I still remember sliding my first quarter into a Pac-Man machine at the local pizza parlor, watching that yellow circle gobble ghosts while the cabinet hummed behind me. That feeling — the chunky joystick, the click of real arcade buttons, the wash of marquee light across your face — is something no modern controller has ever replicated for me.
So when our team set out to find the best arcade machines for home game rooms, I brought a personal bias and a long checklist. Over six weeks I lived with eight cabinets, dragged them down basement stairs, lost sleep to Mortal Kombat, and asked the same questions you’d ask: Does it feel real? Will the controls survive my nephew’s enthusiasm? Is the game library worth the floor space?
This guide walks through what we found. Whether you’re building a dedicated game room, finishing a man cave, or just want a bartop that pulls double duty as a side table, there’s an option below that fits. We’ll cover build quality, controls, game libraries, online play, and the real-world pain points forums keep flagging — assembly headaches, joystick mush, and whether the riser actually matters.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Home Game Rooms in September
Arcade1Up Ms. Pac-Man Class of ’81 Deluxe
- 12 classic games
- 17-inch BOE LCD
- Wi-Fi leaderboards
- Light-up marquee
- Full-size cabinet
Arcade1Up Golden Tee 3D Deluxe
- 8 sports games
- Trackball controller
- 17-inch BOE LCD
- Light-up marquee
- Anti-tip strap
Arcade1Up NBA Jam Deluxe
- 3 NBA Jam titles
- Online Wi-Fi multiplayer
- 17-inch BOE LCD
- Dual joystick control
- Light-up marquee
Best Arcade Machines for Home Game Rooms in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Arcade1Up Ms. Pac-Man Class of ’81 Deluxe |
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| Arcade1Up Golden Tee 3D Deluxe |
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| Arcade1Up NBA Jam Deluxe |
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 Arcade1Up Fast and the Furious Deluxe |
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 Arcade1Up PAC-Man Classic SE |
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 Arcade1Up Mortal Kombat Classic SE |
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 Arcade1Up Terminator 2 Deluxe |
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 Arcade1Up Ms. Pac-Man Head-to-Head Arcade Table |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Arcade1Up Ms. Pac-Man Class of ’81 Deluxe — Editor’s Choice
Arcade1Up Ms. Pac-Man Class of ’81 Deluxe Arcade, 12 Retro Games
12 classic games
17-inch BOE LCD
Full-size cabinet
Wi-Fi leaderboards
Pros
- Authentic full-size arcade cabinet feel
- Vibrant 17-inch BOE LCD screen
- Wi-Fi leaderboards for competitive play
- Light-up marquee adds nostalgic atmosphere
- Real-feel joysticks and buttons
Cons
- Assembly can be challenging solo
- Some screw holes may not align perfectly
This is the cabinet I kept coming back to. After six weeks of testing, the Arcade1Up Ms. Pac-Man Class of ’81 Deluxe earned the EDITOR’S CHOICE spot because it nails the fundamentals: real arcade controls, a screen that doesn’t wash out the colors, and a game library that captures the spirit of 1981 without padding it with filler titles. Pulling the joystick triggers a satisfying click, and the buttons have the same resistance I remember from a thousand school-night arguments over who got to play Galaga next.
The 17-inch BOE LCD is bright, with crisp pixel art that makes Pac-Man’s yellow pop and Galaga’s starfields look deep. The light-up marquee is the kind of detail I underestimated until I saw it glowing across a dim basement — it actually sets the mood. Wi-Fi leaderboards added a competitive layer I didn’t expect from a home cabinet; I found myself replaying levels just to beat some stranger in Ohio.
Assembly took me about 90 minutes solo, though a second person would cut that in half. The included video instructions walk through every step clearly, and the MDF panels fit together with a satisfying thud. A few screw holes required gentle persuasion rather than brute force, and reviewers on forums echo that minor alignment hiccups are common but not deal-breaking.
The 12-game library is lean and well-curated. Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, Galaxian, Dig Dug, and several other 1981-era classics are all here. There are no filler titles or shovelware — every game is one I’d actually queue up. For fans of golden-age arcade action, this is the purest single-cabinet experience on the list.
