Choose for the people who will play it

A home games room and a commercial venue may need different things from the same style of cabinet. List the games or experience you want, the likely players and the space available. If it will be used commercially, tell the seller how it will operate and ask about the suitability of the equipment and payment setup.

Request the exact model, photographs of the offered machine and a clear description of its condition. ‘New’, ‘used’ and ‘refurbished’ should lead to follow-up questions about what has been inspected, replaced or tested. A large advertised game count is less useful than knowing whether your preferred games and controls work as expected.

Inspect the controls, display and game setup

Where possible, see the machine operating or request a demonstration of the offered unit. Try the controls used by the games you care about. Check the display and audio, and ask the seller to show how the machine starts, selects games and returns to its normal menu.

Ask what software, game documentation and any relevant permissions come with the machine for your intended use. Keep the seller’s answers with the invoice and model information. Also ask what keys, manuals and accessories are supplied; a missing cabinet key or unavailable part can complicate ownership.

  • Photographs of the actual unit, including visible wear
  • A demonstration of the controls and games you intend to use
  • A written account of repairs or refurbishment
  • Keys, manuals, included accessories and software information
  • Model details and a contact for after-sales questions

Compare the installed cost, not just the sale price

The amount needed to put a machine into use may include transport, access handling, installation and agreed setup work as well as the cabinet. Ask for those items to be shown separately. For a used machine, discuss any known work needed immediately rather than leaving it outside the budget.

Running costs also depend on the model and use. Ask for the manufacturer’s power information and whether typical consumption has been measured. To estimate electricity, divide average watts by 1,000 and multiply by operating hours to get kilowatt-hours, then apply your electricity tariff. A maximum nameplate rating is not necessarily the same as average use.

Check access and support before paying

Get the cabinet dimensions and weight in the form it will be delivered. Measure the whole route into the room, including turns and lifts, rather than only the final space. Ask the delivery team to assess anything uncertain; do not plan to dismantle or move heavy equipment yourself to make an unsuitable route work.

Read the written warranty and support terms for the actual sale. Ask what is covered, how a fault is reported, who pays transport costs and whether parts or service are available for that model. Keep these answers alongside the delivery agreement. An attractive price is easier to assess when the follow-up arrangements are clear.

What to put in your purchase enquiry

Send your location, intended use, approximate budget and the machine style or games you have in mind. Add the room dimensions and access photographs if available. Say whether you need supply only or help with delivery, installation and handover.

Arcade Game Australia’s sales page is an enquiry service, not a live stock catalogue. Available machines, condition, specifications, prices and support are confirmed for each offer. Images on the site illustrate the subject and do not identify current stock.