What Makes a Good 2-Player Arcade Cabinet?

Arcade Cabinets are a big investment, that's why we're going to tell you about the things you should worry about when shopping for one.

 

1. Reliable Build Quality

A great arcade cabinet starts with a reliable sturdy frame. The frame should be made of durable materials like MDF or plywood to withstand heavy use. A solid, well-assembled structure prevents wobbling during intense gaming or raging sessions (LOL). The control panel should also be reinforced to handle button-mashing without flexing or breaking.

2. Comfortable Design and Layout

Ergonomics in fact plays a crucial role in making a 2-player arcade cabinet comfortable. Consider the following design aspects:

Good Spacing – Ensure there's enough space between the players so they don’t bump elbows. A width of at least 24 inches per player is recommended. It's highly recommended to measure the front width of the cabinet your interested in.

Screen Height and Angle – The screen should be positioned at a comfortable viewing height, typically between 30-40 inches from the ground, with a slight tilt for better visibility. Make sure you understand weather the cabinet will be comfortable playing while standing up.

 

3. High-Quality Controls

The joystick and buttons are the heart of the arcade experience. Cheap controls can ruin gameplay, while high-quality parts enhance responsiveness and durability.

Joysticks – Consider high quality arcade-grade brands like Sanwa, Seimitsu, or Happ, depending on preference. Japanese-style ball-top sticks are great for fighting games, while American-style bat-top sticks work well for classic arcade titles.

Buttons – Responsive, durable buttons are essential. Avoid mushy, unresponsive ones and opt for mechanical or micro-switched buttons for better feedback, which will help take your gaming to another level.

Trackballs and Spinners – If you plan to play games like Centipede, Golden Tee Golf, or Tempest, consider adding these extra controls.

 

4. Screen Quality Plus Size

A good display enhances the gaming experience. Important factors to consider include:

Size – A 19-32 inch screen is ideal for a 2-player cabinet, depending on the overall cabinet dimensions. (Bigger will obviously increase gaming experience)

Aspect Ratio – Many classic arcade games were designed for 4:3 CRT monitors, but modern LCDs with adjustable aspect ratios can still provide a great experience.

Low Input Lag – Choose a monitor with minimal input lag to ensure responsive gameplay that doesn't limit your skills.

Viewing Angles – A screen with good viewing angles is essential so both players can see the action clearly.

 

5. Game Selection and Software

A great arcade cabinet should support a wide variety of games. Options include:

Multi-game Boards – Jamma-based systems like Pandora’s Box offer hundreds of classic arcade games.

PC or Raspberry Pi – Running emulators like MAME or RetroPie provides access to thousands of games with customizable settings.

Original PCBs – If you’re going for authenticity, you can install original arcade game circuit boards, though this may limit game variety.

Ensure the software interface is user-friendly, allowing quick game selection and settings adjustments.

6. Good Audio System

Sound is an essential part of arcade gaming. A good 2-player arcade cabinet should have:

Stereo speakers – Mounted near the marquee or control panel for immersive sound.

Subwoofer (Optional) – Adds depth for a richer audio experience.

External volume control – Easily adjustable without opening the cabinet.

 

7. Reliable Power and Cooling

Proper power management and ventilation ensure the longevity of the arcade cabinet.

Cooling Fans – Prevent overheating, especially if running powerful hardware like a PC or console inside the cabinet. These become more important with beefier cabinets.

Cable Management – Keep wiring organized and secured to avoid accidental disconnections and annoyances.

Surge Protection – Protects components from power fluctuations.

 

8. Custom Artwork and Lighting

A good arcade cabinet isn’t just about performance—it should also look great!

Custom Side Art and Marquee – Personalized artwork enhances the aesthetic appeal.

LED Lighting – Illuminated buttons, T-molding, and a backlit marquee add to the retro vibe.

Themed Designs – Whether it’s based on a specific game, a retro look, or a futuristic design, aesthetics make the cabinet unique and increase the aesthetic vibes given to your home or gaming room.

 

Where to Buy?

Browse our wide selection of 2 player arcade cabinets at: https://a-1arcadegaming.com/collections/best-selling-products