Walking into an arcade, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of games on display. Each with its own lights, sounds, and artwork – some have been around for over thirty years, while others were remade or rereleased in the last decade.
It made us at M&P Amusement curious enough to ask, “What are the most popular arcade games of today?”
So, we gathered the data and compiled a list of the top 20 most popular arcade games in 2024, adding a little bit about what we think gives them such staying power through the years.
How We Determined Arcade Game Popularity
Our list is organized based on the highest total monthly search volume, meaning that the most popular games are the most searched online in 2024.
Trust us, some of our favorites didn’t score as high as we expected, so don’t get too upset if your favorite arcade game didn’t turn out to be the most popular. Without further ado, here are the top 20 most popular arcade games today, starting with…
20. 1942
1942 captivates with its vertical-scrolling shooter gameplay and World War II theme. Players pilot a plane, dodging enemy fire while shooting down waves of attackers. Its power-ups and looping mechanics offer strategic depth, while the escalating challenge keeps players chasing high scores and survival.
19. Pong
Pong remains timeless for its simplicity and competitive nature. As one of the first arcade games, its basic premise — bounce a ball back and forth — has universal appeal. Its minimalist design is deceptively engaging, sparking rivalry and endless rematches. Nostalgia for its pioneering role in gaming history also draws players back.
18. X-Men
The X-Men Arcade Game thrives on its four-player cooperative gameplay and vibrant adaptation of the comic book heroes. Players team up to defeat iconic villains, using unique powers for each of the six playable characters. Its engaging gameplay, teamwork emphasis, and love for the X-Men franchise ensure its continued success.
17. Time Crisis
Time Crisis innovated with its pedal-based cover system, allowing players to duck and reload in an immersive shooting experience. Its timed missions and fast-paced action create urgency, while cooperative play adds to its appeal. The light-gun mechanics, realistic recoil, and cinematic storytelling keep it relevant among arcade shooters.
16. Frogger
Frogger’s charm lies in its simple yet challenging concept: guide a frog safely across traffic and a river. The game’s increasing difficulty, with faster vehicles and more hazards, keeps players engaged. Frogger appeals to all ages, ensuring its enduring popularity, and it also made our list of our favorite video game appearances in movies and TV.
15. House of the Dead
The House of the Dead excels with its fast-paced, on-rails shooting action and horror theme. Players use light guns to fend off waves of zombies and grotesque bosses, with branching paths adding replayability. The game's thrilling pace, co-op gameplay, and eerie atmosphere make it a staple of arcade shooters.
14. TMNT
The cooperative beat-em-up action of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles appeals to fans of both the franchise and arcade gaming. Players choose their favorite turtle, battling iconic villains, like Shredder and Bebop. Its teamwork-driven gameplay, colorful graphics, and nostalgia for the cartoons make it a fan favorite for group play.
13. Defender
The innovative gameplay of Defender keeps players hooked. Managing a spaceship to protect humanoids from aliens, while navigating challenging controls, is both thrilling and demanding. Its layered objectives, high stakes, and advanced visuals for its time make it an arcade gem that rewards skill and persistence.
12. Asteroids
This game captivates players with its minimalist design and precise mechanics. Destroying and avoiding incoming asteroids, while managing limited thrust and momentum, creates an intense experience. Its skill-based gameplay encourages mastery, and the thrill of clearing waves while chasing high scores ensures Asteroids never feels outdated.
11. Gauntlet
The cooperative dungeon-crawling gameplay of Gauntlet is its key to replayability. Players choose from archetypes – like Warrior or Wizard – each with distinct abilities, and work together to survive hordes of enemies. The game’s emphasis on teamwork, treasure collection, and survival strategy make it endlessly engaging. The phrase “Wizard needs food badly!” remains an arcade staple.
10. Dance Dance Revolution
DDR remains a phenomenon thanks to its unique blend of rhythm and physical activity. Players step to the beat of catchy songs, following on-screen prompts. Its competitive and social nature, combined with the thrill of mastering complex routines, keeps it fresh. Constant updates to song libraries and its appeal as a fitness tool also contribute to its longevity.
