10 Best Arcade Cabinets in 2026

You spent your quarters on the real thing. Now you want that sensation in your own home, but the options are dizzying. Do you want a faithful five-foot replica that feels like a time machine? A compact bartop that can live on a countertop? A full-on multi-game behemoth that packs twenty thousand titles? Each choice comes with trade-offs in screen quality, game selection, control type, and overall fit in your space. The best arcade cabinet for you isn't necessarily the one with the longest game list. It's the one that matches your nostalgia, your room, and how you actually want to play.

We've sorted through the current lineup to find ten cabinets that cover the full spectrum. Whether you want a dedicated light-gun shooter, a fighting-game powerhouse, a family-friendly Pac-Man machine, or a DIY project you can customize, there's a cabinet here that earns its spot. The picks below range from the most popular full-size Arcade1Up models to a portable console with a built-in screen and a bare-bones kit for purists who want to build their own.

TL;DR: The Arcade1Up PAC-Man Deluxe is the one most people should buy: 14 classic games, a proper 5-foot cabinet, and online leaderboards. The Arcade1Up Mortal Kombat Classic SE is the best for fighting game fans, with online multiplayer and a killer game library. The Arcade1Up Terminator 2 is the light-gun pick for arcade shooter lovers. The LVL23 Bartop Kit is the DIY project for those who want to build their own from the ground up.

Comparison at a Glance

#	Product	Screen Size	Games Included	Best for
1	Arcade1Up PAC-Man Deluxe	17" LCD	14	The all-around home arcade experience
2	Arcade1Up Class of 81' Deluxe	17" LCD	12	Ms. Pac-Man fans wanting a full-size cabinet
3	Arcade1Up Mortal Kombat Classic SE	15.6" IPS	13	Fighting game enthusiasts with online play
4	Arcade1Up Ms. Pac-Man Classic SE	15.6" IPS	13	A compact Pac-Man machine for tighter spaces
5	Arcade1Up NBA Jam Deluxe	17" BOE	3	Sports fans and competitive 2-player sessions
6	Arcade1Up Terminator 2 Deluxe	17" BOE	1 + extras	Light-gun shooter fans
7	Atari Centipede Ultra Series	17" LCD	40	Trackball enthusiasts and Atari fans
8	Iconic Arcade Street Fighter II XT	(Requires HDMI)	15+	Fighting game purists who want a premium cab
9	WYGAMING Portable 20000 in 1	22" IPS	20,000+	Gamers who want everything in one portable box
10	LVL23 Bartop Cabinet Kit	(Bring your own)	(You choose)	DIY builders and custom arcade creators

How We Picked

Screen size and quality. A 17-inch display is the sweet spot for a home cabinet, giving you a playable image without dominating the room. Smaller 15.6-inch IPS panels are fine for compact cabinets, but a good viewing angle matters more than sheer size.

Game library depth and quality. A machine with 14 iconic games can be more satisfying than one with 20,000 titles if the classics are the ones you actually play. We weighed the curation of the game list as heavily as the number of games.

Controls and input methods. Joysticks and buttons are the baseline. But a trackball opens up Centipede and bowling games, while light guns deliver a completely different kind of arcade fun. The control scheme should match the games you love.

Online features. Wi-Fi leaderboards and online multiplayer turn a solo cabinet into a competitive hub. Not everyone needs it, but for fighting games and sports titles, it adds serious longevity.

Cabinet size and footprint. A 5-foot cabinet makes a statement but demands floor space. A 4-foot or bartop cabinet fits a game room corner or a desk. Measure your space before you buy, and consider whether you need a riser.

Ease of assembly and expandability. Some cabinets bolt together in under an hour. Others are bare kits that require sourcing a screen, controller board, and software. Choose based on how much tinkering you want to do.

1. Arcade1Up PAC-Man Deluxe: Best Overall

Pros

• Features 14 genuine Namco classics including Pac-Man, Galaga, Dig Dug, and Mappy
• Full 5-foot cabinet with authentic artwork, light-up marquee, and molded faux coin door
• Wi-Fi enabled for online leaderboards and the Companion App
• 17-inch high-resolution LCD screen with crisp, vibrant graphics
• Dual speakers deliver arcade-quality sound

Cons

• Control deck is a bit small for two adults playing simultaneously
• No online multiplayer, just leaderboard competition
• The riser is not included, so it feels short if you don't buy one

Best for: Anyone who wants a single cabinet that captures the golden era of arcade gaming with a polished, complete package.