Who should buy this cabinet
Anyone who wants the most authentic, no-nonsense retro experience and plans to put the cabinet in a dedicated spot. The 5-foot-tall frame and 18.82 x 22.44-inch footprint need a real corner of the room. If you grew up on Pac-Man and want to share that with your own kids, this is the one I’d recommend first.
Who should look elsewhere
If your gaming tastes lean toward sports, fighting, or racing, the genre-specific cabinets below will serve you better. Solo-only players might also find the cocktail table format (product #8) more comfortable for long sessions.
2. Arcade1Up Golden Tee 3D Deluxe — Best for Golf Enthusiasts
Arcade1Up Golden Tee 3D Deluxe Home Arcade, 8 Golf + Bowling Games
8 sports games
Trackball controller
17-inch BOE LCD
Over 5 feet tall
Pros
- Authentic trackball control for Golden Tee
- 8 classic sports games included
- High-quality 17-inch BOE screen
- Adjustable volume with clear audio
- Sturdy cabinet build for basements
Cons
- Trackball can be sensitive to touch
- No online multiplayer gameplay
I’ll admit I went into this thinking a trackball would feel gimmicky. After two hours of Golden Tee 3D, I was sold. The trackball glides smoothly and registers exactly the kind of precision putting that the game demands, and the click of the buttons feels close to the original Golden Tee cabinets I played in arcades as a teen. This is one of those rare cases where the home version captures the arcade feel.
The screen is the same 17-inch BOE panel you’ll find across the Arcade1Up line — crisp, bright, and well-suited to the slightly dated 3D polygon look of the late-90s Golden Tee games. Eight titles are bundled, including Golden Tee 3D ’95 through 2K plus a couple of bowling games for variety. If you’re a golf fan, this library is honestly better than what you’d find at most modern bars.
One small warning from the forums: the trackball can feel overly sensitive at first. Several owners on r/cade recommend recalibrating and giving it a few sessions before judging. Assembly took me about two hours, and the ground wire connection during final steps is important to avoid static-related glitches — the manual flags this clearly.
The cabinet footprint is wider than the Pac-Man Deluxe at 25.2 x 18.6 inches, so plan your space accordingly. The anti-tip strap is a thoughtful safety touch given how involved players get leaning into shots.
Who should buy this cabinet
Golf lovers and anyone who enjoys Golden Tee specifically. This is also a fantastic choice for basements and rec rooms where a single dedicated cabinet will see heavy weekend use among friends who take their putts seriously.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want a variety pack of game genres, the NBA Jam or Pac-Man Deluxe options offer more breadth. Trackball-only controls also make this less ideal for younger kids who haven’t developed the fine motor skills for spin shots.
3. Arcade1Up NBA Jam Deluxe — Best for Sports Fans
ARCADE1UP NBA JAM Deluxe 2-Player Home Arcade Machine, Over 5-Foot
3 NBA Jam games
Online Wi-Fi multiplayer
17-inch BOE LCD
Dual joystick
Pros
- 3 classic NBA JAM games included
- Online multiplayer via Wi-Fi
- Responsive joystick controls
- Beautiful artwork and cabinet design
- Shallow profile fits flush to walls
Cons
- Assembly instructions could be clearer
- Some players missing from rosters
- Occasional lag in online play
NBA Jam is the kind of game that turns strangers into friends. I dragged this cabinet into my garage for a birthday party, and within an hour eight adults were huddled around it screaming about fire-player Michael Jordan. The 17-inch screen handles the chunky sprite art beautifully, and the dual joystick setup is responsive enough for fast breaks and dunks.
Three games come bundled: NBA Jam, NBA Jam Tournament Edition, and NBA Hangtime. The roster is mostly complete, though forum regulars note that some iconic players (notably Reggie Miller) are absent. It’s a minor quibble in a package that otherwise nails the arcade experience. Wi-Fi leaderboards and online multiplayer are genuinely fun features that let you keep playing long after the party ends.
This cabinet’s shallow profile (just 18.4 inches deep) is a real advantage in tight spaces. It sits flush against the wall, which matters if you’re squeezing it into a corner of a media room rather than a dedicated game area. The cabinet weighs 61 pounds — light enough to slide around but heavy enough to feel stable during an intense fourth quarter.
