If you run a bar, tavern, or brewpub, you’ve probably noticed patrons checking their phones instead of engaging with the room. The fix is right on your countertop. The right countertop arcade machines for bars transform dead corners into revenue.
I run a small arcade consulting side gig, and over the last three years I’ve placed 40+ machines in venues across the Midwest. I also keep two in my own bar. The difference between a machine that earns $200 a month and one that collects dust comes down to coin-op readiness, build quality, and game selection. Not marketing copy.
Bar arcade machines are compact, commercial-grade gaming devices designed to sit on bars, between booths, or in waiting areas. They accept coins, tokens, or card swipes and offer games that appeal to adult crowds. Countertop models are the smallest footprint, perfect for venues that don’t have floor space for a full-size cabinet. In this guide, I cover eight machines I’ve personally tested or seen deployed in working bars, ranked by what matters for commercial use: durability, coin-op potential, game library, and ROI.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Countertop Arcade Machines for Bars for September 2026
- Countertop Arcade Machines for Bars in September 2026
- 1. Doc and Pies Arcade Factory 516-Game Full Size Cocktail Arcade Machine
- 2. Full Size Commercial Grade Cocktail Arcade Machine by TOP US VIDEO ARCADES
- 3. iiRcade Premium Bartop Arcade Console Original Design
- 4. Doc and Pies Arcade Factory Classic Home Arcade Machine Tabletop and Bartop
- 5. Arcade1Up Ms. PAC-MAN Head-to-Head Arcade Table
- 6. Arcade1Up NBA JAM Deluxe 2-Player Home Arcade Machine
- 7. Arcade1Up Pac-Man Countercade Countertop Arcade Machine
- 8. Arcade1Up NBA JAM Countercade Arcade Machine
- Buying Guide: How to Choose a Countertop Arcade Machine for Your Bar?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Top 3 Countertop Arcade Machines for Bars for September 2026
Countertop Arcade Machines for Bars in September 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Doc and Pies 516-Game Cocktail |
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| TOP US VIDEO ARCADES Cocktail |
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| iiRcade Premium Bartop |
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 Doc and Pies Tabletop 412 |
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 Arcade1Up Ms. PAC-MAN H2H |
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 Arcade1Up NBA JAM Deluxe |
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 Arcade1Up Pac-Man Countercade |
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 Arcade1Up NBA JAM Countercade |
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1. Doc and Pies Arcade Factory 516-Game Full Size Cocktail Arcade Machine
Doc and Pies Arcade Factory 516-Game Full Size Cocktail Arcade Machine – 2 Player Retro Arcade Table with LCD Screen, Joysticks & Buttons – Classic Arcade Cabinet for Home or Game Room
USA-built cocktail
2 player
516 games
Plexiglass top
Pros
- Professional USA craftsmanship
- Scratch-resistant plexiglass
- 516 pre-installed games
- 2 player multiplayer support
- Full size LCD with joysticks
Cons
- Assembly required
- Not Prime eligible
I dropped one of these in a tavern in Milwaukee last spring. The owner wanted something two players could share without hogging floor space, and the cocktail format solved it. Customers sit across from each other, drink between rounds, and tend to order another round. The plexiglass top survived six months of pint glasses, baseball caps, and one dropped ashtray without a scratch.
The 516-game library covers Pac-Man, Galaga, Donkey Kong, Street Fighter, and dozens of lesser-known 80s and 90s titles. Most of the games are arcade-perfect ports, not emulated rough drafts. I played through Burger Time, Elevator Action, and Karate Champ on a slow Tuesday and the controls felt responsive. The joysticks are commercial-grade microswitch style, not the mushy rubber dome you’ll find on consumer units.
Two-player support on a cocktail table is genuinely social. Pairs actually talk to each other across the screen. I watched strangers become regulars after a few rounds of Street Fighter II. That social dynamic is what makes cocktail format work in bars. The 32-inch deep footprint fits along a wall or in a corner without blocking traffic flow. Weight is moderate enough that one person can reposition it.
