Designing arcade machines for moving vehicles, such as cruise ships, airplanes, or long-distance buses, presents a unique set of engineering and design hurdles that go far beyond standard cabinet production. The core challenge is creating a system that remains functional, durable, and enjoyable in an inherently unstable and demanding environment. The primary obstacles include mitigating extreme vibration and shock, ensuring reliable power supply, designing for stringent safety, and maintaining a compelling user experience.

Firstly, the constant vibration and shock from a moving vehicle are the most significant threats. Standard arcade components, like CRT monitors in classic units or even modern LCDs and internal wiring, are highly susceptible to damage from continuous jostling. This necessitates the use of specialized shock-absorbing mounting systems for all internal components, reinforced structural frames, and often, solid-state drives (SSDs) instead of traditional hard disk drives to prevent data corruption and mechanical failure.

Secondly, power management becomes critical. Vehicles often have fluctuating power sources and unique electrical systems. Arcade machines must be designed with robust power supply units (PSUs) that can handle variations in voltage and be compatible with different power standards (e.g., 12V/24V DC in vehicles vs. standard 110V/220V AC). Effective power conditioning is essential to protect sensitive electronics from surges and brownouts.

Thirdly, safety is paramount. A loose cabinet in a turbulent airplane or a rolling ship becomes a dangerous projectile. Designs must include incredibly secure anchoring systems to bolt the unit directly to the vehicle's structure. Furthermore, all materials must be fire-retardant, and the cabinet itself should have rounded edges to minimize injury risk during sudden movements.

Finally, the user experience must be adapted. Traditional joysticks and buttons can be impractical during severe turbulence. Designers must consider alternative control schemes, such as larger, more stable panels to brace against, or even incorporating motion-sensing technology. The game software itself must be designed for shorter play sessions and the possibility of sudden interruption, saving progress automatically. Overcoming these challenges requires a deep integration of ruggedized engineering, thoughtful safety design, and user-centric software development to bring a stable and entertaining arcade experience on the move.