Classic arcade controls and cabinet parts

What you’ll be tested on

Classic arcade cabinets are full of distinctive parts, and the names can get surprisingly specific. This quiz checks your knowledge of common controls, cabinet hardware, and the behind-the-panel components that keep games running.

Each question gives 4 options and there’s no timer, so you can think through terms like harnesses, microswitches, and monitor parts without rushing.

Skills you’ll practice

You’ll build a sharper mental map of how an arcade control panel and cabinet are put together, including what parts do and where they typically live. It’s also great practice for spotting differences between similar components that are easy to confuse.

Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

A frequent mistake is mixing up control parts (actuator, spring, restrictor gate) with switch parts (microswitch, lever, terminals). Another is confusing cabinet sections (marquee vs. bezel vs. control panel overlay) or using modern controller terms that don’t match arcade hardware.

Difficulty and question settings

Difficulty is balanced as Mixed: you’ll see a blend of straightforward identification and more detailed terminology. Before you start, choose how many questions you want to answer and select a difficulty that matches your comfort level—short runs for quick practice, longer runs for deeper recall.

• Identify core cabinet parts: marquee, bezel, coin door, side art, control panel
• Recognize control hardware: joystick bat/ball top, shaft, restrictor gate, buttons, spinners, trackballs
• Understand internals: wiring harnesses, connectors, power supply, PCB mounting, speakers
• Avoid look-alike traps: leaf vs. microswitch, overlay vs. plexi, bezel vs. monitor frame
• Improve repair/shop vocabulary for buying parts and reading guides
• Learn typical placement: where parts sit and how they interact in a standard cabinet