These days, a lot of people are starting to equip their houses with game rooms that include various fun games such as darts, ping pong, pool, foosball, and more. However, not everyone has a large enough game room to fit that many games in one place. This is why multi-game tables are becoming more and more popular. Most of the best multi-game tables won’t compromise on the quality of the individual games and will deliver the full experience. In terms of included games, almost all tables will have ping pong, pool, and foosball, while some other more expensive models will come with an air hockey playfield.
I’ve done my research and found 12 tables that come equipped with many of these popular games. Some of these tables are a better fit for smaller children, while other models will work best for older children, teens, and adults. Each of these tables is well-built and comes with all of the accessories you’ll need to play each of the included games. Below, you’ll find a brief comparison chart that includes some important specs for each of the tables, so you can easily measure up the similarities and differences between them to make your final choice that much easier!
Mutli-Game Tables Comparison Chart
Product | Games | Length | Accessories Included | Our Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
Best Choice Products 10-in-1 | Air hockey, Foosball, Chess, Pool, Checkers, cards, Mini bowling, Backgammon, Shuffle bowl, Ping pong | 48 inches | Yes | |
MD Sports Multi-Game Set | Air hockey, Foosball, Ping Pong, Pool | 54 inches | Yes | |
ESPN 4-in-1 Table | Air hockey, Basketball, Ping Pong, Pool | 72 inches | Yes | |
Best Choice Products 4-in-1 | Air hockey, Foosball, Ping Pong, Pool | 32 inches | Yes | |
Hathaway BG1131M Triad | Air hockey, Ping Pong, Pool | 48 inches | Yes | |
Giantex Multi Game Table | Air hockey, Foosball, Ping Pong, Pool | 32 inches | Yes | |
Hathaway Spartan 6-ft | Pool, Ping Pong | 72 inches | Yes | |
Triumph 4-in-1 Table | Air Hockey, Billiards, Ping Pong, Launch Football | 48 inches | Yes | |
Atomic Hampton 3-in-1 | Billiards, Ping Pong | 84 inches | Yes | |
Triumph Phoenix | Billiards, Ping Pong | 84 inches | Yes | |
Lancaster 4-in-1 Table | Bowling, Hockey Ping Pong Pool | 54 inches | Yes | |
MD Sports 12-in-1 Table | Air hockey, Foosball, Chess, Pool, Checkers, dice, Mini bowling, Backgammon, Air soccer, Ping pong Archery Stick hockey | 48 inches | Yes |
Best Overall – Best Choice Products 10-in-1 Combo Game Table Set
Best Choice Products is a brand that has been on top of most charts for a few years now. They make all sorts of arcade games as well as pool, foosball, ping pong, and air hockey tables. The reason their products are so appealing is that they are budget-friendly, perform well, and aren’t very bad quality-wise. Their 10-in-1 Combo Game Table Set is ideal for all game rooms and is going to bring you tons of fun moments thanks to its diverse set of included games.
The table itself isn’t very big which makes it quite practical for smaller rooms or people that don’t have a specific game room in their house. Being 48 inches long and 25 inches wide, it will fit in most living rooms and can even be stored fairly easily. Weighing just under 60 pounds it won’t be too hard to carry around either.
Each individual game is interchangeable with the others on top of the table. However, the bottom-most layer is actually the pool and the top attachment you can place is the foosball. This means that all other game surface options are stacked between those two when you aren’t using the game. That design really saves you a lot of space however it will take you a minute to remove the foosball top layer and choose the game you’re going to play.
The games included in this 10-in-1 table are – air hockey, foosball, chess, pool, checkers, cards, mini bowling, backgammon, shuffle bowl, and ping pong. Accessories-wise, you get everything that you will need for all the games here. This includes nets, paddles, pucks, pool balls and sticks, cards, dice, and even a cleaning brush for the pool. All in all, this is perhaps one of the best all-in-one solutions you can buy for your kids without breaking the bank or missing out on any of the games!
