Game Hardware Weights
All weights on this page are in grams (g).
Important: The figures below were originally compiled partly with shipping in mind, and may therefore include an estimate for packing materials. They should be treated as useful approximate weights rather than laboratory measurements unless otherwise stated.
This information originally appeared on the Swedish and English Japandeal websites and was reproduced on the Arcade Otaku wiki with the permission of our friends in Sweden.
Special thanks to Johan and Blomman from Japandeal, Krister P Svensson for the IGS information, and original author Tomas Dahlgren (UncleTom).
About this list
The page contains approximate weights for arcade:
- System boards
- Cartridges
- ROM boards
- Optical-drive hardware
- I/O boards
- Complete game PCBs
- Associated cables and accessories
Where an original weight was uncertain, the uncertainty has been retained rather than replacing it with an estimate.
Figures marked with ? or ~ should therefore be treated with particular caution.
The explanatory notes attached to some systems originate from the original Japandeal reference and reflect practical experience with the hardware.
Cartridge and modular systems
Sega ST-V
Sega ST-V (Sega Titan Video)
- Video: 15 kHz
- Wiring: JAMMA
- Related hardware: Sega Saturn
The ST-V is closely related to the Sega Saturn home console and is capable of both 2D and polygon-based games.
Region is determined by the installed BIOS. Some titles require a compatible regional BIOS; for example, Sando-R / Treasure Hunt requires the Japanese BIOS.
The battery on the motherboard stores scores and system settings.
When inserting a cartridge, support the motherboard from underneath to avoid excessive PCB flex. An additional PCB support beneath the cartridge connector can help.
When removing a cartridge, release the plastic cartridge retaining mechanism before pulling the cartridge upwards.
If a cartridge fails to boot or produces an error, one of the first things to check is the cartridge connector. Carefully clean the contacts with isopropyl alcohol and a soft lint-free cloth or cotton swab.
| Component | Approx. weight |
|---|---|
| Cartridge | 230 g |
| Motherboard | 1100 g |
Sega NAOMI / NAOMI 2
- Video: 15 kHz / VGA 31 kHz
- Interface: JVS
- JAMMA operation possible with an appropriate I/O interface
NAOMI is closely related to Sega's Dreamcast architecture, although the arcade hardware provides additional resources.
NAOMI games are compatible with NAOMI 2 hardware, but NAOMI 2 games do not run on a standard NAOMI motherboard.
When removing a cartridge, grip the cartridge by its sides and pull upwards evenly.
When inserting one, check its orientation carefully and do not force it into the connector.
| Component | Approx. weight |
|---|---|
| Cartridge | 440 g |
| Motherboard with I/O and cabling | 3200 g |
| NAOMI motherboard | 1700 g |
| NAOMI 2 motherboard | 1800 g |
| I/O + cabling | 1000 g |
| Communication board | 300 g |
NAOMI / NAOMI 2 GD-ROM
- Video: 15 kHz / VGA 31 kHz
- Interface: JVS
- JAMMA operation possible with an appropriate I/O interface
A NAOMI GD-ROM game normally consists of the optical disc together with its corresponding security device.
The security device is specific to the game and should remain with its matching software.
A compatible BIOS is required for GD-ROM operation; the original reference specifies revision D or later.
GD-ROM operation also requires the appropriate DIMM board and associated cabling.
NAOMI 2 software does not operate on a standard NAOMI motherboard.
| Component | Approx. weight |
|---|---|
| Disc + security device in case | 160 g |
| Motherboard + I/O system + cable | ~3200 g |
| GD-ROM drive | 1200 g |
| DIMM board | 700 g |
| Cables | ~300 g |
| Capcom converter + cable | 980 g |
Neo Geo MVS
- Video: 15 kHz
- 1-slot boards: generally JAMMA
- Multi-slot boards: MVS wiring standard
Neo Geo MVS cartridges are designed to be easily interchangeable.
Regional behaviour is normally determined by the system BIOS rather than by different physical cartridge versions.
If a cartridge fails to boot, clean the cartridge contacts and motherboard cartridge connector before assuming the game itself is faulty.
Use isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth or cotton swab. Avoid aggressive polishing unless severe oxidation makes additional cleaning necessary.
Important: most one-slot MVS motherboards use a JAMMA-style interface, while 2-, 4- and 6-slot boards use the SNK MVS wiring standard, which differs particularly in the audio connections.
See HardMVS for further hardware information.
| Component | Approx. weight |
|---|---|
| Cartridge | 480 g |
| Cartridge as part of a kit | 650 g |
| Small MV1FZ motherboard | 750 g |
| Small motherboard | 750 g |
| Medium motherboard (A) | 1100 g |
| Medium motherboard (B) | 1600 g |
| Medium/large plastic-cased motherboard | Unknown |
| Large metal-cased motherboard | Unknown |
| 4-slot "small" motherboard | 2600 g |
| 4-slot motherboard | 3000 g |
| 6-slot motherboard | 4700 g |
Hyper Neo Geo 64
- Video: 15 kHz
- Wiring: JAMMA
The Hyper Neo Geo 64 uses substantial metal enclosures around both the system hardware and software cartridges.
