Owning & Maintaining Arcade Cabinets
Arcades have been a part of global pop culture since the 1970s. Not only did it provide a means of playing some of the greatest, most groundbreaking games - but it created a social gathering event that spawned endless memories. Relive the greatness of an authentic arcade cabinet by adding one to your room or basement!
Also see: Arcade Cabinet Parts
Arcade Cabinet: The Inner Workings
Know your machine:
Traditional arcade cabinets are composed of several standard components. Most cabinets conform to a universal standard known as "JAMMA" (Japanese Amusement Machine Manufacturers' Association). This protocol defines the way that a cabinet is wired, so that it can universally play any other arcade game by simply inputting a game's circuit board into a JAMMA-compliant slot. The slot and card look similarly to the old Nintendo cartridge pins & pin connectors. This standard also conforms to the controls that are used for the unit (buttons, joystick, etc.)Cabinets also utilize an arcade system board or motherboard, which can be described as a large circuit board that contains the coding for the hardware requirements necessary to play certain games. Very early arcade units simply included the individual game on the arcade system board itself, which restricted the owner and forced them to purchase an entirely separate board (which is extremely expensive, sometimes running several thousand dollars) if they ever wanted to switch the cabinet over to a new game. Common system board manufacturers are Capcom, Konami, Data East, SNK, Nintendo, Sega, Namco and Midway - to name a few.
Arcade Cabinet Exteriors
It's all about eye-appeal
Arcade cabinets are well known for their memorable pop-art designs, panels, bezels and marquees. The designs on the side of traditional cabinets were usually painted on, but decals were also commonly seen. Today, silkscreening remains a popular method. Translucent panels with graphics were used for the marquee (the "banner" graphic located just above your head, when facing the cabinet) so that the lightbulbs underneath could illuminate it. Panels and bezels (the graphic that rims around the viewing area) are typically made of plastic, and would either show cartoon or comic-book style drawings or enemy/point values. Holding it together are the actual form-fitted solid wood pieces, framed together with metal.Coin Returns are a standard addition to any arcade console. The console game is hard coded to recognize the "coin inserted" variable, triggered whenever the player inserts a coin. The translucent red housings are usually pressable, which allow a jammed coin to empty down to the coin-return slot. This process can be bypassed for home consoles, where coins would be more of a nuisance.
Monitors in consoles are special arcade monitors that display the specific resolution necessary to coincide with the processor, and to the specifications necessary to display the game. Typical console arcade monitors have a standard resolution between 262.5 and 315 vertical lines, and a refresh rate between 50 and 60 Hz.
Cabinet Art: External Links
- Arcade Art
- Arcade Art offers hundreds of downloadable vector graphic files (i.e., graphics that can be expanded to any size without loss of resolution). Find all types of graphics, from cabinet sides, to marquees, bezels and more.
High Scores
As you may have seen from George Costanza's misfortune on the Seinfeld episode entitled "The Frogger," old arcade cabinets would erase their high scores from their memory when unplugged. It's an unfortunate side effect of the power source structure from the great old classic cabinets. Need a break? Watch the aforementioned Seinfeld clip! Types of Arcade Cabinets and Consoles
It doesn't stop with the upright...
There are several different versions of arcade consoles, beyond the most popular and universally known upright console (the kind you stand in front of, and look down into). Uprights are about 65" (about 5.4') tall. Their surface can contain a variety of controls: one, two, three or four sets of joysticks and buttons, a steering wheel, mobile light gun or guns, an immobile swivel gun, a flight yoke, one or more triggers, or a trackball.Another style is the lesser-remembered cocktail arcade table (pictured on right). Cocktail tables are played while sitting down at one end of the table, and looking at its surface, which is covered by thick, shiny plastic. They're a fashionable but rarely-seen addition to an arcade or game room. Undoubtedly, the most popular and commonly seen cocktail table are the Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man consoles.
Other styles include are the sit-down units, commonly used for car racing games - they come attached with a seat. Flight simulation games are associated with cockpit consoles, in which you sit inside of the arcade unit itself. Lastly, countertop consoles have been gaining popularity more than ever since the 90s, especially in bars. They are similar in fashion to kiosks or slot machines, and sometimes utilize touch technology for video card games. Other countertop consoles are used with a trackball to play golf or Arkanoid-style games.
Cocktail Arcade Tables on eBay
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What is MAME?
MAME or "Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator" is a general word that either refers to the MAME software: an emulator developed in 1997 that allows you to play classic arcade games with your personal computer, or the MAME arcade cabinet - a 'build it yourself' replica of an arcade console, that utilizes MAME software.The MAME Culture
MAME has an entire community of hardcore arcade enthusiasts who pride themselves on conserving and saving old and forgotten arcade games - effectively adding them to the MAME repository so that they don't fade out of existence. To date, MAME now supports well over 3500 individual arcade games, from the dawn of the arcade age, to the present day.
How does MAME Work?
MAME is simply a free software package that you can install on your computer (using the word "simply" is quite contrary to the incredible work it does, though!). Once installed, you'll need to download a ROM file representing an individual game - such as Pac-Man, or Galaga, or any of the other 3500+ that are available. You can then use the MAME software to open that file, and play the game. The game runs exactly as the arcade console does: looking, sounding and acting identically.
