Arcade operators conduct rigorous hardware compatibility testing when introducing new machines to their floors. This process begins with a physical inspection, verifying that the new game's cabinet, control interfaces, and mounting hardware meet operational standards. Operators then test electrical compatibility, ensuring the machine's power supply requirements match their facility's infrastructure without causing circuit overloads.

The core testing phase involves connecting the game's main PCB to various display types—from traditional CRT monitors to modern LCD screens—to check for resolution matching and sync issues. Input testing follows, where operators verify that the game correctly interprets signals from joysticks, buttons, trackballs, and other specialized controllers.

Network compatibility tests are crucial for modern arcades, ensuring machines can connect to scoring systems and player tracking networks without conflicts. Operators also perform stress tests by running games continuously for 24-48 hours while monitoring for overheating components or performance degradation.

Documentation created during testing includes compatibility matrices that specify which hardware combinations work reliably. This knowledge base helps operators quickly resolve future hardware issues and make informed purchasing decisions based on their existing infrastructure.