Arcade machines handle player customization for controls and gameplay through various methods, primarily determined by their era and design. Classic arcade cabinets from the 1980s and 1990s often featured physical DIP (Dual In-line Package) switches located on the main circuit board. Technicians or operators could access these switches to adjust fundamental gameplay settings like the number of lives per coin, game difficulty, bonus life thresholds, and time limits. For control customization, the hardware itself was largely fixed. A player could not remap buttons or joystick directions through software. Instead, customization was physical; an operator could replace the entire control panel with a different layout, swap out a standard joystick for a specialized one (like a flight stick for a flying game), or adjust the tension on a joystick spring mechanically.

Modern arcade machines, especially those based on PC or console hardware, utilize sophisticated software menus for customization. These menus, often accessible by operators via a secret button combination or key, allow for extensive adjustments. Players might find options to change control sensitivity, button mapping (e.g., making a specific button "jump" or "fire"), audio levels, and screen orientation. Some modern prize redemption or ticket games even allow players to select their preferred game from a list or adjust the game's speed and challenge level before starting. Furthermore, large-scale arcade racing games or rhythm games frequently feature fully customizable control setups, letting players adjust steering wheel sensitivity, pedal dead zones, or drum kit sensitivity to match their personal play style. Ultimately, the level of player customization in arcades is a balance between giving players choice and maintaining a standardized, reliable experience for the operator's business.