Pros
- Includes 10 different games
- Easy to setup
- Has 4 leg levelers
- Perfect for kids
- Great value for its money
- Includes all accessories
- Non-slip footing
Cons
- The air hockey board isn’t air powered
- Not very stable if adults play on it
Best 4-in-1 Table – MD Sports Multi-Game Combination Table Set
The MD Sports Multi-game Combination Table Set is a versatile, decently priced, and solidly built multi-game table that is perfect for kids of all ages. The table includes four different games – foosball, air hockey, pool, and table tennis. Each individual game comes with its accessories included in the box which is a great touch as you won’t have to wait for extra items in case you want this as a gift.
The table’s design and construction are some of the best in this price class. Everything is made out of meal, solid wood, PVC, and MDF. If your kids are a bit more energetic, this will have the durability behind it to withstand years of constant use. Unfortunately, it isn’t geared towards adults, so have that in mind if you plan on using it with your friends. The table itself can be set up easily and assembly can be done by a single person, although two people doing it would be the easiest way. In terms of time, it won’t take more than an hour.
When assembled, the table weighs 80 lbs and has a length of 54 inches. This makes it one of the heavier tables in this price class, resulting in better overall stability and durability. Speaking of stability, there are four circular and big leg levelers at each leg which help with keeping the table stable and level.
If the 54-inch version is too big for you, you can always opt for the smaller 48-inch versions. They have more games in them and are cheaper, making them an even better deal if you want to surprise your kids. As a whole, this is an ideal package for someone that isn’t on a tight budget and is looking after these four specific games in particular.
Pros
- Perfect for kids of all ages
- Includes 4 individual games
- All accessories included
- Solid wood frame
- Sturdy construction
- Assembly is easy and fast
- Has leg levelers
Cons
- Customer support isn’t easy to work with
- Table’s long-term durability record isn’t great
- A bit expensive compared to other similarly sized tables
Best Rotating Multi-Game Table – ESPN Multi-Game 4-in-1 Table
This full-sized table comes with hover hockey, billiards, table tennis, and finger shoot basketball. Like the other tables in this list, this model also comes with all of the accessories you’ll need to play each of these games. In addition to that, it has built-in storage, a swivel design that makes switching one playing surface out for another a fast and easy process, and dimensions that make this model perfect for older kids, teens, and adults.
The swivel design is actually one of the standout features of this table. On one side, you have a pool table surface, while on the other you have air hockey. And while the air hockey isn’t air-powered, the rechargeable puck does mimic the feel of a real air hockey puck to an extent. The other two games can be added as additional surfaces fairly easily. Thanks to the larger surface area, these games become even more enjoyable and can be played by the whole family and not just the kids.
Unlike the other tablets on this list, the ESPN multi-game table is extremely sturdy. It is also one of the few full-sized options here with a length of 72 inches. This makes it suitable for both kids and adults. The only downside to all that is that the table is quite expensive. On top of that, it is also somewhat hard to assemble and you will need help to do that. Due to its large weight, it isn’t as practical as some lighter tables, especially when it comes to moving it around. All in all, if you can spend a little extra and want the cream of the crop, this should be on top of your shortlist!
Pros
- Innovative design
- Great build quality
- Full-sized
- Great for kids and adults
- Innovative air hockey puck
- Includes 4 games
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- Very expensive
- Somewhat difficult to assemble
- Bulky and hard to move around
Best Budget Option – Best Choice Products 4-in-1 Multi-Game Table
This Best Choice Products 4-in-1 table comes with a total of four games including table tennis, foosball, hockey, and billiards. The table’s design places it close to the ground, which makes it a better choice for smaller children. However, you can always place it on top of a kitchen table to make it easier for teen and adult use. Tabletop game tables are making a comeback recently mainly due to their practical design and lower price tags. They can be played by kids on the ground or placed on a sturdy kitchen table.
This package includes all of the accessories needed to play each of these games such as pool cues, billiard balls, pucks, strikers, and a net. This is a great thing to have since you won’t have to buy all of these accessories in addition to the table.
The table’s lightweight design is also one of its standout features. That will allow you to pick up the table and store it in the spare closet once the kids are done with it for the day. When it’s left out, it won’t take up much floor space, so it’s perfect for apartment dwellers and smaller homes. The larger foosball table attachment will add more height to the table which can make it easier for older kids and adults to play thanks to the added stability. The attachment itself will lock securely in place and will not budge when in use.
