Arcadekast

Arcadekast, or arcade cabinet, is a specialized cabinet that houses the hardware and display for an arcade video game. Typical features include a dedicated screen, a control panel with joysticks and buttons, a coin mechanism, and internal electronics to run the game. Cabinets can be upright, cocktail/tabletop, or sit-down, and are designed for coin-operated operation in public venues or for private collections.

Design and hardware: Most use a display (CRT historically, LCD in newer builds), sound amplification, power supply, and a game board. Many cabinets follow the JAMMA standard or use dedicated PCBs; multi-game setups combine several boards or emulation software to run multiple titles from a single cabinet.

Variants: Upright cabinets, cocktail cabinets (table-style with a rotating screen), and sit-down cockpit cabinets for driving or flight sims. Some are dedicated to a single game; others are multi-game. Controls vary; common configurations include two to four action buttons per player and a joystick; some include trackballs, spinners, or pedals for specific games.

History and contemporary use: Arcade cabinets originated in the late 1970s and flourished through the 1980s alongside coin-operated arcades. After a decline in the 1990s, interest revived through emulation, restoration, and home-built or commercial retro cabinets. Today they appear in arcades, bars, museums, and private collections, often using PC-based hardware and emulation software.

Significance and issues: Arcadekasten are notable for preservation of early video game hardware and controller design. Legal considerations cover game licenses and ROM distribution; maintenance and parts logistics can be challenging for older cabinets.