This makes it one of the heavier cartridge-based systems in the list.
| Component | Approx. weight |
|---|---|
| Cartridge | 1600 g |
| Motherboard | ~5300 g |
Taito F3
- Video: 15 kHz
- Wiring: JAMMA
The Taito F3 uses a cartridge-style game system consisting of a common motherboard and interchangeable game cartridges.
Regional configuration is associated with both the cartridge software and physical cartridge/motherboard keying.
The original reference notes that the cartridge keys can be physically altered, while language or regional software differences may involve EPROM changes.
The system stores settings in EEPROM rather than using a battery for normal configuration retention.
Do not adjust the small motherboard potentiometer as a sound-volume control. It is associated with internal board voltage adjustment.
After changing cartridges, some configurations may require use of the TEST button during the initial start-up.
The cooling fan positioned between the cartridge and motherboard should also be operating correctly. It should move air through the gap between the two assemblies.
| Component | Approx. weight |
|---|---|
| Cartridge | 990 g |
| Motherboard | 850 g |
Capcom CPS-2
- Video: 15 kHz
- Wiring: JAMMA
Capcom CPS-2 consists of:
- A-board — common motherboard
- B-board — game board/cartridge
The original reference notes the relatively heavy construction of the CPS-2 B-board compared with many contemporary cartridge systems.
Original CPS-2 boards use battery-backed security hardware. Boards should therefore be treated according to the appropriate CPS-2 preservation and security guidance rather than assuming all surviving examples remain in their original battery-backed configuration.
| Component | Approx. weight |
|---|---|
| B-board / game board | 1720 g |
| A-board / motherboard | 1650 g |
Other system hardware
| System | Component / notes | Approx. weight |
|---|---|---|
| Atomiswave | Motherboard | 1490 g |
| Atomiswave | Cartridge | 160 g |
| Capcom CPS-1 | Complete board / configuration varies | ~1000–1900 g |
| Giga Wing | PCB | 1750 g |
| CPS-1.5 / QSound | Complete board | ~1000–2800 g |
| Tenchi wo Kurau II / Warriors of Fate | PCB | 2800 g |
| Capcom CPS-3 | Complete system | 1890 g |
| Namco System 246 | I/O PCB + cables | 270 g |
| Sega Model 2 | Without metal cage; weight varies with ROM population and link board | 2950 g |
| Sega Model 3 | Typical configuration | 2650 g |
| Sega Model 3 | Without link PCB | 2400 g |
| Konami M2 | Complete system in metal enclosure with CD drive | 5300 g |
| Konami GX | System board + ROM board | 1090 g |
| Konami System 573 | System unit + CD drive | 4900 g |
| Nintendo / Seta hardware | Hardware | 690 g |
| Nintendo / Seta hardware | Game cartridge | 140 g |
| SPI | Motherboard | 590 g |
| SPI | Cartridge | 450 g |
| Kaneko Super Nova | Motherboard | 590 g |
| Kaneko Super Nova | Cartridge | 290 g |
| Taito G-NET | Motherboard | 910 g |
| Taito G-NET | Game card | 70 g |
| IGS | Motherboard | 760 g |
| IGS | Cartridge | 480 g |
| Jaleco Mega System 32 | Motherboard | 1050 g |
| Jaleco Mega System 32 | Cartridge | 880 g |
| Triforce | Motherboard + DIMM | 4450 g |
| Taito Type X | Main unit | 5800 g |
| Taito Type X | Game HDD | 1200 g |
Individual PCB weights
The following figures are principally useful when estimating storage or shipping weight.
Because PCB revisions, protective plates, cages, daughterboards and packaging can vary, these should be treated as approximate.
