Arcade Machine

An arcade machine or arcade cabinet is a covering or housing for an arcade game’s hardware. An arcade machine varies as per the arcade game and has a number of different parts like a monitor, a marquee, a bezel, control panel, coin slot and coin box. The monitor of the arcade machine displays the game in either raster or vector graphics. Its standard resolution is between 262.5 and 315 vertical lines. Depending on the game, the monitor can be oriented horizontally or vertically. The game’s title is displayed in backlit and bright colours known as the marquee. The border around the monitor is known as the bezel and it may contain some artwork or instructions about the game. The game controls are arranged on the control panel. The coin slots and coin box is located below the control panel and allows for the insertion of money or tokens.

There are various types of arcade cabinets available like upright cabinets, cocktail or table cabinets, sit-down cabinets, cockpit/environmental cabinets, mini cabinets, and countertop cabinets. The arcade cabinets can be custom-made as per the game; the upright, the cocktail or table, and the sit-down being most commonly used. Arcade games and arcade machine have become collectible items today and there are various newsgroups and websites that focus on restoration work on arcade cabinets. Used arcade games as well as arcade cabinets on hire are available online.