Last Updated on by William J. Lopez
Want to bring the authentic arcade experience to your home or business? Look no further than the best arcade machines available in 2023. Our selection of top-quality multi-game arcade machines offers the ultimate gaming experience with various classic and modern games.
Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just looking to relive your childhood favourites, arcade cabinets have everything you need to play like a pro. With durable construction and high-quality components, you can trust that arcade machines will stand up to years of use.
For some, living those days can only be done in their memories. But that’s changing. For the past few years, there has been a rise in the popularity of fighting games. Now you can buy your own best arcade cabinets for your home.
- Material: Wood
- Number of Players: 2
- Colour: Street Fighter
With a cheaper price tag and miniaturized design, this Arcade1UP is the best-selling home arcade machine. It also comes with a coinless mode of operation. For more comfort, an arcade stool and a riser are also provided.
Top 9 Best Arcade Cabinets & Machines for Home in 2023
As these arcade games are rising in popularity, so are the arcade cabinet machine games. There are plenty of arcade cabinet machine games that have made their marks. Selecting the coolest arcade cabinet is much easier since you have only one or two options but 9 to choose from!
Read along with this guide to quickly decide which types of arcade cabinets are missing from your gaming life.
I have researched the latest and most popular arcade machines, which are the best in every aspect in 2023.
1. Creative Arcades Full-Size Commercial Grade Cocktail Arcade Table
It is a full-sized cocktail arcade gaming machine made by Creative Arcades. It is a fantastic choice with a reliable and long-lasting design, two-player games, and many games.
This cocktail arcade table has a different design than the traditional cabinet machines. There are three panels, one central and two on the sides.
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Creative Arcades |
Design | Cocktail Arcade Table |
Number of Players | Two-player games |
Number of Games | 1162 classic games |
Controls | SANWA joysticks and buttons |
Screen | Tiltable |
Game System | Jamma-based games |
Extras | Two leather stools, Trackball for certain games |
Warranty | 3 years |
As expected, the best arcade games for the home have used SANWA joysticks and buttons, the highest quality available. Good arcade games go the extra mile by providing two leather stools for you.
This machine is our most loved product. We had this and played a lot with friends and team members. After complete analysis, it was one of the best in quality.
The Creative Arcades cocktail arcade table makes use of Jamma-based games. It may not be of any importance to some people.
However, it allows for more tinkering for those who know what they want. With another Jamma board, you can do a little bit of tinkering.
Since this arcade machine is not cheap, it has ensured that it is not just a cheap knockoff but has been constructed with special care and top-quality products to make it worth every penny you spend.
- Adjustable screen
- Comes with stools
- Premium SANWA buttons and joysticks
- Jamma-based games
- The operating manual isn’t that user-friendly
2. 4 Player Upright Arcade Machine – Best Arcade Cabinets
Who doesn’t love variety in their arcade machine? This four-player Upright Arcade Machine is an arcade cabinet that provides variety in the game library and customization.
With a 32″ screen, four-player controls, and much more, the second pick for this list is an excellent choice for just about everyone.
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Prime Arcades |
Design | Upright Arcade Machine |
Number of Players | Four-player controls |
Number of Games | 3016 classic upright arcade games |
Controls | Console Joystick |
Screen | 32″ |
Game Titles | Street Fighter, Sunset Riders, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, etc. |
Extras | Amplifier and volume control, Adult Mode in settings |
Artwork | Custom design on two sides, bezel, centre, and marque |
Warranty | 5 years extended |
Support | Lifetime support from Prime Arcades |
To those devoted players for whom the beauty of their arcade machine matters the most, Prime Arcades custom designs this machine, including artwork on two sides, bezel, centre, and marque.
This arcade machine is designed with surreal artwork that can add beautiful colours to home interiors and a fancy look to your entertainment rooms.
Prime Arcades are dedicated to its products and customer satisfaction. The Upright Arcade Machine has 3016 classic upright arcade games from the ’80s and ’90s arcade machines.
Therefore, it is an ideal product to gift someone for their best home arcades or offices.
- It comes with 3016 games
- Four players can play at the same time
- 5-year long warranty
- Built-in volume control and amplifier
- Many duplicate games are in the library
3. Arcade1Up Street Fighter Classic 3-in-1 – Best Home Arcade Machine
Only a handful of quarters and fighting video game enthusiasts were standing in line to play street fighter arcade machine games when it all started.
Arcade1Up brings that back with these 3 in 1 affordable home arcade machines. Not only that, but it has also been readjusted to take up less space than traditional arcade machines.
