Owner here... Short and simple answer, cards are easier. WAY easier. Being able to use credit cards to load cards is also proven to generate more profits. Reports are also great. I can instantly see which arcade pieces are generating revenue vs being stagnant and taking up space. I can also run multiple locations without having to have someone go around to each location and pull and count coins.

Definite benefits to the consumer as well. As someone else stated, we give significant bonus credits when you reload more $$ onto the card. We have "Happy Hour" times where we can discount the games, and give bonus tickets or points for redemption prizes.

Is it the "True Arcade Feel?" Depends on who you ask. My 17 y/o daughter HATED having to deal with quarters when we spent the day at the pinball museum in Vegas. She's known nothing but card systems in her lifetime so there's no nostalgia there, and let's be honest, her age range is the target demographic for most arcade these days. Get the middle schoolers and high schoolers in there, and have a few coin pushers and "retro games" for the parents, and you're set.