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. Experience the nostalgia of classic arcade games with the Taito Egret II Mini, which brings the essence of the golden age of arcade gaming into your home without the need for a time machine. This compact cabinet includes 40 pre-installed classic games from the late '70s to the '90s, ensuring you can relive those cherished moments anytime. The rotatable 5-inch display allows for both horizontal and vertical orientations, perfect for shooters and classic arcade titles. The display boasts a 4:3 aspect ratio and 1024x768 resolution, delivering crisp visuals of your favorite games. The six-button arcade layout and adjustable joystick provide an authentic feel, while modern features like save states, adjustable lives, and rapid-fire options enhance your gaming experience. For those looking to expand their gaming setup, the Egret II Mini offers HDMI output for TV connectivity and an SD card slot for additional games, along with integrated stereo speakers for that classic arcade sound. Plus, with two USB Type-A controller ports, multiplayer action is just a plug-in away.
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 compelling solution for those seeking a robust arcade experience in a more compact form. It features a 24-inch HD display, providing clear visuals, and comes pre-loaded with 300 classic arcade games, spanning titles from Space Invaders to Sega Genesis games. Its smaller footprint makes it a great fit for modern homes without sacrificing the arcade feel. Additionally, the ability to stream games from a local PC means your gaming library is virtually limitless, offering endless hours of entertainment.
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 perfect for those who want an authentic arcade feel in a more manageable size. Standing at 61 inches tall and just 19 inches wide, it fits well in smaller spaces while still offering a classic arcade experience. This model comes with twelve iconic games, including Ms. Pac-Man and Galaga, complete with authentic artwork, a light-up marquee, and a molded coin door. The 17-inch monitor ensures clear visibility, and the large joystick and responsive buttons make gameplay enjoyable.
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 brings the classic sit-down gaming experience to your home, complete with 3,512 games and two chrome stools for comfortable play. The 26-inch LED display offers clear visuals, and the sturdy tempered glass top protects the screen from spills. While this machine is on the heavier side at 185 pounds, it provides a comprehensive gaming solution for those who prefer to play seated.
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 an excellent choice for gamers with limited space. This tabletop unit features 35 games from the Data East collection, including favorites like BurgerTime and Street Hoop. The 4.25-inch LCD screen and miniature joystick (which can be swapped for a D-Pad) offer a compact yet enjoyable gaming experience. The authentic Data East design adds a nostalgic touch, making it a great addition to any gaming setup.
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 ideal for SNK fans looking to relive the classics in a compact form. This palm-sized machine comes pre-loaded with 40 games, including The King of Fighters '98 and Metal Slug X. The 3.5-inch LCD screen and free-moving joystick provide a fun way to play, though the on-device controls can be a bit cramped. For a more comfortable experience, an optional USB-C controller is available, making it perfect for two-player games.
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 perfect for those who want a fun, nostalgic piece that doesn’t take up much space. Measuring just 3.75 x 1.75 x 1.75 inches, this keychain-sized cabinet plays the original Q*bert game on a 1.5-inch full-color screen. With its authentic sounds and compact design, it's a charming addition to any desk or gaming collection, offering a quick escape into retro gaming.
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 a must-have for fighting game enthusiasts. Loaded with 12 classic games, including three Mortal Kombat titles, this cabinet features a themed riser for comfortable play whether sitting or standing. The full-size joysticks, labeled with moves for Mortal Kombat II, provide a responsive and authentic gaming experience. The light-up marquee and coin door sticker add to the nostalgic feel, transporting you back to the golden age of arcades.
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 dream come true for Pac-Man fans. This mid-sized cabinet, crafted by Namco themselves, comes with 32 classic titles, including Pac-Man, Galaga, and Dig Dug. The 19-inch monitor delivers crisp visuals, and the well-made, eye-catching design enhances the gaming experience, making it a standout choice for any arcade enthusiast.
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 tribute to the iconic SNK franchises, featuring 50 games including The King of Fighters and Metal Slug. This cabinet offers full-size arcade controls for two players, making it ideal for multiplayer sessions. The 17-inch display and sturdy build deliver an authentic arcade experience, while the option to play both arcade and home console versions of the games adds versatility to your gaming setup.
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 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, key chain-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 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.
Arcade Cabinet FAQ
How tall is a full-size arcade cabinet?
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.
