When I first plugged in a refurbished Street Fighter II cabinet in my garage, I watched the Kill-A-Watt meter like a hawk expecting the worst. I was surprised. The cabinet pulled 102 watts during gameplay. Less than my living room TV. If you have ever asked how much electricity an arcade machine uses, this guide … Read more
I have lived in a 650-square-foot apartment for the past three years, and I have spent more weekends than I would like to admit squeezing full-size arcade cabinets through narrow hallways. When I finally discovered that Arcade1Up makes three-quarter scale cabinets specifically designed for tight living spaces, I knew I had to find the best … Read more
Learning how to apply side art to an arcade cabinet is one of the most rewarding steps in any arcade restoration or custom build. The side art is the first thing people see when they walk up to your machine, and a clean installation can make even a repainted cabinet look like a factory-fresh arcade … Read more
Learning how to replace arcade cabinet t-molding is one of the most impactful restoration skills you can pick up as an arcade enthusiast. That flexible edge trim running along every side of your cabinet is what separates a beat-up project box from a machine that looks like it just rolled off the factory floor. Whether … Read more
If your arcade cabinet has a cracked, faded, or missing marquee, you are looking at one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to a machine. That illuminated panel above the monitor is the face of your cabinet, and replacing it transforms the entire look in under an hour. This guide walks through how … Read more
If you have ever tried to lift an arcade cabinet, you know the feeling. That thing is heavy. Knowing how much an arcade machine weighs before you buy, move, or build one saves you from injuries, shipping surprises, and cracked floors. On average, an arcade machine weighs between 44 pounds (20 kg) for a mini … Read more
If you are planning to bring an arcade cabinet into your home, game room, or office, knowing the exact measurements before you buy saves you from a very expensive mistake. I have seen too many people order a full-size upright machine only to discover it will not fit through their front door or down a … Read more
If you are building or upgrading an arcade cabinet, the Sanwa vs Happ joysticks debate is one of the first decisions you will face. These two brands represent fundamentally different approaches to arcade control design, and the choice changes how every game feels under your hands. I have spent years swapping parts in fight sticks, … Read more
To clean an arcade cabinet without damaging it, unplug the machine first, then wipe the exterior with a soft microfiber cloth dampened with a mild detergent or all-purpose cleaner diluted in water. Use a screen-safe cleaner for the display, and 91% isopropyl alcohol on a Q-tip for joystick and button contacts. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, abrasive … Read more
Nothing kills an arcade vibe faster than dropping a quarter into a machine and watching it drop straight into the reject slot. I have spent years troubleshooting arcade cabinets in my own collection and for friends who run route operations, and I can tell you that arcade machine coin acceptor problems almost always come down … Read more