Arcade games masterfully incorporate real-world physics through simplified yet effective mechanical simulations. Classic pinball machines use plungers, flippers, and bumpers to replicate ball physics while exaggerating effects for dramatic gameplay. Racing arcade cabinets employ force feedback steering wheels and hydraulic systems to mimic vehicle weight transfer and road vibrations. Shooting games incorporate recoil mechanisms and reload timing that mirror real firearm handling.

Modern arcade developers use physics engines to calculate collision detection, projectile trajectories, and environmental interactions while maintaining the signature responsive feel. Games like basketball shooters simulate ball arc and bounce physics through programmed algorithms rather than complex calculations. Air hockey tables utilize low-friction surfaces and precise puck weight distribution to create believable sliding mechanics.

The genius of arcade physics lies in selective realism - developers prioritize fun over accuracy by bending physical rules when necessary. This creates accessible experiences that feel intuitively physical without requiring scientific understanding, making arcade games both engaging and instinctively understandable to players of all ages.