arcadekasten

Arcadekasten is the Dutch term for arcade cabinets—self-contained machines that house the hardware, display, and controls needed to play arcade video games. They are typically standalone units found in arcades, entertainment venues, or private collections. Common form factors include upright cabinets and cocktail or sit-down cabinets, with occasional specialty designs for racing or cockpit-style play.

A typical arcadekast comprises a wooden or fiberglass cabinet, a CRT monitor, a control panel with joysticks and buttons, a coin mechanism or bill validator, speakers, and a power supply. The game logic is provided by a game board, a JAMMA harness, or a computer running emulation software. Some cabinets are dedicated to a single title, while others are multi-game setups or emulator-based systems.

Historically, arcadekasten became iconic during the late 1970s and 1980s as arcades spread worldwide and offered a social gaming experience. The rise of home consoles and computers in the 1990s reduced their prominence, but they retained cultural value and remain highly collected. In recent decades, preservation and restoration efforts have grown, driven by enthusiasts and museums aiming to document the hardware, artwork, and interactive experiences of classic arcade gaming.

In the modern era, many arcadekasten are restored or recreated, with some using emulation on PC hardware or reproductions of original boards. The term encompasses both original cabinets and modern replicas that seek to preserve the look and feel of classic arcade gaming for new and experienced audiences.