Modern arcade gaming has evolved far beyond standalone cabinets, with many now integrating online leaderboards and multiplayer features to enhance player competition and social interaction. This connectivity is achieved through several technical methods. Newer arcade machines often come equipped with built-in Ethernet or Wi-Fi modules, allowing them to connect directly to the internet. These cabinets communicate with game servers via APIs, transmitting player scores in real-time to global online leaderboards. This enables players to see their rankings against competitors worldwide, not just those who have played on the same physical machine.

For multiplayer functionality, arcade cabinets can link to other machines either locally or online. Local multiplayer often uses LAN connections between cabinets in the same arcade, while online multiplayer matches are facilitated through dedicated game servers that synchronize gameplay across different locations. This allows players to compete against others regardless of geographical distance.

Retro arcade machines can also be upgraded for online features through modification kits like the Arcade1Up Online Play Kit or Raspberry Pi solutions. These kits add network capabilities to older hardware, enabling them to connect to modern online services. Cloud-based integration is another key method, where arcade systems sync data to remote servers, maintaining persistent leaderboards and player profiles that can be accessed from any connected machine. This technological evolution preserves the classic arcade experience while adding a new layer of global competition and community engagement.