Arcade Games for Sale
Whether you're looking to put together a home video arcade or just want to buy that one classic cabinet from your childhood, eBay is the best place to find new and used arcade games online. Our huge selection of arcade games covers classics like Pac-Man, Galaga, Pole Position, Golden Tee, Mortal Kombat, and Street Fighter II. Looking for recent arcade hits? From Jurassic Park Arcade to Cruisin' Exotica, all your favourites are here. You can find many new, refurbished, and inexpensive collectible video arcade machines on eBay that offer challenging gameplay and a hefty dose of nostalgia—and you don't even need to use coins!
Types of Arcade Games
Video arcade pioneers like Atari, Midway, Namco, and Sega have produced many types of arcade games that cover nearly every genre you can imagine. The major coin-operated games fall into the following categories:
- Electro-mechanical: The earliest arcade games didn't even have TV screens. Instead, they relied on purely mechanical designs to create fun gameplay experiences. These were first-person shooters or drivers that used lights, rear-projection screens, and scrolling visuals for gameplay (Example: Killer Shark). Many of these games are rare and highly collectable.
- Video Games: Prior to the advent of home gaming consoles, arcade video games were the only way people could play their favourite titles. In the early days, games like Moon Patrol and Tempest dazzled with colourful graphics and exciting audio. Later cabinets like Mortal Kombat II, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Final Fight became pop-culture icons for a generation of ‘90s kids. Sit-down racers like Daytona USA and California Speed devoured coins.
- Merchandisers: These arcade machines contain prizes that players can win through gameplay. The claw machine is the most familiar example, challenging kids to manoeuvre their way to capturing a stuffed animal or other reward.
- Pinball: Pinball machines use bumpers, flippers, and plungers to shoot steel balls across a playfield to earn points. Modern pinball machines include video screens that display scenes and keep track of points.
- Redemption: These arcade machines offer games of skill and reward tickets based on the player's score.
Types of Arcade Game Cabinets
Arcade manufacturers developed a variety of cabinet body styles during the ""Golden Age"" of electronic arcade games, including:
- Upright cabinets: Designed for standing play, most video arcade titles are in standing cabinets.
- Cocktail or table cabinets: Popular at restaurants and bars, these designs were meant for seated play.
- Bar-top or countertop cabinets: Space-saving designs that sit on a bar or counter.
- Cockpit or environmental cabinets: Among the most immersive arcade experiences, players climb into a cockpit or take the wheel in these oversized games.
- Mini cabinets: Smaller uprights for younger players, or specially designed for home use.
Most Popular Video Arcade Games
There are thousands of arcade games to choose from, but these titles are consistently popular:Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man: Many peoples' first experience with video games was in front of a Pac-Man cabinet, chasing dots while being pursued by hungry ghosts. Asteroids: Plenty of kids spent their summers blasting their way out of an asteroid field. Now you can bring this game home. Galaga: Another space shooter, players are faced with an onslaught of UFOs as they pilot their starfighter across the galaxy. Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat II, and Mortal Kombat 3: It was hard to escape this gory fighter in the 1990s, which pit deadly characters against one another. Particularly bloody finishing moves earned the scorn of parents, which only seemed to make the games more popular. Street Fighter II: This classic fighting game's cartoon violence was more palatable to some, and it's one of the most popular arcade games in history.
How to Shop for Arcade Games
There are a number of things to look out for when buying an arcade game. Consider the following:
- Cabinet condition: Classic arcade games have been around for decades, so it's normal for them to have wear and tear. Artwork fades, plastic marquees start to bubble, and other cosmetic issues arise. It's always a good idea to inspect the game in person so you know exactly what you're getting ahead of time. Refurbished games are available, but you may pay a premium.
- Screen burn-in and lines: Most games through at least the late 1990s used CRT screens. Over time the quality of the picture can degrade, resulting in burnt-in images or other distortions. Again, an in-person inspection is useful to gauge whether there are bothersome imperfections in the screen.
- Size: Arcade cabinets are large, so you want to make sure you have room before one arrives on your doorstep. Decide where it's going to go and get measurements so you have space for your new game.
- Shipping costs: Most arcade games are bulky and heavy, so figure out how much you'll pay in shipping from a given location. It may make sense to limit your search to a smaller geographic area to cut down on costs.