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Arcade1Up |
Design | Classic Cabinet Design |
Number of Players | Two-player controls |
Number of Games | 3 Street Fighter games |
Controls | Two-button/Joystick operation |
Screen | 17″ real arcade screen |
Game Titles | Street Fighter series |
Extras | Adjustable volumes, on-screen game selection menus, arcade stool and Riser |
Artwork | Retro, vintage style |
Size | 3/4th shorter than traditional arcade machines |
Weight | Approximately 58 lbs |
Power | AC outlet, plug-and-play |
Operation | Coinless operation |
Assembly | Fast and effortless |
This arcade machine is relatively lighter than the others. The size makes it about 3/4th shorter. Bringing back the old controls, high-quality joysticks, and arcade buttons promises longevity.
Additional add-ons, such as an arcade stool and a riser for ultimate comfort, make it much more comfortable for long stretches of gaming.
This best Arcade 1Up machine provides adjusting volumes and on-screen game selection menus, giving accurate arcade control feel to its player.
With many high-resolution screen displays, this gaming arcade machine has many choices open to its players.
- Cheaper price tag
- Miniaturized design
- Coinless mode of operation
- Only Street Fighter 2 games
- Arcade Buttons and joysticks are not SANWA grade
4. Full-sized Commercial Grade Cabinet – Best Arcade Console
This arcade machine is made for nostalgia and craving retro 90s vibes. This type of Arcade Machine Cabinet is most suitable for home settings of arcades and gaming centres.
Where a player has the relaxation of being at home and the thrill of enjoying their favourite classic arcade games.
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Creative Arcades |
Design | Cabinet Arcade Machine |
Number of Players | Two-player controls |
Number of Games | 3500 retro games |
Controls | 2 SANWA joysticks and one trackball |
Screen | LED monitors (26-inch and 32-inch) |
Game Titles | Retro-styled games |
Extras | Two stools, colour-changing Trackball |
Artwork | Retro, vintage style |
Size | Large, requires dedicated space |
Frame | Wooden frame and tempered glass |
Warranty | 3 years |
Power | Plug-and-play |
You can hook this up and play with your friends, returning the old sense of wonder as two people enjoy gaming together.
This home Arcade Gaming Machine Cabinet provides two stools convenient for not just one but two players. All of these essential features make this arcade cabinet one of the best.
Another area that makes these machines one of the best home arcade games is the plug-play arcade machine.
The gaming community doesn’t need to go through any pains of setting up complicated instructions or manuals and plugging in the machine to enjoy this arcade-type cabinet and get the system started.
Its joysticks are high-quality SANWA, and its colour-changing Trackball does seem to capture a lot of interest from young gamers, who are always thrilled to welcome new designs. It gives the classic arcade cabinets a more classy look.
Those who love classic and original arcade games and still yearn for the touch of their past and therefore make sure you do not miss out on this vintage classic arcade cabinet machine.
- 3500 game library
- High-grade SANWA buttons and joystick
- Plug-and-play functionality
- 3-year warranty
- You cannot save high scores.
5. Arcade 1Up Street Fighter II Champion Edition – Coolest Arcade Machine
This street fighter II arcade machine is a champion edition with 12 games.
Therefore, it has been one of the best sellers in the arcade gaming world, being a pretty recent addition to the arcade game machines.
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Arcade1Up |
Design | Cabinet Arcade Machine |
Number of Players | 2 Players |
Number of Games | 12 games, including Street Fighter II – Champion Edition and Super Street Fighter Turbo |
Controls | Small microswitch joystick and action buttons |
Screen | Flat LCD screen placed horizontally |
Game Titles | Street Fighter II – Champion Edition, Super Street Fighter Turbo |
Extras | Illuminated marquee, amplified stereo audio, built-in rechargeable battery, separate compartment for Fight Stick |
Artwork | Authentic arcade machine design |
Size | 12 inches tall |
Power | Built-in rechargeable battery allows up to 2 hours of unplugged playtime |
Skill Settings | Adjustable |
Arcade1up is also our favourite brand for arcade games. Arcade 1Up officially licenses the Streetfighter two arcade machine. It plays the original Street Fighter 2 – Champion Edition and Super Street Fighter Turbo arcade games.
Modern arcade game lovers will love its built-in rechargeable battery that allows unplugged playtime for up to 2 hours.
Feature-wise, it is pretty handy with a separate compartment with a window and a transparent door to place your Fight Stick, making its appearance very appealing.
