With the rapid rise of nostalgic gaming, the popularity of arcade machines has also made a resurgence. These old-school video games have never been more popular, thanks to virtual reality and other immersive technologies. These machines are great for pubs, restaurants, and other commercial establishments that want to offer their customers an interactive experience rather than just a place to sit and eat or drink. They’re also an excellent addition to any home bar or man cave if you want to add something unique, extraordinary, and fully loaded with retro appeal.
They come in all shapes and sizes, but the best Arcade Machines all share the same fundamental attributes that make them appealing. Let’s look at some essential features you should consider when choosing your arcade machine.
A Big Screen Is Mandatory
This may seem an obvious choice, but it’s an essential part of any arcade machine. Seeing the action inside the device and the images on the screen are essential to getting the most enjoyment out of the experience. If you can’t see the screen, then the entire game becomes a guessing game of random sounds and button mashing. That’s not what the whole point of an arcade machine is. You want to be able to see the game and understand exactly what you’re supposed to do.
It’s also important that the screen is large enough to give you a wide range of viewing options. You don’t want to be craning your neck or squinting just to determine what’s happening inside the machine. You should be able to sit back and see everything without straining your eyes comfortably. That’s why you should ensure the screen is at least 17 inches wide, but bigger is always better, so you may consider an Arcade Console. You might not be able to fit a big machine into your home bar, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go with the giant screen you can find.
Authentic, Nostalgic Sounds
During the golden age of gaming, arcade machines were basic in visuals, but they were stacked with amazing sound effects. The great thing about modern arcade machines is that they’ve kept this feature intact. Whether you go with a racing or fighting game, you’ll be treated to authentic sound effects that are straight out of the 80s. One of the biggest complaints about modern games is that they lack creativity in terms of sound design. You’ll hear the same generic tunes and in-game sounds that have been repeated over and over again.
A great Arcade Machine will transport you back to the glory days of gaming, where everything, including the sound effects, was created with care and attention to detail.
Dual Controls Are Also a Must
Any great arcade machine needs dual controls. These buttons, joysticks, and other interactive components are essential for playing the games. They allow you to immerse yourself in the gaming experience fully. Whether you’re playing Pac-Man Mortal Kombat or Tekken, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the game to the fullest possible level. If the machine you choose only comes with a single joystick or button, you’ll be sorely disappointed by the experience. You’ll be able to play the game, but you’ll never be able to unlock its full potential. You’ll never be able to get the whole retro gaming experience.
Cabinet Quality
Something that many people overlook is the quality of the cabinet. You can find arcade machines made from cheap, flimsy wood or plastic that looks more like toy furniture than something you’d expect to see in the pub. You don’t want something that’s falling apart or that feels like it could break or break shortly. You want a machine that’s built to last. Cabinet quality really comes down to personal preference. You can find arcade machines made with real or simulated wood. You can find them with a black, mahogany finish or a lighter option that blends in with any decor.
You can also find arcade machines with a stainless steel finish, but these can be pretty expensive. They’re also not as home-bar friendly as the wood options, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for a machine to put in the living room.
Durability
Arcade machines are designed for commercial and recreational use, so they’re built to last for a long, long time. That doesn’t mean every model is a significant investment, though. Plenty of companies make arcade machines targeted for home use, but these aren’t going to be as durable as a commercial machine in most cases. There is a wide range of arcade machines on the market, so you can find a machine designed for home use that’s just as durable as a commercial model. Just make sure you find something that’s made from quality materials and that is built to withstand a lot of use.
Check the Controls
Another thing you need to look for when checking the controls is to make sure you can switch between games. From time to time, you might want to switch from arcade to something else. Maybe you want to play a modern game on the big screen, but you don’t want to lose the interactive experience. Sometimes you can even play different games on the same machine. It all depends on the model you choose. You should also make sure the controls are responsive and easy to use. There’s nothing more frustrating than having to press a button multiple times just to get it to respond.
Make Sure It’s Solid and Sturdy
Arcade machines are designed to be heavy enough to withstand constant use, but you should still ensure the model you choose is made from quality materials. It should be sturdy enough to withstand the abuse of family and friends constantly using it. You don’t want it falling apart after a few months of constant use. It should be able to last for years. You can tell a lot about the quality of a machine by looking at it. You can tell how well it’s made just by how it’s put together.
If the device is made from cheap materials that don’t look like they can withstand the slightest pressure, then you should avoid it at all costs. It’s never worth spending money on a machine with such poor build quality.
Don’t Forget the Lighting
Lighting is an important part of any arcade machine. It adds to the overall experience, making it more immersive and enjoyable. You can find commercial machines with built-in lighting effects, but it’s much more common to find ones that don’t. There’s nothing wrong with adding your lighting effects to the machine. It’s a great idea because you can customize the lighting. Most arcade machines have plenty of room to add your light fixtures and other effects. All you need to do is mount them to the machine and plug them in.
Conclusion
There are many things to consider when shopping for an arcade machine. You have to think about the size of the machine, the game library, the cabinet quality, and much more. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when shopping for one of these machines. That’s why it’s a good idea to take your time and think about all of your options. The last thing you want to do is buy an arcade machine that you end up hating.
If you’re willing to spend a little more money, you can find arcade machines from Tiny Arcade Machines that are great for home use. These machines are heavy-duty and built with commercial use in mind. They might cost a little more than the average arcade machine, but they’re well worth it.