Arcade cabinets, the iconic housings for classic video games, are built to withstand intense public use. Their construction relies on a specific set of durable and cost-effective materials. The most common material for the main body of the cabinet is Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF). Prized for its density, stability, and smooth surface that is ideal for painting or applying vinyl graphics, MDF is the go-to choice for both original manufacturers and modern DIY builders. Plywood, particularly birch plywood, is another strong option, offering excellent strength and a clean edge for a more premium finish.

For the exterior surfaces, laminate is frequently used. This durable plastic coating, often melamine laminate, provides a hard-wearing, scratch-resistant, and easy-to-clean surface that protects the cabinet from spills and abrasions. In many classic arcades, the cabinet body was actually made from laminated particle board, which combined a wood-chip core with a pre-finished laminate layer for a fast and affordable manufacturing process.

Beyond the main structure, other materials play key roles. The control panel overlay, where players interact most, is typically a printed and laminated acrylic plastic for durability. The control panel itself, which must support buttons and joysticks, is often made from metal, usually steel, to provide a rigid mounting surface. Finally, tempered safety glass or acrylic plexiglass is used to protect the valuable CRT or modern LCD monitor inside. The combination of these materials—MDF/plywood for structure, laminate for surfaces, and metal/glass for critical components—creates the resilient arcade cabinets that have endured for decades.