Arcade machines are designed with several mechanisms to handle power surges or outages and prevent data loss. Here’s how they achieve this:

1. Surge Protectors: Many arcade machines are equipped with built-in surge protectors to shield sensitive electronics from sudden voltage spikes. These devices divert excess electricity away from critical components, such as the motherboard and storage drives.

2. Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS): Some high-end or modern arcade cabinets use UPS systems to provide temporary power during outages. This allows the machine to shut down properly, saving game progress and preventing data corruption.

3. Non-Volatile Memory: Arcade machines often store game data in non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM chips or flash storage), which retains information even when power is lost. This ensures that high scores and settings are preserved.

4. Backup Batteries: Certain arcade PCBs (printed circuit boards) include small backup batteries to maintain volatile memory during short power interruptions. These batteries keep the system clock and save data intact.

5. Automatic Save Features: Modern arcade machines with solid-state drives (SSDs) or hard drives may have auto-save functions that frequently write data to storage, minimizing loss during sudden shutdowns.

By combining these technologies, arcade machines effectively mitigate the risks of power-related issues, ensuring uninterrupted gameplay and long-term reliability. Regular maintenance, such as checking surge protectors and replacing backup batteries, further enhances their resilience.