What can you do with it?
Beyond playing individual arcade games on your computer, you can actually build or buy an empty arcade cabinet, fashion it with a PC and LCD or flatscreen TV monitor, and hook it up to gaming controls (such as your standard button/joystick combinations) for authentic arcade game play. Owning one single arcade console that can play thousands of games (on a MAME GUI, or selectable on MS Windows) is the true heart of the MAME community, and the ultimate goal of any fan of the software. MAME consoles can be customized to your heart's content, with many different options.
...and it's legal?
Not exactly. It's a sketchy, touchy subject. While emulators in general have been scrutinized by game publishers, many of them are regarded to be "public domain." It is illegal to distribute MAME games in the US. However, legal action against emulators have proven to be a failure, and the MAME team has yet to have legal action taken against it. The legality of the ROMS (or individual game files) is a subject of even more ambiguity. Technically, you may own a game ROM if you also own the original game itself.
Buy a MAME Cabinet
Check back here frequently to snag a great pre-built MAME machine - they're seen periodically on eBay, mainly by professional cabinet builders and private companies.
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- MAME.net
- The official MAME site, where you can download the newest version of the program. It also offers news and updates for newly-translated games, technical information about the files, a community forum, and the most comprehensive list of MAME links.
- MAMEworld.net
- The second most popular MAME site of all time - features an in-depth look into the software, with more information than you can handle. It also has links to multiple resources for people looking to create their own cabinet.
- MacMAME.org
- Are you a Mac user? You can enjoy MAME, too - with MacMAME. This port was created for the usage of MAME on the Mac!
Other Pointers for the Arcade Console Owner
- You'll need good "investment" pool. As you've guessed, arcade cabinets aren't cheap. They can run from around several hundred to well over $4,000 for an original unit in great condition. If it's being shipped, prepare to also pay for the shipping expense - unless it's already included.
- Building your own cabinet will require a generous amount of patience, time, money and importantly: the right tools. Make sure you have the capacity for all of these factors - otherwise, purchasing a pre-built unit is the smartest path.
- Old cabinets may require maintenance (and more money to have someone do it for you, if you can't do it yourself - although it won't break the bank). Always remember that when all else fails, eBay is your one-stop shop for arcade parts!
Arcade Cabinet Parts
Learn more about the inner workings of an arcade cabinet, and find deals on arcade cabinet parts:-
Arcade Cabinet Parts for Sale
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Use this page as a resource to locate and buy parts for your home arcade cabinet or console - it will constantly refresh new eBay auctions based by part. Have you stopped by the Arcade Cabinets page, for general cabinet information?
Arcade Cabinet Auctions
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Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr., Mario Brothers - Namco Classic Arcade Cabinet - 19in Cabaret Arcade Game
The Donkey Kong, Mario Brothers, Donkey Kong Jr. stand up cabinet is a virtual museum of the greatest games from Nintendo's early arcade years. International gaming icons Donkey Kong and Mario were introduced to the world with the original Donkey Kong arcade game...eventually got Mario his own game, which also introduced his brother Luigi.
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Ms. Pac-Man / Galaga Class of 1981 Arcade Gaming Cabinet
Ms. Pac-Man is back...and this time she?s brought a friend, Galaga. Remember riding your bike to the arcade...now you can experience the same thrill at home. Gobble glowing ghosts in Ms. Pac-Man while the music increases its tempo. Eat a power pill and then race around the maze chomping for points. Shoot down alien creatures in Galaga and get sucked into the mesmerizing vibrating cone to double your firepower.58.5" H x 22" W x 37.5 D
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Amazon Price: $2,895.00 (as of 12/31/2009)
Usually ships in 3 to 5 days
Namco Pac-Man 25th Anniversary Home Cabaret Cabinet Arcade Game (Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga)
It's Pac-Man the way you remember it - with the familiar yellow housing and orange accents. A special 25th anniversary edition, this beloved arcade game machine features three games in one: Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man and Galaga. Order one of these great classic arcade machines and take a huge chomp out of boredom! This authentic arcade game machine delivers fun straight from the 80s! Our Pac-man classic arcade machines work just like those you used to play decades ago...except you don't have to pump it full of quarters!
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Konami Arcade Game
You can play 12 of the original arcade versions of the most popular Konami games with the Big Electronic Games® Konami Arcade Machine. Have hours of fun playing some of the classic arcade games, including Frogger, Blades O' Steel, Contra, Gyruss, Castlevania, HyperSports, Time Pilot '84, Shao-Lins Road, Jugler, Scrambler, Super Basketball, and Green Beret. The machine is easy to assemble with no electronic set-up.
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Ms. Pac Man Upright Arcade Game
Pac Mans better half gets her very own arcade game experience with the Ms. Pac Man Upright Arcade Game. In this gem from the golden age of arcade games, Ms. Pac Man gobbles up dots in a maze while avoiding the ghosts that patrol the many corridors and alleys. This essential cabinet for any arcade game fan features all of the original hardware and programming, for a true classic arcade experience in your game room or den.
