An arcade machine consists of a cabinet, display, controls, speakers, power system, coin mechanism, and game electronics like a PCB board.
For the full breakdown, see our best Arcade Game Components guide.
Understanding the parts of an arcade machine matters whether you’re fixing a cabinet, planning a build, or just curious what’s behind that glowing marquee. Classic cabinets share a familiar anatomy, and modern home machines package the same core pieces in compact form. Here’s what’s actually inside, from the wood shell to the circuit board that runs the game.
The Cabinet: The Machine’s Frame and Housing
The cabinet is the physical shell that holds everything together. A typical cabinet includes side sections, a top piece, front and back panels, and connector pieces that join the structure. These panels, usually wood or MDF, give the machine its iconic upright shape.
The base houses the lower panels and connector pieces, secured with mounting screws and often assembled with an Allen key. The back panel usually opens or detaches to grant access to the internal electronics. Many newer home machines arrive in a few large pieces that fit together with included hardware rather than fully assembled.
Display, Controls, and Audio Equipment
The most visible parts are the display, controls, and speakers. The display assembly includes the monitor, its frame and controller, and a connector piece linking it to the system. Classic cabinets use CRT monitors, but many modern machines ship with LCD or high-definition displays instead—some oriented horizontally, some vertically, depending on the games they run.
Controls sit on a panel in front of the display. A standard setup includes a console, joysticks, joystick balls (the tops you grip), and cover plates that protect the hardware. Most fighting and action games use an eight-way joystick plus six buttons, while classic games like Pac-Man use a single four-way stick with one button.
Audio comes through speakers mounted in the front panel near the bottom. These connect to the game board’s sound output, and speaker elements produce the music and effects. The front panel typically holds two or four speakers facing the player.
The Coin Mechanism and Service Controls
The coin mechanism handles payment. It includes the coin slot, the coin return button and tray for rejected coins, and a coin box that collects everything paid. The mechanism detects valid coins and sends a signal to the game board to start a credit.
In modern arcades, many operators replace coin slots with card readers that accept prepaid cards or mobile payments. That swap doesn’t change anything else—it just replaces the payment input at the front panel.
Behind the coin-door cover area, you’ll usually find the service panel. This is where operators access the service menu and mode controls to adjust settings like difficulty, volume, and credit pricing. It’s a hidden door that only opens with the right key, keeping casual players out of configuration screens.
Power System and Game Electronics
The game electronics are the brains of the machine. The PCB (printed circuit board), also called the arcade system board, holds the game ROM and processor that run the software. Original arcade games had dedicated boards for a single title, while modern multi-game cabinets use a single board loaded with multiple games.
The power system includes a power adaptor that plugs into the wall and a power supply that distributes juice to the monitor, game board, and speakers. The adaptor’s plug shape differs by country, so regional versions ship with the right connector. Rubber feet under the cabinet keep it stable and prevent scuffing, and some home machines include a USB stick and microSD card pre-loaded with the game library.
Some cabinets ship with games already installed, while others require loading games from an included storage device. For a full rundown of the best individual components you can buy to build or upgrade your own setup, check out our tested roundup of the best arcade game components.
| Part | Function |
|---|---|
| Cabinet panels | Form the shell that houses all components |
| Display assembly | Shows the game; includes frame and controller |
| Joysticks and buttons | Input controls on the panel |
| PCB / game board | Runs the game software and ROM |
| Power adaptor and supply | Converts and routes power |
| Coin mechanism | Accepts payment; may be a card reader instead |
| Marquee and bezel | Lighted top sign and display frame |
| Speakers | Output audio to the player |
Not every cabinet includes every part on this list. Arcade machines vary by game title and manufacturer, and home versions sometimes merge the coin box with a service panel or skip the marquee entirely. Always check the specific manual for your model before ordering replacement parts.
FAQs
What is the marquee on an arcade machine?
The marquee is the illuminated sign across the top of the cabinet that displays the game’s title and artwork. It sits above the monitor bezel and is lit from behind with fluorescent or LED lighting so the art stands out in a dark arcade.
Can you replace an arcade monitor with a modern screen?
Yes, but it usually requires an adapter or conversion kit because classic CRT monitors use different signal standards than modern LCD panels. Some conversion kits handle the wiring and power changes, while purists prefer keeping original CRTs for authenticity and the retro look.
How does the coin mechanism detect real coins?
Coin mechanisms use a combination of size, weight, and sometimes metal composition to verify a coin is genuine. When a valid coin passes through, it trips a switch that sends an electrical signal to the game board, registering a credit.
References & Sources
- The Arcade Museum. “Arcade Manuals and Parts Lists.” Hosts current assembly manuals with detailed parts lists for arcade machines and consoles.
- Wikipedia. “Arcade Cabinet.” Documents traditional cabinet elements including marquee, bezel, coin mechanism, and control panel.