Commercial Arcade Equipment Installation Guide: What Buyers Need to Prepare
Buying commercial arcade equipment is only one part of opening or upgrading an entertainment venue. Once the machines arrive, they still need to be unloaded, moved into position, assembled when necessary, connected, tested, and prepared for customers.
Poor installation planning can create unnecessary delays. A machine may fit through the venue entrance but not through an internal doorway. A payment system may require a network connection that was not prepared in advance. A large arcade cabinet may need more clearance for maintenance than its footprint suggests.
For this reason, commercial arcade equipment installation should be considered before the equipment is shipped.
This guide explains what arcade operators, distributors, FEC owners, retailers, and other commercial buyers should prepare before their machines arrive.
1. Confirm the Final Equipment List
Before preparing the installation site, confirm exactly which machines will be delivered.
The final equipment list should include:
Product name and model
Quantity
Machine dimensions
Machine weight
Voltage
Plug type
Payment system
Network requirements
Special accessories
Branding or customized parts
Assembly requirements
Spare parts
Installation materials
This is especially important when an order contains several different machine models.
For example, a compact claw machine may be easy to move through a standard doorway, while a large multi-player arcade machine may require a wider route or partial assembly.
Do not plan the installation using product photos alone. Use the final technical specifications provided for the actual order.
2. Measure the Delivery Route
One of the most overlooked parts of arcade machine installation is the route from the delivery point to the final location.
The machine may need to pass through:
Building entrance
Loading area
Lobby
Corridor
Doorway
Elevator or stairs
Internal entrance
Final installation area
Measure the narrowest point of the entire route.
Important measurements include:
Door width
Door height
Corridor width
Ceiling height
Elevator door width
Elevator interior dimensions
Stair width
Turning space
Loading dock dimensions
A machine can have an acceptable footprint but still be difficult to install because of its cabinet height or depth.
For larger equipment, check whether the machine can be rotated during transport. A corridor that is technically wide enough may still not provide enough turning space.
3. Check the Building Entrance
Before shipment, confirm the building's delivery requirements.
Some commercial locations have restrictions on:
Delivery hours
Vehicle size
Loading dock access
Freight elevators
Parking
Security clearance
Building access cards
Delivery reservations
Maximum equipment weight
Noise during installation
Shopping malls, hotels, cinemas, and large commercial buildings often have their own receiving procedures.
If equipment is being delivered to a third-party venue, ask the property manager or logistics department about these requirements before the shipment arrives.
This prevents a situation where the truck arrives but the building cannot accept the delivery.
4. Prepare the Installation Area
The final installation area should be cleared before the machines arrive.
Remove unnecessary furniture, boxes, temporary displays, or other equipment that could interfere with installation.
The installation area should provide enough space for:
Machine footprint
Player position
Customer circulation
Staff access
Maintenance access
Door opening
Prize replenishment
Electrical connections
Payment-system access
The required space is therefore larger than the physical footprint of the machine.
For example, a claw machine may occupy a certain floor area, but customers still need space in front of the machine to operate the joystick and collect prizes.
Staff also need enough room to open service doors and perform maintenance.
5. Check Floor Conditions
Commercial arcade machines can be heavy, particularly large machines with metal cabinets, glass, displays, motors, or multiple-player configurations.
Before installation, check:
Floor condition
Levelness
Load capacity where relevant
Water exposure
Drainage problems
Uneven surfaces
Potential vibration
Carpet thickness
Floor obstacles
A stable and level floor helps keep machines properly positioned and reduces operational problems.
If the venue has special flooring, such as thick carpet or raised flooring, confirm that the equipment can be installed safely on that surface.
6. Prepare Electrical Power
Electrical preparation should be completed before the machines arrive.
Confirm:
Local voltage
Frequency
Plug type
Available outlets
Circuit capacity
Cable routing
Grounding requirements
Power distribution
Commercial arcade equipment may use different electrical configurations depending on the machine type and market.
A buyer should confirm the required voltage and plug specification with the manufacturer before production or shipment.
Avoid assuming that every machine in an international order uses exactly the same electrical configuration.
If multiple machines are installed in one area, calculate the total electrical demand rather than looking at each machine individually.
A qualified local electrician should handle site-side electrical work where required by local regulations.
7. Plan Cable Management
After the machines are positioned, power and communication cables need to be routed safely.
Cables should not create unnecessary trip hazards in customer areas.
Depending on the venue, cable management may include:
Cable channels
Floor cable covers
Wall routing
Under-counter routing
Cable ties
Clearly organized power distribution
Keep service connections accessible to staff.
Do not place cables where customers can easily step on, pull, or damage them.
For machines using network-connected payment systems, separate network cables and power cables where appropriate and follow the equipment supplier's installation instructions.
