If you've ever found yourself reminiscing about the days spent at the local arcade, pumping quarters into your favorite machine, then investing in an arcade cabinet might just be the perfect way to bring that nostalgia home. Arcade cabinets aren’t just for the hardcore retro gamers; they’re for anyone who wants to capture that classic gaming experience right in their living room.
Our Top Pick### Taito Egret II Mini
1See it at Amazon### AtGames Legends Ultimate
1See it at AtGames### Arcade1Up Class of 81 Deluxe Arcade Game
0See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at Target### Prime Arcades Cocktail Arcade Machine
0See it at Amazon### My Arcade Data East Classics Mini Player
0See it at Amazon### Neogeo Mini Arcade
0See it at Amazon### Tiny Arcade Q*bert
1See it at Amazon### Arcade1Up Midway Legacy
0See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at Arcade1Up### Namco Pac-Man Pixel Bash
1See it at Amazon### SNK MVSX Arcade Machine
0See it at MVSKThese machines let you relive the glory days of gaming, with everything from iconic titles like Pac-Man and Street Fighter to lesser-known gems. Whether you’re looking to relive those childhood memories or introduce a new generation to the joys of old-school gaming, an arcade cabinet offers a unique experience that modern consoles just can’t replicate.
Our Top Pick### Taito Egret II Mini
1With this mini version of the original Egret II, you still get the rotating screen, 40 games loaded in, and a sturdy joystick. It's a compact yet powerful tribute to the golden age of arcade gaming. Experience classics like Space Invaders, Lunar Rescue, and Qix with modern conveniences like save states and HDMI output for a larger screen. The Taito Egret II Mini offers an authentic arcade experience with the flexibility to expand your game library via an SD card slot and enjoy multiplayer action with its USB ports.
See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsDimensions7.87” x 5.9” x 8.22”Weight4.13 poundsScreen size5”Number of preinstalled games40Popular titlesSpace Invaders, Lunar Rescue, QixPROSSturdy joystick and buttonsCompact version of original machine, including a rotating screenCONSCan’t adjust volume during play
### AtGames Legends Ultimate
1Enjoy a 24-inch HD display and a library of 300 classic arcade games on an arcade cabinet with a smaller footprint than the originals. This machine not only offers a vast selection of games but also the ability to stream PC games, making it a versatile choice for any gaming enthusiast.
See it at AtGamesProduct SpecificationsDimensions29.53” x 21.65” x 66.44”Weight79.55 poundsScreen size24”Number of preinstalled games300Popular titlesSpace Invaders, Centipede, BurgerTimePROS24-inch HD display300 classic arcade games and the ability to stream PC gamesCONSExpensive
### Arcade1Up Class of 81 Deluxe Arcade Game
0Grab this cabaret arcade cabinet that keeps things slightly more compact than the classics but delivers a similar look and reliable controls. With twelve classic games, including Ms. Pac-Man and Galaga, it's perfect for those who want an authentic arcade feel without the bulk.
See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at TargetProduct SpecificationsDimensions22.5” x 18.75” x 61”Weight71 poundsScreen size17”Number of preinstalled games12Popular titlesMs. Pac-Man, Galaga, Dig DugPROSSvelte, authentic-looking design Large joystick and responsive buttonsCONSOnly 12 games to choose from
### Prime Arcades Cocktail Arcade Machine
0Sit down and game with this cocktail arcade cabinet and stool combo that packs in 3,512 games. It's a perfect solution for those who prefer to play while seated, offering a nostalgic touch with its classic design and extensive game library.
See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsDimensionsNot listedWeight185 poundsScreen size26”Number of preinstalled games3,512Popular titlesBurgerTime, Bubble Bubble, AsteroidsPROS3,512 games Comes with two stoolsCONSExtremely heavy
### My Arcade Data East Classics Mini Player
0For those short on space, this compact unit delivers the classic Data East design, a 4.25” LCD screen, 35 games, a miniature joystick, and arcade buttons. It's a budget-friendly way to enjoy classics like BurgerTime and Heavy Barrel on your tabletop.
See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsDimensions6.25" x 7" x 12"Weight2.2 poundsScreen size4.25”Number of preinstalled games35Popular titlesHeavy Barrel, Caveman Ninja, BurgerTimePROSCompact design Budget-friendly priceCONSJoystick is small
### Neogeo Mini Arcade
0Featuring 40 classic games, a 3.5-inch LCD screen, a free-moving joystick, and several buttons, this palm-sized gaming device brings on nostalgia. Ideal for SNK fans, it includes favorites like The King of Fighters '98 and Metal Slug X.
