Arcades have long been a hub of entertainment, offering a diverse range of gaming experiences housed in dedicated commercial cabinets. While the library is vast, several core genres have consistently dominated the arcade floor, each designed for quick, thrilling sessions that keep players inserting coins.

One of the most iconic and foundational genres is the Shooter. This category splits into two main types. First, the fixed shooter, popularized by classics like Space Invaders, where the player moves laterally along the bottom of the screen. Second, the shoot 'em up (or shmup), where the screen scrolls automatically, as seen in bullet-hell games like DoDonPachi, requiring intense dodging and reflexes.

Closely related is the Action and Platformer genre. These games test precision and timing. Titles like Pac-Man (a maze action game) and the side-scrolling beat 'em ups such as Final Fight or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles defined an era. Platformers like Donkey Kong challenged players to jump between platforms and avoid obstacles.

No arcade is complete without Fighting Games. This genre exploded with the release of Street Fighter II, leading to intense head-to-head competition. Games like Mortal Kombat and The King of Fighters became system sellers, famous for their deep move sets, special attacks, and memorable characters, all displayed on large, facing cabinets.

For pure, high-speed excitement, Racing Games are a staple. They range from simple top-down racers like Super Sprint to immersive 3D experiences in deluxe cabinets with force-feedback steering wheels and moving seats, exemplified by the Initial D Arcade Stage and Daytona USA series.

Finally, the Rhythm and Music genre carved out a significant niche. Games like Dance Dance Revolution with its physical dance pad and Guitar Hero Arcade provided a unique, active experience that combined music, timing, and physical movement, attracting a wide audience.

Other notable genres include light gun shooters (Time Crisis), pinball simulations, and puzzle games (Puzzle Bobble). Despite the evolution of home consoles, these commercial arcade genres endure by offering specialized, high-impact experiences that are difficult to replicate elsewhere.