COLLECTING: JUST ADD QUARTERS

Who needs an arcade down the block when you can set up one in your home? Old-school machines from the'80s are hot again among collectors. "There isn't a day that goes by that I don't play something," says Pete Wanko, 36, who keeps 17 big arcade games like Centipede in his basement. Ready to join? Start your search at klov.com, the IMDb for players, with titles, photos and dates. Then you'll need to pull a Mario and start collecting your coins. A new reissue includes Galaga and Ms. Pac-Man in a single cabinet (from $2,875; bmigaming.com). But used is the way most collectors go. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade game (above) from 1989 sells for $1,695 at vintagearcade.net. A few caveats: If you buy sight unseen, don't forget the warranty. Arcade games drop in value if they've been dented. And even if you find a great deal, add a few hundred more to cover shipping. Too bad Donkey Kong won't help with the lifting.

© 2005