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This is the cabinet that our team points to first when someone says they want a home arcade. The game selection is a greatest-hits reel of the early 80s. Pac-Man, Dig Dug, Galaga, Galaxian, Rompers, Mappy, PAC-Mania, plus more deep cuts. Every one of them plays exactly as you remember, with no emulation weirdness or input lag. The control panel uses real-feel joysticks and buttons that have the right amount of resistance.

The cabinet itself is 61 inches tall, which makes it feel properly imposing in a game room. The light-up marquee and the faux coin door add just enough authenticity without tipping into tackiness. Assembly takes about an hour with two people, though the instructions could be clearer on the cable routing. The 17-inch screen is bright and the viewing angles hold up well from standing height.

The Wi-Fi leaderboards are a nice touch. You can post your high scores and see how you stack up against players across the country. The Companion App adds a little extra community, though it's not essential. The biggest omission is the lack of a riser in the box. You'll want to add one or set the cabinet on a low platform to reach the controls comfortably if you're over 5-foot-6.

2. Arcade1Up Class of 81' Deluxe: Best for Ms. Pac-Man Fans

Pros

• Ms. Pac-Man is the headliner, plus 11 more classics like Dig Dug, Galaga, and Mappy
• Same 5-foot form factor as the PAC-Man Deluxe with matching build quality
• Wi-Fi leaderboards and Companion App included
• Beautiful blue cabinet with original licensed artwork
• 17-inch screen with dual speakers

Cons

• Game list overlaps heavily with the PAC-Man Deluxe (the two are hard to justify owning together)
• No online multiplayer
• The riser is still sold separately

Best for: Collectors who specifically want Ms. Pac-Man and prefer the blue cabinet over the yellow.

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If Ms. Pac-Man is your game, this is your cabinet. The 12-game library includes all the essentials: Ms. Pac-Man, Dig Dug, Galaga, Galaxian, Rompers, Mappy, and several others. The cabinet is structurally identical to the PAC-Man Deluxe, same 17-inch screen, same speakers, same overall dimensions. The difference is the artwork, which swaps the yellow for a blue palette and features Ms. Pac-Man prominently.

The controls feel identical to the PAC-Man Deluxe, which is a good thing. The joystick is responsive and the buttons have a satisfying click. The faux coin door and light-up marquee are the same quality. Assembly is straightforward, though you'll need a screwdriver and a bit of patience. The 61-inch height means you should plan for a riser or stool if the cabinet sits on a low floor.

The biggest question is whether you need both this and the PAC-Man Deluxe. The game lists overlap by about 80 percent. If you can only buy one, the PAC-Man Deluxe has a slightly larger library. But if Ms. Pac-Man is your childhood icon, the Class of 81' Deluxe is the one that will make you smile every time you walk into the room.

3. Arcade1Up Mortal Kombat Classic SE: Best for Fighting Games

Pros

• 13 classic games including Mortal Kombat 1, 2, 3, and Ultimate MK3, plus Rampage, Joust, Gauntlet, and Paperboy
• Online multiplayer and Wi-Fi leaderboards for real head-to-head competition
• Compact 4-foot tall design fits in tighter spaces
• 15.6-inch IPS color monitor with excellent viewing angles
• Real-feel joysticks and buttons tuned for fighting games

Cons

• Smaller screen and shorter cabinet than the Deluxe models
• The control panel can feel cramped for two players during intense matches
• Only two Mortal Kombat games are the full arcade versions (MK1 and MK2; MK3 and Ultimate are different ROMs)

Best for: Fighting game fans who want online play and a compact cabinet that doesn't dominate a room.

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This cabinet is built for one thing: competitive fighting games. The library leans heavily on Mortal Kombat, but it also throws in classics like Rampage, Joust, Wizard of Wor, Gauntlet, Rootbeer Tapper, Defender, Bubbles, Paperboy, and Klax. That's a surprisingly varied mix. The real draw is the online multiplayer, which lets you challenge players around the world. The Wi-Fi leaderboards track your wins and losses, and the matchmaking is smooth enough for a home cabinet.

The 4-foot height makes it significantly shorter than the Deluxe cabinets. It's a better fit for a bedroom or apartment, but adults will need to sit on a low stool or play on their knees. The 15.6-inch IPS screen is smaller too, though the image quality is sharp and colors pop. The control panel uses the same real-feel parts as the bigger cabinets, and the layout is fine for solo play. Two-player sessions get tight, especially when both players try to throw a Fatalities. The joysticks are close together.

