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.
TL;DR – The Best Arcade Cabinets
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.
Taito Egret II Mini
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1. Taito Egret II Mini
Best Arcade Cabinet
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. The Taito Egret II Mini is a perfect tribute to the golden age of arcade gaming, allowing you to experience history without needing a time machine. It comes pre-installed with 40 classic games from the late '70s to the '90s, capturing the essence of the original Taito Egret II arcade machine.
The rotatable 5-inch display allows for switching between horizontal and vertical screen orientations, ideal for shooters and classic arcade titles. Its 4:3 aspect ratio and 1024x768 resolution ensure a high-quality visual experience. The six-button arcade layout and adjustable joystick deliver an authentic feel in a compact design. Modern features like save states, adjustable lives, and rapid-fire options enhance your gaming experience, making it easier to enjoy these classics without frustration.
For those looking to expand their gaming, the Egret II Mini includes HDMI output for larger screens and an SD card slot for additional games. With integrated stereo speakers and two USB Type-A controller ports, multiplayer action is just a connection away.
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 Review
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2. AtGames Legends Ultimate
Best Multi-Game Arcade Machine
### 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. The AtGames Legends Ultimate offers a vast selection of games, retro styling, and a smaller footprint than traditional cabinets. It features a 24-inch HD display, a significant upgrade from old CRTs, allowing for better space management in your home.
This arcade machine comes packed with 300 games, ranging from classic arcade titles to Atari and Sega Genesis games, and includes the necessary controls to play them all. If you ever tire of the pre-installed games, you can stream additional games from a local PC, effectively providing an unlimited library of games.
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
Best Cabaret Arcade Cabinet
### 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. The Arcade1Up Class of 81 Deluxe Arcade Game is a svelte cabaret model, measuring just 19 inches wide and standing 61 inches tall, perfect for both standing and seated play.
It features twelve classic games, including Ms. Pac-Man and Galaga, with their artwork prominently displayed on the cabinet. A light-up marquee and molded coin door add to the authentic feel. The 17-inch monitor provides a clear view of the games, and the large joystick and responsive buttons ensure enjoyable gameplay.
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
Best Cocktail Arcade Cabinet
### Prime Arcades Cocktail Arcade Machine
0Sit down and game with this cocktail arcade cabinet and stool combo that packs in 3,512 games. The Prime Arcades Cocktail Arcade Machine offers a unique gaming experience with its 26-inch LED display and a sturdy tempered glass top, perfect for setting down your drinks. It includes 3,512 classic games and comes with two chrome stools for added convenience.
However, its substantial weight of 185 pounds is something to consider, especially if you plan to move it around.
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
Best Tabletop Arcade Cabinet
### 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. The My Arcade Data East Classics Mini Player is ideal for those with limited space. It features 35 games from the Data East collection, including popular titles like BurgerTime and Street Hoop, on a 4.25-inch LCD screen.
The unit includes a miniature joystick and arcade buttons, with an authentic Data East design on the cabinet. If space is an issue, this tabletop arcade machine offers a compact and budget-friendly solution.
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
Best Mini Arcade Cabinet
### 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. The Neogeo Mini Arcade is a compact marvel that fits in the palm of your hand. It comes pre-loaded with 40 classic SNK games, including favorites like The King of Fighters '98 and Metal Slug X.
The 3.5-inch LCD screen is clear, and you can connect it to your TV via a mini HDMI for a larger display. The device includes a free-moving joystick and multiple buttons, although they may feel cramped. An optional USB-C controller enhances the gameplay experience, especially for two-player games.
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
Best Tiny Arcade Cabinet
### 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. The Tiny Arcade Q*bert is the ultimate in compact gaming, measuring just 3.75 x 1.75 x 1.75 inches. Despite its size, it plays the original Q*bert game on a 1.5-inch color screen with a joystick and two buttons, complete with authentic sounds.
This tiny cabinet is perfect as a novelty desk item and offers a fun way to take quick gaming breaks at work.
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
Best Fighting Game Arcade Cabinet
### 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. The Arcade1Up Midway Legacy Cabinet is designed for fighting game enthusiasts, featuring 12 classic games, including three Mortal Kombat titles. Its design mimics the iconic Mortal Kombat II cabinet, complete with a themed riser for comfortable play.
The cabinet includes two sets of robust controls with full-size joysticks labeled with moves for Mortal Kombat II, ensuring a responsive and authentic gameplay experience. The 17-inch LCD screen provides crisp and colorful visuals, reminiscent of the original games.
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
Best Pac-Man Arcade Cabinet
### 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. The Namco Pac-Man Pixel Bash is a unique offering, manufactured by Namco itself. It features 32 classic titles, including Pac-Man, Galaga, and Dig Dug, on a well-made, eye-catching mid-sized cabinet with a 19-inch monitor.
This machine is perfect for Pac-Man fans looking to enjoy a variety of classic games in one package.
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 Home Arcade Review
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10. SNK MVSX Arcade Machine
Best SNK Arcade Cabinet
### 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. The SNK MVSX Arcade Machine is a dedicated Neo Geo cabinet loaded with 50 games from classic franchises like The King of Fighters, Metal Slug, and Samurai Shodown. It offers the option to play both arcade and home console versions of the games.
Standing at 57 inches tall with a 17-inch display, it features full-size arcade controls for two players, ensuring an authentic gaming experience without the need for quarters.
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
Where to Get the Best Arcade Cabinets in the UK
### 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
1£23.99 at AmazonHow to Choose an Arcade Cabinet
Arcade cabinets come in various sizes, so it's crucial to determine what will fit your space. Full-size, mid-size, or cabaret cabinets offer the most authentic arcade feel but require a large area. They are ideal for dedicated game rooms or as a living room centerpiece. Cocktail arcade cabinets are also larger and suited for seated gameplay.
For those with less space, tabletop or mini arcade cabinets are great options. However, their smaller screens and controls might be less comfortable. Many of these models allow for external controller connections and display outputs to enhance the gaming experience. Ultra-tiny, keychain-sized cabinets are more of a fun novelty than a serious gaming solution.
Price is another key factor. Full-size and cocktail cabinets can be expensive, while mid-size and cabaret options vary widely in price, often including risers for a full-size feel. Tabletop and mini cabinets are more budget-friendly, typically ranging from $250 to $100.
Most arcade cabinets come pre-installed with games from specific companies like Namco, SNK, or Midway, so consider the games you want to play when choosing a cabinet.
Features such as screen size, player capacity, and control quality are also important. Full-size and cabaret cabinets typically support multiplayer and larger displays, while tabletop and mini cabinets may have limitations. A reliable joystick and responsive buttons are essential for an enjoyable gaming experience.
Arcade Cabinet FAQ
How tall is a full-size arcade cabinet?
Full-size arcade cabinets are typically around 6 feet tall, with controls at waist height and the screen at or below eye level, making them comfortable to use. Cabaret and mid-size cabinets are shorter and more compact but often come with risers to mimic the classic feel.
