Arcade PCBs: CPS-1, CPS-2 & MVS
Arcade PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) like CPS-1, CPS-2, and MVS are hardware platforms developed for arcade games. CPS-1 and CPS-2, created by Capcom, powered classic titles such as Street Fighter II, offering advanced graphics and sound for their time. The MVS (Multi Video System) by SNK allowed arcade operators to run multiple Neo Geo games from a single board, making it highly versatile and popular in arcades worldwide.
Arcade PCBs: CPS-1, CPS-2 & MVS
Arcade PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) like CPS-1, CPS-2, and MVS are hardware platforms developed for arcade games. CPS-1 and CPS-2, created by Capcom, powered classic titles such as Street Fighter II, offering advanced graphics and sound for their time. The MVS (Multi Video System) by SNK allowed arcade operators to run multiple Neo Geo games from a single board, making it highly versatile and popular in arcades worldwide.
💡 Key Takeaways
- Understand what CPS-1, CPS-2, and MVS are and their roles in arcade gaming history.
- Compare the design differences across these PCBs, including graphics, sound, and protection features.
- Identify iconic games associated with each platform and how hardware choices shaped gameplay and visuals.
- Explore how arcade PCBs influenced retro gaming preservation and emulation.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is an arcade PCB and what does it do?
An arcade PCB (printed circuit board) is the core hardware that runs an arcade game, housing the CPU, memory, graphics, and sound components on a single board inside a cabinet.
What does CPS-1 refer to and who produced it?
CPS-1 stands for Capcom Play System 1, Capcom’s early arcade hardware used for titles like Street Fighter II, delivering game logic, graphics, and audio on a dedicated board.
How is CPS-2 different from CPS-1?
CPS-2 (Capcom Play System 2) is the successor with improved graphics and encryption to deter piracy. It uses a different board and ROMs, so CPS-1 and CPS-2 games aren’t interchangeable.
What is SNK's MVS and how does it work?
MVS (Multi Video System) is SNK’s multi-game arcade system that uses a backplane and cartridge boards. Operators swap games by changing cartridges, allowing multiple titles in one cabinet.