9. Centipede
Centipede stands out with its fast-paced action and strategic shooting. Players must react quickly to descending centipedes, while dodging other creatures, like spiders and fleas. Its colorful visuals and escalating difficulty make it addictive, offering a balance of luck and skill that appeals to casual players and high-score chasers alike.
8. Rampage
The appeal of Rampage lies in its sheer destruction. Players control giant monsters, smashing cities while evading military attacks. The game’s cooperative mode adds to the fun, as players team up — or turn on each other — to cause havoc. Its tongue-in-cheek humor, combined with the satisfaction of leveling skyscrapers, keeps players coming back for chaotic entertainment.
7. NBA Jam
NBA Jam is iconic for its exaggerated, fast-paced basketball action. Players are drawn to its over-the-top gameplay, featuring incredible dunks, “on fire” streaks, and humorous commentary. The two-on-two format emphasizes fun over realism, making it accessible and competitive. Its multiplayer mode fosters friendly rivalries, and its catchphrases and secret characters continue to resonate with gamers decades later.
NBA Jam also made our list of the 7 best sports arcade games.
6. The Simpsons
The Simpsons Arcade Game remains a favorite due to its cooperative gameplay and connection to the beloved TV series. Players take on the roles of Homer, Marge, Bart, and Lisa – each with unique abilities – in a chaotic quest to save Maggie. Its humor, vibrant visuals, and familiar characters provide instant charm. The game's beat-em-up mechanics are simple to learn, fostering camaraderie among players.
5. Space Invaders
The relentless tension in Space Invaders is unmatched, as players fend off an advancing alien armada. Its dynamic pacing – with the enemies’ speed increasing as fewer remain – creates a palpable sense of urgency. Strategic shooting, aiming for high-score bonuses from UFOs, and the growing difficulty ensure endless replayability. Its iconic design and eerie soundtrack further cement its status as a timeless classic.
4. Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong revolutionized gaming with its platforming mechanics and narrative-driven gameplay. The quest to rescue Pauline from the titular ape, while navigating barrels and ladders, captivated players. Its difficulty curve, requiring precise timing and pattern recognition, creates a satisfying sense of accomplishment. The introduction of Mario as the protagonist adds nostalgic charm, while the game’s tight mechanics continue to challenge even experienced gamers.
3. Mortal Kombat
The brutal combat and memorable characters keep players returning to Mortal Kombat. Its visceral gameplay – featuring iconic fatalities and intense one-on-one battles – created a uniquely thrilling experience in arcades. The game’s roster (including Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Raiden) developed cult followings due to their unique movesets and lore. As the franchise has expanded, its deep storytelling and evolving mechanics, such as combo strings and unique character variations, have kept it fresh while honoring its roots.
2. Pac Man
This game’s universal appeal lies in its simplicity and strategy. The iconic maze, colorful ghosts, and the thrill of clearing each screen have made Pac Man timeless. Its straightforward controls — move in four directions — mask a complex game of survival and optimization. Players enjoy memorizing patterns and achieving high scores while facing escalating challenges as ghost AI becomes smarter. Its design is approachable for newcomers, yet challenging for veterans, creating endless replayability.
1. Galaga
The addictive gameplay of Galaga lies in its balance of skill and risk-reward mechanics. Players are drawn to the challenge of shooting alien formations while avoiding enemy fire, all while strategizing whether to let their ship be captured for a chance to wield dual firepower. Its progression system, with increasingly aggressive enemies, ensures that the gameplay remains engaging. The satisfaction of achieving a high score and competing for leaderboard spots makes it a staple.
Your One-Stop Arcade Game Shop
Whether you’re looking for the most popular arcade machines or deep-cut rare cabinets, M&P Amusement is prepared to help you find the perfect game for your space. We have over ninety years of experience selling, refurbishing, and shipping arcade game machines all over the United States.
Reach out to us if you need assistance buying one of the many machines available on our website, or if you’re in search of a specific rare game cabinet for your collection.