The sounds of coins clinking in the machine flood the arcade as a kid scrambles to throw in a few more quarters before the “game over” screen disappears. Running back to their mom, they beg for a few more coins before using them all in seconds.
Arcades have been around for generations, though they have changed drastically. Older audiences, such as Gen X and Millennials, may rememebr using coins, whereas younger generations, such as Gen Z and Gen Alpha, may be more used to swiping a card.
“I can understand [companies’] reasoning for a lot of switches. Because the coin [could get] stuck and now the machine doesn’t work, because there’s a coin that’s jammed,” math teacher Dan Hoffman said. “However, there is just something about the tactileness of the grabbing of the coin.”
There is no solid explanation for the switch, though some believe that with newer games being produced, a need for ease of transaction has increased, and coin currency has simply become outdated.
“I think [arcades switched] for quicker [gameplay],” Lauren Martinez (‘26) said. “The process of using coins is longer than using a card, but carrying a card in your pocket and then swiping to play an arcade game feels quicker.”
Arcades started to make it big in the 80s, with shows like Stranger Things showcasing the popular teen hangout spot. Back then, quarters were the main use of play, and digging in the couch cushion for spare change made going to the arcade worthwhile.
“[If the players are] children, they want to win something. They’re going to go into the arcade and they’re going to see this really amazing toy up there,” Martinez said. “But I feel like a lot of teenagers and adults only go to the arcades for the experience.”
Most arcades now are not just purely arcades though, they include food or other attractions like Go-Karts at Boomers! bowling, or even small rides like Dave & Buster’s.
“I feel like the successful arcades nowadays are what bring people to the building,” avid gamer Jake McAnally said. “But there are companies like Chuck E. Cheese or Dave & Buster’s where they have food, alcohol, and soda. Dave & Buster’s, they even have laser tag.”
Although arcades have switched from coins to card gameplay, that is not to say the target audience has changed. Change is natural in all forms of life and work, and arcades are simply following the flow of entertainment and growth in modern technology.
“Back in the 90s and early 2000s [there was a game] that had the regular TV screen that you would play on. But then there was this big, like headset that would pop up from the top of the game. It was basically VR but early 2000s,” McAnally said.
Arcades are simply growing with the times, and despite the switch, it is still possible to find the classics like Pac-Man or newer games like Mario Kart racing. Despite the type of game, all arcades are connected by at least one universal idea: they all, in some way, are associated with gambling.
“Nowadays, big arcades, they are associated with casinos. And I’ve always said this, I’ve always said that arcades are just the kid version of gambling. Some arcade games, they rig [the games] and stuff,” Martinez said.
Claw machines are a prime example of a game being “rigged” against you and a money pit. Children, being as determined as they are to win and get a toy, could actually end up spending more on the claw machine trying to win, when they could’ve bought the toy for cheaper at a store.
“My daughter loves the claw machine. And $10 in, I’m like, ‘Okay, one more time,’” McAnally said. “And she’s picking it up with the claws, but as soon as it moves, it drops. That happened probably four different times. It’s really feeding into like, ‘Hey, you almost got it. Come back and try again.’”
Arcades try to pull in as much money as they can, like any business would. Though, along with going beyond just gaming for the sake of money, arcades also offer food and other attractions to create a hospitable environment and “social hub.” (Arcade, Food & Entertainment Complexes in the US).
Despite the change, arcades still hold valuable memories for all customers and people. Whether you played Galaga in the 80s or Space Invaders on a giant screen in 2025, you can always count on one of your favorites to be out of order.