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Brand New Cocktail Arcade Cabinets
Add the grace of a cocktail unit to your game room
Ms. Pac-Man / Galaga Classic Cocktail Table Arcade Game with 19-Inch Monitor
Take your seat for head-to-head action with the Ms. Pac-Man/Galaga game cocktail table. Just like the classic cocktail game tables of the 80s, this two-person game even flips the orientation of the screen when it?s the other player?s turn. Race Ms. Pac-Man along the tricky mazes, gobbling up pellets and power fruit and narrowly avoiding the evil ghosts. Or shoot down alien spaceships in Galaga. 37" w x 27 ½" l x 30" h
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Amazon Price: $3,399.00 (as of 12/31/2009)
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Arcade Legends Multi-Game Video Machine - Cocktail
The Arcade Legends Video Machine brings the classic arcade games of yesterday to the present. This 90-in-1 machine uses e original programming that gave those classic arcade games such a distinctive and groundbreaking appeal, complete with all of the lights, color, sounds, and gaming action of the original games. Free shipping!
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Brand New Sport-Themed Arcade Consoles
Based on interaction: sports, activities and more
Striker Pro Soccer Simulator
Set the ball on the ground and run in for the game winning field goal on the Striker Pro Soccer Simulator. In this exciting blend of the virtual and the actual, players kick a real soccer ball that digital sensors turn into a digital field goal attempt. You have to have a powerful kick and an accurate foot to make it past the computer goalkeeper to score. This is the closest you can get to the World Cup without having to wait every four years.
Amazon Price: $15,509.95 (as of 12/31/2009)
Usually ships in 4-5 business days
The Fast and the Furious Super Bikes
Continuing the great tradition of the Fast and the Furious, Super Bikes will keep your heart pounding as you race on 9 exciting tracks with your choice of 12 tricked-out bikes with 20 customization levels. Players blaze through vivid urban landscapes on two wheel power bikes, skidding around corners and pushing for the finish line. Players can save their stats , bikes and upgrades with their PIN. This is an arcade exclusive!
Amazon Price: $10,009.95 (as of 12/31/2009)
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Golden Tee Live 2007 Pedestal Home Edition Video Arcade Game
Tie your cleats, select your club, and tee up for the best arcade golf experience you can find anywhere. The Brand New Golden Tee Live Pedestal Home Editional Video Arcade Game features realistic graphics of lush greens, rippling water hazards, and sandy traps on a 32 inch flat panel LCD monitor. You can customize your virtual golfer to have the appearance and use the gear you want him or her to. The 10 virtual golf courses offer a serious to challenge to even experienced Golden Tee players, and the new in game help feature gives novices the tips they need to sink the ball on par.
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Golden Tee Home Edition Arcade Game
Big Games? Home Video Arcades Golden Tee? Clubhouse Edition is almost like the real deal! Intuative golf controls Allow for Hooks, Slices, Backspin, Long and Short Shots. Reverse Angle and Instant Replay Camera Views. Varying Tee Zones and Pin Positions. Leader board and Other Competitive High Score Features. Adjustable Difficulty Settings.
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Brand New Arcade Shooter Consoles
Custom fitted with light guns
Time Crisis 4 Arcade Game - 29in Monitor
The classic light gun arcade shooter enters its most exciting and challenging incarnation. Instead of just shooting at a single screen full of baddies, players now have to defend against two or three screens at once; the player can shift screens by pointing the gun off the screen to the left or the right. The massive arsenal of weapons must be used strategically to ward off and destroy the legions of enemies that swarm the multiple screens. These features, plus the two massive display screens, make Time Crisis 4 the essential adrenaline pumping arcade experience for the 21st century.
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House of Dead 4 Standard Cabinet Arcade Game
House of the Dead 4 elevates the House of the Dead legacy. Players can now navigate through 6 stages with player-selected routes, shoot a newly modified version of a sub-machine gun with a reload technique, throw a hand grenade by pressing a button on the gun, or fight with hand-to-hand combat and wiggle yourself free by shaking your HOTD4 is the first release on Segas new Lindbergh Hardware System. Lindbergh delivers graphics and sound approaching motion picture quality, and is capable of managing more information than any hardware system ever developed. This means more action on the screen and greater depth of play.
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Extreme Hunting 2: Tournament Edition Arcade Game
Embark on a hunting trip of a lifetime with Extreme Hunting 2 Tournament Edition, the second, and better than ever, installment of the Extreme Hunting Franchise. A choice of the most prestigious North American wild game a hunter could ask for including Bison, Bear, Moose, Elk, Deer, and Wolf along with bonus stages featuring Bass, Goose, Bat, Squirrel and more. Dont miss the chance to play our ever-changing Special Hunts. Play to uncover the secrets.
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Arcarde Cabinets: Reader Feedback
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- MusicMadness MusicMadness Jul 15, 2008 @ 9:51 am
- That's some great info on arcade games. I'm a big fan of the older arcade games as well. I hate to think of how many quarters I blew during my teenage years in those places. Great fun though. I've been on the lookout for new games that embody that old arcade style. I found a few new, but classic arcade games and wrote about them on my blog. Feel free to check them out.
