How much does an arcade machine cost? An arcade machine can be a worthwhile investment, providing a fun and interactive way to enjoy classic games for long-term enjoyment. You can buy a machine for $1,000 on average, but the cost varies depending on many factors. If you want to play classic games on a machine that is fully restored, the price will be around $2,000 to $3,000. A large selection of different arcade machines can be found at ThePinballCompany.com for $1,700 to $2,500. Mike Tyson’s Punch can be bought for $1,500, while Mario Kart could cost up to $3,000.
The arcade can generate up to $5,000 per in-game day, with the safe itself holding a maximum of $50,000. This entire amount is considered passive income. One aspect to note is that arcades are expensive due to maintenance and testing costs; however, arcade machines are not particularly high in electricity usage.
Setting Up an Arcade Business
When starting an arcade business, you should budget between $50,000 to $100,000 for initial purchasing costs. Acquiring different arcade games will constitute the bulk of your expenses. Redemption games often prove to be the most profitable. The earnings can also be influenced by the management style. A well-equipped arcade with a variety of machines and game rentals tends to be more lucrative compared to one offering limited services, with a high-quality arcade netting approximately $6,000 per hour of operation.
The global arcade game market was valued at $3,678 million in 2021 and is expected to climb to about $5,476 million by 2029. The market is experiencing a 1.99% annual growth rate from 2022 to 2027, reflecting increasing interest among consumers.
Weekly revenue per arcade game averages between $200 to $485, largely depending on the facility and marketing approach. For those considering the launch of an arcade, the projected budget for getting started ranges from $250,000 to $1 million based on the desired scale. And while arcade games were hugely popular in the 1980s, they are presently undergoing a resurgence, even in the face of competition from the home video game console market.
Building Your Own Arcade Machine
Steps to Build an Arcade Cabinet
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Design the Arcade Cabinet:
- Decide on your arcade cabinet’s design and dimensions.
- Draw inspiration from classic models or innovate with your own concept.
- Sketch the layout and decide on screen size and control panel placement.
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Gather Materials and Tools:
- Collect all necessary materials, such as wood, screws, nails, wood glue, monitor, speakers, buttons, joystick, computer or Raspberry Pi, and other electronic components.
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Build the Cabinet:
- Cut the wood pieces as per your design.
- Assemble the cabinet using screws and wood glue.