Unlike modern home consoles, traditional arcade machines were largely designed as transient experiences. However, the need to save player data has evolved significantly. Here’s a breakdown of the primary methods used.

The most basic and classic form of "saving" is the high-score table. The machine's volatile RAM (Random Access Memory) would store the top scores, along with the player's initials. This data was maintained by a small battery on the PCB (Printed Circuit Board). If the battery died or the machine was unplugged, the scores would reset.

For more complex data, like character progress or settings, arcade cabinets have employed several solutions. A revolutionary system was the NEOSAVE memory card, used in SNK's Neo Geo MVS cabinets. Players could insert a memory card into the arcade machine and their console at home, transferring profiles, game progress, and settings seamlessly between platforms, a rare feature for its time.

Modern arcade machines, particularly those connected to networks, often utilize cloud-based profiles. Games like the "Mario Kart Arcade GP" series or rhythm games from companies like Konami and Bandai Namco use online systems. Players typically scan a card or enter a code to log into their personal profile, which is stored on a remote server. This allows them to save unlockable characters, custom vehicles, detailed statistics, and game progress, accessible on any linked machine.

Internally, many arcade PCBs include non-volatile memory (like EEPROM) that can store machine-specific settings, audit data, and, in some cases, limited player state information for the duration of a game session. While not a long-term profile, this allows for "continue" features after inserting more credits.

In summary, while classic arcades saved little more than initials, modern systems use memory cards and sophisticated online networks to create persistent, personalized player profiles, fundamentally changing the arcade experience from a single-session event to an ongoing journey.