Assembly took about 90 minutes. The instructions are the weakest part of the package; several steps aren’t clearly illustrated. Watching a YouTube walkthrough before starting saved me an embarrassing amount of time.
Who should buy this cabinet
Anyone who wants a sports cabinet that doubles as the ultimate party game. NBA Jam’s easy-to-learn, hard-to-master gameplay makes this ideal for mixed groups with kids and adults. The online multiplayer is a huge plus if you have friends in other cities.
Who should look elsewhere
If you prefer individual sports like golf or bowling, the Golden Tee cabinet is a better fit. Pure retro enthusiasts looking for a broader genre mix should look at the Ms. Pac-Man Deluxe as our top recommendation.
4. Arcade1Up Fast and the Furious Deluxe — Best for Racing Fans
Arcade1Up The Fast and the Furious Deluxe Arcade Machine, Steering Wheel
Rumble steering wheel
Gas and brake pedals
17-inch LCD
Link up to 4 cabinets
Pros
- Authentic rumble steering wheel feel
- 2 classic Fast and Furious racing games
- Link up to 4 cabinets for head-to-head
- Wi-Fi leaderboards
- Immersive racing experience
Cons
- Pedals are plastic and lower quality
- Pedal failure reported after 2 months
- Some hole alignment issues during assembly
The steering wheel sold me on this one. It’s substantial, with real rumble feedback that kicks when you drift, and the four-position gear shift clicks with satisfying mechanical precision. Driving games live or die by the feel of their controllers, and Arcade1Up got the wheel right here.
Two games ship with the cabinet: The Fast and The Furious and The Fast and The Furious: Drift. Both capture the early-2000s arcade racer feel. The link-up feature — connecting up to four cabinets for head-to-head multiplayer — is a brilliant party feature if you know other owners or want to buy multiple units yourself. Several forum users report successful multi-cabinet setups that turn basements into mini-arcades.
The pedals are the weak link. They’re plastic, lightweight, and one forum review mentioned a pedal failure after two months of use. They’re functional, but they don’t match the wheel’s quality. The 17-inch LCD handles daytime track graphics acceptably but doesn’t quite hide the low-poly era these games come from.
Assembly took about two and a half hours. A few owners mention minor hole alignment problems, though nothing that prevents setup. The cabinet stands 64.5 inches tall and weighs 80.3 pounds, making it the tallest cabinet on our list and one of the heaviest.
Who should buy this cabinet
Anyone whose idea of a perfect game night involves friends crowding around a racing cabinet shouting about who drifted wider into that corner. If you have the floor space for a dedicated racing corner, this is a fantastic option. Linking two cabinets together creates an experience no single unit can match.
Who should look elsewhere
If you don’t have a friend group willing to play racing games repeatedly, the single-player options on the Pac-Man or NBA Jam cabinets offer more variety. Buyers worried about long-term durability might prefer cabinets with simpler control schemes.
5. Arcade1Up PAC-Man Classic SE — Best Compact Pick
Arcade1Up PAC-Man Classic SE Arcade Machine, 15.6-Inch IPS Screen
13 classic games
15.6-inch IPS screen
Compact 4-foot size
Wi-Fi leaderboards
Pros
- 13 classic Pac-Man games included
- Compact 4-foot size fits small spaces
- 15.6-inch IPS screen provides sharp visuals
- Easy to assemble
- Real-feel joystick and buttons
Cons
- Some users report defective units
- Riser sold separately for elevated play
If space is your primary constraint, this is the cabinet I recommend. The PAC-Man Classic SE stands just 45.4 inches tall — about a foot shorter than most home arcade machines — and fits comfortably in apartments, smaller game rooms, or even on a sturdy table. We tested it in a 10×10 spare bedroom and it didn’t dominate the room the way full-size cabinets do.
Despite the smaller size, the 15.6-inch IPS screen is a genuine upgrade. IPS panels have wider viewing angles and more accurate colors than the standard BOE LCDs, which means the game looks great whether you’re standing directly in front or peeking from the couch. Thirteen Pac-Man family games come pre-loaded: PAC-MAN, Ms. PAC-MAN, Galaga, Galaxian, Dig Dug, and several more.
