Arcade Machine Buying Guide

In the past, we’ve gone to great lengths to create guides that would help any potential entrepreneurs to build their arcade establishment without dying in the process. Opening up an arcade is no small feat, especially in this day and age, where the presence of traditional arcade businesses are all but extinct. Nevertheless, with the proper know-how, and a good measure of luck, getting initiated in this business is not only possible but profitable as well!

However, not everyone is keen on opening an arcade business; some people just want to collect machines. Heck, it’s even possible that most of you would-be buyers are simply looking for a cost-effective machine that can give you the best bang for your buck, and hill to fill out that last bit of space available in your game room. Unfortunately, those that are new to this world and don’t know what to look for in an arcade machine (either new or used) might have a really rough time finding a good deal. Furthermore, the possibility of getting scammed or buying overpriced products from unscrupulous merchants is a very real threat to the uninitiated.

For these reasons, we’ve decided to create a buying guide of sorts, where we’ll list some of the most important tips to keep in mind the next time you’re browsing the market for a good arcade cabinet. If you’re looking for an arcade machine, please consider the following:

The Reputation of the Firm

This one goes without saying: The track history of the business you’re looking to buy from will speak loads about the quality of the product you’re going to receive. There’s a massive difference in the safety of your purchase when you’re buying from a recognized firm than, say, conducting business with someone on eBay or Craigslist. Now, this isn’t to say that the merchants on these platforms are dishonest, but there are usually fewer measures to protect both buyers and sellers in these platforms. Furthermore, in the odd case that you meet someone looking to earn a quick buck, it will be easier for them to do so through these marketplaces, at your expense.

That being said, here at PrimeTime Amusements, we live up to our name by providing the best arcade game sales and rental solutions in the country. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in South Florida, our business represents the interests of a wide variety of markets from around the world. We have a significant presence in not only North America, but South and Central America, Europe, and Africa, as well. We hold our customer’s satisfaction in the highest regard and are constantly striving to improve the quality of our services, whether they be arcade sales, rentals, or game room design and furnishing consulting services.

The Price of the Machine

This is where it gets tricky. Despite the relative lack of arcade establishments in recent days, the production of arcade machines and amusements is still very much alive. However, some of the most popular machines and games can only be found in refurbished states, still in their original cabinets. Similarly, there are still some guys that have updated versions and are still being manufactured to this day. Furthermore, there currently exist multicade machines that feature a compilation of many games packed into one cabinet, thus saving the buyer from the hassle of potentially having to spend valuable time and money on securing a rare and valuable game.

For all the reasons mentioned above, the price arcade machines and amusements usually vary wildly. Depending on the title, a game could go anywhere from a few hundred bucks to upwards of ten thousand dollars, though arcade cabinets seldom go over the twenty thousand mark, unless they’re collectibles or rare versions of vintage games. If you’re looking to buy a specific game from an online marketplace, be sure to factor in the taxes on the final price, as these can usually hike the price up quite a bit and some sellers may not include them in the publication. Furthermore, depending on the state you reside in, you may have to pay an additional tax on top of the final purchase price.

In other words, be sure to read up on your state’s tax legislation, and to clear up any questions or concerns about the product with the seller before pulling the trigger on that new machine.

The Type of Game You Want to Buy

This one revolves more around personal preference, though the seller can also give valuable information to help you make the best purchase for your money. Some of us may have a distinct preference on what type and genre of games we’re looking to buy, while others may simply desire to acquire a game with great replay value to fill the gap in the gaming room. Whatever your preference may be, the most important part is to acquire a game with longevity, which won’t get stale after a few rounds, and that will last you the most because of its diverse gameplay or engaging mechanics.

If you’re still not sure which game to buy, feel free to reach out to us through our contact page; our knowledgeable and experienced agents are always glad to lend a hand and to help you find the right title for your needs.

What to Expect After Your Order is Placed

So let’s say you found your ideal machine and you placed your order. Depending on the marketplace, your order should be processed immediately, and the time you have to wait to have fun with your new machine will usually be the time it takes for it to be shipped to your home. However, if you’re buying from a retailer like us, some machines or amusements are commissioned directly from the manufacturer so that you receive a brand new product at your doorstep. This process can take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the machine. Regardless, refurbished are almost always immediately shipped, and will take around 3 to 4 business days to arrive at home.

One thing that must always be considered when making a purchase is the room you’ll want to set your machine in. Arcade games are big, and the ones that don’t require assembly will usually need big enough doorways or hallways in order to be set in their final destination. Before paying for your machine, please make sure to study its dimensions to determine whether it can be easily transported to the game room, or if you’ll have to contact a third-party mover to help accommodate your new purchase.

What do I do After my Machine Arrives?

Well, play it, of course!

However, some arcade cabinets or amusements may require simple assembly before powering. Some machines such as pinball games, air hockey tables, and foosball amusements, among others, may require additional assembly that could take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour before being able to enjoy them. Luckily, the instructions are always shipped with each and every one of our machines and, should you misplace them in the future, our agents will always be happy to help you set up your game through the phone.

Here at PrimeTime Amusements, we like to keep ahead of the curve in arcade game rental and sales and pride ourselves in providing the best service in the country. If you’re looking for a game in particular, or have a few questions about the industry, feel free to give us a call at 1.800.550.0090 or to swing by at 5300 Powerline Rd. Suite 210, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 33309.