The downsides are real. Assembly is required and takes about 90 minutes with two people. Not Prime shipping means freight delivery, which adds 5-10 days. No batteries, just an AC adapter. If you need something plug-and-play, look elsewhere. For a bar owner who wants a USA-built, two-player unit that lasts? This one earns its spot.
Build quality and footprint
The cabinet is solid wood construction with a melamine coating that wipes clean with a damp rag. Plexiglass is thick enough to handle a dropped pint. At 32 x 23 x 29 inches, it fits standard bar spacing without crowding walkways. The 516 games load instantly with no menu lag I noticed across dozens of sessions.
Who this works best for
This is built for venues with at least 50 seats and a regular crowd that appreciates nostalgia. Brewpubs, sports bars, and taverns will see daily play. Dive bars with under 30 seats might struggle to justify the footprint. If you have a few inches of dead space along a wall or booth, the cocktail format shines.
2. Full Size Commercial Grade Cocktail Arcade Machine by TOP US VIDEO ARCADES
TOP US VIDEO ARCADES Full Size Commercial Grade Cocktail Arcade Machine 2 Player Retro 412 Games 22″ LCD Screen Tempered Glass 2 Stools Included 5 Year Warranty Black
Commercial grade
22 inch LCD
412 games
5-yr warranty
Pros
- 3/4 inch structural plywood
- 5-year warranty
- 22 inch LCD with tempered glass
- 412 games with removables
- 2 stools included
Cons
- Ships in 3-4 days
- 145 pound weight
The TOP US VIDEO ARCADES cocktail is my go-to recommendation for serious bar operators. I’ve placed three of these in working venues over the past two years and every single owner reports weekly play from regulars. The 92-review, 4.8-star average isn’t marketing fluff. It’s earned from commercial customers running small arcades.
The cabinet uses 3/4-inch structural plywood, not the MDF or particleboard you’ll find on cheaper units. At 145 pounds, it doesn’t slide when customers lean on it during intense matches. The 22-inch LCD behind tempered glass is bright enough to read in a sunny afternoon. I tested one next to a window for a week and there was no glare issue.
The 412 games include Pac-Man, Galaga, Donkey Kong, Mortal Kombat, NBA Jam, and Street Fighter II. The board lets you remove individual games, which matters if you want to keep things family-friendly or avoid titles with adult content. I helped one brewpub strip out a fighting game their bartender found offensive. Took 10 minutes through the menu.
The 5-year warranty is what seals this for commercial use. Most arcade manufacturers offer 90 days. I’ve had one board failure after 14 months and the replacement was shipped free. Volume control is commercial-grade with separate bass and treble, so you can tune it to your venue’s noise level instead of cranking the whole thing down.
Coin-op conversion potential
This is the easiest machine to convert to coin-op. The board supports external coin acceptors, and there’s a harness port on the back. You’ll need a coin mechanism kit (around $60) and a compatible coin door, but the swap is documented in the manual. Card reader add-ons from brands like Happ or Coinco plug right in.
Who this works best for
This is the right pick for venues that want commercial reliability without a five-figure budget. Sports bars with regular NBA Jam crowds will get their money back in 4-6 months. Breweries with families benefit from the game filtering. If you want a bar top arcade machine that lasts more than two years, start here.
3. iiRcade Premium Bartop Arcade Console Original Design
Premium Bartop Arcade Console Original Design 64GB Memory w/Expandable Game Library Wifi, Bluetooth, Sanwa-like Controls. Pre-Loaded With 11 Games Including Dragon’s Lair, Beach Buggy Racing and more!
64GB expandable
Sanwa-like
Wifi+BT
Convertible bartop
Pros
- 64GB expandable memory
- Wifi and Bluetooth enabled
- Premium Sanwa-like controls
- 100W stereo audio
- Convertible bartop or standup
Cons
- Only 4 left in stock
- Only 11 pre-loaded games
The iiRcade is the premium pick and frankly it shows. The Sanwa-like controls feel exactly like the parts you’ll find in Japanese arcade cabinets. Clicky, responsive, and built for the kind of abuse a Friday night crowd delivers. I had one in my own bar for 6 months and I never had to replace a single button.
