Before you open the box
Clear the spot where the cabinet will live and the path to it, and lay down a blanket or cardboard so the floor is protected. Photograph the carton from all sides before you cut anything, especially if it is dented, torn or wet. Those photos help if you need to report shipping damage.
Check the paperwork. The seller or carrier may require you to note damage at delivery or report it within a set period, and the terms differ by seller. Read the instructions right away rather than a week later. Keep the receipt, the order confirmation and the carton. As of October 2026, for example, Arcade1Up's return policy page says returns must use original manufacturer packaging and ask you to get a return confirmation first.
If you have not confirmed the delivery route, the freight and stair access guide covers what to measure. Recruit a second person for any lifting, since most cabinets are heavy or awkward in the carton.
Unbox and count the hardware
Open the carton slowly and use a blade carefully so you do not cut the panels. Lift out parts in the order the manual shows, and lay them on a protected surface. Do not throw away foam or cardboard until you have finished the first-day tests.
Match what you have against the manual's parts list. Count the screws, bolts, cam fasteners, brackets and tools in the bags, and check for the control panel, monitor or screen, cables and power cord. Look at each panel and edge for chips, cracks or crushed corners. A missing part or a damaged panel is easiest to fix if you report it before assembly.
- Panels and edges free of cracks, dents and moisture
- Control panel buttons, joystick and cables present
- Screen or monitor intact with no visible cracks
- Hardware bags match the manual's parts list
- Power cord and any adapters present
- Manual, warranty card and serial number recorded
Assemble in the manual's order
Follow the manual's sequence and resist the urge to skip ahead. Assemble on a soft surface and have a second person for panels that must be held in place. Tighten fasteners until they are snug, then stop. Over-tightening can strip holes in particleboard and MDF, and cams that are turned too far can crack.
Handle the screen and control panel with care. Do not press on the glass or panel face, and keep fingers away from connectors until you know where they go. If a connector does not seat easily, stop and check the orientation instead of forcing it.
Anything inside the cabinet that involves mains voltage, such as a power supply, belongs with the manual and a qualified technician. If the machine uses a CRT monitor, do not open it, because it can hold dangerous voltage even when unplugged.
Level it and place it
Once assembled, move the cabinet to its spot with help and protect the floor. Check for wobble by pushing gently on each corner. If the cabinet rocks, adjust the leveling feet if it has them, or add a stable shim. A rocking cabinet is annoying and can stress joints over time. See the flooring guide for what to put underneath.
Leave space behind and beside the cabinet for ventilation and service access, and keep cords out of walkways. The cabinet fan guide explains why airflow matters.
First power-on test
Plug the cabinet into a surge protector or the outlet the manual specifies, and keep the cord clear. Power on and watch. A normal start should show a picture and play sound. If you see smoke, smell burning, hear popping or see sparks, switch off and unplug at once, and contact the seller or maker.
Then run the day-one test.
| Test | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Display | Even picture, no dead lines or flicker, correct size |
| Audio | Sound from both speakers, no crackle at normal volume |
| Every control | Each direction on each joystick and every button registers once per press |
| Both players | Player two controls work as well as player one |
| Trackball or spinner | Smooth movement, correct response if fitted |
| Network features | Connects to Wi-Fi if you use it; works after power-off and on |
| Stability | No wobble when playing, no loose panels |
Play the games you bought it for, not just the first one on the menu. Make notes of anything odd and take photos or video of a problem.
Document and keep the carton
Record the serial number and model and photograph the setup. Register the warranty if the maker asks. Keep the carton, foam and receipt until the return window is clearly over, since large items are costly to return without packaging. If something is wrong, contact the seller with photos and the order number.
When it all works, use the best home arcade cabinet guide to think about the next machine, and the gift logistics post if the cabinet was meant as a surprise. The Black Friday checklist may help if the purchase was made during a sale.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check first when a cabinet arrives?
The carton for damage, before you open it. Photograph it and follow the seller's or carrier's instructions for reporting problems.
How do I know if parts are missing?
Match the hardware bags and parts against the manual's parts list before you start assembling.
How tight should the screws be?
Snug, not as tight as possible. Over-tightening can strip holes in particleboard or MDF.
What should the first power-on test include?
Display, audio, every direction and button for each player, any trackball or spinner, network features and stability.
Should I keep the box?
Yes, until you are sure everything works and the return window has passed. Return policies often require original packaging.
Affiliate disclosure: HomeArcadeGuide.com may earn from qualifying purchases through Amazon Associates and eBay Partner Network at no extra cost to you. Manufacturer links in the source section are research references, not tracked endorsements.