Manufacturers employ a multi-faceted technical approach to ensure beloved classic arcade games remain playable on new hardware. A primary method is hardware emulation, where modern systems mimic the original game's proprietary hardware. This is often achieved using powerful System-on-a-Chip (SoC) processors or, for utmost accuracy, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology. FPGAs can be programmed to replicate the exact logic of original chipsets, cycle-for-cycle, providing an authentic experience that software emulation can sometimes lack.

Furthermore, adherence to standardized wiring harnesses is crucial. The widespread JAMMA (Japan Amusement Machinery Manufacturers Association) standard, established in the mid-1980s, created a universal connector for arcade boards. This allows modern cabinets to easily accept a vast array of legacy boards from different manufacturers with simple adapters, preserving the original gameplay feel.

For a more integrated solution, manufacturers utilize software emulation packages. These are collections of game ROMs (Read-Only Memory files) paired with an emulator program that runs on the new machine's generic hardware. This is the foundation of many modern arcade compilations and plug-and-play systems. Sourcing and legally licensing these ROMs from original copyright holders is a critical step in this process.

Finally, some companies design new PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) that natively support multiple legacy games. These multi-game boards often contain the necessary emulation software and a library of games pre-installed, providing a reliable and all-in-one hardware solution for arcade operators seeking to offer classics alongside new titles.