19 Throwback Coin Operated Arcade Machines That Are Pure Nostalgia

It’s both a special and welcomed thing when you enter a restaurant or an actual arcade that’s filled to the brim with the symphony of an army of coin-op arcade machines firing off on all cylinders. Those of us that were lucky were able to play all kinds of wild coin-op arcade machines growing up. There’s a strong chance that at least a few of these will send the nostalgia into overdrive.

1. “Just picked up a lot of 9 games.”

A garage with several vintage arcade game machines lined up side by side, including "Super Sprint," "Harley-Davidson & L.A. Riders," "Pac-Man," "Krazy Bowl," and "Operation Wolf." The space also contains various tools and equipment in the background.
u/digicy922/via reddit.com

2. “A true legend, that Mr. Do.”

A vintage arcade machine for the game "Mr. Do!" It features a colorful, curved cabinet with red and yellow stripes, a joystick, and several buttons on the control panel. The game's title is prominently displayed at the top.
u/chaos_theology/v ia reddit.com

3. “The anticipation is next level.”

An arcade machine featuring the game "Kung Fu Kickball" stands in a cluttered warehouse. The machine is colorful with characters and game imagery on the sides and front. Surrounding the arcade machine are various boxes, shelves, and scattered items.
u/captusage/via reddit.com

4. “Purchased my own Donkey Kong arcade machine.”

An arcade machine with colorful artwork featuring the classic game "Donkey Kong." The screen displays the game in progress, with Mario climbing ladders and dodging barrels to rescue a damsel in distress. The machine has control buttons and a joystick.
u/uncleeddie/via reddit.com

5. “Need to bring these bad boys back to life.”

A dimly lit arcade room filled with vintage arcade machines. Titles include "Punch-Out!!" and various racing and shooting games. The carpeted floor and dark walls add to the retro atmosphere. Some screens are illuminated with games in progress.
u/vegetablevariety42/via reddit.com

6. “We 3D printed Computer Space.”

A row of vintage arcade game machines, including 'Space Invaders,' 'SEGA's Deep Scan,' 'Pong,' and 'Computer Space,' all housed in a dimly lit room with a rustic concrete wall in the background. The machines feature colorful designs and classic controls.
u/rmcretro/via reddit.com

7. “My basement arcade.”

Dimly lit arcade room featuring multiple classic arcade game machines with bright screens and illuminated marquees. The room has a futuristic ambiance with blue neon lights on the ceiling. A few bar stools are placed in front of the machines.
u/usernameattempt120/via reddit.com

8. “What game is this originally?”

An upright arcade cabinet with the game "Area 51" displayed. The cabinet is black with vibrant, colorful graphics, including a futuristic soldier on the side. Attached to the front panel are blue and red light guns. The arcade cabinet is placed in a garage or workshop setting.
u/falconheavy14/via reddit.com

9. “You already know this was always a good time.”

A row of six connected arcade racing game machines with the title "Daytona USA" above them. Each machine has a steering wheel, pedals, and a racing seat. The screens display the game's interface with a nighttime gaming arcade ambiance in the background.
u/bigtrashpanda/via reddit.com

10. “Get a load of this restoration project.”

An arcade machine for the game "1943: The Battle of Midway" featuring colorful game artwork around the screen and joystick controls. The cabinet's lower front has a coin slot mechanism, and the game title is prominently displayed above the screen.

11. “The ultimate upgraded cave.”

A room filled with vintage arcade games, including Pac-Man, Mortal Kombat, and others. Neon signs and framed memorabilia adorn the walls. A black cat sits on a table next to the games. Vinyl records are partially visible on shelving to the left.
u/usafidmt/via reddit.com

12. “The carpet really ties everything together.”

A room with colorful retro decor featuring two arcade machines against a wall. The wall is painted dark with geometric shapes. The carpet is vibrant with star patterns, and a window with white blinds lets in some light.
u/gem10pokemon/via reddit.com

13. “Moved last year and wanted to show off my machines.”

Dimly lit arcade with six vintage gaming machines side by side. Each screen displays a different game, with the central machine showing a "Capcom" logo. Stools are placed in front of each machine for players. The room is illuminated by red and white ceiling lights.
u/infinitewizard/via reddit.com

14. “Just finished restoring these beauties.”

Two vintage arcade machines are displayed. The left machine, themed in light blue, features the game "Donkey Kong," while the right machine, themed in orange, displays "Donkey Kong Junior." Both machines showcase colorful artwork and classic joystick controls.
u/deleted/via reddit.com

15. “Had the chance to play this legendary machine.”

A vintage "Computer Space" arcade cabinet from 1971 is displayed against a yellow wall. Next to it is a poster explaining the historical significance of the game. The arcade machine has a curvy, red metallic exterior and a control panel with buttons and a joystick.
u/idontuseavatars/via reddit.com

16. “Picked this up at a garage slae for a mere $50.”

A classic Joust arcade game machine is prominently displayed, featuring vibrant artwork and a screen showing the game's title. The control panel includes joysticks and buttons for two players, adorned with game-themed decals and instructions.
u/theplaidninja/via reddit.com

17. “Area 51, Site 4.”

A neon green barrel with caution tape and a red axe leaning against it is surrounded by wooden crates. A green metal barrel and various props are in the background, along with a dimly lit arcade game screen. The atmosphere appears to be themed and immersive.
u/4trashpanda/via reddit.com

18. “Absolutely loved this group.”

A room with several retro arcade cabinets lined up. From left to right, there's a Neo Geo MVS, a machine with Marvel vs. Capcom, a Capcom arcade cabinet featuring Darkstalkers, and another Capcom cabinet displaying Dungeons & Dragons. Figures sit atop two cabinets.
u/arcadefix/via reddit.com

19. “And the best part is that there are unlimited plays.”

An angled view of a Star Wars-themed pinball machine situated in a corner of a room. The machine features vibrant artwork of Star Wars characters and is on free play. The back panel displays "PROJECTPINBALL.ORG" and a high score, while ambient lighting illuminates the playfield.
u/frigatedoc/via reddti.com

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