By the Arcade Home UK — The UK's Independent Arcade Machine Buyer's Guide Team · Updated May 2026 · Independent, reader-supported

Best Arcade Machine Accessories UK: Stools, Covers, Joystick Upgrades & More

When you've invested in a home arcade machine, you quickly realise that the cabinet itself is just the starting point. The right accessories transform your setup from functional to genuinely enjoyable—protecting your investment, improving gameplay comfort, and making the whole experience feel more authentic. If you've got a machine sitting in your games room or garage, these upgrades are worth serious consideration.

Joystick and Button Upgrades

The most impactful upgrade you can make is replacing the stock joystick and buttons. Cheap arcade cabinets often ship with mushy, unresponsive controls that feel nothing like the arcade experience you're chasing. Sanwa and Seimitsu are the gold-standard manufacturers, and both ship readily to the UK via Amazon and specialist retailers.

Sanwa JLF-TP-8YT joysticks are the most popular choice—they're responsive, durable, and genuinely feel like proper arcade joysticks. They're notably snappier than budget alternatives and hold up well to years of play. Seimitsu joysticks (like the LS-32-01) are slightly stiffer and favour precision, so they're brilliant if you play a lot of fighting games. Both cost around £20–35 each.

Buttons matter equally. Sanwa OBSF-30 buttons are tactile, reliable, and widely available. You'll want a full set of eight buttons if your cabinet has six-button fighters, plus extras for menu navigation. Count what your machine needs before ordering—a full set typically runs £30–50.

The honest downside: installation requires opening your cabinet and potentially soldering. If you're not comfortable with electronics, this becomes a job for someone experienced. That said, many arcade enthusiasts find the work straightforward, and it's genuinely one of the most rewarding upgrades.

Dust Covers and Protection

Arcade cabinets gather dust aggressively, especially in UK homes where garages and games rooms aren't climate-controlled. A proper dust cover is non-negotiable if your machine will sit unused for weeks.

Canvas or neoprene covers designed for arcade cabinets offer real protection without trapping moisture (plastic sheeting is a false economy—it promotes condensation damage). Look for covers that fit your cabinet's dimensions snugly. Custom covers for specific cabinet models cost £40–80 and are far superior to generic options that leave gaps.

The trade-off: quality covers reduce easy access, so they're best if your arcade is more decoration than daily player. If you're playing regularly, a cover becomes inconvenient, and your machine probably isn't gathering enough dust to warrant daily coverage.

Bar Stools and Seating

A proper arcade bar stool transforms comfort during extended play sessions. This isn't trivial—standing for an hour while playing a shooter gets tiring, and leaning against a counter isn't the same as supported seating.

Height matters. Your seat should position you comfortably with your arms at a natural angle to the joystick and buttons, roughly 28–32 inches high for most cabinet heights. Padded bar stools with backrests are genuinely more comfortable than backless designs, though they take up more space.

Adjustable-height stools offer flexibility if you're sharing the machine with different family members or if you prefer standing for some games. Expect to spend £60–150 for a decent, durable stool that'll survive years of use without wobbling or losing padding.

LED and Lighting Upgrades

LED underglow and cabinet lighting add visual appeal and make a real difference to atmosphere, particularly in dim games rooms. LED strip kits designed for arcade cabinets are straightforward to install—they typically stick to the underside or around the cabinet frame.

Sanwa and other manufacturers sell pre-wired LED kits (£30–70) that connect directly to the machine's power supply. These are far simpler than DIY strips, though less flexible if you want specific colours or patterns.

The practical reality: LEDs are primarily cosmetic. They don't improve gameplay, and in bright rooms they're barely visible. They're most worthwhile if your machine sits in a basement or den where you can enjoy atmospheric lighting.

Coin Mechanisms and Token Dispensers

If you're running your cabinet in free-play mode, coin mechanisms are unnecessary. But if you prefer the arcade experience of inserting coins or tokens, retrofit mechanisms are available (£30–80). Some people love this authenticity; others find it tedious for home use.

Token dispensers avoid the mess of loose change and feel authentically arcade without real financial stakes. They're practical if you've got kids using the machine.

Cable Management and Storage

Arcade cabinets create a tangle of power cables, controller connections, and peripheral wiring. Simple cable ties and clips (£5–15) prevent a mess and reduce risk of accidental disconnections. Wall-mounted power strips designed for arcade cabinetry keep your setup tidy and safe.

What Actually Matters

If you're buying one accessory, make it a joystick upgrade. If you're buying three, add a quality stool and a dust cover. LEDs and token mechanisms are pure enhancement—nice to have but not essential.

The UK advantage is straightforward: Amazon UK stocks most major components with reliable delivery, specialist arcade retailers offer expert advice, and postage costs are low. Spend time researching your specific cabinet model before ordering; arcade setups vary more than you'd expect, and a £50 stool that doesn't fit your space is wasted money.

The best accessories are the ones you'll actually use. A dust cover gathering its own dust in the garage isn't an investment—it's clutter. Choose upgrades that genuinely improve your daily experience with the machine.