Arcade machines can be profitable investments. The most successful coin-operated game, Pac-Man, earned over $3.5 billion. Street Fighter II earned $1.5 billion. Arcades once had better graphics than home consoles. Today, just a few real arcades exist. Machines cost $900-$5000. Average weekly revenue per game is $200 to $485. Redemption and crane games generate high profits. Controls cost about $500. Electricity usage is $0.01 per hour. Profits depend on location, game selection, demographics, and facility size.
Top 10 Highest Grossing Arcade Games
- Pac-Man – $3.5 billion
- Street Fighter II – $1.5 billion
- Mortal Kombat – $1 billion
- Donkey Kong – $280 million
- Defender – $270 million
- Asteroids – $228 million
- Centipede – $115 million
- Pole Position – $113 million
- Space Invaders – $102 million
- Tempest – $62 million
In summary, owning and operating an arcade can still be profitable today. But success depends on smart business decisions and effective marketing to attract customers. The days of massive revenues from arcade machines alone may be over, but reinvented modern arcades can still thrive.