8. Prepare Payment Systems
Payment configuration should be checked before opening the machines to customers.
Depending on the model and market, commercial arcade equipment may support:
Coins
Tokens
Banknotes
QR payments
Card payments
Cashless systems
Mobile payments
Other payment solutions
Before installation, confirm which payment system was ordered.
For coin-operated equipment, prepare the appropriate local coins or tokens for testing.
For banknote systems, confirm currency compatibility.
For cashless systems, verify:
Network connectivity
Payment terminal installation
Account configuration
Transaction settings
Testing procedures
Local payment requirements
If a third-party payment provider is being used, coordinate with the provider before the machines are installed.
The arcade machine manufacturer may provide the machine-side interface, while account activation or payment processing may depend on the payment provider.
9. Prepare Network Connectivity When Needed
Not every arcade machine requires an internet connection.
However, some modern payment, management, or monitoring systems may use network connectivity.
If your equipment requires internet access, confirm:
Wi-Fi or wired connection
Network availability
Router location
Signal strength
Ethernet cable length
Login credentials where applicable
Firewall or network restrictions
It is better to test connectivity before the opening day.
If several machines use network-based systems, label the connections clearly so that staff can identify each machine later.
10. Allow Time for Assembly
Some arcade machines arrive fully assembled, while larger or specially configured equipment may require partial assembly after delivery.
Before ordering, ask the supplier:
Does the machine arrive assembled?
Which components need installation?
Are tools required?
How many people are recommended for installation?
Are assembly instructions provided?
Is an installation video available?
Are special brackets or fixtures required?
For large equipment, do not assume that one person can safely move or assemble the machine.
The installation method should be based on the actual machine structure and delivery configuration.
11. Inspect the Equipment Before Installation
Do not immediately move every machine into its final position after unloading.
First inspect the shipment.
Check:
Outer packaging
Wooden crate condition
Signs of impact
Broken glass or acrylic
Cabinet damage
Loose components
Missing accessories
Product labels
Quantity
Model numbers
Take photos or videos if there is visible shipping damage.
If the shipment includes multiple machines, record the condition and identification of each unit.
This documentation can make communication with the supplier much easier if a transport-related issue is discovered.
12. Remove Packaging Carefully
Commercial arcade machines are often protected with export packaging designed for international transportation.
When unpacking:
Move the crate to a suitable area.
Inspect the exterior.
Open the packaging carefully.
Remove protective materials.
Check accessories and loose parts.
Inspect the cabinet and glass.
Confirm the machine model.
Keep important packaging materials until inspection is complete.
Do not throw away manuals, accessory bags, spare parts, keys, or labels during unpacking.
For international shipments, keeping packaging and shipping records until the equipment has been fully checked can also be useful.
13. Position the Machines Before Final Connection
Once the equipment is unpacked, position each machine according to the approved floor plan.
Consider:
Customer traffic
Visibility
Machine grouping
Player space
Prize access
Staff access
Power location
Maintenance access
Emergency routes
Avoid pushing machines tightly against walls simply to save floor space.
Some equipment requires access to the rear or side panels for servicing.
The final position should balance customer experience with operational convenience.
14. Level and Stabilize the Equipment
After positioning, check that the machine stands securely.
Depending on the equipment, this may involve:
Adjusting feet
Leveling the cabinet
Securing components
Checking doors
Checking hinges
Checking wheels or casters
Confirming cabinet stability
Large machines should receive particular attention.
A stable machine is easier to operate and maintain and is less likely to shift during normal use.
Follow the manufacturer's installation instructions for any required anchoring or stabilization.
15. Test Gameplay Before Opening
Every machine should be tested before customers use it.
For a claw machine, for example, test:
Power
Joystick movement
Claw movement
Claw opening and closing
Drop position
Prize outlet
Lighting
Sound
Display
Game settings
Payment
Credit counting
For other arcade equipment, test the controls and gameplay specific to that machine.
Do not test only once.
Run multiple cycles to identify intermittent problems that may not appear during a quick demonstration.
16. Test the Payment and Pricing Settings
Payment testing should confirm that the actual customer transaction works correctly.
Check:
Coin acceptance
Banknote acceptance
Card or QR payment
Credit assignment
Game price
Start button
Refund or error behavior where applicable
Payment indicator
Prize or ticket functions if applicable
Make sure the displayed price matches the actual configured price.
For venues using multiple machines, standardize pricing where appropriate while still allowing individual machines to use different pricing strategies.
17. Load Prizes or Consumables
Prize machines should be prepared with the correct inventory before opening.
For claw machines, check:
Prize size
Prize weight
Prize quantity
Prize arrangement
Prize visibility
Claw suitability
Refill access
Avoid filling the machine simply to maximum capacity.
