What's Hot in Arcade Games

Classic used arcade games and online simulators

If you're looking for what's hot in arcade games, classic is where it's at. Classic arcade games are still going strong, twenty to thirty years after they were first released. Go to your local movie theater and chances are you'll see a Galaga or Ms. Pac-Man arcade game in the lobby. Used arcade games are entertaining choices for home rec rooms. And for those who can't afford to be collectors, online arcade games are an increasingly popular way to relive the classic age of arcade game design.

Used arcade games

If you're wanting to buy a classic arcade game, you might be surprised to know that some of your favorite 80s arcade games are available new. Galaga, Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man, Centipede, and Space Invaders are just some of the classic arcade games available direct from the factory.

If you choose to purchase a restored arcade game, you'll pay less, but you're also going to have to do a lot of research. Many used arcade games sell for between $1,000 and $2,000, and you'll want to make sure you get what you pay for.

If you can find a used arcade game vendor or showroom in your area, that's probably the safest route to go. If you decide to shop online, be very patient and very thorough. Ask for pictures of any old arcade games you are interested in buying, and ask for the arcade game's serial number.

Other questions you should ask when shopping for used arcade games online are:

Is the side-art original, restored, black, or a conversion cabinet?

Does the marquee work? Is it damaged?

Is the bezel, i.e. playing screen, scratched, cracked, or damaged?

Does the arcade game use an original or modified control board? You want original.

Are there bare or exposed interior wires?

And if you can, play the arcade game a number of times before you buy it to make sure that all the controls are in working order.

Arcade games online

Interactive online gaming isn't the only form of Internet gaming that's gaining fans. Arcade game websites and arcade game simulators are gaining attention as more people rediscover the favorite games of their adolescence.

One site that offers dozens of clones of classic arcade games is www.arcadegamesonline.com. 3d Frogger, Ice Blox (a clone of Pengo), Pac Man, and Swron (a clone of Tron) are just a few of the titles available for play.

For the best in online arcade game simulation, check out www.mame.net. MAME, which stands for Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator, is a free computer software program that recreates arcade games for play on your home computer. Because MAME is an emulator, it isn't pirating copyrights and is legal to use. MAME's emulators are often super accurate and enjoyable to play.

If MAME gets you hooked, you might want to consider buying a game controller for your PC to avoid destroying your keyboard. You can find controllers designed with MAME PC use in mind at www.treyonics.com.

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