Do Arcade Machines Use Much Electricity? Power Consumption Guide

Ever wondered if your Arcade Machines are secretly running up your electric bill while you’re chasing that high score? Short answer, not really. They’re nowhere near as power-hungry as people think, especially the modern ones. Stick around to find out how much electricity an arcade machine actually uses and how to keep your costs low without giving up your gaming fix.

The Short Answer: Less Than You Might Think, Especially Modern Machines

Debunking the Myth of the "Power-Guzzling" Arcade Cabinet

Arcade machines have a bit of a reputation, some people imagine them guzzling electricity like a mini power plant. In truth, most modern cabinets use about the same amount of electricity as a TV or gaming PC. The real power-eaters were the old-school cabinets from the 1980s, packed with buzzing CRT screens and chunky wiring.

Thanks to smarter design, today’s machines are built to be energy-efficient without losing their retro magic. Unless you’re running a full arcade 24/7, your energy bill won’t even flinch.

Power Consumption of a Modern Luxury Arcade Machine

Typical Wattage When in Use: 100 - 250 Watts

Modern arcade machines are surprisingly efficient. On average, they pull between 100 and 250 watts while in use, roughly the same as a home gaming console or large television.

If you’re wondering how much electricity an arcade machine uses per day, imagine playing for four hours. That’ll only cost you around £10 per month at current UK energy prices, not bad for hours of button-mashing joy.

Key Components: An Energy-Efficient PC, an LCD Monitor, and LED Lighting

Unlike their vintage ancestors, modern arcade machines run on efficient PC hardware, not bulky boards. Their LCD monitors replace the old CRT displays, cutting energy use by more than half. Even the flashy lights got an upgrade, LED buttons and marquees now shine bright while barely sipping power.

In short, everything inside a new cabinet is designed to keep power low and performance high.

How This Compares to a Modern Gaming PC or a Large Screen Television

If you’re used to gaming on a console or bingeing on Netflix, you’ll be pleased. A high-end gaming PC or 4K TV often uses 250–400 watts, while a luxury arcade machine typically stays below 250.

So if you can afford a movie marathon or a few rounds of Call of Duty, you can definitely afford to relive the arcade era, guilt-free.

Power Consumption of an Original 1980s Arcade Machine

Typical Wattage When in Use: 150 - 350 Watts, Sometimes More

Now, let’s rewind to the golden age of gaming, Pac-Man, Galaga, Space Invaders. Those legendary machines were brilliant but not exactly energy-saving. Most pulled 150 to 350 watts, with some even climbing higher depending on the game and setup.

They weren’t built with efficiency in mind, they were built for fun, flashing lights, and that addictive coin-drop sound.

Why the Old Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT) Monitor is the Most Power-Hungry Component

The main culprit behind their high energy use? The CRT monitor. These screens alone could eat up 80–120 watts, producing heat you could practically warm your hands on. Add in the old power supplies and fluorescent lights, and you’ve got a serious electricity appetite.

By contrast, modern LED and LCD screens use up to 60% less power, stay cooler, and last much longer, proof that nostalgia doesn’t have to cost extra watts.

How to Calculate the Running Cost in the UK

Understanding Kilowatt-Hours (kWh) and Your Current Electricity Price per kWh

Electricity use is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), the number of kilowatts your device uses each hour. The UK average price sits around £0.34 per kWh, though this can vary slightly depending on your provider.

To work out your machine’s cost, multiply its power in kilowatts by the hours you play, then by your rate. Simple maths, but it helps you stay in control of your power spend.

A Sample Calculation: The Cost of Running an Arcade for One Hour

Say your arcade uses 250 watts (0.25 kWh) and you play for one hour:
0.25 × £0.34 = £0.085 per hour.

That’s less than 9p an hour. Even if you run it for eight hours a day, it’ll only set you back about £2 daily or £10 monthly. That’s cheaper than most gaming subscriptions, and way more fun.

Tips for Reducing Your Arcade Machine's Power Consumption

The Importance of a Proper Shutdown Instead of Leaving it in Standby

It’s tempting to leave your machine running overnight, but that small habit can quietly increase your bill. Always power down completely instead of using standby mode, especially if you’re wondering do arcade machines use a lot of electricity at night.

A proper shutdown saves energy and helps keep your components cool and healthy.

Using Smart Plugs to Easily Manage Power and Set Schedules

Smart plugs are a small investment that pay off fast. They let you schedule on/off times, track usage, and control your arcade remotely. Forget to switch it off before bed? Just tap your phone. Easy savings, no guilt.

The Low Energy Use of LED Lighting for Marquees and Buttons

Worried about those bright, colourful lights? Don’t be. LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than the old fluorescent ones, and they last far longer. You still get that nostalgic glow, just without the waste.

It’s proof that modern arcades can look vintage and stay eco-friendly.

FAQ: Arcade Machine Electricity Usage

How much does it cost to leave an arcade machine on all day long?

Leaving a modern arcade machine on all day costs about £1.50–£2.00 if it runs for 8–10 hours straight. Still not terrible, but if you switch it off when you’re done, you’ll cut that number down fast.

Are new arcade machines more energy efficient than original ones?

Absolutely. New arcade machines use up to 60% less power than their retro counterparts. Between LED screens, efficient processors, and smart circuitry, they deliver the same excitement without draining your electricity.

Which single part of an arcade machine uses the most electricity?

In the old days, it was definitely the CRT monitor. In modern machines, the main PC or graphics card uses the most, but still far less than those buzzing tubes from the 1980s.

Final thoughts: if you’ve ever asked yourself “Do arcade machines use a lot of electricity?”, the answer is no, especially not today’s models. Modern cabinets are sleek, efficient, and surprisingly cheap to run, letting you relive your favourite arcade memories without worrying about the power meter spinning out of control.