Remember Pop-a-Shot?
Basketball arcade games are hours of fun for the whole family, and can be a great way to entertain kids and friends any time.
In fact, if you spend a lot of money on trips to the arcade, investing in a basketball arcade game at home can make entertainment more affordable in the long run.
If you are considering buying a basketball arcade game at home, here are our top picks for 2022.
QUICK OVERVIEW: Best Basketball Arcade Games
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Basketball Arcade Game Buyer’s Guide
When shopping for a basketball arcade machine, here are a few things to look for and keep in mind.
Accuracy of Scoring
The importance of accurate scoring is often underrated, because many people play “just for fun” and don’t care about the score. However, inaccurate scoring hampers the game experience; when a basketball arcade game doesn’t score accurately, you have the sense that it’s a low-quality machine.
And, for many of these games, the scoring sensors trigger sound effects, and it’s satisfying when the audio meshes with your experience. Some arcade games use levers that are manually triggered when a ball goes through the hoop, while some use optical sensors. However the game works, look for accuracy.
Audio Options
There’s no doubt that music and sound effects enhance the game experience. But some games can be loud, and over time the effects can get repetitive. It’s great to have a basketball arcade game with different audio options and volume settings, so you can choose the sound that works best in your household.
Number of Games
For many people, simply shooting hoops is enough to enjoy a basketball arcade game. But for group play and for kids, it’s nice to have different game options. Having different games also allows you to experience new challenges and sharpen new skills, as well as keeping your competitions interesting, so they are a great feature to have.
Included Accessories
For most of these games, the most important accessory is the included mini-basketballs. But not all basketball arcade games come with enough balls for two players to have seamless play. And, particularly if you have kids, it’s possible that these balls will get lost or damaged over time.
You may need to buy additional balls or get an air pump to keep them inflated and bouncing correctly. Fortunately, they are affordable and easy to find.
Power Source
For most of these games, power needs are minimal and the electronics are simple. However, if your basketball arcade machine needs to be plugged in, it may limit where it can be placed.
If its battery powered, you have more options for placement, but then you need to remember to get and keep batteries for the machine. Some of our favorite basketball arcade games can be powered both ways, which is a great option for versatility.
Storage
Some basketball arcade games can be very large, and you may not want them permanently set up in your home all the time. Many of these machines can be folded up and placed out of the way when they aren’t in use, but it’s good to keep your storage needs in mind.
Ease of Assembly
Some basketball arcade machines can be fairly difficult to assemble. Many instructions recommend having a second person help to lift and place the backboard, because they can be heavy and need to be steadied while being assembled.
In some cases, the instructions are difficult to understand, or the pieces don’t go together easily. Look for helpful videos online, take your time, and get a friend to help.
Best Basketball Arcade Game Product Reviews
Pop-A-Shot New Official Home Dual Shot Basketball Arcade Game
Pop-A-Shot invented the original basketball arcade game, and this version lets you play at home with 1-2 players. It is made of sturdy 1.5 in. steel tubes, with a powder coating that resists wear and rust.
The thick nylon ramp and sturdy backboard can withstand years of play, and you can adjust the height of the game for different homes and different players. The frame is wheeled, so it can be easily moved from room to room, and folds down for simple storage when not in use. It can be powered by AC or DC power for additional convenience.
The Pop-A-Shot New Official Home Dual Shot Basketball Arcade Game has 16 official games, and six audio options, giving you great entertainment value in a basketball arcade game. It even has an audio jack so it can be connected to external speakers.
The scoreboard uses infrared sensors for great accuracy, and has a large, three-digit scoreboard to involve everyone in the fun. This basketball arcade game comes with 7 balls, great for 2 players.
Pros
- Sturdy materials and durable design
- Can be wheeled for easy movement and storage
- Folds up when not in use
- Has 16 basketball games for variety
- Has 6 audio options, including a play-by-play announcer, and volume control
- Has external speaker jack
- Can be plugged in or battery powered to use anywhere
- Adjustable height for different players or living spaces
- Extremely accurate scoring
- Comes with seven balls
- Big bright scoreboard
Cons
- Assembly is time-consuming
- Sensors may not be very durable
Giantex Foldable Basketball Arcade Game
The Giantex Foldable Basketball Arcade Game has two large, 12 in. iron hoops for durability. It is made of powder-coated iron tubes for durability, with a sturdy MDF backboard for solid rebounding bounces.
