Arcade operators face constant technological evolution, requiring strategic approaches to maintain their cabinets' profitability and player appeal. The primary method involves hardware retrofitting—replacing original CRT monitors with modern LCD displays, installing multi-game JAMMA boards, or implementing system-on-chip solutions that emulate classic games while reducing maintenance needs. Many operators establish parts harvesting programs, cannibalizing non-functional units to preserve rare cabinets, with certain components like original joysticks and coin mechanisms becoming valuable inventory.

Forward-thinking operators implement revenue diversification through upgrade kits that transform old cabinets into newer experiences, sometimes adding card readers or online connectivity for competitive play. Some embrace obsolescence strategically, marketing vintage machines as retro experiences that command premium pricing. The most successful operators balance preservation with modernization, maintaining a mix of original classics and upgraded cabinets to cater to both nostalgia seekers and players expecting contemporary features. This hybrid approach ensures arcades remain economically viable while preserving gaming history.