Arcade cabinets come in many shapes and sizes, from full-sized retro machines to compact bartop versions. Choosing the best size depends on your space, comfort, and how authentic you want your arcade experience to feel. Letโs explore the options.
๐น๏ธ Standard Full-Size Arcade Cabinets
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Height: Around 66โ72 inches (5.5โ6 feet)
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Width: 24โ30 inches
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Depth: 30โ36 inches
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Best for: Authentic arcade feel, standing gameplay, and two-player setups.
โ Downside: Takes up more room, heavier to move.
These are closest to the original 1980sโ90s arcade machines, offering a nostalgic, immersive experience.
๐น๏ธ Three-Quarter (ยพ) Size Cabinets
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Height: Around 45โ60 inches
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Width/Depth: Smaller footprint than full-size
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Best for: Home arcades, kids, or anyone with limited space.
โ Downside: Slightly less immersive for taller adults unless paired with a riser.
Brands like Arcade1Up popularized this size, making it easier to fit a cabinet into living rooms and game rooms.
๐น๏ธ Bartop Arcade Cabinets
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Height: 20โ30 inches (without base)
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Designed to sit on a countertop, bar, or custom stand.
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Best for: Small spaces, apartments, casual gaming.
โ Downside: Not as immersive as standing cabinets.
Great for players who want arcade fun without dedicating floor space.
๐น๏ธ Cocktail Table Cabinets
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Height: 28โ32 inches (similar to a coffee table)
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Players sit across from each other.
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Best for: Multiplayer games like Pac-Man or Galaga, social settings, game rooms.
โ Downside: Not suitable for all game genres (like fighting games).
๐น๏ธ Which Size Should You Choose?
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Full-Size Cabinet: Best for collectors and serious retro fans.
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ยพ-Size Cabinet: Best for casual gamers and families.
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Bartop Cabinet: Best for small apartments or portable setups.
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Cocktail Cabinet: Best for social, multiplayer fun.
๐ฏ Final Verdict
The best size for an arcade cabinet depends on your priorities:
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Want nostalgia? Go full-size.
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Want convenience? Go ยพ-size.
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Want compact fun? Go bartop.
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Want social play? Go cocktail table.
No matter the size, what matters most is enjoying the games you love!
๐ Arcade Cabinet Size Comparison Chart
| Cabinet Type | Height Range | Space Needed | Best For | Pros โ | Cons โ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Size | 66โ72 in (5.5โ6 ft) | Large floor space | Authentic arcade feel, collectors | True arcade experience, immersive | Heavy, takes up space |
| ยพ-Size | 45โ60 in | Moderate floor space | Home arcades, families | Fits most homes, lighter weight | Too short for tall adults without riser |
| Bartop | 20โ30 in (cabinet only) | Tabletop or counter | Apartments, casual gaming | Compact, portable, space-saving | Less immersive, needs surface to sit on |
| Cocktail Table | 28โ32 in | Coffee table space | Multiplayer party games | Great for 2 players, social fun | Limited game genres work well |
๐ฏ Final Thoughts
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Full-size is for arcade purists.
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ยพ-size balances nostalgia and convenience.
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Bartop is the best for tight spaces.
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Cocktail is perfect for social retro gaming nights.
๐ No matter the size, the best arcade cabinet is the one that fits your lifestyle, space, and love for gaming.