See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsDimensions5.12” x 4.25” x 6.38”Weight1.34 poundsScreen size3.5”Number of preinstalled games40Popular titlesThe King of Fighters '98, Metal Slug X, Samurai Shodown IIPROS40 classic SNK games loaded inFits in the palm of your handCONSOn-device controls hard to use
### Tiny Arcade Q*bert
1At keychain size, this Q*bert gaming device still plays the original game with its 1.5-inch screen, joystick, and two buttons. It's a fun novelty for your desk, offering a mini dose of nostalgia without taking up much space.
See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsDimensions3.75” x 1.75” x 1.75”Weight0.29 poundsScreen size1.5”Number of preinstalled games1Popular titlesQ*bertPROSUltra tiny form factorAuthentic-looking design and sounds CONSHard to actually play games on
### Arcade1Up Midway Legacy
0A light-up Marquee and coin door sticker will take you back in time, while two sets of robust controls are perfect for fighting games. With 12 classic games including Mortal Kombat and Defender, this cabinet is a must-have for fighting game enthusiasts.
See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at Arcade1UpProduct SpecificationsDimensions22.75” x 19” x 57.8”Weight79.5 poundsScreen size17”Number of preinstalled games12Popular titlesMortal Kombat, Joust, DefenderPROSFull-size joysticks labeled with moves for Mortal Kombat II Riser for comfortable play sitting or standingCONSOnly has 12 games
### Namco Pac-Man Pixel Bash
1Who doesn’t love Pac-Man? This Namco-made machine features 32 of their classic titles on a mid-sized cabinet. It's a celebration of Namco's legacy, perfect for fans of Pac-Man, Galaga, and Dig Dug.
See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsDimensions33” x 21” x 60”Weight160 poundsScreen size19”Number of preinstalled games32Popular titlesPac-Man, Galaga, Dig DugPROS32 classic titles, including Pac-Man, Galaga, Dig DugCrisp 19-inch monitor CONSHigh price tag
### SNK MVSX Arcade Machine
0SNK is behind some iconic titles, and this machine brings back the classic feel with full-size arcade controls for two players. With 50 pre-installed SNK games, including The King of Fighters and Metal Slug, it's a must-have for fans of SNK's legendary franchises.
See it at MVSKProduct SpecificationsDimensions19.5” x 15.8” x 57.6” (w/ riser)Weight79.5 poundsScreen size17”Number of preinstalled games50Popular titlesThe King Of Fighters, Metal Slug, Samurai ShodownPROSFull-size arcade controls for two playersLoaded with 50 SNK gamesCONSExpensive
### Best Multi-Game Arcade Machine AtGames Legends Ultimate
5£799.00 at Liberty Games### Best Fighting Game Arcade Cabinet Arcade1Up Mortal Kombat Arcade Cabinet
3£349.00 at Amazon### Best Tiny Arcade Cabient Tiny Arcade Space Invaders
Arcade cabinets come in all shapes and sizes, so you must determine what will work for your space. If you’re looking to grab a full-size, mid-size, or cabaret cabinet for the most authentic arcade feel, you’ll need a relatively large area for it. They are best suited for dedicated game rooms unless you’re looking for them to be a centerpiece of your living room. The same goes for cocktail arcade cabinets, where you’re seated around a table-size gaming device.
Tabletop options or mini arcade cabinets featuring compact dimensions are better for those with less space. However, the small screen and on-the-device controls may be harder to use depending on their size. Luckily, many of these cabinets let you hook up your controller for a more enjoyable long-term gaming experience, and some even offer a port for a display like a gaming monitor or gaming TV. You’ll also find ultra-tiny, keychain-size arcade cabinets, but these are more of a fun little distraction rather than something you spend a chunk of time gaming on.
Price is another major factor in your decision. Full-size and cocktail arcade cabinets can run you thousands of dollars, while many mid-size and cabaret options hover around a wide price range and often come with risers for that full-size feel. Tabletop and mini arcade cabinets are better for those on a budget, with different models ranging between $250 to $100.
Arcade cabinets have games pre-installed, and unlike the machines of yesteryear, you get more than just one or two games in the machine. However, many come with games under the same company umbrella, whether that’s Namco, SNK, Midway, etc. That means you’ll need to decide what games you want to play before seeking out a cabinet.
Of course, you can’t forget about features. How big do you want the screen? How many players? How do you want the controls to feel? Those are important questions to ask. Tabletop and mini arcade cabinets are less likely to have multiplayer controls and a large display, while cabaret and full-size options generally do. But no matter what, a reliable joystick and responsive buttons are essential for enjoyable gameplay.
Full-size arcade cabinets hover right around 6 feet tall, give or take a few inches. For most, the controls will sit at waist height and the screen will be at or below eye level, making it easy to game without putting too much strain on your body. Cabaret and mid-size cabinets, which are more common inside homes, are shorter and more compact but usually come with some type of riser option to deliver that classic feel.