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If you’ve noticed more flashes of neon, more pixel art, and more cheeky high-score battles popping up at home and in social spaces, you’re not alone. Arcade cabinets are back in style because they offer something that streaming and console gaming can’t quite match: physical presence. An arcade cabinet is a conversation piece, a living piece of nostalgia, and a social hub rolled into one. Whether you want a full-size upright cabinet that fills a corner of your game room or a compact bartop that sits on a kitchen island, the UK market now offers options for every budget and taste.
Bartop cabinets are perfect if you want the arcade feel without committing floor space. Typically standing around 18 to 24 inches deep and roughly 18 inches wide at the controls, these machines can rest on a countertop or table. They’re great for single-player classics, fighting games, and small two-player setups, and they often come preloaded with a handful to hundreds of titles. If space is tight, bartops are your go-to choice.
Full-size cabinets are the classic look: tall, upright units that can be two to three feet deep and anywhere from 5 to 6 feet tall. Expect a heavier footprint — many reach 150 to 300 pounds — so plan the route from your front door to your chosen room. These machines capture the authentic standing play style and typically sport larger monitors, full-sized joysticks, and room for more elaborate controls like trackballs and spinners.
Cocktail cabinets resemble low coffee tables with a glass tabletop and a screen facing up. Two players can sit opposite each other, making them ideal for social spaces. They usually measure around 30 inches by 20 inches across the top and stand about 30 inches tall. Cocktail cabinets are a stylish, sociable option that doubles as furniture when not in use.
Mini arcade machines are compact, often around 8 to 18 inches tall, and designed for quick fun in bedrooms, dorms, or offices. Plug-and-play units and single-game reproductions can be remarkably affordable and are great for gifting or sampling the arcade vibe without a major investment. They’re also a clever way to introduce arcade hardware to kids without dealing with a 300-pound cabinet.
Amazon UK is a convenient first stop for many buyers. You can find a wide range of products such as small bartops, licensed Arcade1Up imports sold through third-party sellers, and plug-and-play machines from brands like AtGames. Search customer reviews and Q&A sections to gauge build quality and compatibility. Prime shipping can speed arrival, but always double-check the seller’s reputation and return terms before you purchase.
eBay UK is indispensable for both budget hunters and collectors. It’s where you’ll find second-hand classic cabinets, parts, and rare items — from vintage Sega and Namco units to modern custom builds. Auctions can yield bargains, but be ready to inspect listings carefully, ask for detailed photos, and arrange pickup or freight for heavy items that can weigh several hundred pounds.
Retailers like GAME occasionally stock licensed mini cabinets and Arcade1Up units. These machines are tailored toward collectors and casual players who value brand recognition and easy setup. High-street retailers offer the advantage of standardized returns and showroom browsing, which helps if you prefer to inspect a machine before bringing it home.
If you want something unique or built to a specific spec, UK-based custom cabinet makers and specialist shops are your best bet. These builders will craft pieces with bespoke artwork, specific control layouts, and guts tailored to your preferred emulator or PCB. You’ll pay a premium, but you’ll walk away with a showpiece designed around your playstyle — perfect if you want to recreate an authentic arcade cabinet with modern reliability.
Don’t overlook local classifieds like Gumtree, auction houses, and enthusiast groups on social media. Collectors often sell second-hand cabinets at reasonable prices, and local pickup avoids massive freight charges. Enthusiast communities are also a goldmine of advice, mods, and spare parts — and you might find someone willing to do a trade or help with restoration.
Screen size matters. For a full-size upright, aim for a display of 19 to 27 inches; for bartops, 10 to 17 inches is common. CRTs were the original tech, but modern LCD and LED panels provide reliability and crisp visuals. If authentic CRT scanlines matter to you, look for builders who can emulate them. Always ask about native resolution and whether the display supports proper aspect ratios for the games you care about.
Controls are where the magic happens. Quality microswitch buttons and Sanwa- or Happ-style joysticks will give you responsive, arcade-accurate feedback. If you’re into fighting games, make sure the control panel is configured for two players side-by-side with a 6-button layout each. For games like Centipede or Golden Tee, check for trackballs and spinner compatibility. Rewiring or swapping components later is possible, but it’s easier to start with the right kit.