The game list includes MK1, MK2, MK3, and Ultimate MK3, but note that MK3 and Ultimate MK3 are not the full arcade versions in all respects. They play well enough for casual fun, but purists may notice differences. For everyone else, this cabinet delivers the essence of 90s arcade fighting in a compact, connected package.

4. Arcade1Up Ms. Pac-Man Classic SE: Compact Pac-Man Machine

Pros

• 13 classic games including Ms. Pac-Man, Pac-Man Plus, Super Pac-Man, Pac-Mania, Dig Dug, Galaga, and more
• 4-foot tall cabinet fits on a desk or shelf more easily than the Deluxe line
• 15.6-inch IPS monitor with great color and viewing angles
• Dual speakers for arcade sound
• Wi-Fi leaderboards

Cons

• Shorter cabinet means bending or sitting to play
• Same game overlap with the larger Class of 81' Deluxe and PAC-Man Deluxe
• No online multiplayer, only leaderboards

Best for: Players with limited floor space who still want a dedicated Pac-Man machine with a decent game library.

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The Classic SE models are Arcade1Up's answer to the space-constrained gamer. At 45 inches tall, this Ms. Pac-Man cabinet is about a foot shorter than the Deluxe line. That makes it more at home in a home office, a dorm room, or even on a sturdy countertop. The 15.6-inch IPS screen is bright and the viewing angles are excellent for a screen this size.

The 13-game library overlaps significantly with the larger cabinets, but the selection is smart: Ms. Pac-Man, Pac-Man Plus, Super Pac-Man, Pac & Pal, Pac-Mania, Dig Dug, Dig Dug 2, Galaga, Galaxian, Galaga 88, Mappy, Rompers, and The Tower of Druaga. That's a solid 80 percent Pac-Man universe, with a few Galaga and Dig Dug extras. The Wi-Fi leaderboards let you post scores and compete, though there's no online multiplayer.

The trade-off for the smaller size is that you'll be bending or sitting to play. The control panel is at waist height for a seated player, which works fine for casual sessions but can be tiring after an hour. The real-feel joystick and buttons are the same quality as the Deluxe models, and the dual speakers sound good enough for the small space. If you don't have room for a 5-foot cabinet, this is an excellent compromise.

5. Arcade1Up NBA Jam Deluxe: Best for Multiplayer Sports

Pros

• Dedicated 2-player control panel makes head-to-head play natural
• 17-inch BOE color monitor with vivid colors for the on-court action
• Wi-Fi online multiplayer and global leaderboards
• Light-up marquee and 3D faux coin doors
• Over 5 feet tall for an imposing presence

Cons

• Only 3 games (NBA Jam, NBA Jam Tournament Edition, and a third)
• The 2-player panel is spacious but adds width
• Online player population can be thin outside peak times

Best for: Basketball fans and anyone who wants a dedicated 2-player cabinet for friendly competition.

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NBA Jam is one of the best multiplayer arcade games ever made, and this cabinet gets the execution right. The 2-player control panel is clearly the star here, with enough room for both players to have their own joystick and buttons without elbowing each other. The 17-inch BOE monitor makes the bright colors of the court pop, and the dynamic sound from the dual speakers adds to the atmosphere.

You get the classic NBA Jam, NBA Jam Tournament Edition, and a third game (likely NBA Jam: Tournament Edition is a variant or extra). That's a thin library by modern standards, but the quality of the core game is so high that many owners will be fine playing it exclusively. The Wi-Fi online multiplayer lets you challenge friends or strangers, though the community is modest compared to the fighting game cabinets.

The 5-foot-plus height and the light-up marquee give it a real arcade presence. The 3D faux coin doors are a nice touch. Assembly is about an hour and a half because of the wider control panel. If you plan to play with a friend regularly, this is one of the best cabinets in the lineup for that purpose. The only real downside is the limited game selection, but for NBA Jam fans, that's like complaining that a burger only has one patty.

6. Arcade1Up Terminator 2 Deluxe: Best Light-Gun Shooter

Pros

• Real-feel arcade light gun for immersive shooting gameplay
• 17-inch BOE color monitor with brilliant clarity
• Dual speakers for dynamic sound effects and music
• Over 5 feet tall, full-size cabinet presence
• Wi-Fi online leaderboards for score competition

Cons

• Only includes one game (Terminator 2: Judgment Day) plus behind-the-scenes footage
• Light guns need to be calibrated and stored carefully
• Not as many games as any other cabinet in this lineup

Best for: Arcade shooter fans who want the closest thing to the original T2 experience at home.

