Now that you've discovered how to locate games online, there's still plenty of places to look at "offline". There are definite benefits to locating your video arcade game or pinball machine offline. First, and foremost, you can actually examine the game in person, play it, or field trouble shoot it to see if it's a "simple" fix. Secondly, you can meet the seller and get some background on the game. Also, you're better equipped to make a deal if you are interacting face to face with the seller.

TIPS

There are a few simple things you should keep in mind when looking at pinball machines or arcade video games.

• Bring cash! - Money talks and you're sure to score a deal if you show the seller cash. It's hard to say "No" when you're offering a few dollars under the sellers asking price and they know you have cash in hand.
• Open the game up - Always, always, always look inside the item you are purchasing. Does it look like anything is missing? Is the wiring in place? Is the wiring hacked to bits? Are the game boards there? On pinball machines look under the playfield and inside the head (behind the backglass). Check for battery leakage. On pinball machines the old batteries were mounted to a PCB in the head of the machine. On arcade video games the battery is usually on the main PCB, or on the power supply PCB. Leaking batteries are easy to spot, it looks like green corrosion coming from either end of the battery. Leaking batteries are the best way to destroy any pinball machine or video arcade game! The good news is that in most cases you can clean up the corrosion with a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar. The batteries can be replaced with a variety of alternatives.
  • Lithium watch battery
  • 4 AA battery holder located off the PCB
  • Rechargeable cordless phone battery

  For arcade video games I like to replace mine with lithium watch batteries. This requires a blocking diode (I'll post a tutorial shortly). On pinball machines a relocated battery holder for 4 AA batteries on the PCB board is the best choice in my opinion. This requires a diode soldered on to the 4th battery placement, and will be shown on the battery replacement tutorial.
• Turn the game on - This seems obvious, but it's important you do this after examining the inside of the machine you're looking at. You don't want to turn on a game that is potentially shorted out. Only examining the inside of the game would reveal this. Once the game is on, let it warm up and run through at least 3 games using the max number of players allowed. Insert coins, check each and every button and on arcade video games pay close attention to the quality of the picture being displayed. Many display problems can be easily cured with a simple "cap kit", but only experience can make this judgement easier.
• Check the cabinet for heavy damage or water damage - Many of these games are 10 or 20 years old, or older! You can expect some wear and tear, but if a cabinet is heavily damaged you're better off looking elsewhere. The majority of arcade video games were made with MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard, a type of particle board) and when this soaks up water it will swell and start to flake apart. It's extremely difficult to save a cabinet with water damage. If you suspect water damage, walk away unless you plan on parting out the game

Locating Games Offline

There are a couple of methods used to locate games offline. Craig's List, game auction companies, classifieds, thrift stores, and from the arcade route operators.

Craig's list was previously discussed here. The listings are online, but the big benefit here is that you have to go pick up the game in person.

There are a few game auction companies that operate around the states. The largest one is Super Auctions. They come to Southern California twice a year. The only issue I have with Super Auctions is the rampant shill bidding from the auctioneers. Beware bidder #222! Now it appears Southern California has a new game auction company. Cashman Auctions is having it's first auction in April 2005. I'll be attending and it's nice to see some competition for Super Auctions. On the East Coast there is also another auction company, but since I'm on the West Coast I don't keep up on it too much.

Local newspaper classifieds rarely have pinball machines or video arcade games listed, but occasionally a gem will appear. I find I have better luck if I look at classified specific publications like the Recycler or Pennysaver.

Be sure to check out the "Game Auction FAQ" on www.arcade-at-home.com!

Thrift stores are a source of cheap games. The downside is they are hard to come by and usually snapped up immediately. I have started leaving little business cards with local thrift shops, but this hasn't been successful yet.

If you can find them, "route operators" can be a good source of games, but these usually are abused and worn out. Operators tend to sell their old game in bulk, but if you befriend one or two they can be a nice source for future opportunities.

Another tool I use is the placement of classified ads offering to pick up games "that are taking up space" in peoples homes and garages. I've been somewhat successful using this technique. I've also posted cards up at the local grocery stores with the same offer. Someone once tried to sell this similar info on EBay, but you can read it here.