Arcade machines have long romanticized the American Wild West and frontier era through specific game mechanics that immerse players in this iconic period. One of the most prevalent is the light gun shooter format, famously used in games like "Lucky & Wild" or "Sunset Riders," where players physically aim replica revolvers at outlaws and bandits on screen, simulating cowboy duels and frontier justice. These games often incorporate time-based shooting mechanics, rewarding quick draws and accurate shots with bonus points or progression.

Another key mechanic is the stagecoach or mine cart chase sequence, where players navigate a constantly moving vehicle, dodging obstacles and shooting enemies in a side-scrolling format. This creates a sense of relentless forward momentum, mirroring the expansion and danger of the frontier. Games like "Wild Western" (1982) utilized this to great effect, with players controlling a horseback rider defending a wagon train.

Many arcade cabinets also incorporate thematic mechanical elements beyond the screen. Coin-op machines like "Gold Rush" (1988) feature physical panning trays or lever-based mining controls, tying the player's physical actions to the gold prospecting theme. Others use mounted plastic horses or rocking stagecoach seats to enhance the cowboy adventure feel.

Bonus stages frequently adopt gold rush mechanics, where players have limited time to collect maximum treasure or resources, directly referencing the economic drives of the era. Slot machine arcade hybrids often use Western symbols like sheriff badges, wanted posters, and whiskey bottles as key icons, blending gambling mechanics with frontier aesthetics.

The visual and audio design reinforces these mechanics through pixel-art saloons, cactus-filled landscapes, and twangy banjo soundtracks, but it is the interactive elements—the shooting, chasing, and collecting—that most effectively translate the Wild West mythos into engaging arcade action. These games simplify complex history into satisfying mechanical loops that continue to celebrate frontier themes in gaming culture.