This arcade cabinet lets you set your skill settings, making the game set according to your values and instructions, allowing users to feel better controlled.
- Room for collectables
- Other controllers can be hooked up
- A rechargeable battery allows unplugged playtime
- It comes with a riser
- Two-player controls are not on the arcade machine
- Keys can sometimes feel sticky
- It doesn’t have a stool
6. Prime Arcades – Best Cocktail Arcade Machine
This arcade gaming is a full-size cocktail machine. With absolutely zero assemblies required, you can dive right in and play the arcade classics such as Pac-Man and Centipede.
With thick tempered glass and a library of 412 games, this machine also packs quite a punch.
Specification | Description |
---|---|
Type | Full-size cocktail arcade game machine |
Assembly | No assembly required |
Game Library | 412 games, including classics like Pac-Man and Centipede |
Screen | 19″ LED monitor under tempered glass |
Controls | Side controls support two players |
Extras | Includes two stools |
Build Quality | Durable with non-sticking buttons |
Game Loading Speed | Fast |
Lighting | Blue lighting around the screen |
Coin Operation | It can be set up to accept coins or be free |
Placement | Versatile, it can be placed against a wall or used as a centrepiece |
Customer Service | Fast responses from Prime Arcades |
Retro Gaming | Yes, it offers games from the 80s and 90s |
Stools Included | Yes |
Coin Operation | Optional |
Lighting | Blue LED |
Customer Support | Highly responsive |
These best arcade cabinets have tempered glass on top with a 19″ LED monitor underneath.
The controls are on the sides, following the best cocktail arcade table design. It does support two players.
The fast loading of games allows gamers to choose their preferred skills quickly. You can have it set up to accept coins or be free. And as stated earlier, this machine has a library of 412 games.
Vintage arcade games are making a significant comeback. Drawing from our experience, this Prime Arcades cocktail arcade game table offers a superior retro gaming experience.
With such high reviews and praise about this machine, it is one of the best cocktail arcade tables.
- Fast loading screens
- Excellent customer service is promised
- No trackball
- The price is quite high
- No volume controls
7. Arcade1Up Frogger – Best Multi-Game Arcade Machine
It is a classic arcade cabinet dimension. Being a coinless arcade machine that supports 1-2 players, it comes equipped with a Frogger, time pilot, and time pilot.
The Arcade1Up Frogger Home Arcade Machine lets you have three arcade classics in your home in one standalone arcade cabinet.
Specification | Description |
---|---|
Type | Classic arcade cabinet |
Players | Supports 1-2 players |
Game Library | Equipped with Frogger, Time Pilot, and Time Pilot ’84 |
Manufacturer | Arcade1Up |
Marquee | Illuminated full-colour logo for the game |
Cabinet Colors | Available in multiple colours |
Speaker Position | Moved to the top board for better sound delivery |
Controls | Thick flight yoke, somewhat smaller and completely plastic |
Screen | Fresh, beautiful LCDs that consume less power |
Volume Settings | Adjustable |
Multiplayer Controls | Yes, it supports multiple players |
Scale | ¾-scale recreation |
Customer Feedback | Applauded for recreating childhood memories, considered worth every penny |
Arcade1Up outdid itself with the Frogger cabinet. The marquee over the screen presently illuminates a full-coloured logo for the game.
This Arcade1Up arcade cabinet comes in many colours, which you can enjoy. The speakers have been moved to the top board, which delivers a much better sound.
The thick flight yoke of the first Star Wars arcade game has reproduced a somewhat smaller and completely plastic. LCDs are fresh, beautiful, and consume considerably less power than others.
Arcade1Up has been applauded for recreating many childhood memories by creating this ¾-scale recreation. It is a must for any good gamer, and players find it worth every penny.
- Well-designed artwork gives it a great look
- Tall and easily manageable
- It comes with Riser
- Keys can feel sticky at times
- Some advertised artworks are not available
- It needs to be assembled
8. Ms Pac-Man/Galaga Class of 1981 Arcade Gaming Cabinet
This arcade cabinet is made for games at home and produced by Namco in 2000. It is the reproduction of the 1983 home edition.
Giving the exact feeling of an arcade, this gaming cabinet takes you back to your youth when these games were at their highest peak amongst youngsters.
