The ultimate guide to arcade machine parts- Spin Supplies

If you manage a casino floor or service a fleet of gaming machines, this guide is for you. “Arcade machine parts” is the umbrella term many technicians and procurement teams search for — but casino machines require a higher bar for reliability, compatibility, and compliance than hobbyist arcade cabinets.

In this guide you’ll find clear definitions, a component breakdown, compatibility and sourcing tactics, cost-saving strategies, and maintenance best practices so you can keep machines online and costs under control.

Throughout this guide we’ll speak from our experience supplying parts to casinos and operators: what we see fail most often, where shops overcharge, and how a dedicated supplier like SpinSupplies helps you avoid downtime and unnecessary expense.

What do we mean by “arcade machine parts,” “arcade machine components,” and “gaming machine parts”?

Arcade machine parts: general term for pieces used in any coin-op or cabinet-style game (buttons, joysticks, monitors, PCBs).
Arcade machine components: emphasizes the technical building blocks (power supplies, I/O boards, connectors, harnesses).
Gaming machine parts: commonly used in the casino industry to describe slot-specific components (bill validators, ticket printers, RNG boards, reels).

For casino procurement you should think in terms of gaming machine parts: parts that meet the durability, regulatory, and compatibility requirements of commercial slot and redemption equipment, not just hobbyist arcade gear.

Core components: What each part does and why it matters

Below is a practical breakdown of the parts you’ll encounter most often, what they do, how they fail, and quick buying tips.

Major components (with quick guidance)

Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Function: Provides stable voltage rails for the board and peripherals.
Fail signs: Machine won’t boot, random reboots, burnt smell.
Buy tip: Match voltage and rail ratings exactly; use OEM or tested equivalent.
Main PCB / Motherboard (Game Board)
Function: Runs game logic, RNG, I/O.
Fail signs: Blank screen, error codes, frequent freezes.
Buy tip: Verify model and firmware versions; used PCBs must have verified serials.
Bill Validator / Note Acceptor
Function: Reads currency and authorizes credits.
Fail signs: Bills rejected or intermittently accepted.
Buy tip: Confirm firmware and acceptor head compatibility with currency.
Ticket Printer / Voucher Printer
Function: Prints vouchers/tickets for redemption.
Fail signs: Jams, fading prints.
Buy tip: Replace rollers and print head as preventative maintenance; stock sensors.
Display / Monitor (LCD / LED)
Function: Visual output.
Fail signs: Dead pixels, backlight failure, flicker.
Buy tip: Note exact connector type (LVDS, eDP) and bezel dimensions.
Input Controls (Buttons, Touchscreens, Joysticks)
Function: Player interaction.
Fail signs: Sticky or unresponsive inputs.
Buy tip: For casino grade, prefer heavy-duty microswitches and factory-rated touch modules.
Ticket / Coin Mechanism & Hopper
Function: Payout devices.
Fail signs: Jams, misfeeds.
Buy tip: Hopper sensors and motors wear; keep motors and belts in stock.
Sound Amp / Speakers
Function: Audio output.
Fail signs: Distortion, no sound.
Buy tip: Check impedance and mounting sizes.
Harnesses, Connectors & Cabling
Function: Power and data transmission.
Fail signs: Intermittent faults, shorts.
Buy tip: Label harnesses and keep common connector kits for field repairs.

Quick reference table: part – common failure – priority to stock

Part	Symptom	Stock priority
PSU	No boot / reboots	High
Main PCB	Game errors / crashes	High
Bill validator	Rejects bills	High
Ticket printer	Paper jams / blank prints	Medium
Monitor	Blank / flicker	High
Buttons/joysticks	Unresponsive	Medium
Harnesses	Intermittent faults	High
Hopper motor	Payout failures	Medium

How to identify the correct part: model numbers, photos, and connectors

Start with the machine model and serial number. Manufacturer + model usually map directly to part numbers.
Document the part label or printed code. Photos of PCB silkscreen, connector pinouts, and mechanical brackets are invaluable.
Confirm firmware and revision. Some boards look identical but require firmware matches.
If unsure, measure. Connector pin counts, pitch, and mounting hole spacing matter.
Ask for a confirmation photo when ordering used parts. We always verify serials and mounting before shipping.

In our experience, orders with even one missing digit in a part number are the ones that cause the most delays. A clear photo and serial reduces returns and reorder time.

OEM vs. aftermarket vs. refurbished: which to choose?

OEM (Original)
Pros: Direct fit, guaranteed compatibility, usually covered by manufacturer warranty.
Cons: Higher unit cost, longer lead times for discontinued models.
Aftermarket / Third-party
Pros: Lower cost, faster availability for common parts.
Cons: Variable quality; check electrical specs and mechanical tolerances.
Refurbished / Tested Used
Pros: Cost-effective for legacy machines; often tested to working spec.
Cons: Shorter lifespan than new parts; requires supplier testing guarantees.

