Arcade cabinets, also known as arcade machines, are coin-operated entertainment machines typically installed in public businesses such as restaurants, bars, amusement arcades, and video arcades. The golden age of arcade games was in the late 1970s to mid-1990s when popular games like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Donkey Kong, and Street Fighter became international hits. While arcade popularity declined with the rise of home video game consoles, there is still a dedicated arcade gaming fanbase that enjoys the nostalgia and unique social experience of arcade cabinets. For anyone looking to buy an arcade machine for their home or business, the costs can vary greatly based on the type, age, and condition of the cabinet.
Factors That Determine Arcade Cabinet Costs
There are several key factors that impact the price of arcade cabinets:
1. New vs. Used
New arcade cabinets purchased directly from a manufacturer will be the most expensive option. Expect to pay $3,000 to $5,000 or more for a brand new cabinet. Used arcade machines from the golden age of the 1980s and 1990s will be cheaper, often in the $500 to $2,500 range depending on age, title, and condition. Buying used can get you vintage collector’s items for much less than new.
2. Type of Game
Popular and rare vintage titles often command the highest prices. For example, an original Pac-Man or Donkey Kong cabinet could sell for over $4,000. Less iconic games like generic racers or shooting games will be much less – sometimes $250 to $800. The manufacturer, release date, and number of units produced also impacts rarity and value.
3. Cabinet Size
Full-size upright cabinets are generally more expensive than smaller “cocktail” (tabletop) models. Full size cabinets usually start around $1,000 while cocktails can be $500 to $800. Larger non-video novelty cabinets like pinball machines or Skee-Ball usually start around $1,500. Driving/racing games in sitdown cabinets are premium too.
4. Condition
Condition is key – arcade cabinets show their age unless carefully restored. \Be prepared to pay a premium for excellent or restored condition – up to double what a machine in fair condition costs. Non-working “as-is” cabinets can sell cheap.
5. Customization
Heavily customized or modded cabinets usually add $500 to $1,500+ to the price. Common mods include new paint jobs, marquees, control panels, graphics, monitors, PCs, speakers etc. Original unmodified machines may be cheaper.
Average Costs of Popular Used Arcade Games
Here are typical price ranges for some of the most iconic and sought-after arcade titles:
- Pac-Man – $4,000 to $7,500
- Donkey Kong – $3,500 to $6,000
- Street Fighter II – $2,800 to $4,000
- Space Invaders – $2,000 to $4,000
- Mortal Kombat – $1,800 to $3,500
- TMNT Turtles in Time – $1,500 to $3,000
- NBA Jam – $1,200 to $2,500
- Cruisin’ USA – $900 to $1,800
- Out Run – $800 to $1,600
- Terminator 2 – $750 to $1,500
- X-Men – $500 to $1,200
- Star Wars – $500 to $1,000
Rarer editions like deluxe cabinets can sell for two to three times standard cabinet prices. Condition, mods, and geography impact pricing too. In general, the most desired vintage 80s and 90s games start around $1,000 while less popular titles can sell for under $500. Getting a great deal on a “holy grail” machine takes patience and persistence.
Cost Considerations for Retro Arcade Cabinets
If you want an authentic retro arcade experience at home, be prepared for ongoing maintenance and repairs. Older machines frequently suffer issues like:
- Monitor/CRT failure – replace with new LCD or CRT ($200-$400)
- Control panel buttons/joysticks break – replace with rebuild kits ($50-$150)
- Corroded wires – replace harnesses ($100-$300)
- Power supply failures – replace boards ($100-$200)
- Burned out bulbs/lights – replace marquee and button lights ($5-$20 each)
- Coin mechanisms jam – clean or replace ($50-$100)
- Bad circuit boards – obtain replacements ($100-$500)
Replacement parts for vintage arcade games are available from various online retailers. You may also need to replace things like dusty fans. Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering recommended!
Cost to Buy New Arcade Machines
While used vintage cabinets are cool, new arcade releases feature modern graphics and technology for a more contemporary experience. Here are typical price ranges for brand new commercial arcade machines:
- Basic video cabinets – $3,000 to $5,000
- Deluxe/large models – $6,000 to $12,000
- Racing/driving – $7,000 to $10,000
- Shooting games – $6,000 to $11,000
- VR games – $10,000 to $15,000
- High end simulators – $15,000 to $35,000
- Pinball machines – $6,000 to $12,000
- Air hockey – $5,000 to $9,000
- Skee-Ball – $7,000 to $9,000
- Basketball – $4,000 to $8,000
- Prize grabbers – $5,000 to $10,000
- Photo booths – $5,000 to $8,000
New machines allow you to customize artwork, controls, and components. Popular arcade manufacturers include Arcade1Up, Raw Thrills, GlobalVR, Innovative Concepts in Entertainment, Sega, Namco, and Taito. Game selection includes modern hits plus retro remakes.
Cost Factors for New Commercial Arcade Machines
The costs for brand new machines are driven by:
- Type/size of game – cocktails are cheaper than full size.
- Standard vs. deluxe – basic or loaded with accessories.
- Monitor/display – LCD, LED, or projection screens.
- Control options – joystick, wheel, gun, buttons.
- Computer equipment – more robust equals higher cost.