Specification | Description |
---|---|
Type | Full-sized arcade cabinet |
Manufacturer | Namco |
Year of Production | 2000 |
Reproduction | Yes, of the 1983 home edition |
Controls | Real arcade controls |
Artwork | Reproduced from the original classic arcade games, double-sided with Ms Pac-man on the left and Galaga on the right |
Cabinet Types | Standard, upright, and cocktail types |
Games | Combines Ms Pacman and Galaga with a few bonus games |
Target Audience | Friends and family who enjoy arcade gaming evenings and game challenges |
Nostalgia Factor | Designed to bring back memories of countless hours in arcade malls |
It has a full-sized arcade cabinet with real arcade controls and artwork reproduced from the original classic arcade games.
Arcade Cabinets range from standard and upright to cocktail types, with the artwork being split into two sides. Ms Pac-man on the left and Galaga on the right make it a double-sided retro art.
Arcade cabinets range from standard and upright to cocktail types, split the artwork into two sides. Ms Pac-man on the left and the Galaga arcade machine on the right make it a double-sided retro art.
- Four hidden games
- Designed exactly like the original
- A little expensive for the games it offers
- The sound is quite loud
- The fire button can sometimes stick and not correctly work
9. Doc and Pies Arcade Factory Classic Galaga – Best Tabletop Arcade Machine
This classic arcade machine takes you on the back by the Doc and Pies Arcade Factory.
It is a tabletop machine with 60 old-school games in its library. With a good solid back and concrete design, this arcade machine is specially constructed to be placed on tabletops or bar tops saving a lot of space underneath.
Therefore it can be easily placed in house gaming arcades or entertainment places, requiring less space to be taken up.
Specification | Description |
---|---|
Type | Tabletop arcade machine |
Manufacturer | Doc and Pies Arcade Factory |
Game Library | 60 old-school games |
Design | Solid back and concrete design, suitable for tabletops or bar tops |
Screen | 19″ |
Sound and Graphics | Built-in sound options and graphics |
Weight | 50 pounds |
Controls | Full-size buttons and a joystick |
Warranty | Two-year warranty with lifetime customer support |
Instruction Manual | Easy and accessible gaming instruction manual guide |
Notable Games | Pacman, Ms Pacman, Space Invaders, Froggers, Galaga, and many more |
Nostalgia Factor | Designed to blast the past vibe |
Age Suitability | Enjoyable for all ages |
Weighing 50 pounds only, users of this arcade machine enjoy the blast from the past vibe they get after playing the 80’s arcade video games on this arcade machine.
This arcade machine carries full-size buttons and a joystick with a two-year warranty. Along with that long warranty period, the Doc and Pies Arcade Factory also promise lifetime customer support for this machine.
There are several retro games gamers of the ’80s will enjoy in this home-based arcade machine, such as Pacman, Ms Pacman, Space Invaders, Froggers, Galaga, and many more.
- Lifetime support
- Provides additional gadget support as well as volume control
- Joystick gets unscrewed while gaming
- The arcade buttons are not as clicky as they should be
- Few titles in the game library are repeated
Your Awesome 2023 Buying Guide for Arcade Machines & Tabletops
Step into the incredible world of classic arcade games that’ll whisk you back to worry-free times! We get it – finding the perfect arcade tabletop & machines can be a bit challenging.
No need to fret! We’ve got your back with a handpicked list of the absolute best arcade cabinets & tabletops, complete with all the cool features, games, and pros and cons.
Based on our experience, we present a few pointers that will make your research easy and help you finalize a choice.
Let’s ensure you have a blast and bring back those cherished childhood memories. Consider these essential factors when making your final purchase for yourself, your family, friends, or kids, and you’ll be all set for hours of fun!
Gaming Options/ Number of Games
The more games a tabletop has, the more expensive it is. Usually, the famous classic games don’t come with other games, but there are a lot of choices of arcade tabletop that come with a combination of games.
The number of games in the arcade tabletop varies from 2 to 1000+. However, a multiple-game arcade machine will be ideal in a gaming room, house parties, clubs, lounges, etc. Go for it if you never get bored playing your childhood game. But it does not mean that others won’t.
Knowing which games the machine offers is still advisable, so you won’t end up with an unfamiliar game collection or a big bummer of not having your favourite ones.
Dimensions & Weight of The Arcade TableTop
We are talking about weight and dimension because you need to move and place the arcade table around your house or office, going through doorways and stuff.
If it’s too big and heavy, then space could be another question for you to think about. Usually, arcade table tops weigh around 200 to 300 Pounds. However, the weight and dimensions increase as the arcade machine gets bigger.
Screen Playing Size & Graphics
As the number of games available in the arcade cabinet varies, so do the screenplay and graphics quality.
