Arcade machine power supplies rely on precise voltage regulation to ensure stable operation of their complex electronics, primarily the printed circuit boards (PCBs). The two most common types of voltage regulation found in these units are linear regulators and switching regulators.

Linear regulators are a traditional and simple method. They work by dissipating excess voltage as heat to provide a clean, stable output. This makes them excellent for applications requiring very low noise, such as powering sensitive audio circuits on an arcade PCB. However, their inefficiency, especially when the input voltage is much higher than the output, makes them less suitable for high-current loads due to significant heat generation.

Switching regulators are the modern, more efficient standard for the primary power conversion in arcade cabinets. They rapidly switch the power on and off and use components like inductors and capacitors to smooth the output. This method generates much less heat and is highly efficient, making it ideal for converting the incoming AC voltage to the various DC voltages (e.g., +5V, +12V) required by the arcade machine's components. The trade-off is that they can produce electrical noise, which must be carefully filtered.

In summary, while efficient switching regulators handle the bulk power conversion in an arcade power supply, linear regulators are often still used locally on PCBs for specific, noise-sensitive circuits. This hybrid approach ensures both efficiency and signal integrity for optimal gameplay performance.