide different types of experiences, you’ll have plenty of options when looking for arcade machines. If you’re interested in buying an arcade machine for your home but don’t know where to start because there are so many things to consider, this blog post should help give you the information needed to make a decision about whether or not arcade machines will work well in your space. We hope we’ve been able to answer all questions related to getting started on building an awesome arcade cabinet at home!
Conclusion
Arcade machines are a great way to add fun and excitement to your home. With arcade cabinets that can be customized for any decade or arcade machine controls that provide different types of experiences, you’ll have plenty of options when looking for arcade machines. If you’re interested in buying an arcade machine for your home but don’t know where to start because there are so many things to consider, this blog post should help give you the information needed to make a decision about whether or not arcade machines will work well in your space. We hope we’ve been able to answer all questions related to getting started on buying an awesome arcade cabinet for your home!