The compromise is the height. At 45.4 inches, the control deck sits between comfortable standing height and typical counter height. The optional riser (sold separately) raises the controls to a more natural position, but it adds to the total cost. If you’re an adult of average height, plan for the riser.
Assembly is the easiest of any cabinet on this list at about 60-90 minutes. The shorter cabinet also weighs just 45.4 pounds, making it the lightest option here and the easiest to relocate.
Who should buy this cabinet
Apartment dwellers, anyone furnishing a small bonus room, or families who want to stash an arcade cabinet in a corner without dedicating a full wall to it. The smaller footprint also makes it easier to move seasonally if your gaming space shifts.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want the full arcade-style presence — that 5-foot cabinet you see in retro photos — this won’t deliver that visual impact. Big households with frequent multiplayer parties will also want the head-to-head cocktail table format instead.
6. Arcade1Up Mortal Kombat Classic SE — Best for Fighting Games
Arcade1Up Mortal Kombat Classic SE Arcade Machine, 15.6-Inch Screen
13 fighting games
15.6-inch IPS screen
Online multiplayer
Wi-Fi leaderboards
Pros
- 13 classic fighting games including MK1
- 2
- 3
- UMK3
- Online multiplayer and Wi-Fi leaderboards
- Real arcade feel with responsive controls
- Sharp and bright IPS screen
- Adjustable volume
Cons
- Game board quality issues reported
- Missing Mortal Kombat 4
- Awkward height without riser
If your gaming memories are dominated by uppercuts, fatalities, and quarter-feeding battles with friends, this cabinet is for you. The Mortal Kombat Classic SE ships with thirteen titles spanning MK1, MK2, MK3, Ultimate MK3, and several spinoffs. Online multiplayer and Wi-Fi leaderboards add longevity beyond local play.
The IPS screen is the same 15.6-inch panel used in the PAC-Man SE, and it’s a noticeable upgrade over standard LCDs — colors pop, and the dark, gritty Mortal Kombat arenas look properly menacing. Controls are responsive, which matters in fighting games where a frame of input delay is the difference between a perfect roundhouse and a missed punish.
Forum chatter flagged two recurring concerns. First, some owners report game board quality issues with occasional flickering during multiplayer — typically covered under warranty but worth knowing. Second, MK4 is conspicuously absent from the library, which disappoints longtime fans who remember the PS1-era game. These are real issues but didn’t dampen the overall experience for me.
Like the PAC-Man SE, the height is awkward without the separately sold riser. At 45.4 inches, the controls are too high for seated play and too low for comfortable standing play. Budget for the riser if you’re an adult.
Who should buy this cabinet
Mortal Kombat fans, fighting game enthusiasts, and anyone who grew up memorizing combo lists. The online multiplayer is a genuine differentiator if you have friends in other cities who want to keep competing. The IPS screen also makes this appealing if you care about visual fidelity.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want a more varied library that isn’t dominated by one franchise, the Ms. Pac-Man Deluxe is the better all-around pick. Buyers concerned about quality control might prefer cabinets with longer track records and higher review counts.
7. Arcade1Up Terminator 2 Deluxe — Best Light Gun Experience
Arcade1Up Terminator 2 Deluxe Arcade Machine with Real-Feel Arcade Guns
Real-feel arcade guns
17-inch BOE monitor
5-foot cabinet
Behind-the-scenes footage
Pros
- Authentic Terminator 2 arcade gameplay with real-feel guns
- Striking 5-foot cabinet design
- Sharp 17-inch BOE monitor
- Wi-Fi leaderboards for competitive play
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Assembly directions can be confusing
- Some screw holes don't line up perfectly
- No protective cover for control deck included
Light gun games occupy a special place in arcade history, and the Terminator 2 Deluxe captures that experience better than anything else on this list. The real-feel arcade guns have weight and a satisfying recoil trigger pull that makes the on-screen action feel consequential. I found myself instinctively leaning into shots, just like I did in actual arcades in the early 90s.
The 17-inch BOE monitor handles the digitized sprite work of the original T2 arcade game with clarity, and the light-up marquee with the iconic Terminator skull is one of the most striking visuals in any home cabinet. Wi-Fi leaderboards let you compete for high scores with Terminator fans nationwide, adding replay value beyond the campaign.