- Interactive features – touchscreens, motion etc.
- Network capabilities – leaderboards, multiplayer support.
- Audio system – basic speakers vs. surround sound.
- Construction – lightweight plastic vs. heavy duty metal.
- Warranties – variable coverage of parts/labor.
- Branding/artwork – generic graphics or custom decals.
- Shipping/freight – delivery costs from manufacturer.
High ticket options like VR, simulators, prize games can cost up to $50,000 new. Stick to basic video cabinets for more budget friendly options under $10k.
Should You Build Your Own Arcade Cabinet?
You can save money by opting to build your own arcade machine. This allows total control over the cabinet design, components, and games. Be prepared to spend:
- Cabinet construction – plywood, 2x4s, etc = $500 to $1,500
- Monitor – new LCD or used CRT = $150 to $300
- Speakers/sound system – basic to surround sound = $50 to $500
- Controls – joystick, buttons, trackball = $50 to $250
- Computer – Raspberry Pi, PC, console = $100 to $1,000
- Molding/trim – varies based on material.
- Artwork/graphics – vinyl decals or custom paint job.
- Misc. parts – wiring, hardware, leg levelers, glass etc.
With MAME software, custom builds can play thousands of retro or modern game ROMs. Expect at least $1,500 to $3,000 for a full DIY cabinet, not including your labor.
Maintaining and Repairing Arcade Machines
Beyond the upfront costs, owning an arcade cabinet also means maintenance and repairs:
- Clean regularly – dust, dirt, grime wears down components.
- Inspect wires, circuits – replace deteriorated wires, connections.
- Monitor image/color calibration – adjust using OSD menu.
- Replace bulbs/lights – change any burned out lamps.
- Test/fix buttons, controls – ensure smooth responsiveness.
- Clean coin mechs/bill acceptors – avoid jams.
- Apply protectant – prevent corrosion on metal parts.
- Ensure ventilation – prevent overheating, fans working.
- Troubleshoot problems – diagnose issues, order replacement parts.
Avoid unauthorized repairs which could decrease value. Have a budget for maintenance – costs can add up over time.
Increase Business Revenue with Arcade Machines
Arcade cabinets provide excellent opportunities for recurring passive income. According to BMI Gaming, arcade machines generate an average $300 to $500 per month on location:
- Bars/restaurants – driving additional sales, customers stay longer.
- Bowling alleys/mini golf – keeps customers engaged for hours.
- Arcades – classics like Skee-Ball, pinball, and driving games are huge.
- Pizza places – family friendly titles like air hockey, basketball.
- Laundromats – passes time for customers waiting on laundry.
- Retail stores – unique differentiator and traffic driver.
with optimal machine selection and promotion, arcade cabinets can yield over $100/day after splitting revenue with the location owner. Maintaining machines to minimize downtime is key to maximizing long term profits.
Final Considerations on Arcade Cabinet Costs
Whether buying vintage or new, arcade cabinets represent a significant investment in money and space. Be sure to accurately measure dimensions to ensure a machine will fit well in your chosen location. Consider ongoing costs for preventative maintenance and repairs. Arcade games require a degree of technical skill and effort to keep them operating smoothly. For retro multicades, factor in needed upgrades like new displays and controls. To get started on a budget, consider DIY builds or less popular used titles under $1,000. With wise selection and care, arcade machines provide super fun entertainment with the potential for profits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arcade Cabinet Costs
How much does it cost to buy a used arcade game?
Used arcade games typically range from $500 to $4,000 depending on title, condition, and type of cabinet. The most iconic vintage 80’s games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong can sell for up to $7,500 for rare editions. Lesser known games can often be found for under $1,000.
How much are classic arcade games worth?
The most popular retro arcade games like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Asteroids and Donkey Kong can be worth $2,000 to $6,000 or more. Rarer special editions of classics can fetch up to $15,000. Condition is paramount – non-working projects are worth under $500.
How much does an arcade machine cost to manufacture?
For commercial arcade manufacturers, building a new video arcade cabinet ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 in costs for an average machine. High end driving or VR simulators can cost up to $20,000 to produce. Ongoing costs for computer hardware, electronics, software licenses, and distribution add to expenses.
How much electricity does an arcade machine use?
Arcade machines typically use 150-500 watts of power depending on the size, type of display, and components inside. This equates to .15 to .5 kWh. At average electricity rates, expect $15 to $50/month to operate a single arcade cabinet. Using efficient LCD monitors instead of CRTs can reduce energy costs.
How profitable are arcade machines?
On location, the average arcade cabinet generates $300 to $500 profit per month after splitting revenue with the location owner. Optimal profits come from placing machines in high traffic locales and regularly servicing them to minimize downtime. Top earning arcade units can bring in over $100 per day.
How much does it cost to build your own arcade machine?
For DIY arcade cabinets, expect costs of $1,500 to $3,000 for a full-size machine, not including hours of labor. Costs include wood, monitor, controls, computer, speakers, hardware, graphics and more. Building your own allows total customization over games & design.
So in summary, buying or building an arcade cabinet represents a serious investment, but also yields fun entertainment and potential business revenue. Carefully consider your budget, goals, and game preferences to make the best choice when adding these nostalgic machines to your home or business.