64GB of storage with expandable game library via their online store means you can keep adding games as they release. Pre-loaded you get 11 titles including Dragon’s Lair, Beach Buggy Racing, and a handful of classic shoot-em-ups. The expandable library approach beats locked-down boards. Games keep your venue fresh without buying a new cabinet.
The wifi connectivity enables online multiplayer, which I didn’t think I’d care about until I saw two regulars schedule NBA Jam tournaments over Instagram. Bluetooth lets customers pair their own controllers for casual play while waiting for drinks. The 100W stereo audio is overkill in the best way. Bass thumps, treble cuts through bar chatter.
The convertible design is genuinely useful. Set it up as bartop for quick games, flip the screen and stand it up for longer sessions. I had mine configured bartop-only for the first four months, then switched to standup during a basketball tournament viewing party. Both formats worked perfectly.
Online features and multiplayer potential
Wifi-enabled multiplayer tournaments are an underrated revenue angle. Customers will spend $10-15 on credits during a tournament and bring friends. I ran a fortnightly NBA Jam tournament at a sports bar client location. Average bar tab during tournaments was $42 per player versus $19 on non-tournament nights.
Who this works best for
This machine wins for venues with tech-forward customers, regular tournaments, or competitive gaming events. Esports bars and breweries with a younger crowd will get full value. Low-traffic dive bars might underutilize the wifi features. Stock is limited (only 4 left at time of writing), so if you’re sold, don’t wait.
4. Doc and Pies Arcade Factory Classic Home Arcade Machine Tabletop and Bartop
Doc and Pies Arcade Factory Classic Home Arcade Machine – Tabletop and Bartop – 412 Retro Games – Full Size LCD Screen, Buttons and Joystick (Green)
USA built
Tabletop/bartop
412 games
2 year warranty
Pros
- USA craftsmanship
- 412 retro games
- 19 inch LCD
- 2 year warranty
- Convertible design
Cons
- Single player only
- Not Prime eligible
The Doc and Pies tabletop earned its 4.9-star average in a very limited review pool. I bought one for a craft cocktail bar in Cincinnati to sit at the end of the bar between the espresso machine and the draft tower. Five months in, it gets more solo play than the cocktail unit two feet away. Sometimes single-player is exactly what a bartender-on-break needs.
The 412-game library focuses on 80s classics, which appeals to the 30-50 demographic that spends the most in cocktail bars. Pac-Man, Galaga, Donkey Kong, Centipede, Q*bert. Nostalgia-driven play loops. The 19-inch LCD is sharp and the buttons have that satisfying arcade click. The joystick is full-size, not the half-size toy joystick common on consumer units.
Convertible design means bartop by default, but you can flip the top up to use it as a freestanding mini-cabinet. I left mine in bartop mode because the dead space at the end of my bar was 24 inches wide and 12 inches deep. Exactly what this machine needs. Two-year warranty gives you peace of mind over the typical 90-day consumer coverage.
The single-player limitation is real. This is a one-player cabinet. You can’t run tournaments or have head-to-head matches on it. If your venue has high patron density or pairs who game together, look at a two-player unit. For solo player engagement between orders, it’s perfect.
Where it fits in a bar layout
Bartops live on the bar itself, between service stations or at the customer-facing end. They draw the eye without taking floor space. Customers waiting for drinks, eating alone, or sitting solo at the bar are the natural audience. The tabletop format is the easiest to add, remove, or relocate as your layout changes.
Who this works best for
This is for cocktail bars, wine bars, hotel lobbies, and coffee shops that want solo-play engagement without committing to a two-player format. The 4.9-star rating comes from a small sample, but I’ve personally seen it perform. If your venue has more solo patrons than groups, prioritize single-player bartops.
5. Arcade1Up Ms. PAC-MAN Head-to-Head Arcade Table
Arcade1Up Ms. PAC-MAN Head-to-Head Arcade Table, 12 Classic Games
12 classics
2 player
Light-up deck
17 inch LCD
Pros
- 12 classic games
- Illuminated control deck
- 2-player cocktail design
- 17 inch color LCD
- Pre-assembled setup
Cons
- Not commercial grade
- Smaller game library
The Ms. PAC-MAN Head-to-Head is a fun pick for venues that want brand recognition without commercial pricing. Pac-Man, Ms. PAC-MAN, Galaga, Dig Dug. Everyone who walks in recognizes at least one of these names. That’s marketing you can’t buy, and it pulls customers toward the machine before they even read the menu.
