In recent years, home arcade machines have surged in popularity—thanks to nostalgia, retro gaming, and a desire to bring the arcade experience into the living room. But with so many brands and DIY kits on the market, many gamers ask:
👉 Who makes the best home arcade machines?
Let’s explore the top brands, what they offer, and how to choose the best one for your setup.
🏆 Top Brands That Make the Best Home Arcade Machines
1. Arcade1Up
🕹️ Best for licensed, affordable retro cabinets
Highlights:
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Officially licensed cabinets (e.g., Pac-Man, Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat)
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¾ scale (approx. 4 ft tall)
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Affordable, easy to assemble
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LCD screen, real arcade buttons/joysticks
💵 Price range: $300 – $600
⭐ Best for: Casual gamers, nostalgia fans, families
🔧 Optional risers and stools for full-height play
2. AtGames Legends Ultimate
🕹️ Best for all-in-one game variety + online features
Highlights:
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Over 300 built-in games + online game store
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Supports BYOG (Bring Your Own Game)
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Online leaderboards, multiplayer, USB/HDMI support
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24" or 32" HD screens
💵 Price range: $600 – $1,200
⭐ Best for: Versatility, modern + retro gaming, online play
🎮 Expandable with Steam, ArcadeNet, and more
3. iiRcade
🕹️ Best for downloadable titles and modern design
Highlights:
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Download new games via app store
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Premium sound and 19" display
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Full-size cabinet with high-quality parts
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Unique library including retro and indie games
💵 Price range: $600 – $1,000
⭐ Best for: Gamers who want more than retro classics
🎧 High-end sound and art options
4. Youwei Trade Home Arcade Machines
🕹️ Best for budget-friendly, multi-game cabinets
Highlights:
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Thousands of built-in games (NES, SNES, MAME, PS1, etc.)
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Based on Raspberry Pi or Pandora’s Box technology
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Compact or full-size cabinets
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Plug-and-play setup, customizable controls
💵 Price range: $200 – $800
⭐ Best for: Value, versatility, game variety
💡 Some units include handheld options and portable consoles
👉 Browse Youwei Trade’s Arcade Collection → (Free shipping included!)
5. Rec Room Masters
🕹️ Best for serious DIY builders
Highlights:
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Arcade cabinet kits (no electronics included)
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Supports Raspberry Pi, PC, or console builds
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Custom graphics available
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Pro-level control panels
💵 Price range: $500 – $1,200 (not including hardware)
⭐ Best for: DIY hobbyists and serious retro gamers
🔧 Great if you want to build a dream machine
🧠 How to Choose the Best One for You
Consideration | Best Option |
---|---|
Budget-friendly | Youwei Trade, Arcade1Up |
Licensed retro games | Arcade1Up |
Modern features + game variety | AtGames Legends, iiRcade |
Full customization | Rec Room Masters, Raspberry Pi DIY |
Portability | Mini machines from Youwei Trade |
🏁 Final Thoughts
The best home arcade machine depends on your needs:
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Want plug-and-play with classics? 👉 Go with Arcade1Up or Youwei Trade
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Want variety and online features? 👉 Try AtGames or iiRcade
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Want full control and customization? 👉 DIY kits or Raspberry Pi builds are the way to go
🎮 Looking to start your own home arcade?
Explore high-quality, ready-to-play machines at YouweiTrade.com – including multi-game cabinets, claw machines, and handheld retro consoles with free shipping.