Downloading MAME and then ROMs on your PC or whatever is alright if you simply want to play the games once more. However, for the real experience, nothing can compare with having a real arcade game cabinet, the whole thing that is going to take up some room, that is true, but that is also going to make the experience a whole one. Nothing can truly replace standing (or sitting) at the cabinet and playing the game, not even when you get the proper joystick and glue it to the desk. It is not really that and you know it.
The good news is that you can get old cabinets, the whole things for not that much money, especially if you can find someone who doesn’t know that it is of any value. Many people have them in their garages not even thinking about them. When you get them, you can either try and find original cartridges for the games or have different options for playing ROMs installed. However, this will require having someone who knows what they are doing participating in all this. Also, some people frown upon the idea of busting up an original arcade machine that could be made to work with minimal investments.
Luckily, there is an alternative which will be both much less costly and much more practical. Namely, you can easily find the measurements for the cabinets and then have them custom built by carpenters. This should not set you back too much money, especially if you have a buddy or two that would like to help you do this on your own. It is really not that difficult. The next thing that you are going to need is a computer. Most MAME ROMs can be played on average computers by today’s standards, of course if you do not plan on playing newer arcade games from the 21st century where NASA computers wouldn’t be of much help.
Next thing that you will need is a monitor and this is what might set you back the most. Namely, you are going to need a relatively large monitor, at least 27 inches in diagonal. You can save by getting a used one or getting one of the less expensive brands. It doesn’t really matter since these games are not supposed to be viewed on the most crystal clear monitors with the optimal characteristics. You will also need a pair of joysticks that are not expensive and that you can find online for not too much money. After you have hooked it all up, you only need download MAME and some ROMs and you are on your way.
You will then have your own arcade machine in your home, being able to play thousands of games and not having to worry about coins. It is truly a win-win situation that can provide both you and your friends with tons of fun.