Amp Up Your Game Night With an At-Home Arcade

Many homeowners fondly remember popping quarters into games in colorfully lit classic arcades. If you’re dreaming of recreating those memories in your own home arcade game room, use this guide to plan it right. The right vision and plan can make all the difference between a room filled with games and a game room that your family and friends love spending time in.

What to Consider Before Building a Home Arcade

Consider the following before you start building an arcade in your home.

Maximize Your Space

Arcade games can be rather large, so space will be at a premium. Check the dimensions of any games on your to-buy list and ensure you have enough clearance on doorways and stairwells to get them inside. Arcade cabinets often weigh 300 pounds or more and can be more than 5 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide.

Meet Your Power Needs 

Typical arcade games each require 1 1/2 to 3 amps of power, while a pinball machine requires three to five amps. Most homes have a 20-amp circuit, although this varies by age.

If you’re planning a large game room with several games, consult a local electrician to assess your electrical needs and whether your home can handle the burden. It’s also important to invest in a high-quality surge protector rated to handle the required amps of all games connected to it.

Create the Proper Environment

Consider the indoor climate for your game room, especially if it’s in a finished basement or unused garage. Electronics require a consistent temperature as well as humidity levels below 90 percent to prevent erosion of electrical components. Use casters or rolling wheels to keep games off the floor in case of a water leak.

Also, UV rays from the sun can fade and dull arcade game screens and artwork. If your space has windows that allow direct sunlight, cover or tint them to help preserve your collection.

Ideas for Building a Home Arcade

Once you’ve got a good space for your arcade, prevent it from becoming just a space full of games. Create a cohesive design just as you would in any other room of your home, and take the time to make it unique with creative touches that express your personality. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Choose a Consistent Theme

One approach is to create a theme around a passion you have, whether it’s a video game character, sports team, or music group. Create a color scheme and choose consistent decorations that revolve around the theme. This can include wall art and custom decals.

Recreate a Retro Arcade

Part of what drives many homeowners to create home arcades are fond memories of arcades they’ve enjoyed spending time in. Capture that image with wallpaper or paneling that mimics an old arcade or industrial brick feel. Arcades tend to be dimly lit, so use blacklight carpeting or rugs, neon lights, and unique signage to brighten up the space just the right amount.

Create a Multipurpose Space

Photo: iSci / E+ / Getty Images

While your passion for gaming may be the central focus of your home arcade, you also want it to be a space that your family and friends will enjoy spending time in. Consider adding a comfy seating area, a projector screen for a home theater, or create a small bar area with a mini-fridge.

If your arcade is taking up residence in a multipurpose guest room, you’ll want to ensure that you design your space so it’s still comfortable to sleep when not in use for gaming.

How Much Does a Home Arcade Cost?

Many costs go into building a home arcade. Start with the cost to hire an electrician to assess your space, which averages about $300 but can vary depending on whether additional work is needed.

Buying Arcade Games

The most important component of an arcade, consider where you’ll buy your games. Collectors can be a good source for used games because they tend to care for their items. Otherwise, shop only from reputable dealers with good reviews to ensure that you’re buying games in proper working order.

Full-sized gaming cabinets dating back to the 1980s vary in price, but you should expect to spend a minimum of $400 per cabinet.  Custom-made cabinets programmed with multiple classic games range in price based on features, but the average cost is $2,300 to $5,000. These offer the most bang for your buck with the potential to emulate hundreds of games.

Other Games and Activities

Retro arcade cabinets aren’t the only games you might want in your arcade. Here are some additional game room ideas and the costs you can expect:

• Pool table: $700–$11,000

• Game consoles: $100 or more

• Dartboard: $25–$100 or more

• Air hockey table: $500–$1,400

Building Materials and Decor

Finally, you’ll need to consider the cost of any renovations or decorating. Many stylish decor items like neon lights and novelty wall decor can be purchased inexpensively from online retailers. For example, here are some other ideas for decor and the prices you may find:

• Arcade-style blacklight area rug: $80

• 4-foot-by-8-foot brick wall paneling: $50 per sheet

• Gaming-themed neon signs: $10–$30

• Black paint for walls and ceilings: $20–$30 per can

• Home bar: $400