How to Choose the Best Arcade Machines for Your New Arcade in 2025？

Introduction

Choosing the right arcade machines is the most important decision you will make when starting an arcade business. The machine selection directly influences your customer attraction, daily revenue, space efficiency, and long-term ROI.

If you are still planning your total investment and startup budget, you can also review our arcade startup cost guide. Understanding the cost structure helps you choose machines that match your financial plan and revenue expectations.

This article will guide you through the best arcade machines to choose in 2025 based on global market trends, customer behavior, machine performance, and Joyfuncade’s real-world project experience.

1. Why Choosing the Right Arcade Machines Matters?

1.1 Machine Selection Directly Influences Profit

Not every machine performs equally. Some generate high constant revenue, while others have limited appeal. High-performing machines have:

• Short play cycles

• High replay motivation

• Strong attraction value

• Broad audience coverage

• Low maintenance requirements

For a more detailed revenue comparison between machine types, you may later explore our arcade machine profitability guide.

1.2 Different Machines Attract Different Audiences

A balanced arcade serves multiple customer types:

• Claw machines → Teens, couples, mall shoppers

• VR machines → Adults, thrill-seekers, gamers

• Racing machines → Competitive groups

• Redemption machines → Families with children

• Cotton candy vending machines → Families, kids, mall traffic

When you understand your audience, choosing the right machines becomes easier.

1.3 Space Utilization (Revenue per Square Meter)

Your arcade’s layout has a direct impact on revenue. Some machines occupy large areas but generate high ticket sales, while others are compact but extremely profitable. If your location has limited space, you can later check our small-space arcade machine recommendations.

2. The Most Essential Arcade Machine Categories in 2025

2.1 Claw Machines (Top Performer Across All Markets)

Claw machines remain the most profitable and most consistently visited machines in the arcade industry. Their benefits include:

• High repeat play rate

• Strong visual attraction

• Suitable for all ages

• Extremely low maintenance

• Customizable with different prizes

These machines often achieve the quickest ROI due to their simple mechanics and universal appeal.

2.2 Virtual Reality Arcade Machines

VR machines continue to grow rapidly in popularity. They attract customers who want immersive, cinematic experiences that cannot be replicated at home.

Top VR categories:

• VR motorcycle

• VR racing simulator

• VR shooting cabin

• VR roller coaster simulator

VR machines are excellent for arcades that want a “modern, high-tech” experience.

2.3 Racing & Sports Arcade Machines

Racing machines remain essential for competitive players. They create excitement, social interaction, and replay value.

Popular options:

• Car racing machines

• Motorcycle racing

• Basketball shooting machines

• Air hockey tables

These machines attract groups and encourage repeat participation.

2.4 Cotton Candy Vending Machines

2025’s rising trend is combining “entertainment + food.”
Cotton candy vending machines create:

• High foot traffic

• Strong visual impact

• Social media attention

• Repeat family visits

• Zero staffing cost

They work extremely well in shopping malls and FECs.

2.5 Redemption Machines (Family Friendly & Reliable)

Redemption machines are ideal for children and families. They are simple, fun, and drive repeat engagement.

Great examples include:

• Hammer games

• Roll & jump games

• Prize wheels

• Mini bowling

Every successful family entertainment center includes a strong redemption section.

3. How to Choose Machines Based on Arcade Size

3.1 Small Arcades (50–80㎡)

Best mix:

• 4–6 claw machines

• 2–3 redemption games

• 1–2 racing machines

• 1 cotton candy vending machine

Focus: high-turnover machines that maximize limited space.

3.2 Medium Arcades (100–200㎡)

Best mix:

• 10–16 claw machines

• 4–6 redemption machines

• 3–5 racing or sports machines

• 1–2 VR machines

• 1 cotton candy vending machine

You can begin forming themed sections and customer flow zones.

3.3 Large Arcades (300–500㎡)

Best mix:

• 20–30 arcade machines

• 3–5 VR simulators

• A full redemption area

• Claw machine islands

• Kids’ activity zone

• Snack & cotton candy vending area

If you want a more advanced layout strategy, check our arcade layout and design guide for placement tips and flow optimization.

4. What Makes an Arcade Machine Truly Profitable?

4.1 Short Game Cycle

Fast games generate more plays per hour → more revenue.

Claw machines, hammer games, and basketball machines are top performers here.

4.2 High Attraction Value

Machines that instantly grab attention outperform others.
LED lighting, big movements, sound effects, and food-making visuals all increase engagement.

4.3 Broad Audience Coverage

Machines appealing to both adults and children generate the most consistent income.

4.4 Low Maintenance & High Stability

Machines with fewer breakdowns keep your arcade running at full capacity.

Joyfuncade machines are engineered for commercial durability and long-term reliability.

5. Joyfuncade’s Recommended Machine Packages for 2025

Package A: Starter Arcade (50–150㎡)

• 8 claw machines

• 3 redemption machines

• 2 racing machines

• 1 cotton candy vending machine

Package B: Medium-Size Arcade (150–300㎡)

• 10–16 claw machines

• 6 redemption machines

• 4 racing simulators

• 2 VR machines

• 1 cotton candy vending machine

Package C: Full Family Entertainment Center (300–500㎡)

• 20–30 arcade machines

• 3–5 VR machines

• Full redemption prize area

• Kids’ activity zone

• Cotton candy vending zone

If you want to estimate the investment level for each package, you can also check our arcade startup cost overview.

Conclusion

Choosing the best arcade machines for your venue is essential for building a profitable business. Your selection should align with your target customers, floor space, investment range, and long-term revenue strategy.

To get a clear understanding of your budget and total cost structure, you may review our complete guide on starting an arcade and its required investment .

Joyfuncade is here to support you with:

• Free layout design

• One-on-one business consulting

• Factory-direct arcade machines

• Turnkey setup solutions

Start building your arcade with confidence. Contact Joyfuncade today for a personalized machine recommendation and floor layout plan.