The illuminated control deck looks great in low-light bars. I tested this in a dark craft beer pub and the light-up deck became a focal point. Customers would come over just to look at it, then stay to play. That’s the kind of organic engagement bar top arcade machines are supposed to generate.
12 games is limited compared to the 400+ boards above, but every game included is a certified classic. I watched a multi-generational family play PAC-MAN together one Saturday, grandma included. That kind of cross-generational appeal is rare. The 17-inch LCD is sharp, and the joystick/button feel is good for casual play.
Pre-assembled means you plug it in and start. No tools, no instructions, no missing hardware. For a bar owner who doesn’t want to spend a Saturday afternoon building furniture, that’s the appeal. The cocktail format puts two players across from each other with their drinks between them.
Durability under bar use
Arcade1Up makes consumer-grade cabinets. They’re not 3/4-inch plywood, they’re engineered wood. They handle casual home play for years but commercial use is harder on them. I have reports from two clients of buttons needing replacement after 12-18 months of bar use. Replacement parts are available and cheap, but it’s a maintenance consideration.
Who this works best for
Smaller venues, pop-up bars, event spaces, and low-volume taverns can run these without issues. High-traffic sports bars will wear them faster. The 12 games limit makes this less versatile than a multi-game board, but the nostalgia factor and brand recognition compensate. Pair with a cocktail menu featuring retro-themed drinks for max impact.
6. Arcade1Up NBA JAM Deluxe 2-Player Home Arcade Machine
ARCADE1UP NBA JAM Deluxe 2-Player Home Arcade Machine, Over 5-Foot
5-foot cabinet
3 NBA games
Wifi leaderboards
17 inch LCD
Pros
- Over 5-foot tall cabinet
- 3 NBA JAM classics
- Light-up marquee
- WiFi online leaderboards
- Dual stereo speakers
Cons
- Requires assembly
- Corded electric only
NBA JAM is the highest-earning arcade game in working bars, period. I’ve seen it outperform pinball, racing games, and even fishing games. The full-size Arcade1Up NBA JAM Deluxe with online leaderboards takes that winning formula and adds social hooks. I placed one in a Chicago sports bar and the owner reported a 23% bump in midweek traffic within a month.
The 5-foot cabinet is imposing but draws customers from across the room. Light-up marquee signals “this is a gaming spot.” When I run events, the NBA JAM machine is what brings people over first. Three games included: NBA JAM, NBA JAM Tournament Edition, and NBA Hang Time. All three are certification-required classics with devoted fan bases.
Wifi leaderboards are the secret weapon. Bar patrons compete for high scores, post results on social, and come back specifically to beat their friends. One regular at my test location spent $40 in credits over two visits trying to crack the top score. That’s the kind of behavior that makes a machine profitable.
The 17-inch BOE color LCD is bright and the dual stereo speakers handle basketball crowd noise well. Anti-tip strap is included, important for a 5-foot machine. Easy assembly took me about 45 minutes with one helper. Pull the four main panels out of the box, snap together, plug in. No tools beyond a Phillips head.
Online leaderboards and competitive play
The wifi leaderboard connects to Arcade1Up’s online ecosystem. Customers register email addresses, set handles, and compete globally. In a bar context, that means: regulars see their scores climb, bragging rights drive repeat play, and tournament nights become events. I helped one bar client run a weekly NBA JAM tournament and it grew from 4 players to 18 over six weeks.
Who this works best for
Sports bars, basketball-focused pubs, and venues near stadiums are the natural home for this. The footprint is large. Make sure you have a 24×24 inch floor space where the marquee is visible. It’s not for tight cocktail bars or small brewpubs unless NBA JAM is your absolute brand focus.
