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 fantastic tribute to the golden age of arcade gaming, bringing a piece of history into the present without needing a time machine. With 40 pre-installed classic games from the late '70s to the '90s, this mini arcade machine captures the essence of what made the original Taito Egret II a staple in arcades.
The rotatable 5-inch display allows you to switch between horizontal and vertical screen orientations, perfect for both shooters and classic arcade titles. The display features a 4:3 aspect ratio and 1024x768 resolution, ensuring you can relive those classic arcade games in all their glory. Coupled with the six-button arcade layout and an adjustable joystick, the Mini delivers an authentic arcade experience in a compact form. Modern conveniences like save states, adjustable lives, and rapid-fire options make it easier to enjoy these classic games without the frustration of losing progress.
For those looking to expand their gaming experience, the Egret II Mini includes HDMI output to connect to your TV, allowing you to enjoy these classic games on a bigger screen. The SD card slot allows for even more games to be added, so your collection can grow over time. With integrated stereo speakers, you'll get that classic arcade sound right out of the box. And for multiplayer action, the two USB Type-A controller ports make it easy to bring a friend along for the ride.
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 is a dream come true for those who want a big game library without the massive cabinet. This great arcade cabinet skips the old-school CRT display for a 24-inch HD display, allowing it to hug your wall better than a classic cabinet would.
With 300 games ranging from classic arcade titles to Atari and Sega Genesis games, the Legends Ultimate offers a wide range of controls to play them all. If you ever tire of the games available directly on the machine, you can set the cabinet up to stream games from a local PC, effectively giving you access to an unlimited library.
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 perfect for those who want the authentic arcade experience without the bulk. This model stays trim at just 19 inches wide while standing 61 inches tall, making it easy to play and view while standing or sitting on a bar stool.
Featuring twelve classic games, including Ms. Pac-Man and Galaga, the cabinet's artwork and light-up marquee add to the authentic feel. A 17-inch monitor provides the perfect view of those games as you play using a large joystick and responsive buttons.
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 brings back the classic arcade experience with a modern twist. With 3,512 classic games and a 26-inch LED display, you can enjoy your favorite titles while sitting comfortably on the included chrome stools. The sturdy tempered glass top ensures your drinks stay safe from spills.
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 perfect for those with limited space. This compact unit features 35 games from the Data East classic collection, including BurgerTime and Street Hoop, displayed on a 4.25-inch LCD screen. The authentic Data East design and miniature joystick (which can be swapped for a regular D-Pad) make it a great choice for tabletop gaming.
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 powerhouse that fits in the palm of your hand. With 40 classic SNK games, including The King of Fighters '98 and Metal Slug X, this mini arcade machine offers a nostalgic gaming experience. The 3.5-inch LCD screen and free-moving joystick provide an authentic feel, though the on-device controls can be cramped. An optional USB-C controller is available for more comfortable gameplay.
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 perfect for those who want a nostalgic gaming experience in a compact form. This keychain-sized device plays the original Q*bert on a 1.5-inch full-color screen, complete with a joystick and two buttons. Its authentic sounds and design make it a fun novelty for your desk or a quick gaming break.
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 a must-have for fighting game enthusiasts. Loaded with 12 classic games, including three Mortal Kombat titles, this cabinet features a light-up Marquee and coin door sticker for an authentic arcade feel. The themed riser allows for comfortable play whether sitting or standing, and the full-size joysticks labeled with moves for Mortal Kombat II ensure a responsive gaming experience.
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 dream come true for Pac-Man fans. Created by Namco, this mid-sized cabinet comes with 32 classic titles, including Pac-Man, Galaga, and Dig Dug. The 19-inch monitor and well-made design make it a standout choice for those looking to bring the arcade home.
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 the ultimate choice for fans of SNK's iconic franchises. Loaded with 50 games from The King of Fighters, Metal Slug, and Samurai Shodown, this cabinet offers both arcade and home console versions of the games. The 17-inch display and full-size arcade controls for two players make it perfect for shoulder-to-shoulder gaming.
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 shapes and sizes, so you must determine what will work for your space. If you’re looking for a full-size, mid-size, or cabaret cabinet for the most authentic arcade feel, you’ll need a relatively large area for it. These 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 with 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, keychain-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 you 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 typically stand 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.
