Arcade machines can vary hugely, but the majority of them share the same core elements:-

A Monitor:  This is where the game is displayed. All older machines use a CRT monitor, which can be set vertically or horizontally in the cabinet. Some newer arcade machines may use LCD or even plasma screens to display hi-resolution graphics.

Printed Circuit board (PCB): This is the actual computer hardware that the game runs on.

A Power Supply (or PSU): The power supply provides electricity (usually DC current) to the game board and the marquee lighting.

Control Panel: The control panel houses the buttons and joysticks that the player uses to play the game.

Coin Slots / Coin Mechs:  This is where money is exchanged for a go of the game (all too often all of your money ). Money drops into a coin box, which is protected by a locked coin door.

Marquee: Commonly situated above the monitor. This area is usually backlit and advertises the games title to a potential player.

There is no real mystery to an arcade machine. It has many of the same components your home computer does, only they are housed in a far bigger wooden box!

Tags: arcade, machine
Categories: Cabinets | Controls | Monitors | Power Supply (PSU) | General