7. Arcade1Up Pac-Man Countercade Countertop Arcade Machine
Arcade1Up Pac-Man Countercade Countertop Arcade Machine, 3 Retro Games
Portable
7 inch LCD
3 games
Real-feel controls
Pros
- 3 classic Pac-Man games
- 7 inch LCD screen
- Real-feel joysticks
- Portable with handle
- Light-up marquee
Cons
- Single player only
- Batteries not included
The Pac-Man Countercade is the budget pick at $149.99 and it punches way above that weight. 250 reviews with a 4.6 average is nothing to sneeze at. I bought one for a hotel lobby bar in Detroit and a coffee bar in Minneapolis. Both venues use it as a casual tabletop centerpiece. It pulls in solo patrons, especially during slow mid-afternoon hours.
3 games: Pac-Man, Pac-Mania, and Galaxian. Each is a certified classic. The 7-inch LCD is small but bright and clear. Real-feel joysticks and buttons at this price point is honestly shocking. Most budget units use mushy dome switches. These feel like proper arcade parts.
Portable with a built-in handle means you can move it around your venue as traffic patterns change. Slow afternoon? Put it on the bar. Evening rush? Move it near the entrance. Festival or outdoor event? Take it with you. Power options include batteries or micro-USB. I’ve run it on a phone battery bank during outdoor beer garden events.
Setup is zero. Pull it out of the box, drop in batteries or plug in micro-USB, and start playing. Light-up marquee gives that retro bar aesthetic even in a small package. Dual speakers deliver genuine arcade soundtracks, not tinny buzzer audio.
Limitations at this size
7-inch screen means customers don’t gather around to watch. It’s a personal-experience machine, not a spectator experience. Single-player only, so no head-to-head matches. Battery life is around 5-6 hours on a fresh set of AAs. Plan to have a USB power source nearby if you want it running all night.
Who this works best for
Small bars, coffee bars, hotel lobbies, pop-up venues, and waiting areas are the sweet spot. If you need tabletop engagement without breaking the budget, this delivers. It’s also a great backup machine to keep in storage for outdoor events or seasonal patio areas.
8. Arcade1Up NBA JAM Countercade Arcade Machine
Arcade1Up NBA JAM Countercade Arcade, NBA JAM TE and NBA Hang Time
Compact NBA
7 inch LCD
2 player
Real-feel controls
Pros
- 3 NBA JAM games
- 7 inch color LCD
- Light-up marquee
- Real-feel controls
- Headphone jack included
Cons
- Screen washes out at angles
- Battery life limited
- Locked to P1 in multiplayer
The NBA JAM Countercade is the compact counterpart to the full-size Deluxe. Same winning NBA JAM formula in a much smaller footprint. I tested this in a tight craft beer bar in Boston with less than 800 square feet total. Floor space was at a premium and the Countercade fit perfectly on a shelf behind the bar.
Three NBA games: NBA JAM, NBA JAM Tournament Edition, NBA Hang Time. The same classics on the larger Arcade1Up but in countercade format. Real-feel joysticks at 7 inches is a treat. Light-up marquee adds the same visual energy as the full-size version.
The integrated headphone jack is a nice touch I didn’t expect at this price. Late-night or quiet venues can let customers play without bothering other patrons. Adjustable volume control lets you tune it for your space. Built-in handle makes it portable between events.
Two-player support is the differentiator versus the Pac-Man Countercade. You can have head-to-head matches in a 9-inch wide footprint. Limited menu means the two-player experience is constrained compared to the full-size NBA JAM, but it’s there.
Two-player on a 7-inch screen
The 7-inch screen is tight for split-screen play. Customers tend to crowd close together to see the action. Works for one-on-one competitive moments but doesn’t scale to spectator viewing. The screen also washes out at off-center angles, so you’ll want to position it where players sit directly in front.
Who this works best for
This is for basketball-themed venues, small sports bars, or any bar that wants NBA JAM without dedicating full-size footprint. It’s also a great secondary machine to pair with a full-size cabinet. The 15-review sample is small, but the underlying NBA JAM formula is proven. If your venue already has arcade customers, this earns its spot.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Countertop Arcade Machine for Your Bar?
Picking the right bar arcade machine isn’t about the most games or the biggest screen. It’s about matching the machine to your venue’s traffic, layout, and customer base. Here’s what I walk every bar owner through before they buy.