Blocking nets on both sides keep balls within the game, reducing accidents and time spent chasing missed shots. It folds up for easy storage when not in use. It requires 3 AA batteries to power the sensors and scoreboard.
The Giantex Foldable Basketball Arcade Game offers 8 different basketball games, and sound can be muted for quiet play. It comes with four premium rubber balls for one or two players, has an LED scoreboard, and has infrared optical sensors for accurate scoring.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Easy-to-follow assembly instructions
- Folds up when not in use
- Comes with 8 different games
- Audio can be muted
- Comes with 4 balls
Cons
Electronics aren’t very durable
EA Sports 2-Player 8-in-1 Indoor Basketball Arcade Game
The EA Sports 2-Player 8-in-1 Indoor Basketball Arcade Game is made of powder-coated solid metal tubing for light weight and durability, and has 12 in. steel hoops for great game play. It has side nets to prevent loose balls, and folds up for easy storage when not in use.
The EA Sports 2-Player 8-in-1 Indoor Basketball Arcade Game has 8 different basketball games, and stadium sound effects for extra fun and realism. Sound effects can be muted, and it is powered by AA batteries. It comes with three 7-in. basketballs and an air pump.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Easy-to-follow assembly instructions
- Folds up when not in use
- Comes with 8 different games
- Audio can be muted
- Comes with an air pump to keep basketballs inflated
Cons
- The included 3 balls really aren’t enough for continuous two-player play
- Electronics may not be very durable
Pop-A-Shot Home Single Shot
Again from Pop-A-Shot, the inventor of basketball arcade games, comes the single-shot home version. This basketball arcade game has many features of the dual version above, but is smaller and designed for one player at a time.
It is made from sturdy, powder-coated 1.5 in. steel tubes for great durability, and has a thick nylon ramp. It folds up when not in use, and has wheels to make transport and storage easy.
The Pop-A-Shot Home Single Shot has 6 basketball games, with six audio options and volume control. It has the proprietary Pop-A-Shot infrared sensors for great accuracy, and can be AC or DC powered. It comes with 4 basketballs for fast continuous play.
Pros
- Sturdy materials and durable design
- Can be wheeled for easy movement and storage
- Folds up when not in use
- Has 6 basketball games for variety
- Has 6 audio options, including a play-by-play announcer, and volume control
- Can be plugged in or battery powered
- Extremely accurate scoring
- Comes with four balls
- Big bright scoreboard
Cons
- Assembly is time-consuming
- May not balance well when folded up and need to be secured in the folded position somehow
Nova Foldable Indoor Basketball Arcade Game
This double-shot indoor basketball arcade game from Nova Microdermabrasion has an easy-to-assemble, quick-connect frame for fast assembly. It is made of .86” powder-coated steel tubes for rust-resistance and durability. It has 12 inch steel rims to withstand years of play, and a 3/8” MDF backboard for stability. It folds flat for storage, and the lockable frame offers extra stability.
The Nova Microdermabrasion Foldable Indoor Basketball Arcade Game comes with 8 games, and the audio can be muted. The LED sensor keeps accurate score, powered by 3 AAA batteries. It comes with 4 rubber basketballs and an air pump.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Comes partially pre-assembled
- Folds up when not in use
- Comes with 8 different games
- Audio can be muted
- Comes with an air pump to keep basketballs inflated
- Comes with four basketballs
Cons
- Electronics aren’t very durable
- Difficult-to-follow instructions, and pre-drilled holes don’t always align correctly
- The hoop nets sometimes interfere with the point counter lever
Conclusion
Basketball arcade machines are a fun way to sharpen hand-eye coordination, build physical skills, and have a good time by yourself or with friends and family. Having one of these machines at home is a great way to entertain a crowd, and can even save money over family trips to an arcade or game center.
With our favorite basketball arcade machines, you can have years of fun right at home.