Some cabinets come preloaded with hundreds of titles via licensed multi-game boards or custom emulation builds. Others are single-game dedicated reproductions. Decide whether you want a multi-genre cabinet (fighting, shooter, platform) or a single-game shrine. Also, confirm whether the software is legally licensed or community-built emulation. A well-done emulation rig can run thousands of titles but may require occasional tinkering and updates.
Measure the doorway, hall, and space where the cabinet will live. A standard full-size upright can be roughly 30 inches deep and 22 inches wide and stand about 5 feet tall, so leave at least 1 foot of clearance behind and 2 feet in front for comfortable play. If you have a narrow hallway or tight staircase, a kit or disassembled unit that can be reassembled in the room might be necessary. Remember: it’s easier to move furniture than to lift a 250-pound cabinet up a flight of stairs.
Arcade cabinet prices in the UK vary widely. Budget mini units and plug-and-play machines can start around £50 to £150. Mid-range bartops and licensed mini cabinets typically run from £200 to £800. Full-size, prebuilt cabinets often land in the £700 to £2,500 range depending on brand, display, and whether they’re new or refurbished. Custom builds and rare restorations can exceed £3,000. Factor in accessories like joysticks, replacement artwork, or a shipping crate if you’re importing — these extras add up quickly.
Building your own cabinet is rewarding and can be more cost-effective if you love hands-on projects. You control every detail: panel layout, monitor type, game selection, and artwork. Kits are available that simplify construction, and communities offer plans and video tutorials. If you enjoy woodworking, wiring, and software tweaks, a DIY build keeps costs down and teaches you valuable skills.
Buying ready-made saves time and avoids the learning curve. Manufactured cabinets come assembled, often with warranty support and customer service. If you want plug-and-play convenience and reliable build quality, a prebuilt option is the way to go. This route is especially useful if you’re adding a piece to a public venue or commercial space where reliability matters most.
Place a full-size cabinet so the screen sits at eye level when standing — usually around 60 to 66 inches off the floor for standing play. Leave about 2 to 3 feet in front for comfortable movement and a foot behind for ventilation. For bartops, ensure the counter height matches an ergonomic control height of roughly 36 inches. Thoughtful placement reduces strain and extends the life of your hardware.
Keep controls clean and dust-free. Microfiber cloths and mild electronics cleaner do wonders for screens and buttons. Expect to replace button switches and joystick parts after heavy use; these spare parts are inexpensive and widely available. If your display experiences image issues, check cables and connectors first. For monitors, ensure good ventilation and avoid placing the cabinet directly in front of heat sources or damp areas.
Popular upgrades include swapping in a higher-quality display, installing an amplifier and better speakers, adding LED marquee lighting, and custom artwork. Some owners upgrade the internal hardware to a modern PC or Raspberry Pi-based system for broader emulation support. Mods can increase playability and resale value, but keep records of changes and maintain original parts if you ever want to restore authenticity.
Arcade game copyrights are still enforceable. Using original boards or licensed reproductions keeps you on safe legal ground. Many home users rely on emulation — which is widely used by enthusiasts — but using unlicensed ROMs is legally murky. If you plan to place a cabinet in a public venue or commercial setting, check licensing requirements for public performance and commercial operation.
Arcade cabinets can be loud, especially with an amplified speaker system and enthusiastic players. If you live in an apartment or a shared house, position the cabinet in a room with sound-absorbing furnishings or add rubber feet and insulation to reduce vibration. Consider using a headphone jack or lowering speaker volume for late-night sessions to keep the neighbours happy.
Buying an arcade cabinet in the UK is an exciting journey, whether you’re after a nostalgic full-size upright, a compact bartop, or a DIY project. Start by deciding the type of cabinet that fits your space and playstyle, then shop across mainstream retailers, online marketplaces, and specialist builders. Measure carefully in feet and inches, budget realistically, and weigh the trade-offs between DIY freedom and the convenience of a ready-made unit. With the right choice, your cabinet will become a centerpiece for fun, memory-making, and friendly competition.
| Video Game Arcade Cabinets | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Pac-man Deluxe Arcade Machine | £ 599,- |
