Arcade

The technological evolution of arcade hardware represents one of the most fascinating chapters in computing history. Early arcade games like Pong used dedicated discrete logic circuits with no microprocessor at all. Each game was essentially a custom-built electronic device designed to perform one function. Midway's Gun Fight (1975) marked the transition to microprocessor-based designs, using an Intel 8080 CPU, which allowed far more complex game logic and opened the door to software-driven game development. During the golden age, most arcade boards used variants of the Zilog Z80 or MOS 6502 processors with custom video hardware. Namco developed its own Galaga hardware platform, while dedicated boards were common since each game typically required its own PCB. The concept of standardized arcade system boards emerged gradually, with companies realizing the economic benefits of shared hardware platforms. Sega's System 16 (1985) and Namco's System 1 (1987) established the framework for reusable arcade platforms. SNK's Neo Geo Multi Video System (MVS), launched in 1990, represented a revolutionary approach to arcade economics. The MVS allowed operators to swap game cartridges on a single base board, dramatically reducing costs compared to purchasing entirely new cabinets. The system was powered by a Motorola 68000 processor and a Zilog Z80 for audio, with custom video hardware capable of displaying 380 sprites simultaneously. The simultaneously released Neo Geo AES home console used identical hardware, creating a unique arcade-perfect home experience. Capcom's CPS (CP System) series became legendary in fighting game history. The original CPS-1 (1988) powered Street Fighter II and its variants, using a Motorola 68000 CPU with custom graphics hardware. The CPS-2 (1993) added enhanced encryption to combat piracy and powered Super Street Fighter II and the Marvel vs. Capcom series. The CPS-3 (1996) introduced even more powerful hardware for Street Fighter III but saw limited adoption. The 3D revolution demanded exponentially more powerful hardware. Sega's Model 1 board (1992), co-developed with Martin Marietta, used floating-point DSPs to render textured polygons for Virtua Racing and Virtua Fighter. The Model 2 (1993) dramatically increased polygon counts, powering Daytona USA and Virtua Fighter 2 with hardware designed by former GE Aerospace engineers, processing over 300,000 textured polygons per second. Sega's Model 3 (1996), using a PowerPC 603 CPU and dual Real3D graphics processors from Lockheed Martin, was the most powerful arcade board of its era, running Virtua Fighter 3 and Scud Race. Namco responded with the System 22 (1993) for Ridge Racer, followed by System 23 (1997) for Time Crisis II. These boards featured custom 3D rendering pipelines rivaling contemporary workstation-class hardware. The business model of arcades evolved alongside the technology, transitioning from per-play revenue to time-based charging, card-based progression systems in Japan, and eventually the Western pivot toward entertainment centers combining games with dining and social experiences. Japanese arcade operators like Sega, Namco, and Taito maintained dedicated urban game centers that became cultural institutions, supporting competitive gaming communities decades before esports became mainstream.