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Remember the thrill of dropping a token into a glowing machine and watching lights dance as you chase a high score? That retro buzz is making a serious comeback, and not just in public arcades. Home games rooms, office chill zones, and boutique pubs are snapping up arcade equipment to add personality and play. Whether you’re after a compact claw crane for your living room or a full‑size Pac‑Man cabinet to anchor a games den, there are options across the UK that fit different budgets and tastes.
Before you buy, it helps to know the categories of gear you’ll see. From mini prize machines to full upright cabinets, each type has pros and cons depending on space, power, and how you intend to use it. I’ll walk through the popular styles so you can picture what fits your home or venue.
Claw machines—also called crane cranes or prize grabbers—come in sizes from tabletop models about 18 in wide to freestanding units standing 6 ft tall. They’re ideal for novelty play and parties because they’re visual and invite friendly competition. Popular themed models like the Winning Candy Grabber deliver instant amusement and usually run on mains power with simple controls.
Arcade cabinets range from cocktail tables that are about 30 in across to full upright machines tall as 6 ft. These cabinets often emulate classic games such as Pac‑Man and can be found as licensed reproductions or multi‑game arcade systems. If you want authentic joystick feel and CRT‑style gameplay, a well‑made cabinet can be the heart of a game room.
Short on space? Mini arcade boxes and plug‑and‑play consoles—often the size of a shoebox or a small TV—deliver arcade classics without needing a dedicated corner. They’re lightweight, usually under 10 lb, and great for kids, collectors, or streaming setups where you want retro visuals without a huge footprint.
Menkind has carved out a niche selling novelty and themed arcade items that appeal to collectors and casual gamers alike. Two standout examples are the Winning Candy Grabber and the Pac‑Man Arcade Claw Crane—both designed to turn any room into a playful scene.
The Winning Candy Grabber is a compact prize machine that often measures around 24 in wide and 30 in tall, making it easy to tuck on a side table. It’s perfect for parties or a kids’ corner because it’s simple to operate, eye‑catching, and usually set up for freeplay or token operation. Think of it as a mini carnival that fits under a lamp.
The Pac‑Man Arcade Claw Crane blends an iconic theme with interactive play. Standing roughly 5 ft tall and decorated with classic Pac‑Man graphics, it’s a theme‑heavy focal point that keeps people coming back. If you love themed décor and want a conversation piece, this kind of model delivers a nostalgic hit with modern convenience.
There’s a surprisingly wide marketplace in the UK for arcade gear. From mainstream retailers to specialist sellers and secondhand platforms, you can find everything from licensed cabinets to custom refurbishments. Below are trusted places to start your search.
Menkind often stocks novelty arcade machines and themed claw cranes that suit gift buyers and gamers wanting decorative pieces. Their offerings are great if you want something with a playful design and reliable customer presentation—think licensed characters and compact formats that are ready to display.
Amazon UK is a go‑to for broad selection and buyer reviews. You’ll find everything from mini claw machines to full arcade cabinets listed by a variety of sellers. The advantage is choice: multiple brands, price points, and fast filters to narrow down features like size or power requirements.
Argos carries family‑friendly arcade items and occasional themed prize machines. If you prefer buying from a well‑known high‑street retailer with easy click‑and‑collect options, Argos can be a useful stop when you want something that’s ready to slot into a home setting without specialist installation.
Smyths Toys and GAME stock gaming hardware that sometimes includes compact arcade devices or licensed novelty units. These stores target gamers and families, so products are often aimed at playability and durability, making them good choices if kids will be using the equipment frequently.
Currys is worth checking if you want tech‑driven arcade systems or plug‑and‑play hardware that blends smoothly with home entertainment rigs. Their focus on electronics sometimes yields multi‑game cabinets or controllers designed for living‑room use.
Secondhand marketplaces are goldmines for collectors hunting classic cabinets or saving money on lightly used items. You can find cabinets, coin mechanisms, replacement parts, and even local restoration projects. Expect to haggle and to arrange pickup for larger items like a 6 ft upright cabinet.
