The iconic glow of an arcade cabinet is powered by electricity, and its consumption varies significantly based on the machine's era, size, and components. A typical classic arcade machine from the 1980s or 1990s, featuring a CRT monitor and a large cabinet, generally consumes between 300 and 600 watts per hour of operation. The single biggest power draw is the Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitor, which alone can use 200-400 watts. The game's logic board, sound system, marquee light, and coin mechanism contribute a smaller, additional load.

Modern arcade machines, often using LCD or LED monitors, are far more energy-efficient. A contemporary arcade racer or light-gun shooter with a large LCD screen might consume between 150 and 300 watts. Smaller countertop "candy" cabinets or redemption ticket games can use even less, sometimes as low as 100 watts.

For operators or collectors, calculating the cost is straightforward: multiply the machine's wattage by the hours of operation, divide by 1000 to get kilowatt-hours (kWh), and then multiply by your local electricity rate. For example, a 400-watt machine running 10 hours a day uses 4 kWh daily. At $0.15 per kWh, that equals $0.60 per day or approximately $18 per month. It's crucial to note that older, poorly maintained machines with failing power supplies or dimmed monitors can become less efficient over time, drawing more power than their original specifications. Always ensure machines are on a surge protector and are serviced regularly for safety and efficiency.