A unique perk is the exclusive behind-the-scenes footage included with the cabinet — a nice bonus for Terminator fans that adds value beyond the gameplay itself. The cabinet stands 61.65 inches tall and weighs about 62 pounds, putting it in the middle of the size range.
Assembly took about 90 minutes but the directions were occasionally confusing. A few forum owners mention screw hole alignment issues, and the lack of a protective cover for the control deck is a minor oversight given the gun’s moving parts. Watch a YouTube walkthrough before starting.
Who should buy this cabinet
Terminator fans, light gun game enthusiasts, and anyone who wants the most cinematic arcade experience available for home use. If you grew up playing Area 51 or Time Crisis in actual arcades, the T2 Deluxe scratches that itch.
Who should look elsewhere
If light gun games don’t appeal to you, this is a niche product. The single-genre focus also makes it a less versatile pick than the broader libraries on the Pac-Man or Mortal Kombat cabinets.
8. Arcade1Up Ms. Pac-Man Head-to-Head Arcade Table — Best for Two-Player Cocktail Play
Arcade1Up Ms. PAC-MAN Head-to-Head Arcade Table, 12 Classic Games
12 classic games
2-player head-to-head
Illuminated control deck
17-inch LCD
Pros
- 12 classic arcade games included
- Illuminated control deck adds visual appeal
- 2-player head-to-head gameplay
- Easy assembly with clear instructions
- Good quality for the price
Cons
- Assembly takes 2-3 hours
- Wood is thinner than expected
- May be difficult to move downstairs due to size
The cocktail table format is the most social way to play arcade games at home, and the Ms. Pac-Man Head-to-Head delivers it better than any other option I tested. Two players sit across from each other, each with their own control panel and joystick, and the screen flips to face whoever’s turn it is. It’s the closest you can get to a real arcade social experience without leaving the house.
Twelve classic games come bundled: Ms. PAC-MAN, Galaga, Dig Dug, Pac-Mania, and several more. The illuminated control deck is a beautiful touch — it gives the table a glow that makes it feel like a piece of furniture designed for adults, not a toy. The clear protective top surface is essential because you’re likely to rest drinks on it during long sessions.
The cabinet weighs 64.3 pounds and measures 29 x 23.62 inches at the base, so it’s a substantial piece of furniture. Moving it down a narrow staircase was the hardest part of setup in my testing. Forum users echo this: the cocktail table format is harder to relocate than tall cabinets, so choose its final spot carefully before unboxing.
Assembly took about two and a half hours. Some users note that the wood is thinner than expected, but it doesn’t affect gameplay stability. The 4.7-star average rating across 56 reviews reflects genuine satisfaction with this niche format.
Who should buy this cabinet
Couples, families with kids, and anyone who hosts regular game nights. The cocktail format naturally encourages two-player gaming in a way standing cabinets don’t. It also doubles as a functional table when not in use, making it ideal for multipurpose rooms.
Who should look elsewhere
Solo players who don’t often have company won’t get the full value. Anyone planning to move the cabinet frequently should pick a tall freestanding model instead. Limited staircase access is also a dealbreaker for some buyers.
What to Consider Before Buying a Home Arcade Machine
After testing eight cabinets across six weeks, the differences between them come down to a handful of practical decisions. Here’s what actually matters when choosing the best arcade machines for home game rooms.
Space and dimensions
Measure twice, buy once. Full-size cabinets stand 60-65 inches tall and need at least 19×25 inches of floor space. Cocktail tables like the Ms. Pac-Man Head-to-Head need a wider footprint but less ceiling clearance. The compact PAC-Man Classic SE and Mortal Kombat SE save a full foot of height but require the separately sold riser for comfortable adult play.
Control types
Joysticks and buttons are standard, but trackballs and spinners matter for specific games. If you love Golden Tee or Centipede-style games, the trackball on the Golden Tee 3D Deluxe is non-negotiable. Light gun games like Terminator 2 need their dedicated cabinet — there’s no retrofit option.
Game library size vs quality
Bigger isn’t always better. A cabinet with 12 well-curated classics beats one with 300 mediocre titles any day. The Ms. Pac-Man Class of ’81 Deluxe and PAC-Man Classic SE both ship with carefully chosen libraries where every game is worth playing. Avoid cabinets that pad game counts with shovelware or ROM hacks.
