Arcade machines face significant challenges regarding firmware and hardware obsolescence as technology advances and original components become scarce. The industry has developed multiple strategies to address these preservation issues. For firmware, many operators utilize emulation solutions like MAME (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator) that software-simulate original hardware behavior, allowing games to run on modern systems. Alternatively, FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) technology recreates original hardware logic at the circuit level, providing near-authentic performance without aging components.

Hardware obsolescence is tackled through various approaches. Specialized companies reproduce critical components like monitors, power supplies, and custom chips that are no longer manufactured. Arcade preservationists often harvest parts from non-working machines or create modern replacements that maintain compatibility with original systems. Many operators implement conversion kits that adapt older cabinets to newer hardware standards while preserving the classic exterior.

The community plays a crucial role through dedicated forums and networks where technicians share schematics, repair techniques, and component sources. Some companies specialize in refurbishing original PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) and recapping power supplies to extend their lifespan. For truly rare components, custom manufacturing and 3D printing have become viable solutions for recreating plastic parts and specialized interfaces.

Modern solutions include system boards that support multiple games on one platform, reducing the need for multiple dedicated systems. Despite these advances, purists maintain that original hardware provides the most authentic experience, leading to ongoing efforts to preserve and maintain vintage components through careful restoration and documentation of arcade technology's evolving history.