Arcade game cabinets, the iconic housings for classic video games, are constructed from a variety of materials chosen for durability, cost, and ease of fabrication. The most common material historically and in modern builds is wood, specifically engineered wood products.

Particle board, also known as chipboard, was widely used in the golden age of arcades. It is inexpensive and readily available, but it is also heavy and susceptible to moisture damage, which can cause swelling. A superior and now more popular choice is Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF). MDF is dense, has a smooth surface that is ideal for painting and applying vinyl graphics, and is less prone to warping than particle board. Some high-end or custom cabinets are made from plywood, which offers excellent strength and a lighter weight, though at a higher cost.

Beyond wood, other materials play crucial roles. Metal is extensively used for internal structural supports, mounting brackets for the monitor and printed circuit boards (PCBs), and the control panel itself. The control panel often features a metal overlay for durability where players interact with the joysticks and buttons. For the marquee (the illuminated top section), transparent or translucent acrylic plastic is standard, allowing light to pass through while protecting the printed artwork. The screen is, of course, protected by a glass or clear acrylic monitor bezel.

In summary, while the core body of an arcade cabinet is typically MDF or particle board, its complete construction is a hybrid of wood, metal, and plastic, each selected for its functional properties to create a durable and visually appealing product.