arcade game: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Yes, Pac-Man is the quintessential arcade game. It was designed as a coin-operated cabinet, features simple joystick controls, has short rounds of play, and revolves around achieving a high score.

Yes, if it is designed in the style of a classic arcade game. Many mobile games like 'Crossy Road' or 'Fruit Ninja' use arcade-style mechanics: quick sessions, simple touch controls, and score-based progression, even though they aren't in physical cabinets.

Historically, an arcade game was a dedicated, coin-operated machine in a public space. A console game is played on a home system. Today, the difference is more about design philosophy: arcade-style games prioritize instant action and score-chasing, while many console games focus on long-form storytelling, exploration, or simulation.

The primary business model was coin-operated. High difficulty ensured players would make mistakes and need to insert another coin (or 'quarter') to continue playing, thus maximizing revenue from a single machine.

A coin-operated entertainment machine, typically featuring video games or electromechanical games, originally housed in public arcades.

Arcade game is usually neutral, informal in register.

Arcade game: in British English it is pronounced /ɑːˈkeɪd ˌɡeɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɑːrˈkeɪd ˌɡeɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.