Converting a Garage into an Arcade?

The ever curious AtariDatacenter asks: "I'm finally going to get my wish, and upgrade my two car garage to an 80's style arcade room. I've found some good ideas in the RGVAC newsgroup. But for those who aren't hardcore into collecting, what are major aspects of an arcade gameroom that you'd put into your own home? Would this make a home more or less marketable?"

Comments

My Suggestions

[Cow4263]

Well, you probably wanna make this a just a cool 'hang-out' place. So, I'd throw a couch and some lazyboys in there. Probably, wanna throw a mini fridge in there with your favorite drinks, too. While you at it might wanna put a big screen in there, and hookup a XBox, DC, Gamecube, PS2, etc. too it.

Thats what *I'd* put in mine. But you seem to want to have a 80s theme also. In this aspect, I'd get a couple of pinball machines, and a couple of your vintage arcade standups (i.e. classics like Pac-man and your personal favorties, mine all time fav being D&D: Tower of Doom). Then, you should look into making a standup MAME box (similar to one Taco has).

Of course, thats what I'd put in my game room. Its all dependent on how much space and money you have really. Good luck and have fun!

Negative resale value.

[Chelloveck]

Lots of machines, both video and pin. If you're planning on throwing parties you don't want your friends waiting in line. Get some competitive machines, too. It's a blast playing Crusin' USA/World/Exotica on a four-seat linked system when you don't have to worry about feeding it your life's savings in quarters.

Where do you live? If it's a cooler climate, is the garage insulated and heated for the winter? If it's a warmer climate, is the garage cooled in the summer? In any case, a few ceiling fans would go a long way.

As for resale value... This will definitely decrease it. Think -- You'll probably want to take the games with you when you move. Even if you don't, there really aren't that many people out there who want a full-blown arcade in their garage. Even as a geek and gamer, I'd rather have a place to keep my car than a garage full of games. Plan on converting the arcade back to a usable garage before you sell.