If you’ve ever seen those giant game cabinets with joysticks, buttons, and bright colorful screens lining a classic game room or retro arcade, you’re looking at what are affectionately called arcade machines — but there are some specific terms you might want to know!
🕹️ What Are Old School Arcade Machines Called?
1. Arcade Cabinets
This is the formal name for those large, standalone gaming units you’d find in arcades throughout the 70s, 80s, and 90s. An arcade cabinet typically includes:
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A CRT screen or monitor
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Physical joystick and buttons
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A coin slot to insert quarters or tokens
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The game board inside the cabinet running the software
2. Arcade Machines
Another common term used interchangeably with arcade cabinets. People often say “arcade machines” when talking about these classic games.
3. Coin-Op Machines
Short for coin-operated machines, highlighting the fact that players had to insert coins or tokens to play. This term is sometimes used in vintage gaming circles.
4. Stand-Up Arcade
These machines were designed for players to stand in front of them, as opposed to sit-down or cocktail arcade machines (which were table-style with the screen facing upward).
🎲 Popular Examples of Old School Arcade Machines
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Pac-Man (1980) — The yellow dot-chomping icon of arcade gaming
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Space Invaders (1978) — Classic alien shooting game
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Donkey Kong (1981) — Mario’s first big appearance
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Galaga (1981) — Space shooter favorite
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Street Fighter II (1991) — The fighting game that defined the genre
🏆 Why Arcade Machines Are Still Loved Today
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Nostalgia: They remind people of simpler times and social gaming moments.
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Unique Controls: Physical joysticks and buttons give a tactile experience you don’t get on consoles or phones.
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Collectibility: Many retro gamers and collectors seek original or refurbished arcade cabinets.
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Barcades and Retro Lounges: Places that mix bars and arcades bring these classics back for a new generation.
🎮 Modern Versions: Arcade-Style Consoles & Mini Cabinets
Today, many companies create mini arcade cabinets or plug-and-play devices that mimic the old arcade feel but are compact and use modern tech.
Examples:
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Atari Flashback mini consoles
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Neo Geo Mini
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DIY Raspberry Pi arcade projects
🛍️ Where to Buy Arcade Machines & Accessories
If you want to bring some retro fun home:
Final Thought
Old school arcade machines are often simply called arcade cabinets or coin-op machines — icons of a golden age of gaming. Whether you played them as a kid or are discovering them now, they remain a thrilling part of gaming history!