There's No One-Size-Fits-All Answer
You're probably reading this because someone in your company asked you to "get something fun for the break room" or "add some gym equipment." Maybe it's a request from HR, maybe it's a VP who read a wellness article. Either way, you're the one who has to make it work within budget, space, and—most importantly—get people to actually use whatever you buy.
After 5 years of managing office amenities for a 300-person company across two locations, I've learned that the best choice depends entirely on your company culture, physical constraints, and what your employees actually want. Here's how I break it down into three common scenarios.
Scenario A: Stress Relief & Social Bonding (The "Fun Room")
Your team works long hours. They need a way to decompress without leaving the building. Maybe you've already got a ping pong table, but it's gathering dust because not everyone plays. What about something that appeals to a wider range of ages and interests?
Arcade cabinets are making a comeback in offices. A Namco machine—like an original Pac-Man or Galaga cabinet—isn't just nostalgia; it's a conversation starter. If you're on a tighter budget, consider the Namco Museum Arcade Pac for Nintendo Switch. It packs dozens of classic games into one cartridge, and all you need is a Switch console hooked up to a TV. The downside? It's not as tactile as a real cabinet. But for $30–50 (game price) vs. $2,000–5,000 for a full arcade machine, it's a trade-off worth considering.
For a more modern twist, the Stranger Things video game (available on most platforms) taps into pop culture and works well if your team is into storytelling or collaboration. Two people can play through the campaign together, which builds natural team bonding.
"We ordered a retro Namco cabinet for our Chicago office in 2022. Usage was heavy for two months, then dropped off. But the day the Stranger Things season 4 trailer dropped, people started playing the game again for weeks. Timing matters." – Admin Buyer, 2024
Key advice: If your goal is short-term engagement or a visible "wow factor," arcade games are a great bet. But don't expect daily use; plan for peaks and valleys.
Scenario B: Health & Fitness (The Mini-Gym)
Maybe your company is focused on wellness incentives. You're looking for equipment that gets people moving during lunch breaks or between meetings. Rowing machines and ellipticals are popular choices because they're low-impact and relatively quiet.
The Sunny rowing machine (Sunny Health & Fitness offers several models) is a solid mid-range option. A magnetic resistance rower costs around $300–600, while air rowers (like Concept2) run $900+. For an office setting, I'd recommend the magnetic type—it's quieter and maintenance-free. Our company bought two Sunny rowers in 2023, and they've held up well with daily use.
Now, what about an elliptical? Everyone asks: What is elliptical machine good for? It's a cross-trainer that simulates walking or running without joint impact. Great for people who want a cardio workout without the noise of a treadmill. A basic front-drive elliptical from a brand like Sunny or Schwinn costs $500–1,000. But in an office environment, you'll want something with a sturdy frame and maybe a small footprint. The Sunny SF-E905 is a compact option at about $350.
I've got to be honest: the surprise wasn't the cost—it was how much hidden maintenance comes with ellipticals. Belt tension adjustments, squeaky pedals, and occasional electrical issues. With rowing machines, it's mostly just cleaning. So if you have a small maintenance team, rowers are easier.
Scenario C: The Hybrid Approach (Limited Space, Dual Purpose)
You have one room—maybe a conference room after hours—that needs to serve both as a break area and a fitness zone. This is the trickiest scenario because you can't put a rowing machine next to a TV without people tripping over each other.
My recommendation: pick one primary activity and keep everything else minimal. If the vibe is more social, get a digital game setup like a Switch with Namco Museum Arcade Pac and Stranger Things video game. Pair it with a single piece of quiet cardio, like the Sunny rowing machine (it folds up if you get the folding model). The elliptical is bulkier and harder to store.
Alternatively, if fitness is the priority, skip the arcade entirely and invest in two machines: one rower and one elliptical. Use the wall space for a TV with streaming services, but don't add game consoles—it's a distraction from the workout zone.
"When we consolidated our office spaces in 2024, we had to cut half the break room. I chose a rowing machine and a Switch dock with controllers. I've seen people use the rower for 10 minutes, then jump into a few rounds of Mario Kart. It covers both needs, but it's not perfect for either." – Admin Buyer, 2 years on the job
How to Know Which Scenario You Are
Here's a quick framework I use when evaluating requests:
- Ask your employees: Send a 1-question survey: "If we added one thing to the break room, what would you want?" (Options: arcade game, video game console, rowing machine, elliptical, other). The answers are usually clear.
- Measure your space: An arcade cabinet is about 2' × 3' floor space. A rowing machine needs about 8' length (or 6' for folding). An elliptical needs 6' × 2.5' and ceiling height. Take measurements.
- Check your culture: Are people already using the existing gym membership subsidy? If not, adding in-office equipment might be wasted. Better to go with games.
- Budget constraints: If the request comes from a leader who wants a quick win, the Switch + Namco Museum is the cheapest way to deliver visible improvement (under $500 total including a TV if you already have one). If the request is part of a wellness program, expect to spend $1,000–2,000 for quality fitness gear.
Final thought: People think the most expensive option delivers the best experience. Actually, the best option is the one that gets used consistently. An $800 rowing machine used twice a week by three people is better value than a $3,000 arcade cabinet that's ignored after a month. That said, quality matters: when I switched from a budget elliptical (under $300) to a mid-range Sunny model, usage increased 40% and complaints about noise dropped to zero. The investment in quality reinforced our brand as a company that cares about employee experience.
This pricing was accurate as of January 2025. Prices change frequently, so verify current rates before purchasing. The market for both fitness and gaming equipment evolves quickly—I've seen models discontinued within a year.
