The Classic Coinworks blog
Konami · Arcade history
Konami’s cartoon Western deserves another credit. Explore its Sunset Riders appeal, real Ninja Turtles connection, five fun facts and authentic gameplay GIFs.
Meet the Moo Mesa posse
Psikyo · Arcade field notes
Six selectable aircraft, one hidden surprise, and the real machines behind them. Compare the arcade roster with its real-world inspirations.
Choose your aircraft
Taito · Arcade history
Two names, the same bubble-popping obsession. The story behind Taito’s 1994 arcade classic, its Bubble Bobble roots, and why it still earns a Neo Geo slot.
Read the Puzzle Bobble storyGameplay still from Matt’s supplied clip. © TAITO CORPORATION.
Pinball · New release
Stern’s rock classic returns with more songs, a redesigned lower playfield and SPIKE 3. Here are the models, prices and official launch trailer.
Read the AC/DC launch storyOfficial promotional image: Stern Pinball.
Pinball · Expo preview
Stern’s official AC/DC Remastered tease, confirmed show events, Homebrew Village, and the dates to know before heading to Schaumburg.
Read the Expo previewOfficial 2026 Pinball Expo logo. Organizer source.
Data East · Neo Geo basketball
Three-on-three street courts, a Super Shot meter and a soundtrack with attitude. The Neo Geo’s basketball game deserves the next credit.
Read the Street Hoop storyOfficial Street Hoop screenshot. ©G-MODE / ©HAMSTER. Image source.
SNK · Arcade history
From Nazca’s tank-only prototype to the Neo Geo classics, handheld missions and modern spin-offs, with a compact guide to the whole Metal Slug family.
Read the Metal Slug historyOfficial Marco Rossi artwork for SNK Fight! ©Nuverse KK · ©SNK · ©CMGE. Image source.
Konami · Arcade history
The 1992 arcade game, its animated roots, two-, four- and six-player cabinets, soundtrack, and return to modern consoles.
Read the X-Men history
From the garage · Cabinet details
New red trim on my Neo Geo, plus a practical guide to sizing, slot fit, corners, and choosing a color for your cabinet.
Read the T-molding guide
Cabinet culture · Japan
Explore the candy-cab idea with Matt’s real cabinet photos.
Read the guide
Controls · Sanwa vs. Happ
Sanwa or Happ? Compare the feel, mounting, wiring, and control options before choosing your next joystick.
Read the comparison
Controls · Practical guide
Missing turns in Pac-Man? Learn how 4-way and 8-way controls differ and what to check before replacing parts.
Read the joystick guide
Owner story · Pinball
My first pinball purchase: bringing home a Stern Venom Pro, tackling two easy repairs, and getting it ready for players.
Read the Venom story
Behind the coin door · How it works
Follow the coin and the credit signal through an arcade cabinet, with a diagram, real coin-door photos, and original operator documentation.
Read the story →
Neo Geo · Games & history
Four game slots, eight standout games, real photos from my garage, and three surprising pieces of SNK history.
Read the Neo Geo storyNEO·GEO logo. SNK trademark; Wikimedia Commons.
Getting started · Owner’s guide
Get it home, inspect it, test every player, and make a repair plan. A practical first-day guide with photos, diagrams, and a checklist.
Read the beginner’s guide →
Arcade history · Illustrated guide
Candy cabs, Nintendo uprights, Dynamo conversions, and Neo Geo MVS: why so many classic games looked like they lived in the same box.
Read the cabinet guide →Photo: John Turner · CC BY 2.0. Resized for web.
Owner build · Arcade
New coin doors, a homemade acrylic cover, sound brought back to life—and a few lessons from inside the cabinet.
Read the build story →
