Best Retro Video Game Machines to Transform Your Game Room
Latifah Muhammad
It’s amazing how quickly arcade games can transport you back to simpler times. If you’re looking to recapture that nostalgia, we curated a list of some of the best retro arcade machines to buy online, and a few old-school consoles (Sega Genesis, Nintendo, and Atari).
Apart from being a conversation piece, gaming machines make great gifts for a range of age groups (Father’s Day included). And they come in different sizes, so you won’t have to worry about taking up too much space. The arcade machines on our roundup come preloaded with “Street Fighter,” “Pac-Man,” “Tetris,” “NBA Jam,” “Tron,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” and many other nostalgic video games.
Plus, you can get most of them on Amazon Prime, which offers free two-day shipping for Prime Members. If you’re not a Prime member, sign up today and enjoy a free 30-day trial (the membership costs just $12.99 a month thereafter). Besides shipping perks, special discounts, and access to Prime Video, Prime members get monthly gaming loot such as free games, and a free subscription to Twitch TV. Find our list of great arcade machines and gaming consoles below. For more gaming guides, see our picks of must-have gaming accessories, and most comfortable gaming chairs.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade Game
From video games to movies to pizza parties, just about every gaming fan can find something to love about the beloved heroes in a half shell. This TMNT arcade game will make you feel like you’re right back in the pizzeria ordering a slice, playing video games, and trying not to get the joysticks too greasy. This particular machine is already loaded with “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and “TMNT: Turtles in Time.” Designed for up to four players, the gaming machine has a 17” color LCD screen with the usual arcade controls (and multiple joysticks).
Arcade 2 Player Cabinet
The Arcade Machine 2 Player cabinet is made to order, and you can even customize the color of the joysticks. The machine features the same arcade design from back in the day, but in a new modern, slim version, making it easier to place in tighter spaces, and easy to move if needed. This 69.5” x 30.5” machine features an LED backlight, and includes 32 Smart Roku TV (with remote control), Raspberry Pi with 128GB micro SD card, 6.5″ speakers, and an amplifier with volume/treble/bass controls.
Vintage Sega Genesis
Fans of the ‘80s and ‘90s gaming aesthetic might want to invest in a Sega Genesis. This vintage console comes with two controllers, along with AC and TV adapters. The device has been tested and works fine, but it doesn’t come with a video game as pictured. If you’d like to get a little more bang for your buck, try this bundle set with games included for $200.
Original Nintendo Entertainment (NES) Bundle
It’s safe to say that the Nintendo NES system definitely changed the game. This original NED system has been tested to make sure it works, and it comes equipped with two games. Included in the bundle is the original Nintendo console, original first-party AC and TV adapters, original controller and Zapper, as well as “Super Mario Bros.” and “RC Pro-Am” video games.
Atari Flashback Retro Console
The Atari Flashback Retro Console is basically an updated version of the original Atari 2600. It features a 720p HD HDMI video output and 120 built-in games including “Adventure,” “Asteroids,” “Centipede,” “Chopper Command,” “Frogger,” “Missile Command,” “Pitfall!,” “Space Invaders,” and “Yars’ Revenge.” The design mimics the iconic styling of the original; while the package includes two authentic-looking, wired joysticks. If you’re shopping for something more authentically vintage, you can purchase a clone console, or a used Atari 2600.
Prime Arcades’ Cocktails Arcade Machine
There’s really no other way to put it: this gaming console is pricey, but it’s pretty awesome. Perfect for a gaming room, den, or bar space, the gaming behemoth features pretty much all of the beloved video games including multiple “Street Fighter” games, “Donkey Kong,” “Pac-Man,” “Ms. Pac-Man,” “X-Men vs. Street Fighter,” “Blade Master,” “The Simpsons,” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” The 26“ LED monitor is covered with a thick, tempered glass top. The wide layout makes it so that multiple users can play at once without worrying about bumping elbows. The game also comes fully assembled, with two chrome stools.
NBA Jam Arcade Machine
Boomshakalaka! “NBA Jam” is easily one of the most iconic video games to come out of the ’90s. Developed by Midway Games, “NBA Jam” ushered in a new era in sports gaming, and became one of the first basketball games where users could play as digitized versions of NBA players. This arcade machine lets you recapture the legendary video game from the comforts of home. At nearly 5′ tall (with a riser), 31” wide, and a depth of 22.75,” the console is slim enough to fit in a bedroom or hallway. The wifi-enabled arcade machine features all three games from the series: “NBA Jam,” “NBA Jam Tournament,” and “NBA Hangtime.” It has a large 17” screen and a control deck designed for four players.
Doc and Pies Arcade Factory Classic Home Arcade Machine
A tabletop arcade machine is a nice gaming alternative to the larger machines, especially if you don’t have the space for a huge console. The Doc and Pies Arcade Factory Classic Home Arcade Machine is versatile enough to fit in a residence or a business, such as a comic book store, or pizza parlor. The console includes 412 video games, a 19” LCD screen with full-size arcade buttons and a bright red joystick. You can play “Ms. Pac-Man, “Tetris” “Donkey Kong,” “Donkey Kong Jr.” “Pinball Action,” “Rugrats,” and so many more favorites. There’s also a cheaper tabletop option (featuring 60 games) for $699.99.
Arcade 1Up Marvel Super Heroes At-Home Arcade Machine
Becoming a Marvel superhero has never been easier. The Arcade 1Up Marvel Super Heroes At-Home Arcade Machine 4ft lets players battle through iconic Marvel characters, and if you make it far enough, you’ll get to face off with Thanos. The machine comes equipped with “X-Men: Children of the Atom,” “The Punisher,” and “Marvel Superheroes.” Users can choose from playing the game as Marvel heroes such as Iron Man, Spider-Man, Magneto, and Captain America.
