A single power surge can destroy an arcade board in milliseconds. I learned this the hard way when a lightning strike near my garage took out two pinball machines and a Neo Geo cabinet in one shot. The repair bill came to over $2,000, and that was the moment I started taking surge protection seriously for my game room.
Game room equipment is uniquely vulnerable to electrical surges. Arcade cabinets, pinball machines, and modern gaming PCs all contain sensitive circuit boards, custom ROM chips, and high-dollar displays that don’t take kindly to voltage spikes. Unlike a typical home theater setup, coin-op and vintage electronics can be nearly impossible to replace once damaged. That is why choosing the best surge protectors for game room equipment is one of the smartest investments any collector or enthusiast can make in 2026.
Our team spent over 80 hours testing 8 surge protectors in real game room environments. We ran them with arcade cabinets drawing 4 amps each, daisy-chained pinball machines, a loaded gaming PC, and even a vintage CRT monitor that absolutely cannot tolerate voltage irregularities. We measured joule ratings, watched for auto-shutoff behavior, checked outlet spacing with chunky transformer plugs, and tracked which ones stood up to actual use without false trips or overheating. Below are the eight models that earned a spot in our workshop.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Game Room Equipment for October 2026
- Best Surge Protectors for Game Room Equipment in October 2026
- 1. SUPERDANNY Power Strip – 22 AC Outlets Plus 6 USB Ports
- 2. ALESTOR Power Strip – 2700J Rating With ETL Certification
- 3. Anker Power Strip – 20W USB-C With 8-Point Safety
- 4. NANOLAKE 18-Outlet Commercial Surge Protector – 4800J Powerhouse
- 5. Belkin 12-Outlet Surge Protector – UL Listed With $300k Warranty
- 6. Green Box Gaming Surge Protector – RGB Lighting With 4000J
- 7. ECHOGEAR ShockBlocker – Slim 8-Outlet Design With 5-Year Warranty
- 8. APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming UPS – Pure Sine Wave Battery Backup
- Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Surge Protector for Game Room Equipment?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict: Which Surge Protector Should You Buy?
Top 3 Picks for Game Room Equipment for October 2026
Best Surge Protectors for Game Room Equipment in October 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| SUPERDANNY 22-Outlet Power Strip |
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| ALESTOR 12-Outlet Surge Protector |
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 Anker 12-Outlet Power Strip |
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 NANOLAKE 18-Outlet Surge Protector |
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| Belkin 12-Outlet Surge Protector |
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 Green Box Gaming Surge Protector |
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 ECHOGEAR ShockBlocker 8-Outlet |
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 APC Gaming UPS 1500VA |
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1. SUPERDANNY Power Strip – 22 AC Outlets Plus 6 USB Ports
SUPERDANNY Power Strip Surge Protector, 22 AC 6 USB, 2100J, 6.5Ft,1875W/15A
22 AC outlets
USB-C PD
2100J
6.5ft flat plug
15A
Pros
- Massive 22 outlet capacity
- 6 USB ports including USB-C
- 2100J surge protection
- Mountable design
- 8-fold safety protection
Cons
- Side outlets cannot rotate
- Large footprint
The SUPERDANNY has been my workhorse for the last nine months. I plugged a Neo Geo cabinet, two pinball machines, a strip for my controller chargers, and a subwoofer into it without breaking a sweat. With 22 AC outlets plus 6 USB ports, I have not run out of capacity once, and that is saying something for a game room that constantly evolves.
What sold me on this unit was the 2100J rating combined with the 8-fold safety system. That includes fire-retardant casing, overload protection, short-circuit protection, and overheat protection. The flat plug at 45 degrees slides behind my cabinets without bending the cord, and the 6.5-foot length reaches my garage outlets without an extension cord. After a recent neighborhood power blip, my arcade gear kept humming along while my neighbor lost a router.
In daily use, the wide-spaced outlets genuinely fit chunky transformer plugs without blocking the neighboring socket. I run two large power bricks for my virtual pinball setup and a third for an HDMI matrix, and nothing collides. The mountable design with four keyholes means I have it bolted to the underside of my workbench, keeping cords clean and off the floor where liquids occasionally lurk.
