Arcade machines for sale: Why your venue needs the nostalgia

Game over for boring venues, we’re coming to you

Remember the seaside arcade? The flashing lights, the clatter of 2p coins and the punching bag machine that someone in your group always had to prove themselves on. Those same arcade machines are now popping up everywhere, from food halls and office breakout rooms to parties and product launches. And people are loving them.

If you’re searching for arcade machines for sale, Pure Foods Systems can help. We source the best classic machines and refurbish them so they’re ready for another round of high scores. We’ve even supplied them for events with Ministry of Sound and This Morning. You can buy arcade machines outright or hire them for your next event.

Why arcade machines are back in fashion

Arcades never really went away, but they’ve found a whole new audience. Part of that comes from the rise of competitive socialising, where eating and drinking go hand in hand with games. Think crazy golf bars, darts clubs and venues packed with arcade cabinets.

The trend has grown fast. According to Savills, the number of competitive socialising venues in the UK has risen by 58% since 2018. Customers are coming back more often too. Research from KAM found that nearly 30% of UK adults visited one of these venues in the past year, and 41% of visitors now go at least once a month.

It isn’t only dedicated venues that benefit. The same KAM research found that 64% of people have been to a traditional pub offering games. Of those, 80% said it made their visit better. That’s a strong case for adding a boxing machine or table football to an existing bar or food hall.

Nostalgia plays a big part. Adults who grew up feeding coins into machines at the seaside are happy to relive it. Younger players see retro cabinets as something fresh and fun, and a well-placed machine gives both groups something to share.

For businesses, the appeal is simple. Arcade machines keep customers on site for longer, which often means another drink or dessert. They give people something to post about and talk about afterwards. And with the right setup, they can bring in an extra stream of income.

Where arcade machines work best

Arcade machines can liven up almost any space where people gather. They work especially well in:

• Food halls: Diners can grab a game between courses, which keeps them around for dessert. We’ve recently partnered with a food hall on London’s Oxford Street.
• Bars, pubs and snooker clubs: A boxing machine or table football gives groups a reason to stay for another drink. Machines also help fill quieter weekday evenings.
• Offices: A games corner gives teams a quick break and a bit of friendly rivalry. It’s a perk that new starters notice on their first day.
• Events and exhibitions: Arcade machines draw a crowd to stands and add buzz to launches. A branded leaderboard can keep visitors at your stand for longer.
• Bowling alleys and leisure centres: Arcade machines give people something to do while they wait for a lane or a session.
• Home games rooms: A classic cabinet makes a showstopping centrepiece. It’s the ultimate upgrade for a man cave, garage or loft conversion.

The best results come from matching the machine to the room. A boxing machine suits a busy bar on a Friday night, while a classic cabinet sits better in a quieter food hall corner.

The arcade systems for sale at Pure Foods Systems

Pure Foods Systems supplies a wide range of arcade machines for commercial venues, events and homes. We can provide a single machine or complete arcade systems for sale to fill a whole games area. You can buy outright or hire for an event.

There’s also our arcade machine profit share model to know about. We install the machine at your venue for free and take care of all the maintenance and repairs. The takings are then split between us at an agreed rate, so there’s nothing to pay upfront.

Boxing and kicking machines

These are the crowd-pullers. Players take a swing or a kick and get an instant score for their strength. That score is what keeps people coming back, as nobody likes being beaten by a friend. They work brilliantly in bars and at events, where a bit of competition draws an audience. They’re also one of the easiest machines to understand at a glance. Nobody needs instructions to punch a bag.

Basketball machines

Basketball machines are simple to play and hard to walk past. Players have a set time to sink as many shots as they can, and the hoop often moves as the levels go up. They suit family venues, bowling alleys and corporate events, where everyone from kids to the CEO wants a go. Bear in mind that they’re longer than many arcade cabinets, so they need a decent stretch of floor space.