The prize layout should support good visibility and practical gameplay.
For other machines, prepare the relevant consumables, tickets, balls, capsules, or other operating materials according to the equipment type.
18. Check Lighting, Sound, and Displays
Visual and audio functions are part of the customer experience.
Before opening, verify:
LED lighting
Displays
Attract mode
Sound effects
Speakers
Buttons
Promotional screens
Branding elements
If the venue has strict noise requirements, adjust the machine configuration where possible and permitted.
For restaurants, hotels, retail stores, and other quieter environments, sound level may be particularly important.
19. Complete a Final Safety Check
Before opening to customers, inspect the complete installation.
Check:
Stable machine placement
No exposed hazardous wiring
Safe cable routing
Proper doors and locks
Secure glass or acrylic
No sharp damaged edges
Clear customer pathways
Clear emergency routes
Proper electrical connections
Stable accessories
Correct signage
Local electrical, fire, accessibility, and building requirements should be followed according to the venue and jurisdiction.
The equipment supplier can provide machine specifications and installation information, but venue-side compliance may require local professionals.
20. Train Staff Before Opening
Staff should know how to perform basic daily checks.
Training can cover:
Turning machines on and off
Basic cleaning
Prize replenishment
Payment collection
Simple troubleshooting
Reset procedures
Identifying error conditions
Contacting technical support
Recording machine problems
Staff should also know where spare parts, keys, manuals, and operating instructions are stored.
A simple checklist can make daily opening and closing procedures more consistent.
21. Keep Installation Documentation
Create an equipment file for each machine.
Useful records include:
Model
Serial number
Purchase date
Installation date
Machine location
Voltage
Payment configuration
Warranty information
Spare parts
Maintenance records
Supplier contact
Photos
Manuals
Videos
Repair history
This becomes especially valuable when an operator manages many machines or multiple locations.
For multi-location operators, standardized equipment records can make maintenance and replacement planning much easier.
22. Plan for Future Maintenance
Installation should leave enough access for future service.
Think about where technicians will stand when they need to:
Open a cabinet
Replace a joystick
Check wiring
Service a claw mechanism
Replace lighting
Access payment equipment
Clean internal components
A machine that is easy to install but difficult to service can create higher operating costs later.
When planning the floor layout, consider both customer space and technician space.
23. Ask the Manufacturer for Installation Support
A reliable commercial arcade equipment supplier should be able to provide the information needed to install the equipment correctly.
Before shipment, ask for:
Final dimensions
Machine weight
Electrical specifications
Installation instructions
Assembly instructions
User manual
Setup videos
Payment-system instructions
Troubleshooting information
Spare-parts information
Technical support contact
For customized machines, confirm that the installation documentation matches the final configuration.
This is particularly important for OEM orders because the final machine may differ from a standard catalog model.
24. Build an Installation Checklist
A simple checklist can reduce installation mistakes.
Before Shipment
Confirm final models and quantities
Confirm dimensions and weights
Confirm voltage and plug type
Confirm payment systems
Measure delivery routes
Confirm building delivery rules
Prepare the installation area
Prepare electrical outlets
Prepare network connections if required
On Arrival
Inspect packaging
Check for shipping damage
Confirm quantity
Confirm model numbers
Photograph any damage
Check accessories and spare parts
During Installation
Unpack carefully
Assemble required components
Move machines into position
Level and stabilize equipment
Connect power
Connect payment systems
Connect network systems if required
Complete cable management
Before Opening
Test gameplay
Test payment
Check lighting and sound
Load prizes or consumables
Check machine stability
Check customer pathways
Train staff
Record installation information
25. Final Thoughts
Commercial arcade equipment installation is much easier when it is planned before the machines leave the factory.
The most important principle is simple: do not wait until delivery day to solve installation problems.
Confirm the machine specifications, measure the complete delivery route, prepare the site, check electrical and network requirements, plan customer and maintenance space, inspect the shipment, and test every machine before opening.
For B2B buyers, installation planning should also be part of supplier evaluation. A manufacturer that can provide accurate dimensions, electrical specifications, manuals, setup videos, spare parts, and technical support can make the entire purchasing process more manageable.
For buyers ordering claw machines, arcade cabinets, coin-operated games, prize machines, or other commercial entertainment equipment, good installation preparation helps reduce delays and gets the equipment ready for operation faster.
Fanhong provides commercial arcade equipment for arcades, FECs, shopping malls, cinemas, retail locations, and other entertainment venues, with OEM/ODM customization and technical support for international B2B customers. Installation requirements can be confirmed according to the selected machine, configuration, and destination market before production and shipment.