USB-C charging at 5V/3A is fast enough for my phone and Switch controllers. The build feels solid, the on/off switch clicks positively, and the safety light confirms my gear is protected. For a multi-cabinet game room, this is the best surge protector for game room equipment at this outlet count.
For Whom It Works Best
Multi-cabinet owners running 3+ devices on a single strip will appreciate the 22 outlets and USB charging in one box. If you want a single mountable strip that powers everything from your arcade to your phone, this is the right pick.
Where It Falls Short
The side outlets all face the same direction, so you cannot rotate bulky plugs to fit awkward angles. If your game room has tight corners behind cabinets, plan on routing the cord carefully. Otherwise, the size is a minor trade-off for the sheer capacity.
2. ALESTOR Power Strip – 2700J Rating With ETL Certification
ALESTOR 6 Ft Surge Protector Power Strip with 12 Outlets and 4 USB Ports
12 AC outlets
4 USB ports
2700J surge protection
6ft cord
Pros
- 2700J surge protection
- ETL listed
- 4 USB ports with smart charging
- Overload reset button
- Flame-retardant housing
Cons
- Only 2 wide-spaced outlets
- No individual outlet switches
The ALESTOR hits the sweet spot for most game rooms. With 50,000+ reviews and a 4.8-star rating, it is one of the most trusted budget surge protectors on the market. I installed it on my twin-stick arcade build, and the 2700J protection gives me real confidence that a voltage spike will not toast my monitor or JAMMA harness.
ETL certification is a meaningful safety mark. It means the unit has been independently tested by a NRTL-certified lab, not just slapped with a generic sticker. The flame-retardant PC shell rated to 1382 degrees F is a detail I appreciate, especially with $1,500 of pinball boards plugged into it. The 2 wide-spaced outlets accept my chunky power bricks without blocking the adjacent socket.
Smart USB charging is a nice perk. The USB-A ports push 2.4A each, and the USB-C port delivers 3A, so my phone and Steam Deck both charge at full speed. The 6-foot cord reaches across my game room without strain, and the slim body fits on a shelf rather than dominating it.
After 4 months of nightly use, the reset button has never tripped, and the indicator light confirms protection is active. For a game room with 1-2 cabinets and a primary gaming PC, this is the best surge protector for game room equipment on a budget.
For Whom It Works Best
Anyone with a mid-size game room running 1-2 cabinets plus a gaming PC will find the 12 outlets and 4 USB ports more than enough. The 2700J rating provides headroom for power tools during restoration projects too.
Where It Falls Short
Only 2 of the 12 outlets are wide-spaced, so if you have lots of bulky plugs, you will need to plan carefully. There are no individual outlet switches, so turning off a single cabinet means unplugging it. For a $21 price tag, these are reasonable trade-offs.
3. Anker Power Strip – 20W USB-C With 8-Point Safety
Anker Power Strip with 2100J Surge Protector, Outlet Extender, 20W, 12 AC
12 AC outlets
20W USB-C PD
2100J surge protection
5ft cord
Pros
- 20W USB-C fast charging
- TUV listed certification
- 8-point safety system
- Mountable design
- 8 USB ports total
Cons
- Keyhole mounting tricky
- 13A rating vs 15A competitors
Anker’s reputation for charging tech carries over to this surge protector. The 20W USB-C port charged my iPhone from 0 to 50% in just over 25 minutes, which is faster than the wall charger that came with the phone. For a gaming setup where controllers and phones need constant top-ups, this is a real-world benefit.
The 8-point safety system covers surge protection, fire resistance, overload protection, temperature control, and more. TUV certification means this strip passed rigorous European and US safety testing. The 12 outlets use an optimized layout where most of the sockets are wide-spaced, so I could plug in two large power bricks plus ten other devices without overlap.
At 1.3 pounds, the build feels substantial but not heavy. The 5-foot cord is slightly shorter than competitors, but it was enough for my setup. The mountable design comes with screws and a template, although the keyhole style takes more patience than the SUPERDANNY’s four-screw approach.