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This cabinet trades quantity for a singular, focused experience. The Terminator 2 light-gun shooter is one of the most beloved arcade games of the early 90s, and this version captures it faithfully. The light guns have a solid weight and the feedback is immediate. You aim by pointing at the screen, and the hit detection is accurate enough for casual play. The 17-inch BOE monitor is bright and handles the fast motion of the shooting well.

The cabinet itself is full-sized at over 5 feet, and the artwork is accurate to the original arcade. The light guns mount on the sides of the cabinet, and the control panel is minimal. The behind-the-scenes footage is a nice bonus, but it's essentially a one-game machine.

The light guns do require calibration, and if you move the cabinet, you may need to recalibrate. They are also a bit delicate compared to joystick buttons, so they're not the best choice for a household with young children who might yank on them. The Wi-Fi leaderboards let you compare scores worldwide, but the real appeal is solo play against the machine. If Terminator 2 is your game, this is the cabinet to buy.

7. Atari Centipede Ultra Series: Best for Trackball and Classic Atari

Pros

• 40 games total, including Centipede, Liberator, Avalanche, Super Breakout, and 34 bonus Atari arcade and 2600 titles
• Built-in arcade-style trackball for authentic control
• 17-inch full-color LCD screen
• Classic Atari artwork and design
• Straightforward assembly

Cons

• The trackball works well for Centipede but can be finicky for games designed for joysticks
• Screen quality is decent but not as sharp as IPS panels
• Game list includes many 2600 ports that don't feel like arcade originals

Best for: Atari fans and players who want a trackball-based cabinet for Centipede, bowling, and other classics.

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The Arcade Classics brand takes a different approach from Arcade1Up. This cabinet focuses on the Atari catalog and uses a trackball instead of a joystick as the primary control. For Centipede, that's the only way to play. The trackball is smooth and responsive, and the ball is a good size for rolling quickly. The game includes six arcade favorites plus 34 bonus titles drawn from the Atari 2600 library.

The 17-inch LCD screen is adequate but not as bright or color-accurate as the IPS panels in the Arcade1Up cabinets. The artwork is straight out of the early 80s, with a black cabinet and the classic Centipede mushroom graphics. The 40-game library is a strong selling point, but about half of the titles are 2600 ports that feel like home console games rather than arcade originals. The trackball is also the only controller, so games that need a joystick (like Pac-Man) rely on the trackball's directional input, which isn't ideal.

Assembly is simple, taking about 45 minutes. The cabinet is 61 inches tall, similar to the Arcade1Up Deluxe models. It is a niche pick, but if you have fond memories of Centipede's trackball, this is the only current cabinet that does it justice.

8. Iconic Arcade Street Fighter II XT: Premium Fighting Machine

Pros

• 9/10 scale cabinet with faithful 90s arcade styling
• Powered by Raspberry Pi 5 for smooth, lag-free gameplay
• 15+ classic Capcom fighting games included
• HDMI out for streaming or recording matches
• Responsive joysticks and buttons

Cons

• Screen is not included (you must provide a monitor or use HDMI out to a TV)
• 9/10 scale means it is slightly smaller than a true full-size cabinet
• Raspberry Pi 5 setup may require some tinkering for Wi-Fi and game updates

Best for: Street Fighter purists who want a premium cabinet with modern hardware and the flexibility to add more games.

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This cabinet stands out because it uses a Raspberry Pi 5 as its brain. That means the emulation is handled by modern hardware that can run fighting games with no noticeable input delay. The 9/10 scale is a compromise between full-size and bartop, but it still feels substantial. The artwork is straight out of the Street Fighter II era, and the joysticks and buttons are high-quality and responsive.

The catch is that there is no built-in screen. You either mount your own monitor inside the cabinet or connect the HDMI out to a TV. This gives you freedom to choose the size and quality of the display, but it also means the cabinet is not self-contained out of the box. The Raspberry Pi 5 boots into a frontend that organizes the 15+ games, which include Street Fighter II, Super Street Fighter II, and various other Capcom fighters.

The assembly is easier than a full Arcade1Up cabinet because the Pi 5 just needs to be plugged in. The Wi-Fi connection lets you access online leaderboards and multiplayer, though the community is smaller than on the Arcade1Up platforms. For someone who wants a cabinet that can be upgraded with more games and custom modifications, this is the most future-proof option.