In our experience, a balanced approach works best: keep OEM for critical electronics (PSU, main PCB) and use tested refurbished or high-quality aftermarket for peripherals (buttons, connectors, bezels) to reduce cost without compromising uptime.

Where to buy arcade machine components and gaming machine parts (practical sourcing)

When searching for arcade machine components for sale or gaming machine parts, evaluate suppliers on these points:

Inventory transparency: Part lists, photos, and exact part numbers.
Compatibility guidance: Technical staff who can confirm fitment.
Testing & warranty: Return window and testing certificates for used parts.
Bulk pricing & contract terms: Discounts for quantity and repeat orders.
Industry experience: Suppliers familiar with casino equipment rules and uptime demands.

At SpinSupplies we specialize in arcade machine parts. We provide clear part IDs, testing reports on refurbished boards, and bulk pricing for operators. In our experience, operators that rely on a single, trusted supplier reduce lead times and total cost of ownership.

How to avoid being overcharged (practical buying tactics)

Compare total landed cost, not just sticker price. Include shipping, duties, and restocking fees.
Request itemized quotes for high-value parts. Transparency prevents markups hidden in “handling.”
Use purchase orders with clear return/test terms. That protects you if parts fail in field tests.
Leverage volume commitments for discounts. A small guaranteed spend often unlocks better pricing.
Audit invoices monthly to spot recurring surcharges.

In our experience helping casino operators, the biggest savings come from negotiating lead times and bundling regularly replaced items into quarterly shipments.

Maintenance, installation, and safety best practices

Electrostatic precautions: Use ESD wrist straps and mats when handling PCBs and connectors.
Firmware & software checks: After installation, ensure the correct firmware to avoid incompatibility.
Mechanical checks: Verify mounting points and bezel alignment to prevent stress on connectors.
Test bench verification: Power new boards on a bench with a dummy load before putting them back in the machine.
Spare parts labeling: Label spares with model, date received, and tested status.

We recommend a simple checklist for every repair: photo before disassembly, part number verification, bench test, and final live test. In our experience, the checklist reduces repeat visits by more than half.

Troubleshooting common symptoms (fast diagnosis)

Machine won’t power on: Check PSU → fuses → main board.
Blank or garbled display: Test monitor on another machine → check LVDS/power connectors.
No bill acceptance: Clean validator sensors → test with known good bills → confirm firmware.
Intermittent reboots: PSU voltage ripple → loose harness → overheating.
No sound: Speaker wiring → amplifier board → volume/solder joints.

Inventory & procurement planning for casinos

Classify parts by MTTR & criticality. Keep higher stock for parts that cause long outages.
Set reorder points with lead time buffer. If a part takes 14 days to source, reorder at 21 days of lead time.
Use SKU & barcode systems. Speed up field swaps and auditing.
Create repair kits. Include common screws, connectors, and consumables for same-day fixes.

In our experience, operators that stock a small set of high-failure parts (PSU, validators, ticket printers) and a moderate selection of peripherals minimize revenue loss from downtime.

Conclusion

Arcade machine parts covers a broad set of components. For casino operations, the priority is reliability, compatibility, and predictable costs.

By documenting exact part numbers, working with suppliers who test and warranty parts, and using procurement tactics like bulk purchasing and reorder points, you’ll keep machines running and costs predictable.

If you want a partner that focuses specifically on gaming machine parts and arcade machine components for sale with transparent pricing and tested inventory, visit SpinSupplies or contact our sales team to get a tailored parts list and quote.

In our experience, a short parts audit drives immediate savings and reduces downtime.

FAQs about arcade machine parts

What’s the difference between arcade machine parts and gaming machine parts?

Arcade machine parts is a general term. Gaming machine parts usually refers to commercial, casino-grade components (validators, RTP controllers, ticket printers) designed for continuous operation and compliance.

How do I confirm a part will fit my slot machine?

Start with the machine model and serial, verify the board/part number, and confirm connector type and firmware compatibility. Photos and supplier confirmations help avoid mistakes.

Is it safe to use aftermarket parts?

Quality aftermarket parts can be safe and cost-effective. Verify electrical specs, mechanical tolerances, and warranty. For critical electronics, OEM is often preferable.

How many spare parts should a casino keep?

Stock levels depend on your fleet size and part lead times. Prioritize PSUs, main PCBs, validators, and critical connectors; a 90-day coverage for high-failure parts is a common starting point.

Do refurbished parts come with warranties?

Good suppliers test refurbished parts and provide limited warranties—always check the warranty duration and test protocol.

The ultimate guide to arcade machine parts: Everything you need to know