The Konami Windy is considered the de-facto cabinet for shoot em'ups, for good reason. It features a slightly smaller profile than the usual 29" cabinet an a crisp, bright Toshiba tube and chassis. The cabinet itself is made of thick ABS plastic, so although it is less flimsy than metal candies, it is also more susceptible to deep scratches.
Another good feature on the Windy is the standardized control panel. Any Sega-style panel such as the ones from an Astro City, Blast City, Impress, etc. In addition, the cabinet has ample room for games and the PSU allows front door access to the usual service switches including degaussing.
The most unfortunate feature of the Windy is an absence of a monitor frame, making it extremely susceptible to tube damage and therefore risky to rotate. I highly recommend all Windy owners get a friend to help rotate their monitors, as getting a replacement monitor would be quite expensive. In addition, because of the plastic inner surround inside the cabinet, it is unlikely you will be able to fit a replacement tube into the cabinet without physical modifications to the cabinet.
The Sega New Astro City is often hailed as the pinnacle of arcade cabinet design. Its spaceship-like appearance, complete with a sleek control panel and vibrant marquee, has made it an icon in the arcade world. The 29" Nanao monitor is frequently praised for its sharp, colorful display that brings both 2D and 3D games to life.
Users often comment on the cabinet's build quality, noting its sturdy construction and durability. The standardized control panel is a favorite feature among enthusiasts, allowing for easy customization and maintenance. Many appreciate the ample interior space, which accommodates various PCBs and offers good ventilation.
One unique aspect of the New Astro City is its versatility. While it excels with fighting games, many users report it performs admirably across all genres. Some criticize its size as being too large for home use, but most agree that its presence in any game room is unmatched. The nickname "The Starship" is well-earned, as many consider it the flagship of arcade cabinets.
The SNK Super Neo29, affectionately called "The Artful Dodger," is praised for its compact yet powerful design. Many users appreciate its ability to deliver a premium arcade experience without the imposing presence of larger cabinets. The 29" CRT monitor is a frequent topic of discussion, with enthusiasts lauding its vibrant colors and sharp image quality, particularly for 2D fighting games.
One of the Neo29's most celebrated features is its ability to easily switch between horizontal and vertical orientations. This versatility is highly valued by collectors and operators alike, as it allows the cabinet to accommodate a wide range of game types. Users often comment on the cabinet's build quality, noting that despite its smaller size, it feels sturdy and well-constructed.
While some criticize the Neo29 for its limited interior space, which can make maintenance and upgrades challenging, most agree that this is a fair trade-off for its compact footprint. Many home arcade enthusiasts particularly appreciate its space-efficient design. Some users note that finding replacement parts can be difficult due to the cabinet's relative rarity, but overall, the Neo29 is beloved for striking an excellent balance between quality and size.
The Sega Naomi cabinet has earned its reputation as "The Workhorse" of the arcade world through its reliability and extensive game library. Users frequently praise its compact design, which makes it suitable for both commercial and home use. The standardized JAMMA wiring is often cited as a major advantage, allowing for easy game swaps and maintenance.
One of the Naomi's standout features is its compatibility with both cartridge and GD-ROM games, providing access to a vast library of titles. Enthusiasts often highlight the system's ability to deliver arcade-perfect versions of popular Sega games. Many users appreciate the cabinet's relatively low power consumption compared to some of its contemporaries.
While some critics point out that the Naomi lacks the visual flair of newer cabinets, most agree that its functionality more than makes up for it. The cabinet's durability is frequently mentioned, with many units still in operation after decades of use. Some users have noted that finding replacement parts can be challenging, but the overall consensus is that the Naomi's longevity and game variety make it a valuable addition to any arcade collection.
The Sega New Net City lives up to its nickname "The Modern Marvel" with its forward-thinking design. Users frequently praise its sleek, curved profile and customizable LED lighting, which give it a distinctly futuristic appearance. The large LCD screen is generally well-received, offering crisp visuals for a wide range of modern arcade titles.
One of the New Net City's most talked-about features is its network capabilities. Many players appreciate the ability to compete online and track scores across multiple locations. The versatile control panel is another highlight, accommodating various game types and making the cabinet a flexible choice for arcade operators.
While some traditionalists miss the classic arcade feel, many users embrace the New Net City's modern features. Some note that its reliance on network connectivity can be a drawback in areas with unreliable internet. However, the cabinet's adaptability to different game genres and its ability to stay current with online updates make it a popular choice for those looking to future-proof their arcade investments.