9. WYGAMING Portable 20000 in 1: The Everything Machine

Pros

• 20,000+ pre-installed games covering 45+ emulator systems
• 22-inch IPS full-HD screen (1920×1080) with excellent color and viewing angles
• Portable design with folding screen for easy storage or travel
• 64-bit S812 CPU with 8GB RAM for smooth performance
• Supports Wi-Fi, HDMI input/output, and 4-player gaming

Cons

• The interface can be overwhelming with too many game choices
• Some emulators and ROMs are not perfectly configured out of the box
• Build quality of the metal box feels sturdy but the screen hinge is a potential weak point

Best for: Gamers who want the maximum game library in a single portable unit that can also connect to a TV.

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The WYGAMING console is not a traditional upright cabinet. It is a portable unit with a 22-inch IPS screen that folds down for storage. Think of it as a gloriously overstuffed retro gaming setup that you can move from room to room. The 20,000-plus game list includes almost everything from the 80s and 90s, across MAME, FBA, SNES, Genesis, PlayStation, N64, Dreamcast, and many more. The hardware is powerful enough to run most of these games at full speed.

The 22-inch screen is a big reason to consider this unit. It is larger than any of the Arcade1Up cabinets' displays, and the 1080p resolution makes retro games look sharp. The dual speakers are adequate, though they don't compare to the arcade-quality sound of the dedicated cabinets. The controls are built into the unit, with two joysticks and a set of buttons. They are not as premium as the Arcade1Up or Iconic Arcade controls, but they work.

The interface is less polished than the curated game lists of the Arcade1Up cabinets. You will need to search through hundreds of games to find the ones you want. The search and load functions help, but it is not a pick-up-and-play experience. The portability is convenient, but the unit is still over 20 inches wide and weighs a fair amount. It is best for someone who wants a massive game library and does not mind a bit of configuration.

10. LVL23 Bartop Cabinet Kit: Best DIY Build

Pros

• Complete wood cabinet kit that you can customize with your own screen, controls, and software
• Choose between HAPP or Sanwa style joysticks and buttons (28mm or 30mm)
• Compact bartop design fits on a desk or shelf (interior width 20.75 inches)
• All necessary hardware included (joysticks, buttons, wiring)
• Great for learning about arcade building and customization

Cons

• Requires significant DIY effort: you must source a screen, a Raspberry Pi or PC, and set up software
• No pre-installed games or operating system
• The cabinet is bare MDF and needs some finishing (painting, T-molding, artwork)

Best for: Tinkerers and hobbyists who want to build their own arcade from a quality kit.

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The LVL23 kit is for people who want to say "I built that." It is a pre-cut MDF cabinet that you assemble, paint, and equip with your own electronics. The kit includes the joysticks and buttons (you pick HAPP or Sanwa style), the wiring harness, and the cabinet panels. You provide the screen (fits 19 to 23 inches), the computer (a Raspberry Pi or a small PC), the speakers, and the software.

The build quality of the kit is solid. The panels fit together well, and the slot for the screen is precise. The control panel layout is drilled for standard arcade controls. Assembly takes a few hours and some wood glue. The finished product is a bartop cabinet about 21 inches tall, perfect for a counter. You can paint it any color and add custom artwork.

The main downside is that the kit does not include the brain or the screen. You will need to purchase and install a Raspberry Pi (or similar) and configure RetroPie or a similar frontend. That process can take a full weekend. The result is a personalized arcade that you can upgrade over time. If you enjoy building more than playing, this is the most rewarding option on the list.

Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Best Arcade Cabinet

Picking the right arcade cabinet comes down to understanding a few critical factors that will determine how much you actually play and enjoy it. The most important rule is to be honest about your space, your technical comfort, and which games you truly love.

Screen Size and Quality

The screen is the face of your cabinet, and not all are equal. A 17-inch LCD is the standard for full-size home cabinets. It gives you enough real estate to see details without being overwhelming. Some cabinets use IPS panels, which maintain color and brightness from wide angles, while others use standard TN or VA panels that wash out if you stand off-center. If you plan to have friends over, IPS is worth prioritizing. The 15.6-inch screens found on the shorter Arcade1Up SE cabinets are fine for solo play but feel small for two players. Cabinets like the Iconic Arcade Street Fighter require you to supply your own monitor, which gives you control over size and quality. The WYGAMING unit has a large 22-inch 1080p screen, which is the best screen in this group, at the expense of the traditional upright form factor.

