I'm limited by space (aren't we all!) and cost. I read up on what the most likely games are to be played repetitively by people. Because let's face it, I'm spending more time trying to get the games running and going than actual time me playing them (oh it must be nice to buy a restored game already functioning and bullet-proofed!).
So if I'm getting a game, I'm gonna wanna hopefully see someone else enjoy it!
But there are games that would AMAZING to have, but I don't think I could justify the space, even if just looking at it would be cool.
1. Air hockey. There was a cool Pac Man themed one where it would shoot out a whole buncha pucks. I would have to get ride of 3 games to even make it feasible... I bet if I had one, I would play it, and then eventually people (including me would put stuff one it as a "temporary" table, and then we would clean it off when people would come over only to play it for 20 min.
2. Fighting games. Ugh, I want one, but it's unlikely I'm going to find people to play it other than button mashing here and there. I only know Scorpian's move in MK, so my son would undoubtedly learn to block it and proceed to kick my butt for eternity because I won't have the time (nor the reflexes!) to learn how to beat him. I know Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 because of the Dreamcast, and that would be neat with everyone knowing Marvel characters now, but I don't have any sentimental attachment as an arcade game. I wish MK and Mvs.C2 had the same button layout... you could probably convince me then...
3. An airplane game. Afterburner or Mach Storm(!) Would love one, but I think it's all the same levels with enemies in the same spots. So people would be playing it by themselves and then the novelty might wear off. But just looking at it would be worth the cost of admission! Anytime that was at an arcade I would think, cool!
4. Redemption games. I think one would be fun to fix up, but parts and space are the first factor. The other thing is would the novelty wear off on a wack-a-mole or arm wrestling machine?