Tips for Buying Used Arcade Game Machines
Arcade machines in this day and age are a rare and forgotten commodity. They have lived their glory days and are now just a few and far between. Enthusiasts or collectors still own them, and you can also find these at bowling alleys or active arcades.
Most of us had run into the best arcade machines when we were kids, and we probably loved the time we spent playing games on such machines. You might have wondered what it would like to feel actually to play with such a machine at home.
You decide to have one of these vintage gaming arcades for the complete gaming setup or your man carving. It would be a fun addition to your collection. You would also find these quite enjoyable to use with friends and family.
Arcade machines come in many different shapes and sizes. They also come with various features, and the games differ every time.
This article hopes to guide users on which arcade machine to buy according to their needs and budget. This guide will help you decide where to buy used arcade cabinet machines.
Common Types of Arcade Machines
There are many common kinds of arcade cabinet machines, and you should choose what type of machine you should get instead of ignorantly settling for just the available one.
Some of you may not be aware of this category’s different choices.
1. Single Game Machines
As the name suggests, these arcades only have a single-game option. These are old schools; go back to the 1980s and be considered the first models. You get the choice of only a single game to play.
These are the classic kind of collector items. These might be quite hard to find. Classic games can be fighting games, Pac man and some shooting games in various forms.
2. Basketball Arcade Game Machines
Basketball is also one of the best arcade table games and, of course, the most beloved of all basketball machine arcade games.
You can play this in your home and even in your room. Mostly they are installed in playlands where you can experience this.
3. Car Racing Game Machines
Another form of arcade games is probably one of its most popular forms. The ability to virtually play racing games with a steering and gear shift is unique.
These games also sometimes come with a seat as well. These can come in one or two-player screen setups. The latter occupies more space due to two screens and two driving configurations.
4. Other Driving Game Machines
Apart from car racing, you also get games in the form of driving. One of them was a trendy Taxi driver game.
Other games, such as motorbike racing games and truck or van driving simulators, are also options.
5. Dancing Machines
I think the dancing arcade games have survived the time shift. People still find this super fun, and you can see kids, grownups, and anyone using such a machine at conventions, arcades, or even some bowling alleys.
They can come in one or two-player screen setups. And these also probably take up slightly more space.
6. Shooting
Shooting games are one of the most popular gaming genres in any form of gaming. It is the case here, with the option to play shooting games based on zombie killing or even war set-up games.
It is also an enjoyable option considering you get to shoot at stuff with a gun, pew pew pew.
Naturally, as modern arcade games go, you get multiplayer options on almost all games; some games allow side-by-side real-time multi-playing with two screens and two gun setups.
7. Guitar Hero
Another classic option is based on musical instruments, the most famous of which is the guitar hero.
It is a much-loved option across all ages, and those who have played this game will find them amusing.
8. Multi-Game Machine
The most sought-after option might be a multi-game machine for most users. Such machines come with many classic arcade games in one arcade. These became common later when single-game arcades were out of favour.
These came in kiosks and were released much later than the original arcades. There are other kinds of arcades as well.
The user should and has to determine what he prefers among them. Once he has found the option, he can go to the next step.
Things to Consider Before Buying Used Arcade Game Machines in 2023
We listed the above choice so the user can formulate an opinion of a machine he intends to use and one that interests him.
So, it is to be noted that buying used arcade game machines that you will use over available ones should be considered.
| Consideration | Description |
|---|---|
| Game Selection | Ensure the machine includes games you and your friends or family will enjoy. |
| Condition | Inspect the machine thoroughly. Check if it runs properly, the screen is in good condition, and the controls work. |
| Price | Don’t overspend on a machine that you will use sparingly. Remember, these machines can be old and may not have much lifespan. |
| Space | Ensure you have enough space in your home for the machine. Arcade machines can be quite large and heavy. |
| Transport | Consider how you will get the machine to your home. They are heavy and can be difficult to move. |
| Maintenance | Check if the machine comes with a manual or instructions for maintenance. Old machines may require regular upkeep. |
| Spare Parts Availability | Ensure that spare parts for the machine are readily available in case of malfunction. |
| Seller Reputation | If buying online, check the seller’s reputation. Read reviews and ratings to ensure they are reliable. |
| Warranty | Check if the machine comes with any warranty or guarantee. This can be helpful in case of unexpected issues. |
| Power Requirements | Check the power requirements of the machine. Some older models may require more power than your home’s outlets can provide. |
| Sound Quality | Test the sound quality of the machine. Sound is a crucial part of the arcade gaming experience. |
There is no point in getting a machine you or your friends or family will never use. So think carefully about what may be enjoyable in the long run.
It would help if you always inspected the arcade machine to the best of your ability. Try playing the game on it for a while before judging it. See if it runs right, its screen is fine, and whether or not the controls work as they should.
Don’t spend too much on such a product. The biggest reason is that you will be using this machine sparingly, and perhaps an even bigger reason is that these will mostly be quite old (some are newer).
The arcades might have used up most of their lifespan. It is not entirely unlikely they could malfunction or stop working soon.
Determine if you have the necessary space for your kind of arcade machine. So think about buying a machine and the amount you are willing to spend. If you buy one of these machines, remember they are heavy. Moving them around is a tiresome task.
Therefore, moving the machine should not be done too many times and should be done with the help of someone.
Get a friend to load and unload this to your home if you buy it personally instead of online.
Where can you buy Used Arcade Game Machines from?
The most common place to buy such used arcade game machines is online, from classified website ads. Individuals post their products; you can inspect and buy them from them.
Conditioning of individually used machines can be better than those you find elsewhere, so this is an excellent place to start. The price can also be higher, but you can negotiate to your mind’s content.
Other buying places could be retail stores or old gaming stores. Some still keep some of these machines to sell them on. The machines you find here are the most heavily used. So, you need to inspect carefully before making a decision.
Some old arcades might also be willing to sell you their machines for higher prices. If you are after a specific machine you couldn’t find elsewhere, or it is easier for you, you can get them this way.
After buying one of the arcade machines, you decided after thorough research and effort. The only thing left to do is to hook it up to your gaming room, lounge, or your “man cave” and enjoy the fun with friends, family, or sometimes even with the fantastic company of one’s self.
Conclusion
Buying used arcade game machines can be a great way to bring classic gaming experiences into your home or business at a lower cost.
However, it’s important to research and be mindful of certain factors, such as the machine’s condition, the availability of replacement parts, and the seller’s reputation.
Following the tips outlined in this guide, you can make a smart and informed purchase that will provide hours of entertainment for you, your family, and your customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for when buying an arcade cabinet?
- First, Know What and which machine you want to buy.
- Test your arcade machine before buying.
- Check with what you are most comfortable with.
How much money can you make owning an arcade?
It depends on the number of customers in your gaming zone or playland. You can earn $10,000 annually if you have many customers.
What is the best arcade machine to buy?
We have written a complete review of the best arcade machines available.
How much are arcade machines worth?
Their costs can be different depending on the features of arcade machines. They can be from the range of $2,000 to $20,000.
