Arcade game developers face the unique challenge of creating experiences that are equally engaging whether a player uses a standard control setup or a premium, more advanced one. The key lies in a foundational design philosophy that prioritizes core gameplay mechanics first. Games are built around simple, universal inputs like a joystick and a few buttons that form the essential "standard" scheme. This ensures accessibility and a low barrier to entry. For premium controls—which might include specialized joysticks, trackballs, light guns, or force feedback mechanisms—developers layer on enhanced functionality. This is not about creating separate games, but about enriching the same core experience. For instance, a driving game's core steering and acceleration are mapped to a standard joystick and button, while a premium wheel and pedal set offer finer granularity, tactile feedback, and a deeper sense of immersion.

Critical to this process is rigorous input abstraction in the game's code. Developers program the game to recognize "actions" (e.g., "jump," "shoot," "steer left") rather than specific hardware inputs. This allows them to easily map the same action to multiple devices. A "fire" command can be triggered by a standard red button, a premium trigger on a light gun, or even a pedal, without altering the core game logic.

Extensive playtesting with both control types is mandatory. Developers balance the game to ensure that neither scheme offers a significant unfair advantage over the other in competitive settings, while also ensuring that premium controls feel meaningfully rewarding. The ultimate goal is inclusivity: crafting a compelling game that welcomes casual players with straightforward controls and delights enthusiasts who seek a deeper, more tactile connection to the action. This careful balancing act is what defines successful modern arcade game development.