Arcade operators face significant challenges in maintaining legacy software support for aging gaming machines. Most commonly, they preserve original hardware through meticulous maintenance of printed circuit boards (PCBs), cathode-ray tube (CRT) displays, and proprietary chipsets. Many operators establish relationships with specialized technicians who understand obsolete systems like 1980s arcade architecture and can perform board-level repairs.

When original parts become unavailable, operators often implement emulation solutions using modern hardware like Raspberry Pi or FPGA boards that mimic original system behavior. Some collaborate with software preservation communities to access rare ROM files or develop custom patches. For truly irreplaceable systems, operators frequently cannibalize parts from non-working machines or commission custom reproductions of critical components.

The most successful operators implement preventive maintenance schedules, keeping detailed logs of each machine's software requirements and hardware idiosyncrasies. Many join operator networks to share resources and technical knowledge about maintaining specific legacy systems. Some invest in climate-controlled storage to preserve spare parts and prevent degradation of magnetic media like hard drives or EPROM chips.

Increasingly, operators are turning to modernization solutions that retain original gameplay while replacing unreliable components. These include LCD conversions with proper scaling filters, multi-game conversion kits, and power supply upgrades that protect sensitive legacy electronics from voltage fluctuations. Through these combined approaches, arcade operators ensure that classic games remain operational despite the challenges of software and hardware obsolescence.