Arcade operators love a good upgrade. There’s nothing like rolling in a brand-new machine—bright lights, fresh controls, and that sweet buzz of curiosity from players eager to try it. But adding a new cabinet isn’t just about picking what looks cool. It’s a business decision with long-term impact on your floor’s performance and your bottom line.
And while dropping $10,000+ on a single game might not always be in the cards, smart financing solutions, like affordable arcade leasing plans, can make it easier to stay competitive without breaking the bank.
If you’re thinking about expanding your arcade lineup, this checklist breaks down the key things to consider before making the move.
Know Your Floor: Is There Room—Physically and Financially?
Before anything else, look at your floor plan. Not just the square footage, but your cabinet mix, foot traffic patterns, and accessibility. Adding a new game is more than dragging in another box—it’s about flow.
- Measure first. Will the new cabinet block access to other high-performers? Will it clog corners or reduce walking space for groups and families?
- Power and sound. Newer games often come with enhanced sound systems or LED features. Can your power source handle it? Is it going to drown out nearby machines or make your quieter zones too chaotic?
And then, there’s the financial floor. Can you afford to tie up cash in a cabinet that might take months to turn ROI? Many owners find that leasing is a safer bet—less risk, quicker ROI tracking, and easier upgrades if a game flops or ages fast.
Ask the Audience: What Do Your Players Actually Want?
The best machine in the world won’t help if your players don’t care about it. Audience-first thinking matters.
Talk to your regulars
No need for a formal survey. Just ask. “If we were to add a new game, what would you want to see?” You’ll get ideas—and maybe even surprise insights about what’s going stale.
Watch what gets played
Look at data, too. Your game tracking system can tell you which cabinets have lines and which ones are mostly for show. If rhythm games are seeing steady swipes and your shooters are quiet, that says a lot.
Diversify the Experience, Not Just the Look
It’s easy to pick a flashy cabinet with great artwork, but smart expansion means rounding out your offering—not doubling up.
- Already have a basketball game? Don’t add another unless the first is constantly busy.
- Have fighters? Maybe it’s time to throw in something more casual—like a redemption-style cabinet or a family-friendly racer.
- Missing multiplayer games? Consider a cabinet that seats four instead of two. You’ll open your doors to birthday parties and group play.
Adding variety means tapping into more player types—families, solo pros, nostalgia seekers, and competitive teens.
Think Beyond the Game: Is the Support There?
Every new cabinet is also a new relationship—with the manufacturer, your supplier, and your tech support team.
Ask about:
- Parts availability: Can you get replacements quickly if something breaks?
- Warranty terms: Is it one year? What’s covered?
- Software updates: Will the game receive improvements or events that keep it fresh?
One of the perks of working with well-established providers is the network behind the machine. Cabinets from reputable companies often come with upgrade paths, repair guidance, and resale potential.
Budget for More Than Just the Cabinet
Even if you’re leasing, you’ll want to consider a few other costs that come with expanding:
- Delivery and installation — Especially with oversized units.
- Floor prep — Some games need reinforced power, special flooring, or anchoring.
- Marketing materials — You’ll want banners, social posts, or event tie-ins to build buzz.
- Maintenance training — New tech means a learning curve for your staff.
All of these play into how quickly you’ll make your investment back. Planning ahead means no nasty surprises down the line.
Use Financing as a Growth Strategy, Not a Crutch
Let’s talk numbers. A brand-new cabinet can range from $6,000 to over $15,000 depending on complexity. That’s a big hit for even well-established locations. But financial services—especially those tailored to arcade operators—are reshaping how the smartest owners grow.
Leasing plans let you:
- Get multiple machines at once instead of one every few quarters
- Preserve your working capital for marketing, staffing, or maintenance
- Swap out underperforming games after your lease period ends
When used right, leasing isn’t just a fallback—it’s a way to stay agile and competitive.
Don’t Ignore the Data: Use Metrics to Decide
The best expansion decisions are based on what the numbers say, not just gut feelings.
- Daily play rates: If your current lineup is saturated and certain machines hit max capacity, it’s time.
- Revenue per square foot: Does the corner you’re considering for expansion pull its weight?
- Demographic shifts: Are you getting more kids lately? Teens? Adults coming in for nostalgia?
Let your data guide what type of game to get—and when.
Seasonal Timing Can Boost Impact
There’s a right time to add a new game—and it’s not always “as soon as possible.”
If you launch during:
- Summer break – You’ll capture vacation crowds and family outings.
- Holiday season – People spend more freely and indoor entertainment is in high demand.
- School-year lulls – You can test out new games during quiet months without too much pressure.
Time your rollout to match high-traffic windows, and use it to anchor promotions or events.
Test the Concept Before You Commit
Still unsure? Consider piloting the cabinet in a low-stakes way before diving in.
- Revenue share options – Some vendors offer trial runs where they take a cut, but you avoid upfront risk.
- Short-term leases – Try a machine for 3–6 months and gauge audience response.
- Partner pop-ups – Bring the cabinet to a local event or partner venue for a day or weekend.
Testing helps you avoid costly flops—and gives you solid data to back your decision.
The Long Game: Will It Still Be Fun in 2 Years?
Trends come and go. The key is picking games with longevity. Ask yourself:
- Does it have a learning curve that keeps people coming back?
- Is it replayable without being repetitive?
- Will it still look and feel modern next year?
Some machines are evergreen (think air hockey, basketball), while others age quickly. Balance your lineup with both.
Final Thought: Expansion Is a Signal, Not Just a Strategy
Adding a new game does more than change your floor—it sends a message.
It tells your customers that you’re paying attention. That you’re investing in their experience. That your space is alive and evolving.
With a smart mix of player insight, space planning, and tools like affordable financing, that “maybe later” upgrade could turn into your next big win.
