New old stock arcade cabs

[theclaw]

General question here. Are most major arcade games built to order, making back stock futile to seek out? Or is it like standard release console titles where all but the rarest have reasonable odds to find new with the right contacts, large amounts of cash, and extreme patience?

I don't think I've ever seen online for sale an original vintage arcade game that was honestly advertised as new. Nor any ads posted by users seeking to buy them. Restored to like-new shape by an extensive overhaul, yes. New unofficial repro versions too. But not the actual thing. Makes sense, with the multi-digit price range classic cabs in such fresh condition would likely be... @_@

[Arcade Antics]

General question here. Are most major arcade games built to order, making back stock futile to seek out?
No and yes. If a game flopped manufacturers were stuck with unsold units that they eventually converted at the factory and sold as a different game; reduced the price in an attempt to liquidate remaining stock; or destroyed.


Or is it like standard release console titles where all but the rarest have reasonable odds to find new with the right contacts, large amounts of cash, and extreme patience?
Nope. *Very* rarely a game might show up still crated as it originally shipped to a distributor. You're more likely to find games advertised as "home use only" (HUO) but that's often a dubious distinction unless the owner can provide proof.

[Nikademus1969]

General question here. Are most major arcade games built to order, making back stock futile to seek out? Or is it like standard release console titles where all but the rarest have reasonable odds to find new with the right contacts, large amounts of cash, and extreme patience?

I don't think I've ever seen online for sale an original vintage arcade game that was honestly advertised as new. Nor any ads posted by users seeking to buy them. Restored to like-new shape by an extensive overhaul, yes. New unofficial repro versions too. But not the actual thing. Makes sense, with the multi-digit price range classic cabs in such fresh condition would likely be... @_@

Well, a few years back there was a warehouse find of a never used Ms. Pac-Man machine from the 80's, but that's definitely an exception.

http://www.basementarcade.com/arcade/mspacman/tlnmpm/index.html