While making our selection, we compared contenders' overall quality and build, number of games installed, and joystick and control design and functionality. We considered options from top three companies turning out the new generation of cabinets, including Arcade1Up, AtGames, and Doc & Pies Arcade Factory. How We SelectedĪll of the home arcade machines we write about have an average user rating of 4 stars, and the majority of our picks rank 4.5 stars and up. Head-to-head tables average 29 inches high (and are made to be played while seated), and wall-mounted and countertop cabinets range from 17 to 29 inches tall. There are full-size arcade cabinets that are just under 6 feet tall and three-quarter-size arcade cabinets that are roughly 4 feet tall (many come with risers to extend height 1 foot). Most of the cabinets require some assembly and include an anti-tip strap for safety, and some come with extras, like stools and metal wall signs.

While commercial-grade arcade machines can cost upwards of $2,000, the home-grade options we write about are faithful to the original consoles and feature reproductions of original artwork and quality builds, plus full-size color LCD screens that are 17 or 19 inches. Keep in mind that the graphics on cabinets typically show only one or two of the games included-usually the most popular, like Pac-Man or Ms. Some arcade machines feature three games, whereas others have a game count in the hundreds or even thousands. All have coinless operation and are made for one, two, or four players. There are also a few digital pinball machines that include real-feel features, like tilt and nudge, haptic touch flippers with feedback, and working plungers.

Within the home arcade machine category, you’ll find classic arcade cabinets and head-to-head or “cocktail” tables, as well as wall-mounted and countertop versions, some of which have full-size screens and are great space-savers. We've highlighted the most important here. While this new generation of arcade machines may cost less than their vintage originals, they're still an investment, and there's a lineup of things to consider before you buy.

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