The Taito Vewlix C has earned its moniker "The Fighter's Choice" through its optimization for versus fighting games. Players frequently praise its control panel layout, which features a comfortable button arrangement and high-quality Sanwa joysticks. Many fighting game enthusiasts consider this cabinet the gold standard for competitive play.
One of the Vewlix C's most appreciated features is its side-by-side design, allowing for easy tournament setups. Users often highlight the cabinet's sturdy construction, which holds up well to the intense gameplay fighting games often inspire. The 32" LCD screen is generally well-regarded, though some purists still prefer CRT displays for certain titles.
While the Vewlix C shares many features with its L counterpart, its focus on fighting games has made it a staple in competitive scenes worldwide. Some users note that its specialization can limit its versatility for other genres. However, most agree that for its intended purpose, the Vewlix C is hard to beat, offering a premium experience for both casual and competitive fighting game enthusiasts.
The Taito Vewlix L, affectionately known as "The Blue Gem," has become a symbol of modern arcade gaming. Its sleek, blue design and large 32" LCD screen immediately catch the eye, with many users praising its futuristic aesthetics. The cabinet's slim profile and wheeled base are frequently mentioned as practical features, allowing for easy movement and positioning.
One of the Vewlix L's most talked-about features is its crisp display, which many find ideal for modern 2D and 3D games. The cabinet's built-in speakers receive mixed reviews, with some praising their clarity while others suggest upgrading for a more immersive experience. Users often highlight the cabinet's compatibility with a wide range of modern arcade boards.
While some traditionalists miss the classic CRT experience, many appreciate the Vewlix L's reduced maintenance needs and consistent image quality. A common criticism is the potential for input lag, though opinions vary on its significance. Despite this, the Vewlix L's popularity in Japanese arcades has made it a highly sought-after piece for international collectors, with many praising its blend of modern technology and classic arcade feel.
The Taito Groove Coaster 3, dubbed "The Rhythm King," stands out with its futuristic design and specialized gameplay. Its most distinctive feature is the unique touchpad controller, which players use to tap, slide, and hold in sync with the music. Many users praise the intuitive nature of this control scheme, which offers a fresh take on rhythm game mechanics.
The cabinet's immersive audio-visual experience is frequently highlighted by players. Its large screen and powerful sound system create an engaging atmosphere, while the LED lighting adds to the futuristic feel. Some users note that the cabinet's specialized nature can make maintenance and repairs more challenging than with more standardized designs.
While the Groove Coaster 3's focus on a single game series limits its versatility, many arcade operators appreciate its ability to draw crowds. Players often comment on the game's addictive nature and the cabinet's eye-catching appearance. Some criticize the learning curve for new players, but most agree that mastering the unique controls is a rewarding experience that keeps them coming back for more.
The Jubeat cabinet, known as "The Beat Box," is celebrated for its unique and innovative design. Its most distinctive feature is the grid of 16 large, illuminated buttons that serve as both display and controller. Players frequently praise this intuitive interface, which offers a fresh and engaging approach to rhythm gaming.
The cabinet's compact, cube-like shape is often highlighted as a practical feature, allowing for flexible placement in arcades of all sizes. Many users appreciate the social aspects of the game, with features that allow players to compete and share scores. The cabinet's eye-catching light shows are frequently mentioned as a draw for both players and spectators.
While some critics point out that the Jubeat's specialized nature limits its game variety, most agree that it excels in its niche. Players often comment on the game's addictive nature and the satisfaction of mastering its unique gameplay. Some operators note that the cabinet's popularity can lead to long queues, but many see this as a testament to its appeal. Despite its focus on a single game series, the Jubeat cabinet has cultivated a dedicated community and remains a standout attraction in many arcades.
The Sega ALL.Net P-ras MULTI Version 3, known as "The Digital Hub," represents the cutting edge of networked arcade gaming. Its standout feature is the ability to download and play a wide variety of games, which many operators praise for its flexibility. Users often highlight the cabinet's large touchscreen interface, which provides an intuitive and modern gaming experience.
One of the most discussed aspects of this cabinet is its card reader system. Players appreciate the ability to save their progress and carry their data across multiple games and locations. The cabinet's online features, including leaderboards and multiplayer capabilities, are frequently cited as major draws for regular players.
While the ALL.Net P-ras MULTI's reliance on network connectivity can be a drawback in some locations, many see it as a glimpse into the future of arcade gaming. Some users note that the initial investment can be high, but operators often find the ability to constantly update with new content without changing hardware to be a significant long-term benefit. Despite some concerns about potential server shutdowns affecting game availability, most agree that this cabinet offers a unique and forward-thinking arcade experience.