Specialist sellers and custom builders offer refurbished classics, bespoke cabinets, and commercial‑grade machines. They’re the go‑to if you want an accurate reproduction, commercial reliability, or a cabinet tailored to specific games or branding. Prices are higher, but you get expertise and often project‑based support.
Picking the right machine is part logic, part romance. You want something that fits physically and emotionally—measure the space, check the power, and make sure the machine’s vibe matches your space. Here are practical things I always check before buying.
Start with where the machine will live and use a tape measure in inches. Don’t forget clearance for doors, cable runs, and player space—leave at least 30 in behind and 36 in in front for comfortable access to an upright cabinet. For corner placement, ensure there’s room to step back and admire your high score.
Most home arcade machines run on standard mains power, but check amperage and plug type. A full‑size cabinet can draw more current than a tabletop unit, so confirm your circuit can handle it—especially if you plan to run multiple units from one outlet. Safety first: use fused plugs and avoid daisy‑chaining heavy loads.
Are you buying for home entertainment or for a venue where it will see heavy use? Commercial environments demand robust coin mechanisms, professional servicing, and heavier‑duty components that can withstand constant play, while home units can prioritize aesthetics and novelty.
Set a realistic budget. Mini units can be under £100, mid‑range machines often run several hundred pounds, and commercial or licensed cabinets can cost £1,000 or more. Look for clear warranties or refurb guarantees, and factor in potential servicing costs for used machines.
New machines arrive with warranty peace‑of‑mind, fresh finishes, and often quicker setup, but used gear can deliver classic authenticity and better value. If you’re handy with tools, a used cabinet can be a rewarding restoration project—imagine turning a tired 80s unit into the centerpiece of your den.
Once the machine is home, a few simple habits will keep it happy. Clean glass panels with a soft cloth, check joysticks and buttons for responsiveness, and lubricate moving parts in a claw mechanism occasionally. Keep spare bulbs and fuses on hand—many displays and marquee lights are standard sizes you can swap quickly.
Inspect wiring and connectors every few months and store controllers and extra parts in a dry place. If you live in a house with fluctuating temperatures, try to maintain steady indoor conditions; extreme humidity can warp wood cabinets or corrode contacts. Think of maintenance like changing oil in a car—small actions prevent big headaches.
Accessories can extend play value and preserve your investment. Consider heavy‑duty covers to protect a cabinet from dust, marquee LED upgrades to sharpen visuals, and replacement buttons or joystick kits that restore arcade feel. If you want multi‑game options, look into multi‑board kits or Raspberry Pi builds that emulate hundreds of titles in a compact package.
Expect wide pricing swings. A tabletop prize machine might be found for under £100, whereas licensed single‑game cabinets or imported claw machines can cost several hundred to over a thousand pounds. Hunt for bargains by watching sales cycles—autumn and post‑holiday clearances often yield discounts—and consider shopping during non‑peak times for the best pick on marketplaces.
If you plan to run arcade equipment in a business, be aware of local regulations. Some venues require specific approvals for prize machines or coin‑operated devices, and you may need to ensure machines meet safety standards for public use. It’s worth checking with local licensing authorities if you’re unsure—better to ask than to be surprised.
There’s a lively community around arcade restoration in the UK. Forums, local meetups, and social groups can help you source parts like joysticks, buttons, and display boards, and many enthusiasts are happy to share advice. If you hit a snag, community knowledge can be faster and cheaper than a formal repair shop.
Buying arcade equipment in the UK is more approachable than ever, whether you want the bright fun of a Winning Candy Grabber, a themed Pac‑Man claw crane, or a full retro cabinet to relive golden‑age gaming. Measure your space in inches, think about power and use, and choose between new convenience and the charm of a restoration project. With the right research—checking mainstream retailers, specialist sellers, and secondhand marketplaces—you’ll find a machine that lights up your space and invites play for years to come.
| Arcade Equipment - Other | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Pac-man Arcade Claw Crane | £ 50,- |
