Starting a Small Arcade? Choose Your Equipment Carefully
Opening a small arcade does not necessarily mean filling the entire venue with machines from day one.
For a new business, the more important decision is choosing equipment that fits the available space, attracts the intended customers, and can be managed without an unnecessarily complicated operation.
A small arcade might have only 10 to 20 machines, while a larger entertainment space could accommodate several different game categories. The right combination depends on the location and business model.
Before purchasing anything, start with the venue itself. Consider the floor area, customer traffic, target audience, and how much money you can allocate to equipment.
1. Start with a Mix of Game Types
A venue with several types of games can appeal to a wider range of customers than one filled with identical machines.
For a small commercial arcade, consider combining the following categories.
Claw Machines
Claw machines are a familiar attraction in shopping areas, family entertainment venues, and dedicated prize game stores.
They are available in different sizes and designs, making it possible to arrange several units in a relatively compact area.
Depending on the model, operators can offer plush toys, small gifts, character-style products, and other suitable prizes.
Basketball Arcade Machines
Basketball machines offer a different experience from prize-catching games.
Players compete to score as many points as possible within a set time. They are particularly suitable for customers who enjoy physical interaction and friendly competition.
However, these machines generally require more floor space, so check the playing area and player movement before installation.
Air Hockey Machines
Air hockey is a two-player game that encourages social interaction.
It can work well in venues targeting teenagers, couples, and groups of friends. When planning the layout, remember that the playing area needs additional clearance around the table.
Redemption and Prize Games
Redemption games give customers an opportunity to collect points or tickets through gameplay.
They can complement claw machines and other attractions, especially in family entertainment centers where customers enjoy exchanging accumulated rewards for prizes.
Before purchasing, check whether the equipment is compatible with your intended redemption system.
2. Plan the Equipment Around Your Floor Space
The number of machines a venue can accommodate depends on more than the total floor area.
You also need room for customers to stand, play, move between machines, and collect prizes.
For example, a 50 m² venue may accommodate a compact selection of equipment, but a layout filled with large cabinets could quickly become uncomfortable.
A practical planning process includes:
Measure the usable floor area.
Mark entrances and exits.
Identify power supply locations.
Reserve space for customer movement.
Allow access for prize refilling and maintenance.
Check delivery access for larger machines.
Do not calculate machine quantities using cabinet dimensions alone. The operating space around each machine matters too.
3. Decide Which Machines to Buy First
For a new business, it is often better to start with equipment that is straightforward to operate and suitable for the main customer group.
A sample equipment combination might look like this:
Equipment Type | Example Quantity | Main Purpose |
|---|---|---|
Claw machines | 8 | Prize-catching games |
Basketball machine | 1 | Competitive gameplay |
Air hockey | 1 | Two-player entertainment |
Redemption games | 2 | Ticket or point-based rewards |
Other prize games | 2 | Additional game variety |
Illustrative equipment mix only. Actual quantities depend on venue size, machine dimensions, and customer demand.
This type of combination offers different playing experiences without requiring a large number of machine categories.
If your business mainly targets customers interested in plush prizes, you may choose more claw machines. If your audience prefers competitive games, allocate more space to basketball, air hockey, or similar equipment.
4. Set Your Equipment Budget Before Requesting Quotes
Machine prices can vary significantly depending on size, design, gameplay, payment configuration, and customization.
Do not spend the entire startup budget on equipment. You will also need money for delivery, installation, rent, decoration, prizes, and daily operating expenses.
A basic budget should include:
Expense | What to Consider |
|---|---|
Arcade machines | Purchase price and selected configurations |
Shipping | Freight, packaging, and destination charges |
Installation | Setup, electrical work, and positioning |
Venue preparation | Flooring, lighting, decoration, and signage |
Initial prizes | Products for claw and prize machines |
Payment systems | Coins, banknotes, or cashless options |
Operating reserve | Rent, staff, utilities, and replenishment |
When comparing quotations, check what is included. Two machines with similar prices may have different payment systems, accessories, warranty coverage, or customization options.
5. Choose Equipment That Matches Your Customers
The most expensive machine is not automatically the best choice.
A better starting point is to understand who will visit the arcade.
Family-oriented venues: Consider claw machines, colorful prize games, and easy-to-understand attractions.
Teenagers and young adults: Competitive games, basketball machines, air hockey, and visually distinctive arcade equipment may be worth considering.
Shopping mall locations: Look for attractive designs, suitable cabinet sizes, and equipment that works well in areas with passing foot traffic.
Small independent arcades: Prioritize a balanced machine selection that can be maintained and operated by a small team.
If possible, observe nearby entertainment venues before purchasing. Notice which types of games attract customers and whether there are gaps in the local market.
6. Check the Technical Details Before Ordering
Product photos are useful, but they do not provide enough information to make a commercial purchase decision.
Ask the supplier for a complete specification sheet.
Important details include:
Overall machine dimensions and weight
Voltage, frequency, and power requirements
Payment methods and compatibility
Gameplay instructions and adjustable settings
Prize dimensions, where applicable
Installation requirements
Warranty terms
Spare parts availability
For overseas buyers, also confirm the plug type and electrical requirements for the destination country.
If you are ordering several different models, request individual specifications rather than assuming all machines use the same configuration.
7. Consider Customization and Store Appearance
The visual style of an arcade can influence how customers perceive the venue.
If you are building a branded entertainment space, coordinated machine designs can help create a more recognizable appearance.
Depending on the equipment model, customization may include:
Company logos
Cabinet colors
Body stickers and graphics
Lighting effects
Payment configurations
Language settings
For a larger project, consider the overall appearance before ordering individual machines. A consistent design approach can make a small venue look more organized and professional.
8. Buy from a Supplier That Can Support Your Business
A reliable arcade equipment supplier should understand more than the machine itself.
For a new business, equipment selection, technical specifications, packaging, shipping, and after-sales support all matter.
Before placing an order, ask:
Does the company manufacture the equipment directly?
Can it provide real product videos and detailed specifications?
What customization options are available?
What is the production lead time?
How are machines packaged for international shipping?
Are spare parts available?
What warranty and technical support are provided?
For first-time buyers, a supplier that can help coordinate several equipment categories may also make purchasing easier.
9. Leave Room to Expand
A small arcade does not have to remain the same size forever.
Once the business has been operating for a while, you can use actual customer feedback and machine performance records to decide what to add.
For example:
Add more claw machines if prize games receive consistent interest.
Introduce competitive games if customers want more group activities.
Replace underused equipment with different game types.
Add new designs to refresh the venue.
Expand the prize selection based on customer preferences.
Avoid purchasing too many machines based only on assumptions about future demand. Start with a manageable setup, learn from actual operation, and expand when the business is ready.
Final Thoughts
Choosing arcade game equipment for a small business requires a balance between machine variety, floor space, budget, and customer preferences.
A carefully planned selection of claw machines, competitive games, and prize attractions can create a more varied entertainment experience without overcrowding the venue.
Before ordering, compare machine specifications, payment configurations, customization options, and after-sales support. The right equipment is not necessarily the machine with the most features. It is the one that fits your business and can be operated reliably.
About Fanhong
Guangzhou Fanhong Animation Technology Co., Ltd. manufactures commercial claw machines and a range of arcade amusement equipment for overseas operators, distributors, and entertainment venues.
The company provides OEM and ODM customization options, including cabinet appearance, branding, lighting, payment configurations, and gameplay settings depending on the model. Fanhong also supports equipment selection and project planning for customers building or upgrading arcade venues.
