Arcade machines, once sealed systems with fixed aesthetics, have evolved to actively support player-created custom game art. This shift is primarily driven by the modern modding scene and multi-game cabinets. For hardware, many contemporary arcade machines, especially those built by enthusiasts using kits, are designed with easily swappable components. The side panels, marquee at the top, control deck, and bezel around the screen are often held by simple clips or magnets. This allows creators to remove the stock artwork and install their own printed vinyl overlays or decals, transforming a generic cabinet into a personalized work of art.

The software side is equally important. Front-end interfaces for multi-game systems, such as LaunchBox or RetroPie, are highly customizable. Players can design and import their own themes, which include background images, game selection menus, and system logos that are displayed on the screen. This digital art complements the physical cabinet modifications. Furthermore, communities and online marketplaces have emerged where artists share and sell custom art kits tailored for specific cabinet models. These kits provide perfectly sized graphics for every part of the machine, ensuring a professional finish. From pixel-perfect recreations of classic designs to entirely original characters and themes, this ecosystem empowers players to leave their unique mark on the arcade experience, blending nostalgia with personal expression.