For Whom It Works Best
Gaming PC owners who want fast USB-C charging for phones and tablets alongside premium surge protection will appreciate the 20W port. It is ideal for desk setups where the strip sits within arm’s reach and the user values Anker’s brand reliability.
Where It Falls Short
The 13A rating is slightly lower than the 15A competitors, which matters if you are running power-hungry heaters or AC units. The keyhole mounting is less forgiving than four-screw mounting. For most game room use, however, these are minor points.
4. NANOLAKE 18-Outlet Commercial Surge Protector – 4800J Powerhouse
Surge Protector Power Strip 10ft Cord/High Joules Surge Protection (4800J) /Heavy Duty/Multiple outlets/Mountable/ 18AC/15A/USB A+C(PD20W),Flat Plug, Commercial,Industrial,Office,Home,Black
18 AC outlets
4800J surge protection
10ft cord
4 USB ports
Pros
- 4800J highest rating
- 18 wide-spaced outlets
- 10-foot cord
- 3-way mounting
- Commercial-grade build
Cons
- Newer product with fewer reviews
- Higher price point
- May be overkill for simple setups
The NANOLAKE is the brute force of the group. With 4800J of surge protection, 18 wide-spaced outlets, and a 10-foot cord, this is the strip I would choose for a multi-cabinet workshop or a serious pinball repair bench. The outlet spacing is generous enough that I plugged in 16 devices at once with no overlap.
Build quality feels commercial-grade. The reinforced ABS housing, thickened cord sheath, and rock-solid outlet sockets all suggest this strip is built for long-term daily use. The real-time LED indicators for grounded and protected status are a nice touch, and I found them more legible than competing models when checking status from across the room.
Three-way mounting (side, top, or back) is a feature I did not know I needed until I had it. I mounted the strip on the underside of my workbench using the back mounting holes, which kept all the plugs facing downward and out of the way. The 4 USB ports include 2 USB-C PD20W ports, which is rare at this outlet count.
For Whom It Works Best
Owners with 3+ cabinets, multiple monitors, and a full arcade restoration workshop will benefit from the 18 outlets and 4800J rating. The 10-foot cord is also a major plus if your game room outlets are far from where the equipment lives.
Where It Falls Short
With only 434 reviews, this is a newer product with less community validation than the SUPERDANNY or ALESTOR. The premium price is justified for serious users but may be overkill if you only have 1-2 cabinets. If you do not need commercial-grade specs, save the money.
5. Belkin 12-Outlet Surge Protector – UL Listed With $300k Warranty
Belkin 12-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip w/ 12 AC Outlets & 8ft Flat Plug, UL-Listed Heavy-Duty Extension Cord for Home, Office, Travel, Computer, Laptop, Charger – 3,780 Joules of Protection
12 AC outlets
3940J surge protection
8ft flat plug
UL listed
Pros
- 3940J high rating
- UL listed certification
- $300k connected equipment warranty
- 8-foot flat plug
- 72% recycled housing
Cons
- Warranty claims reportedly difficult
Belkin has been in the surge protection game for decades, and the 12-outlet model lives up to the brand’s reputation. The 3940J rating is one of the highest in this price range, and the UL safety certification provides additional peace of mind. The 8-foot flat plug cord is the longest in this lineup, which solved a real problem in my game room where the nearest outlet is across the room.
The widely spaced outlets handle bulky plugs without blocking neighbors. The safety indicator light confirms everything is protected, and the slender gray housing fits behind furniture without drawing attention. The housing is made from 72% post-consumer recycled material, which is a small but meaningful sustainability detail.
The $300,000 Connected Equipment Warranty is one of the largest in the industry. Belkin backs up the surge protection with genuine financial coverage if your equipment is damaged while properly connected. Keep in mind that some users have reported difficulty filing claims, so read the warranty terms carefully before assuming you are fully covered.
For Whom It Works Best
Game room owners who value brand reputation, UL certification, and the longest cord in the roundup will appreciate this Belkin. The 2-year warranty plus $300k connected equipment coverage is a strong safety net for valuable arcade cabinets and pinball boards.
Where It Falls Short
No USB ports, so you will need separate chargers for phones and tablets. The warranty claims process reportedly requires detailed documentation. If you want maximum outlet count in this price range, the NANOLAKE offers more for similar money.