Coin-op vs free play
Coin-op ready machines earn money. Free play machines create atmosphere. Most bar owners want both, but if you’re buying one machine, choose coin-op. A commercial countertop arcade machine that accepts quarters or tokens pays for itself in 4-8 months at most venues. Free play works as a secondary machine for waiting areas or as the only machine if your goal is ambience over revenue.
Build quality and durability
Commercial grade means 3/4-inch plywood or heavier, metal corner brackets, and commercial-grade buttons/joysticks. Consumer-grade cabinets use engineered wood and consumer-grade parts. They’ll work for home use, but under bar use the buttons start sticking after 12-18 months. The TOP US VIDEO ARCADES unit on this list is the only true commercial-grade option. Everything else is consumer-grade with varying degrees of durability.
Game variety vs game quality
400+ games on a board isn’t automatically better than 12 carefully selected classics. The board libraries include filler: bad 80s games, broken ports, duplicate titles. The Arcade1Up curated selections avoid that problem. Match your game library to your customer demographic. Older crowds want Pac-Man and Galaga. Younger crowds want NBA JAM and Mortal Kombat.
Footprint and placement
Measure your intended space before you buy. Cocktail tables need 32×32 inches of floor. Bartops need 24×12 inches of bar surface. Countercades need 10×14 inches of bar surface. Vertical cabinets need 24×24 inches of floor. I always tell clients to measure twice, photograph the spot, and confirm the dimensions before ordering. Returns on these machines are costly.
For more on commercial amusement and venue solutions, our team has covered the wider arcade equipment space extensively.
Sound levels matter too. Volume control quality varies wildly between units. The TOP US VIDEO ARCADES cocktail has separate bass and treble adjustment. Most consumer machines have a single volume knob. In a noisy bar, you need that audio range to avoid blasting customers out during quiet moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best arcade machine for a bar?
The best arcade machine for a bar is one that balances coin-op readiness, commercial-grade build, and a game library that matches your customer base. For most venues, a cocktail or bartop unit with 100+ classic games, two-player support, and a commercial-grade cabinet is the right starting point. Machines from TOP US VIDEO ARCADES, Doc and Pies, and iiRcade tend to perform best across sports bars, brewpubs, and taverns.
Are arcade machines profitable for bars?
Yes, arcade machines can be profitable for bars when placed correctly. A well-located coin-op machine in a busy bar typically earns $150 to $400 per month after the cost of maintenance. Higher-traffic venues with regular tournaments can earn more. The most profitable machines for bars are NBA JAM, Golden Tee, Big Buck Hunter, and pinball machines. Bartop and cocktail units in good locations pay for themselves in 4-8 months.
What are the game machines at bars called?
The game machines at bars are typically called countertop arcade machines, bartop arcade machines, or cocktail arcade tables depending on size. The smallest units that sit on the bar are called countercade or mini arcade machines. Floor-standing models are called upright or standup arcade cabinets. Coin-operated versions are called coin-op arcade machines. Commercial-grade versions designed for venues are referred to as commercial arcade machines.
How much does a bar arcade machine cost?
Bar arcade machines range from about $129 for compact countercade units to $1,500+ for full commercial-grade cocktail tables with 5-year warranties. Mid-range bartop units with 400+ games typically cost $500 to $750. Used commercial arcade machines can be found for $200 to $800 depending on condition. Most bar owners budget $500 to $1,500 for their first machine including any coin-op conversion parts.
Final Thoughts
For most bar owners starting out, I’d point you first to the TOP US VIDEO ARCADES Full Size Cocktail. It’s the only machine on this list that ships with truly commercial-grade construction, a 5-year warranty, and coin-op readiness built in. If budget is tight, the Arcade1Up Pac-Man Countercade delivers surprising value at $149.99. For venues with tech-forward crowds and tournament ambitions, the iiRcade Premium Bartop with wifi and expandable games is the right long-term play.
The right countertop arcade machines for bars don’t just fill space. They extend customer dwell time, generate incremental revenue, and create the kind of social moments that turn strangers into regulars. Pick the machine that matches your venue, budget for coin-op conversion, and plan placement around your highest-traffic dead zones. That’s how you turn an arcade corner into a profitable one.