🕹️ Do Arcade Games Still Get Made?

Many people think arcades died in the 1990s — but they didn’t. They just evolved. In fact, new arcade games are still being made every year, just in a different form than the classic cabinets you may remember from your childhood.

Let’s explore the modern arcade world, how these machines work, and what you can expect if you're planning to buy, build, or visit one in 2025.

🎮 Are New Arcade Games Still Being Made?

Yes! But instead of pixelated 8-bit games like Galaga or Donkey Kong, today's arcades focus on:

  • Big, immersive experiences

  • Cutting-edge graphics

  • Motion controls

  • VR/AR technology

  • Multiplayer social gaming

✨ Who’s Making Them?

Several big companies still develop arcade games:

  • Bandai Namco – Known for Mario Kart Arcade GP, Tekken 8: Arcade, and Pac-Man Battle Royale

  • SEGA Amusements – Makers of House of the Dead: Scarlet Dawn and R-Tuned

  • Raw Thrills – A U.S.-based company creating fast-paced racers and shooters like Jurassic Park Arcade or Halo: Fireteam Raven

Most of these games are exclusive to arcades, meaning you can’t download them to a console — you have to experience them in person.

🧠 How Do Modern Arcade Machines Work?

Modern arcade machines are mini gaming computers housed in flashy, durable shells with built-in controls, payment systems, and output displays. But they're a far cry from the simple circuit boards of the 80s.

Here’s what powers them in 2025:

🧱 1. Hardware: PC-Like Internals

Modern cabinets use:

  • High-end GPUs and CPUs (often running on Windows or Linux)

  • Solid-state drives for fast loading

  • Industrial cooling systems

  • HD or 4K monitors

  • Surround sound systems

This allows games to have console or PC-quality graphics in an arcade environment.

🎮 2. Control Systems

Arcade controls are more diverse today:

  • Steering wheels with force feedback

  • Guns with recoil effects

  • Motion platforms (like in racing sims)

  • Dance pads, drum kits, and VR headsets

Most input is handled through USB-connected custom driver systems, meaning they're more modular and repairable than older machines.

💳 3. Payment Systems

Forget quarters — most arcades now use:

  • Swipe cards

  • Mobile pay apps

  • RFID wristbands

Each swipe deducts credits or points, which simplifies management for arcade operators and makes gameplay smoother for players.

🌐 4. Network & Cloud Integration

Some games are now:

  • Online multiplayer

  • Connected to global leaderboards

  • Remotely updated or maintained

  • Synced across multiple machines

This turns arcade gaming into a shared online experience, not just a local one.

🛠 5. Software Platform

Modern arcade games are often developed on:

  • Unreal Engine

  • Unity

  • Custom Linux-based OS

These platforms make it easier for developers to push updates, fix bugs, and even test new game ideas without building a brand-new cabinet.

🔄 Can You Build Your Own Modern Arcade?

Absolutely. Many hobbyists and small businesses now:

  • Use Raspberry Pi or mini PCs to run emulators

  • Buy arcade-style control panels

  • Install games via RetroPie or Batocera

  • Connect to HDMI displays and even VR rigs

Want plug-and-play machines? Check out our full arcade collection — great for home gaming rooms, cafés, and small gaming lounges.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Arcades may no longer be the center of gaming culture, but they’re far from extinct. They’ve transformed into high-tech entertainment hubs, offering games and experiences you simply can’t get on a phone or console.

Whether you’re hunting zombies with motion blasters or racing friends in a full cockpit, the spirit of the arcade lives on.

🎁 Want to Bring the Arcade Home?

Browse our top-rated LED-lit plug-and-play arcade consoles and retro cabinets at Gameloopx
🛒 Free shipping + setup support available!