Arcade machines handle player-created leaderboard categories through a combination of hardware capabilities, community practices, and sometimes developer support. While traditional arcade cabinets typically feature preset scoreboards for standard game modes, the concept of custom categories has evolved through competitive gaming communities. Most classic arcades track scores through internal memory systems that preserve high scores until power cycles, but they generally don't natively support custom categories.

The processing of player-created categories occurs primarily through external verification and community documentation. Dedicated players establish rulesets for non-standard playthroughs such as speed runs, low-score challenges, or specific character limitations. These categories are maintained through community websites, physical logbooks near machines, or digital platforms like Twin Galaxies that serve as official scorekeepers.

Modern arcade machines with internet connectivity offer more sophisticated solutions. Some contemporary cabinets feature online leaderboards that can dynamically create and maintain multiple category listings. These systems allow players to submit scores under specific challenge parameters that are verified through automated checks or community voting systems.

The verification process remains crucial for player-created categories. Many communities require video evidence or witness signatures to validate unusual scores. This player-driven approach has become the standard method for maintaining integrity within niche competitive categories that weren't originally programmed into the machines.

While arcade hardware itself rarely directly supports custom categories, the gaming community has developed robust external systems to track and verify these specialized achievements, keeping competitive arcade gaming vibrant and innovative decades after the golden age of arcades.