The screenplay gets larger as the size of the arcade machine goes up. It is a vice-versa scenario. So remember the person you buy it from, and you will have your answer.
Warranty & Tech Support
It is important, especially in those arcade cabinets, which are pretty expensive. So make sure the one you are getting has some warranty or tech support to be on the safe side.
We recommend looking at those arcade cabinets with at least 4 to 5 years of warranty.
Go Through Customer Reviews
By reading other buyers’ reviews, you will know the tiniest detail not mentioned in the product’s description.
Not only that, but you can find some cool hacks or ideas for yourself.
Is It Coin Operated?
Some table tops come with coin-operated options to let you relive the arcade days fully.
You can excite things by customizing your coins but don’t worry. All arcade tabletops have a free play option that you can set.
Saves High Score or Not
Believe it or not, this could be a displeasing factor for many die-hard arcade fans because we loved to challenge our siblings and friends to break the highest score and even bet on it.
But if it is something you can buy, that’s great, but having it in the machine gives you or your family and friends another level of excitement and thrill.
Design Of the Arcade Table Top
Arcade cabinets have a unique design and build due to their featured game, so you need to look at their design and see if they can easily be placed in your house, office, gaming room, or rec room.
Controls (Joystick Or Buttons)
Most arcade cabinets have buttons as controls, while others have a joystick and buttons to play with. Let us tell you a secret: arcade cabinets with a joystick and buttons as controls will have an extensive library of games.
If you search for those, overlook any arcade tabletop with only buttons as control. Usually, button-operated table tops hardly have 2 to 4 game options.
Budget
Collecting antique or premium arcade tabletops for your collection will be far more expensive than getting the reproduced ones and ideal for homes and offices. In the end, it all depends on the budget you can spare.
Extra Accessories/ Plus Ones
You will find these in high price arcade cabinets, including accessories like barstools, speakers, volume controls, a light-up marquee, and a custom riser.
If you consider a high-priced one, ensure it comes with one of these accessories.
New or Used
Many arcade fans try to get their hands on the classic ones, even if they are used. However, the problem with the used ones is that they will not be in their prime condition.
If something goes southwards, the repair cost of the arcade tabletop is high. In contrast, the new ones come with a warranty or tech support in which the company will cover the expense of the technical damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Arcade Machine cost?
The answer to that is subjective. The cost can vary depending on the build quality, features, and other aspects.
These arcade game machines can sometimes cost more than $2000. However, you can also find some affordable and relatively cheaper ones on our list.
Where can I buy an Arcade Machine?
Arcade machines are not as readily available as they used to be. The popularity has died down, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise if locating them comes off as a challenge.
However, these arcade game machine makers put them up online to buy. The 9 arcade machines in this list have links to check and order. You ought to keep in mind the cost and feasibility of shipping.
What is the difference between a Cocktail and a Cabinet Arcade machine?
Cabinet arcade machines are much taller than cocktail machines. They have a standing position with the screen set up vertically. It would be best to stand up when using them as they are a little high.
On the other hand, cocktail arcade tables are laid out flat and are shorter. You can set up a stool beside the controls and enjoy your games.
How much does an Arcade Machine weigh?
Arcade game machines can end up weighing over 100 lbs. Sometimes, it can go even more than that.
The technology and hardware used in these machines are decades old. Because of the weight and size, finding an ideal location can be a bit of a challenge. Therefore, make sure you have a place, as moving is tricky.
How do I choose the one for me?
Before landing on one machine, you should keep a few factors in mind:
- Multiplayer or single player
- Size of multi-game arcade machine
- Dedicated or multi-game system
Choosing one of these and deciding what kind of arcade machine you’re looking for will narrow the list for you. And that can help you make the final choice as to which one is perfect for your needs.
Conclusion
With the invention of newer means to play arcade video games, the popularity of arcade machines took a hit. However, they still have a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts who know what these machines bring to life.
Purchasing your favourite and desirable arcade gaming machine is now very convenient.
Along with unique designs that bring many colours and joy to the areas where these machines are kept, their vast ranges of vintage and new arcade video games give players many options.
These best arcade cabinets for video gaming are designed to suit all ages, whether admirers of arcade video games from the ’80s and ’90s or the younger growing generation with a deep connection with video games and technological gadgets.
One of these will surely boost the atmosphere and mood of the room or office, thus increasing productivity. Having read through this list, you should have a good idea of your needs, which is perfect.
These arcade machine cabinets cost a lot, but they are worth the investment as everyone can enjoy them.