Best arcade machine?

[rondo]

I just put my arcade opperator out the door. All he would bring us was his junk saying his best machines are for better locations. We have the best mats in our area new machines, well lit, and very clean. So I'm going to buy my own machines, what are your suggestions? What the best game at your locations? (monthly income your share or total)thanks in advance for your input.

Rondo

[kern]

Hi Rondo, I've been in the amusement game business as an arcade owner (3 places) and am in my 10th year as a mat guy. I strongly suggest you do not buy your own games. They are fads. If you're lucky to buy the current game of the week, and that is most unlikely, then the machine will be a dud within a short time, months at best. They cost upwards of $2000 and more each. The good ones $3000 and up. And then there is the repair issue. My recommendation is that you look for another operator that you can work with. Let him take the deprecation on the newest machines. Bring in the operator and show him your place and sell him on giving you some of his best pieces. Unless you live in a very small town, there must be several route operators. Bill

[rondo]

Bill, Ive been looking at an Ultracade standup it currently has 96 games built in and is a computer with a hard drinve and new games are on a cdrom.The games are all classics not new and the player can pick from 8 games at a time then the opperator can access the rest. Repairs are no problems with me 2 years of electronics and a life time of experence. As a opperator have you any knowledge of the Ultracade? Any input?

[kern]

Hi Rondo, yes the Ultracade style may work in a mat due to the variety of games on it. There have been several versions of it, including table top models that are popular in bars. Look on eBay for some used equipment. You do have to be aware of versions of hardware and software matching. I've never used the machine myself but know of operators who have them out. They seem to be bimodel... that is the customer loves them or hates them! You should also be aware that some of this type of game have options that you wouldn't want to make available to children. Usually you can lock out those games by updating the programming options. Good luck. Bill

[SecretarytoBraveDave]

The megatouch game is doing great, and a new deer hunter game do an awesome amount for us. We net 50 percent of the gross, works for us. We have them rotate every now and again.