3 days ago
1
The best home arcade machines combine nostalgia and addictive gameplay. Like many folks of a certain age, my love of video games was born amid the bleeps and bloops of an arcade. These smoky, dark dens of gaming iniquity used to be everywhere, enticing you in with flashing marquees, simple synth melodies, and crunchy 8-bit explosions. As soon as I got my hands on a joystick and mashed a few buttons, I was hooked.
While home arcade machines will never compete with a fully fledged arcade, good arcades are few and far between nowadays unless you can manage a trip to Tokyo. You could snag one of the best retro game consoles for under the TV, but there’s something special about the controls and the artwork of a home arcade machine, and they give you a chance to play classic games with your family and friends the way the designers intended.
Are Home Arcade Machines Worth It?
Most home arcade machines are at least as expensive as the latest game consoles, sometimes far more expensive. They usually come with several games included, but they are still a considerable investment, so think carefully before you buy. Don’t get hung up on how many titles are included. It's more important to pick machines with the games you really want. For longevity, I would take quality over quantity every time. The cabinet art is also important because these are imposing devices, and you want something you won’t get sick of looking at. Replica machines likely won’t have much resale value, and they’re tough to ship.
While emulation software is legal, playing licensed games you have not purchased is illegal. ROMs (Read Only Memory) in the context of retro gaming are digital copies of video games. If you own a physical game and rip the contents to make your own backup copy, that’s within your rights, but it is illegal to distribute ROMs. Downloading ROMs from the internet is piracy and subject to copyright infringement. Downloading a ROM for a game you physically own is considered a gray area by many, but it is strictly speaking still illegal.
Tips for Buying a Home Arcade Machine
Here are a few things to keep in mind when you go shopping for home arcade machines.
Size and placement: Home arcade machines tend to be big and heavy. Check the measurements and ensure you have a suitable space in mind. It will need a power outlet. It should also be within Wi-Fi range if it can connect to the internet, and many of these machines don’t have great Wi-Fi connectivity. Some space around the cabinet is also great for onlookers to cheer you on.
Assembly and build quality: Some home arcade machines come fully assembled, but most require some assembly. Putting these machines together can range from plugging in two wires and connecting parts to building the entire thing from boxes and bags of bits. You need several hours and plenty of space to construct some home arcade machines. It can be a good idea to enlist some help for lifting heavy boxes and connecting some parts. If you want to know what you’re in for, check out assembly videos on YouTube.
Game selection and licensing: The best home arcade machines come with some officially licensed titles onboard. Always make sure you check the list. Be aware that the line-up on some internet-connected arcade machines can change over time, as most licensing deals are for set periods, and they don’t always get renewed. If your prospective machine doesn’t have all the titles you want, make sure it has a USB port or is easy to modify so you can potentially add more games later.
Connectivity: Many home arcade machines have Wi-Fi support. This can be a double-edged sword, offering updated leaderboards, firmware, and even the ability to add new games, but also the potential that the manufacturer will remove features and games in the future. You may prefer a USB port that allows you to add the firmware updates and games you want.
Authenticity: While there's an enthusiastic arcade machine community out there intent on recreating authentic cabinets, sometimes refurbishing original cabinets with new internals capable of playing multiple games, we focused on arcade machines you can buy off the shelf here. Some companies refurbish and sell old cabinets for an authentic arcade experience, but they are not cheap. If you're willing to go down the rabbit hole and have deep pockets, there are tons of DIY guides online.
English (US) ·