Number and Quality of Games

A cabinet with 14 well-chosen classics can be more satisfying than one with 20,000 random ROMs. Arcade1Up's curation is excellent, each game is the actual arcade ROM running on licensed hardware. The WYGAMING has quantity but includes many filler titles from obscure systems. The Atari Centipede cabinet includes 2600 ports that don't feel like arcade games. For most people, a curated library of 10 to 15 games they actually want to play beats a thousand games they will never launch.

Controls and Input Method

The control scheme defines the arcade experience. Joystick and button cabinets cover the vast majority of classic games. Trackball cabinets are essential for Centipede, bowling, and a few other games, but are limiting for fighting and platforming games. Light-gun cabinets like the Terminator 2 are single-purpose by design. If you want versatility, a standard joystick cabinet is the safest choice. If you have a specific favorite game, buy the cabinet that matches its original controls.

Online Connectivity and Leaderboards

Wi-Fi leaderboards and online multiplayer turn a solitary cabinet into a social hub. Arcade1Up's Deluxe and SE models all include Wi-Fi for leaderboards, and the Mortal Kombat and NBA Jam cabinets add online multiplayer. The Iconic Arcade Street Fighter cabinet uses a Raspberry Pi, so online play depends on your setup. The WYGAMING has Wi-Fi for game downloads but not for competitive play. If you plan to compete with friends or strangers, prioritize a cabinet with built-in online features.

Cabinet Size and Assembly

A 5-foot cabinet requires about 2 feet of floor space and a clear wall. The 4-foot SE cabinets and bartop kits can sit on furniture. Measure your room and consider whether you want to stand or sit. All the cabinets in this roundup require some assembly, from 45 minutes to a few hours. The LVL23 kit requires significantly more effort. If you are not handy with tools, stick with a pre-assembled cabinet from Arcade1Up or Arcade Classics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a riser for a full-size arcade cabinet?

Full-size Arcade1Up cabinets are about 5 feet tall. If you are taller than 5-foot-6, the control deck will be too low to play comfortably while standing. A riser adds about 12 inches. Most full-size cabinets do not include a riser, so plan to buy one separately.

Can I add more games to my Arcade1Up cabinet?

Most Arcade1Up cabinets are not designed for easy expansion. The game list is fixed unless you are comfortable with hardware modding. The Iconic Arcade Street Fighter cabinet and the LVL23 kit are much easier to modify because they run on a Raspberry Pi.

How long does it take to assemble an arcade cabinet?

Arcade1Up Deluxe cabinets take about one to two hours with two people. The SE models are slightly faster. The Atari Centipede cabinet is also around an hour. The LVL23 kit takes several hours because you also need to set up the computer and software.

Do arcade cabinets work with modern TVs?

Some arcade cabinets have HDMI output. The Iconic Arcade Street Fighter cabinet primarily uses HDMI out to an external screen. The WYGAMING unit can also function as a monitor for other devices. Most other cabinets have a built-in screen and will not output to a TV.

What is the best cabinet for two players?

The Arcade1Up NBA Jam Deluxe has the best dedicated 2-player control panel. The Mortal Kombat SE and Street Fighter XT cabinets also support two players, but the control deck is tighter. For cooperative play, the light-gun Terminator 2 does not allow simultaneous two-player shooting.

Can I use an arcade cabinet without Wi-Fi?

All the cabinets in this roundup work offline. Wi-Fi only adds leaderboards, online multiplayer, or game downloads. You can play every game without a network connection.

How much space do I need for a bartop cabinet?

A bartop cabinet like the LVL23 or the WYGAMING requires a stable surface about 22 inches wide and 18 inches deep. The WYGAMING folds, so it can be stored in a closet. Full-size cabinets need a footprint of roughly 2 feet by 2 feet and at least 5 feet of vertical clearance.

Final Verdict

The best arcade cabinet depends on what kind of player you are. For most people, the Arcade1Up PAC-Man Deluxe is the right choice: a full-size cabinet with a great 14-game library, online leaderboards, and a classic look that fits any game room. Fighting game fans should gravitate toward the Arcade1Up Mortal Kombat Classic SE for its online multiplayer and deeper library of brawlers. If you want a light-gun experience, the Arcade1Up Terminator 2 Deluxe is the only dedicated option that does the genre justice. For the builder and tinkerer, the LVL23 Bartop Cabinet Kit offers the most flexibility and the deepest sense of ownership. Whatever you choose, make sure the games it includes are the ones you actually want to play. That is the only metric that matters.

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