Arcade games have been popular for just about as long as they have been in existence and even though newer more technologically advances types of entertainment have hit the scene since the first arcade came was introduced, these retro games have still managed to maintain a place in the hearts of die hard fans. One of the most popular types of uses for old arcade games today is collecting them for the purpose of livening of a basement rec room. While it is true that the addition of one or more arcade games can certainly liven up an otherwise dull and boring rec room, there are certainly a few things you should be on the lookout for when shopping around for just the right arcade game for your rec room project.

There are a number of ways that you can go about obtaining an arcade game and one of the most popular is through online auctions. An online auction gives you the flexibility of being able to choose among a variety of different types of arcade games and also provides you with the opportunity to save a tremendous amount of money on your purchase. Like any online purchase; however, you should take certain steps to ensure that the product you purchase is actually worth the amount that you ultimately pay.

One of the most important things you can do protect yourself when purchasing arcade games online is to insist upon receiving actual photographs of the game that you are considering for purchase. The important factor here is to ensure that you are viewing an actual photo of the game and not a standard photo of a 'similar' game the seller may be using. You can protect yourself by asking for the serial number of the game and insisting upon a close-up photo of the game with the serial number. Also, look for photos with date and time stamps.

The amount of money that you can expect to pay for an arcade depends on not only how well the game functions but also the condition of the cabinet housing the game. If the game works well and the cabinet is in like new condition, you can generally expect to pay top dollar for the piece. If the artwork on the cabinet is scratched and/or peeling or if the sides have been painted over in order to cover up artwork that has been damaged, then the price should not be as high. Only you will be able to determine whether it is worth or not to pay additional in order to obtain an arcade game that is in pristine condition.

Another area that you will want to thoroughly check out before making payment for an arcade game is whether or not the game in question contains original boards or not. Unfortunately, a number of vendors of collectible arcade games replace the original circuit boards with other units. This is something that should definitely be disclosed. In the event that your purchase an arcade game that contains a modified circuit board you may find yourself in for somewhat of a surprise later on if your game needs repairs. Diagnosing and repairing problems associated with modified circuit boards can be quite expensive. This is something you should know ahead of time in order to determine whether the risk is worth the cost.

Finally, don't forget to make sure you know whether you are buying an arcade game that is in 'as is' condition or whether a warranty is offered. Typically, many online auctions offer units that are sold only on an 'as is' condition. This can be dangerous because you may not realize there is a serious problem until a few days after your game is received. If at all possible, the best route is to choose a vendor that offers at least a 30 day warranty.