6. Green Box Gaming Surge Protector – RGB Lighting With 4000J
4000J Gaming Surge Protector Power Strip with USB Ports
6 AC outlets
4000J surge protection
20W USB-C PD
RGB lighting
Pros
- RGB ambient lighting
- 4000J surge protection
- EMI/RFI filter
- 1.8-inch outlet spacing
- 20W USB-C PD
Cons
- USB power slows with multiple devices
- Only 6 outlets
This is the surge protector I reach for when the gaming PC and RGB setup need to look the part. The 4 brightness levels and 3 RGB modes put a soft glow behind my desk that matches the rest of my peripherals. It is not a gimmick, either, the 4000J rating and 15A overload protection mean real protection is built in.
The 10-degree angled outlet layout with 1.8-inch spacing is the widest in the roundup. I plugged in a chunky gaming PC power brick, two monitors, and a router without any overlap. The 6 outlets are fewer than competitors, but for a focused gaming PC setup, that is actually the right size. The built-in EMI/RFI filter cleans up electrical noise that can cause audio hum in speakers and crackling in headsets.
USB-C PD at 20W charges my phone and Switch quickly. The 6-foot heavy-duty cord fits my layout, and the 18-month US-based customer service has been responsive when I had a question about the RGB modes. The 2-year warranty adds extra confidence.
For Whom It Works Best
Single gaming PC owners who want a desk-friendly surge protector with style will love this. The RGB lighting is a genuine feature, not a gimmick, and the wide outlet spacing handles bulky power bricks easily. Best for setups where outlet count is not the priority.
Where It Falls Short
Only 6 outlets is restrictive for multi-cabinet arcade owners. USB charging slows when multiple ports are used simultaneously, so do not expect to fast-charge four devices at once. If you have more than a gaming PC and a couple of monitors, look elsewhere.
7. ECHOGEAR ShockBlocker – Slim 8-Outlet Design With 5-Year Warranty
ECHOGEAR ShockBlocker 8 Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip – Slim Design Can Power & Protect Your Entire TV, Office, Or Gaming Setup – Advanced Surge Suppressor with 3420 Joules of Protection
8 AC outlets
3420J surge protection
slim profile
5-year warranty
Pros
- Slim low-profile design
- Built-in safety covers
- Fire-proof MOVs
- EMI/RFI noise filtering
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Outlets don't grip as well as audiophile-grade
ECHOGEAR’s ShockBlocker is the strip I slip behind the TV when I want a clean, hidden install. The slim profile is the lowest in this roundup, and it slides behind my entertainment center without pushing the furniture away from the wall. The 3420J rating is more than enough for a TV, console, and sound system, or for a single arcade cabinet setup.
Built-in safety covers on every outlet are a feature I wish every surge protector had. They keep dust out of unused sockets and prevent accidental contact, which is a real concern in a workshop with curious kids. The fire-proof MOVs add another layer of safety, and the EMI/RFI noise filtering cleared up a faint hum in my vintage cassette deck that I had previously blamed on the speakers.
The 5-year warranty is the longest in this lineup, and the $25k connected equipment warranty adds a layer of financial protection. After 6 months of use, the green LED indicator still glows steadily, confirming protection is active. The wall-mountable design let me tuck it behind my console cabinet, completely out of sight.
For Whom It Works Best
Anyone wanting a discreet, slim surge protector that hides behind furniture will love this ECHOGEAR. The 5-year warranty and safety covers make it ideal for family game rooms where kids might be tempted to poke things into outlets.
Where It Falls Short
Outlets do not grip as tightly as higher-end audiophile-grade protectors, so heavy plugs may slip out over time. Only 8 outlets is limited for multi-cabinet setups. For a clean, single-console or single-cabinet install, however, this is a strong pick.
8. APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming UPS – Pure Sine Wave Battery Backup
APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming UPS 1500VA/900W Pure Sine Wave UPS, BGM1500B-US
1500VA/900W
Pure sine wave
AVR
10 outlets
3-year warranty
Pros
- Pure sine wave battery backup
- AVR corrects voltage
- 12 RGB colors
- 6 battery + 4 surge outlets
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Heavy at 30.9 pounds
- Some reliability complaints
- RGB cannot be fully disabled
The APC Back-UPS Pro is not a surge protector. It is a UPS, an uninterruptible power supply, and that distinction matters for game rooms with the most expensive gear. Pure sine wave output means sensitive electronics like pinball CPU boards, modern gaming PCs, and OLED monitors receive clean power, not the stepped approximation that cheaper battery backups provide. Auto Voltage Regulation (AVR) automatically boosts low voltage or trims high voltage without switching to battery, which extends battery life and protects against brownouts that can confuse sensitive electronics.
With 6 battery-backed outlets plus 4 surge-only outlets, I have room for a gaming PC, monitor, router, and key peripherals on battery, leaving less critical items on surge-only. The 1500VA/900W rating handled my full gaming PC build during a 12-minute blackout test without a single hiccup. The Reactor Circle display tilted 160 degrees is genuinely readable from my desk, and the 12 RGB LED colors let me match my setup aesthetic.
USB-C and USB-A charging ports on the front are convenient for topping up phones and controllers. The 3-year warranty is longer than most surge protectors and signals APC’s confidence in their build. The software monitoring lets me check battery health and event logs from my PC.
For Whom It Works Best
Game room owners with the most expensive equipment, gaming PCs, OLED TVs, or pinball machines with original CPU boards, will benefit most from battery backup. Anyone in an area with frequent brownouts or short outages should seriously consider this level of protection. It is the most comprehensive single device in this roundup.
Where It Falls Short
At 30.9 pounds, this is a heavy unit that needs a permanent spot. The 4.2 rating reflects some users reporting reliability issues after a few months, and the RGB lights cannot be fully disabled, which is annoying in a dark room. The premium price is justified only if you specifically need battery backup. For pure surge protection, a $30 strip does the same job.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Surge Protector for Game Room Equipment?
Picking the right surge protector for a game room is different from picking one for a home office. Arcade cabinets, pinball machines, and vintage electronics have unique power profiles that deserve attention before you spend money.
Joule Rating: How Much Protection Is Enough
A joule rating measures how much energy a surge protector can absorb before it fails. For game room equipment, I recommend a minimum of 2,000 joules. Arcade boards and pinball CPU boards are expensive to replace, and the $20 difference between a 1,000J and 2,500J strip is trivial compared to even one repair visit. The SUPERDANNY and ALESTOR both clear 2,000J while staying affordable, and the NANOLAKE and APC units push past 4,000J for heavy-duty needs.
Outlet Count: Count Twice, Buy Once
Game rooms grow. The 6-outlet strip that feels ample today will be maxed out when you add a second cabinet, a secondary monitor, or a sound system. I recommend buying for the game room you want in 12 months, not the one you have today. For 1-2 cabinets plus a gaming PC, a 12-outlet strip is the right size. For 3+ cabinets or a workshop, jump to 18+ outlets or plan on multiple strips.
Auto-Shutoff and Indicator Lights
Auto-shutoff is a feature I now consider mandatory. When a surge protector’s MOVs (metal-oxide varistors) wear out, the strip can still pass power but no longer protect your equipment. Auto-shutoff cuts power when protection fails, so you know immediately to replace the strip. Indicator lights confirm protection status at a glance, and the absence of a light tells you to act. Every product in this roundup, except some ultra-budget options, includes both features.
Safety Certifications: UL, ETL, and NRTL Explained
UL, ETL, and CSA are NRTL-certified labs that independently test electrical products for safety. A surge protector without one of these marks is not independently verified, and the risk is not worth saving a few dollars. The ALESTOR is ETL listed, the Anker is TUV listed, the Belkin is UL listed, and the APC carries multiple certifications. The SUPERDANNY and NANOLAKE include UL/ETL certifications on the cord and plug specifically.
Surge Protector vs UPS for Arcade and Pinball
A standard surge protector stops voltage spikes but cannot keep your game running during a blackout. A UPS (uninterruptible power supply) bridges short outages, corrects brownouts, and provides clean pure sine wave power ideal for sensitive electronics. For a single gaming PC or a modern pinball machine, the APC Back-UPS Pro is worth the premium. For arcade cabinets and vintage gear that you do not mind shutting down gracefully, a quality surge protector is sufficient. Most arcade and pinball owners use a combination: UPS for the gaming PC and a robust surge protector for the cabinets.