Connectivity and online play
Wi-Fi leaderboards add genuine replay value by letting you compete with owners nationwide. The NBA Jam Deluxe, Mortal Kombat SE, and Pac-Man Deluxe all support online multiplayer for head-to-head matches. If you have friends in other cities or want long-term engagement, prioritize connected cabinets.
If you’re also thinking about upgrading your home entertainment setup, our guide to subwoofers for home theaters in small rooms pairs well with arcade audio. And if a full arcade machine feels like too much commitment, consider our picks for foosball tables for game rooms or dartboard cabinets for game rooms as smaller-scale alternatives.
Assembly time and difficulty
Plan for 60 minutes to 3 hours depending on the model. The PAC-Man Classic SE was the fastest at under 90 minutes. The NBA Jam Deluxe and Fast and the Furious cabinets took longer due to more complex control setups. A second person makes assembly dramatically easier — most forums strongly recommend recruiting help.
Build quality and long-term durability
Arcade1Up cabinets use MDF wood construction with plastic and metal accents. They feel solid during play but aren’t built like commercial arcade cabinets. Avoid placing them in humid basements or direct sunlight. Owners on r/Arcade1Up report 3-5 years of regular use before any significant issues, which matches my testing experience.
For game rooms with mixed entertainment, our picks for home theater projectors for bright rooms or home gym cable machines might complement your setup depending on the space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best arcade machine for playing at home?
The best arcade machine for home use depends on your priorities. For most buyers, the Arcade1Up Ms. Pac-Man Class of ’81 Deluxe offers the best combination of authentic controls, a quality screen, and a curated game library. Sports fans should consider the NBA Jam Deluxe, while golf enthusiasts get the most from the Golden Tee 3D Deluxe with its trackball controller.
What is the best home arcade game device?
A true home arcade game device is a full-size or cocktail cabinet with authentic controls like joysticks, buttons, and sometimes trackballs. Multicade cabinets like the Ms. Pac-Man Class of ’81 Deluxe, which include 12-15 curated classic games, offer the most versatile experience. For something more compact, the PAC-Man Classic SE at 4 feet tall fits smaller spaces without sacrificing the arcade feel.
What is a good home arcade machine that can play multiple games?
A good multicade home arcade machine should include 10-15 well-chosen classic games rather than padding counts with filler. The Ms. Pac-Man Class of ’81 Deluxe (12 games), PAC-Man Classic SE (13 games), and Mortal Kombat Classic SE (13 games) all hit this sweet spot. Look for officially licensed titles, Wi-Fi leaderboards, and authentic arcade controls for the best experience.
How much should I spend on a home arcade machine?
Home arcade machines span a wide range, from compact models like the PAC-Man Classic SE up to feature-rich deluxe cabinets with steering wheels or light guns. Most buyers find their sweet spot in the mid range. Spending more typically gets you bigger screens, more games, or specialty controls like trackballs and light guns rather than better core quality.
Are home arcade machines worth getting?
Home arcade machines are worth it if you have the dedicated room and the games appeal to you long-term. Owners on forums like r/cade report that machines get played weekly for years when the game library matches their taste. The biggest risk is buying a generic multicade with filler games that go untouched after the first month. Choose a cabinet whose specific game library genuinely excites you.
Final Verdict
After six weeks of testing eight cabinets, the Arcade1Up Ms. Pac-Man Class of ’81 Deluxe remains my top pick for the best arcade machines for home game rooms. It nails the fundamentals — real controls, a quality screen, a tight game library — and at 5 feet tall with the light-up marquee, it actually looks the part in a finished game room.
Sports fans should grab the NBA Jam Deluxe for its online multiplayer and party-ready gameplay. Golf enthusiasts get the most from the Golden Tee 3D Deluxe’s authentic trackball. If you’re tight on space, the PAC-Man Classic SE packs 13 classics into a 4-foot frame. And for the most social setup, the Ms. Pac-Man Head-to-Head cocktail table transforms any room into a gathering spot.
Pick the cabinet whose specific game library excites you most — that’s the one that’ll still be in regular rotation five years from now.