Dancing machines

Dance machines turn players into the entertainment. Arrows scroll up the screen, and players hit the matching pads on the floor in time with the music. They’re a natural fit for parties, festivals and youth venues, where an audience is half the fun. Two-player versions add a head-to-head element. Leave plenty of room around them, as spectators tend to gather.

Racing and driving games

Sit-down racers bring the thrill of the track to any venue. A steering wheel, pedals and a bucket seat make the experience feel far more real than a home console. Linked cabinets let friends race head to head, which keeps them coming back for a rematch. They’re popular in leisure venues and at corporate events, where a leaderboard can run all day.

Claw and prize machines

Claw machines are a seaside staple. There’s something irresistible about trying to grab a teddy, even when the odds aren’t on your side. They work well in family venues and shopping centres. They do come with some licensing rules, though. Claw machines are classed as category D gaming machines, with a maximum stake of £1 and a non-money prize worth up to £50. We cover what that means for your venue in the FAQs below.

Retro and classic cabinets

Classic cabinets, from Pac-Man-style games to old-school shooters, are perfect for nostalgia lovers. Many feature the original artwork and joysticks that players remember from their childhood. They look great in a bar or home games room, and they’re often the first machine people head for. Multi-game cabinets offer dozens of titles in one unit, which suits venues short on space.

Table football

Table football needs no introduction. It’s an easy win for offices, pubs and student venues, and it gets people talking without a screen in sight. It’s also one of the simplest machines to run. Manual tables don’t need a power supply, so they can go almost anywhere. Coin-operated versions are available for venues that want to earn from every game.

These are just the favourites, and we can source plenty of other machines on request.

Arcade machine FAQs

Where can I find arcade machines for sale in the UK?

You can find arcade machines for sale in the UK through specialist suppliers like Pure Foods Systems. We supply refurbished classics and deliver across the UK. Buying from a specialist means your machine has been tested, with a team on hand if it ever needs repairs.

How much does an arcade machine cost?

The cost of an arcade machine depends on the type, size and condition. Refurbished machines usually cost less than new ones. Large sit-down racers and dance machines tend to sit at the higher end. If buying outright isn’t right for you, hire or profit share can spread the cost.

Are second-hand arcade machines reliable?

Second-hand arcade machines are reliable when they’ve been properly refurbished and tested. Look for a supplier who checks the electrics and replaces worn parts before selling. It also helps to buy from someone who can service the machine afterwards.

Can I hire an arcade machine for a party?

Yes, you can hire an arcade machine for a party, from birthdays to work celebrations. Hire gives you the fun of an arcade without the commitment of buying. Machines can be set to free play, so guests can enjoy them without hunting for coins.

Do I need a licence for an arcade machine?

You don’t need a gambling licence for an arcade machine that doesn’t offer a prize. Claw and prize machines are different. According to the Gambling Commission, they’re category D gaming machines, so you may need a permit from your local licensing authority.

Can I put an arcade machine in a pub?

Yes, you can put an arcade machine in a pub. Games without prizes, like boxing machines and racers, don’t need a gambling permit. Prize machines follow separate rules, so check with your local licensing authority before installing one.

Can I sell my old arcade machine?

Yes, you can sell your old arcade machine to Pure Foods Systems. We buy arcade and pinball machines, then refurbish them for a new home. It’s an easy way to clear space and give a classic machine a second life.

Do you deliver arcade machines across the UK?

Yes, we deliver arcade machines across the UK. Whether you’re based in big cities like London and Manchester or located in a small town, we’ll get your machine to you quickly. We can also set it up so it’s ready to play on arrival.

Game on

The seaside arcade hasn’t gone anywhere. It’s just found new homes in bars, food halls and offices up and down the country. Whether you’re after a single boxing machine or a full games area, there’s never been a better time to bring that buzz to your venue.

At Pure Foods Systems, we’ve been in the trade since 1996. We source and refurbish classic machines, so you get the look and feel of the originals without the unreliability. You can buy outright, hire for an event or try our profit share model with no upfront cost.

Looking for arcade machines for sale? Get in touch, and we’ll help you find the perfect machine for your space.