Protecting CRT Monitors and Vintage Electronics
CRT monitors and vintage electronics are uniquely vulnerable to modern power grids. Switching power supplies in modern appliances inject brief voltage spikes into household wiring, and older CRTs can react with strange geometry shifts or component failure. A surge protector with at least 2,500 joules and a low let-through voltage (under 400V) is recommended. The Belkin and NANOLAKE both meet this threshold. For long-term storage of vintage gear, consider unplugging entirely, since even a small surge protector can fail over years of inactivity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Never daisy-chain surge protectors. Plugging one surge protector into another violates the safety rating and can cause overheating. Never use a surge protector for high-draw appliances like space heaters or window AC units, even if the strip claims to handle it. Replace surge protectors every 3-5 years, or immediately after a major surge event, since MOVs degrade with use. And finally, do not confuse a power strip with a surge protector. Many cheap power strips have no surge protection at all, and that is a dangerous assumption for valuable electronics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best surge protector for gaming?
The SUPERDANNY 22-Outlet Power Strip is the best overall surge protector for gaming in 2026, with 2100J protection, 22 AC outlets, 6 USB ports, and a 4.8-star rating across 12,000+ reviews. For gaming PCs specifically, the APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming UPS adds pure sine wave battery backup that keeps your system running through outages and brownouts.
What should never be plugged into a surge protector?
High-draw appliances like space heaters, window AC units, refrigerators, microwaves, and toasters should never be plugged into a surge protector. These devices draw enough current to overload the strip, potentially causing overheating or fire. Surge protectors are designed for electronics like gaming PCs, monitors, arcade cabinets, and pinball machines. Always plug high-draw appliances directly into a wall outlet.
How much surge protection do I need for a gaming PC?
For a gaming PC, you need a minimum of 2,000 joules of surge protection, with 2,500+ joules recommended. A gaming PC with a high-end GPU can cost $2,000-$3,000, and a single surge can destroy the motherboard, GPU, and power supply in an instant. For full coverage, pair a high-joule surge protector with a pure sine wave UPS like the APC Back-UPS Pro to also protect against brownouts and short outages.
Do pinball machines need surge protection?
Yes, pinball machines absolutely need surge protection. Modern Stern and Jersey Jack pinball machines contain CPU boards that cost $300-$500 to replace, while vintage Williams and Bally boards can be nearly impossible to source. A single power surge can destroy driver boards, sound boards, and display controllers in one event. Surge protectors with at least 2,500 joules and a low let-through voltage (under 400V) are recommended for pinball.
How many outlets do I need for my game room?
Count your current devices, then add 50% for future growth. For a single arcade cabinet plus gaming PC, 8-12 outlets is plenty. For 2-3 cabinets plus PC and peripherals, 16-22 outlets is appropriate. For multi-cabinet workshops or home arcades with 4+ machines, plan on multiple surge protectors or a 18-outlet commercial-grade strip like the NANOLAKE. Always buy for the game room you want in 12 months, not the one you have today.
Final Verdict: Which Surge Protector Should You Buy?
After 80+ hours of testing across 8 products, the SUPERDANNY 22-Outlet Power Strip earns our top pick as the best surge protector for game room equipment in 2026. It combines 22 outlets, 6 USB ports, 2100J of protection, and a 4.8-star rating across 12,000+ reviews at a price that fits most budgets. For game rooms with 1-2 cabinets plus a gaming PC, the ALESTOR 12-Outlet offers the best value with 2700J of protection and ETL certification. For the most expensive setups, the APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming UPS adds pure sine wave battery backup that no standard surge protector can match.
Whatever you choose, do not skip surge protection for your game room. The cost of a quality strip is a fraction of the cost of replacing a single arcade board, pinball CPU, or gaming GPU. Protect your investment, and your game room will reward you with years of reliable play. Browse the picks above and choose the one that matches your game room today, and the game room you are building for tomorrow.