| Game / PCB | Approx. weight |
|---|---|
| 1943 | 2400 g |
| Aero Fighters | 1050 g |
| Ajax | 840 g |
| Avengers in Galactic Storm | 970 g |
| Bal Cube | 540 g |
| Battle Bakraid | 600 g |
| Bells & Whistles | 600 g |
| Black Tiger | 1430 g |
| Blade Master | 1430 g |
| Blaze On | 510 g |
| Brave Blade | 690 g |
| Bomb Jack | 2350 g |
| Bucky O'Hare | 710 g |
| Cadash | 790 g |
| Camups Crockis | 1620 g |
| Capcom CPS-1.5 / CPS QSound | 2850 g |
| Capcom CPS-1 Quiz '95 | 1750 g |
| Carrier Air Wing | 1290 g |
| Centipede — smaller board | 680 g |
| Crude Buster | 1040 g |
| Change Air Blade | 1180 g |
| D. D. Crew | 1240 g |
| Daitoride / Fortress of Tile III | 680 g |
| Dancing Eyes | 590 g |
| Diet Go Go | 590 g |
| DJ Boy | 630 g |
| DonPachi | 590 g |
| DoDonPachi | 770 g |
| DoDonPachi III | 1590 g |
| Dream 9 | 590 g |
| Espgaluda | 350 g |
| Espgaluda II | 270 g |
| ESP Coated | 730 g |
| Exerion | 1180 g |
| Exvania | 560 g |
| Fighter's History | 720 g |
| FixEight | 560 g |
| Flame Gunner — Sony ROM only | 310 g |
| Flying Shark | 1180 g |
| Go Go Mile Smile | 750 g |
| Gals Panic 3 | 1050 g |
| Gaplus | 980 g |
| Gold Medalist | 1040 g |
| Golden Axe 2: Roda | 1340 g |
| Gradius IV — Konami Hornet | 6400 g |
| Gunforce | 1310 g |
| Gussun Oyoyo | 850 g |
| Gunpey | 340 g |
| Guwange | 390 g |
| Heated Barrel | 740 g |
| Ibara | 270 g |
| In the Hunt | 1320 g |
| Jaleco Mega System | 1780 g |
| Ketsui | 390 g |
| KiKi KaiKai — original | 710 g |
| Konami GX ROM board | 470 g |
| Labyrinth Runner | 470 g |
| Lady Killer | 680 g |
| Lode Runner: The Dig Fight | 630 g |
| Macross Plus | 990 g |
| Magic Sword — CPS-1 | 1170 g |
| Magical Tetris Mickey | 580 g |
| Major Title 2 | 1380 g |
| Meikiyujima | 860 g |
| Mercs — CPS-1 | 1570 g |
| Midnight Resistance | 1040 g |
| Mohja | 460 g |
| Monkey Ball + panel + banana | 2150 g |
| Moon Patrol | 1680 g |
| Mr. Driller G | 490 g |
| Mushihime | 270 g |
| Mystic Riders | 1380 g |
| Namco Classics Vol. 2 | 380 g |
| NebulasRay | 950 g |
| The NewZealand Story | 560 g |
| Ninja Baseball Bat Man | 1390 g |
| The Outfoxies | 980 g |
| Pink Sweets | 270 g |
| Plotting | 290 g |
| Poitto! | 590 g |
| Psycho-Nics Oscar | 850 g |
| Pururun | 570 g |
| Puyo Puyo | 550 g |
| Puyo Puyo II | 270 g |
| Quarth | 670 g |
| Qix | 1880 g |
| R-Type | 1790 g |
| R-Type Leo | 1390 g |
| Rabio Lepus | 1280 g |
| Raiden II | 710 g |
| Raiden DX | 610 g |
| Raiden Fighters | 920 g |
| Raiden Fighters 2 — small motherboard | 790 g |
| Raiden Fighters 2 cartridge | 350 g |
| Rainbow Islands | 770 g |
| Rally Bike | 860 g |
| Rally-X — double board | 1020 g |
| RayStorm | 730 g |
| Rod Land | 1290 g |
| Rohga: Armor Force | 940 g |
| Saint Dragon | 1410 g |
| Salamander 2 | 1170 g |
| Sentei Beat / Centipede | 650 g |
| Sexy Parodius | 1040 g |
| Skull Fang | 930 g |
| Slap Shot | 910 g |
| Soldam | 1270 g |
| Space Bomber | 460 g |
| Space Invaders DX | 710 g |
| Star Trine | 520 g |
| Storm Blade | 1280 g |
| Strato Fighter | 1540 g |
| Street Smart | 1160 g |
| Strikers 1945 II | 410 g |
| Sunset Riders | 640 g |
| Super Bishi Bashi | 760 g |
| Super Contra | 1420 g |
| Tanto-R | 490 g |
| Tekken 3 | 780 g |
| Tenchi wo Kurau II — CPS-1.5 / QSound | 2840 g |
| Tetris Plus 2 | 1810 g |
| Tohgenkyoh | 470 g |
| Tora e no Michi | 1490 g |
| Trojan | 1570 g |
| Truxton / Tatsujin | 850 g |
| Truxton II / Tatsujin Oh | 570 g |
| Twin Cobra | 1360 g |
| Uo Poko | 350 g |
| V-V / Grind Stormer | 440 g |
| Valkyrie no Densetsu | 1910 g |
| Varth — CPS-1.5 / CPS QSound | 1290 g |
| Vasara 2 | 1040 g |
| Volfied | 1040 g |
| Wizard of Wor | 780 g |
| Xevious 3D | 580 g |
| Zero Team | 730 g |
Contributing additional weights
Additional verified weights are welcome.
When adding a new entry, it is useful to specify exactly what was weighed, for example:
- Bare PCB
- PCB with metal plate
- Cartridge only
- Complete motherboard
- Motherboard plus I/O
- Complete boxed kit
Where possible, weigh the hardware without shipping materials and note this explicitly.
If a measurement includes packaging, protective plates, cables or other accessories, state this in the description so that later users can compare figures meaningfully.
Credits and provenance
The original version of this reference was compiled by Tomas Dahlgren (UncleTom) and published through Japandeal.
The Arcade Otaku wiki reproduction was made with the permission of the original Japandeal contributors.
Special thanks to:
- Tomas Dahlgren (UncleTom) — original author
- Johan — Japandeal
- Blomman — Japandeal
- Krister P Svensson — IGS information
The original source pages are preserved here for attribution: