Arcade machines have evolved sophisticated methods for handling player customization of controls and settings, though the approach varies significantly between classic and modern systems. Traditional arcade cabinets primarily utilized physical dip switches located inside the cabinet or behind coin doors. These small banks of switches allowed arcade operators to adjust fundamental game parameters such as difficulty levels, number of lives per credit, bonus life thresholds, and coin requirements. Players couldn't directly access these during gameplay but could benefit from operator-configured presets.

Modern arcade machines and fighting game cabinets often incorporate digital service menus accessible through specific button combinations or dedicated service buttons. These comprehensive menus enable detailed customization of control sensitivity, button mapping, audio levels, and display calibration. Contemporary arcades frequently implement player profile systems where individual preferences are saved to player cards or online accounts, automatically applying custom control schemes when players log in.

For control hardware itself, customization occurs through several methods. Some cabinets feature interchangeable control panels that operators can swap for different game genres. Tournament-level fighting game cabinets often include sensitivity adjustments for joysticks and programmable macro functions for complex button combinations. Accessibility options have also become more prevalent, with features like remappable controls, adjustable timing windows, and alternative input devices for players with physical limitations.

The level of customization available ultimately depends on the game's programming and cabinet design. While early arcade games offered minimal adjustment capabilities, today's arcade experiences increasingly embrace the personalized control preferences that modern gamers expect, bridging the gap between arcade purity and individual playstyle requirements.