Arcade manufacturers employ multiple sophisticated strategies to source rare and obsolete components essential for restoring and maintaining classic arcade cabinets. A primary method involves commissioning custom reproduction runs of critical parts, such as specialized chips (CPUs, PPUs), custom capacitors, and joystick components, often through partnerships with electronics manufacturers who can recreate these items using original schematics.

Many companies also maintain extensive inventories of "new old stock" (NOS) parts, acquired through liquidations of old arcade operators or electronics suppliers. For extremely rare items, manufacturers often utilize parts harvested from non-functioning "donor" machines, carefully testing and refurbishing each component before installation.

The community plays a vital role through dedicated online marketplaces and forums where collectors and specialists trade rare components. Some manufacturers have turned to modern solutions like FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) technology, which can emulate the behavior of obsolete chips without requiring the original hardware.

Additionally, certain companies have reverse-engineered original components to create modern equivalents that fit vintage systems. This multi-faceted approach ensures that even the rarest arcade games can be preserved and maintained for future generations of enthusiasts.