Overall, this is a solidly built little table that the kids will love and parents will appreciate. It doesn’t cost an arm and a leg like some other multi-game tables, and is extremely practical and easy to use, securing its top spot on my list!
Pros
- Ideal for younger kids
- Budget-friendly
- All accessories are included
- 4 different games
- Easy to swap between games
- High-quality MDF frame
- Great for smaller rooms
Cons
- Somewhat hard to assemble
- Not great for older kids and adults
Best 3-in-1 Option – Hathaway BG1131M Triad 3-in-1 Multi-Game Table
The Hathaway BG1131M Triad is a compact and practical 3-in-1 multi-game table. Due to its small dimensions and somewhat cheaper price tag, it is geared more towards younger kids. The table includes ping pong, air hockey, and billiards. Coming from this particular brand, you know you can expect decent quality and good craftsmanship. However, this particular table has a notable disadvantage of having too few games on it.
While most other models in this class will include a foosball base, this table’s base is the pool and you can attach the air hockey and ping pong surfaces on top of it. Another thing that I don’t like is that the air hockey surface is more of a slide hockey since there is no air blower motor inside the table to keep the puck levitating.
It isn’t all negative, though. This table is well-made and comes with a 180-day manufacturer warranty that covers all sorts of issues. It also has a sturdy frame which, combined with its 50+ lbs of weight, provides quite a lot of stability for such a small game table. There are individual leg levelers are each end which further helps with keeping the game stable and flat. With the table, you also get all the accessories you will need for it – balls, pucks, cues, strikers, and paddles.
The assembly process is a one-man job and can be done in less than 30 minutes, so don’t worry if this arrives around Christmas day! In summary, this is a great present for your kids if you are on a tighter budget and want to get them more than just 1 game table at the price of most single-game models out there.
Pros
- Well-priced
- 180-day warranty
- Includes all needed accessories
- Sturdy construction
- Easy to switch between games
- Perfect for younger kids
Cons
- No blower motor for the air hockey
- Too small for adults and older teens
- Only 3 games
Best for Kids – Giantex Multi Game Table
The Giantex 4-in-1 Combination Gabe Table is a solid choice for people that are short on space and are on a tighter budget. It is a tabletop version of most other models on the market, making it extremely practical for small flats and kids who won’t mind playing on your living room’s carpet. This mini-game table is best suited for younger players, considering the table sits so close to the floor.
But while the table is clearly designed for child use, it’s impressively durable. It’s also highly portable, so you can pick it up at the end of the day and store it in a closet until the kids are ready for another round. Out of all the tables on this list, this one is the lightest, weighing in at just 22 pounds.
This table comes with four individual game options, including football, hockey, billiards, and table tennis. The bottom-most layer of the table is the pool while the ping pong and slide hockey games attach on top of that. Above all these games, you can put the foosball table surface which features a deep “full-sized” layer for the game. It features 6 individual lines of players, ball return systems, and abacus scoring systems above each goal.
Each of the games comes with the appropriate accessories, such as strikers and pucks, pool cues, a table tennis net, paddles, ping pong balls, and a large foosball attachment. The foosball attachment will lock securely in place and add six inches to the height of the table. Overall, I found that this table was a great buy for children ages three and up thanks to the table’s shorter stature, in addition to the included accessories that will easily fit in smaller hands. This is an excellent choice for the kids and thanks to the durable design you can be sure it lasts year after year.
You do get all the accessories needed for each of the games this multi-game table has. However, many of the included accessories are more or less geared for children than adults since they are quite small.
Pros
- Great price
- 4 different games
- Accessories included
- Durable construction
- Great for kids
- Easy to switch between games
- Made from non-toxic MDF board
Cons
- Can get easily damaged if used by adults frequently
- Short legs
- Quite small
- Not suitable for adults
- No blower motor for the air hockey
Best 2-in-1 – Hathaway Spartan 6-ft Pool & Table Tennis Multigame Table
The Hathaway Spartan is a semi full-sized multi-game table that only features two particular games – pool and table tennis. While the amount of games here is fairly limited, the table does these two games better than most other models in its price range. And speaking of price, for what you get here, this is also one of the better deals out there since it saves you a ton of space by not having to get an additional ping pong table for your game room.
The main game here is obviously the pool since it requires depth, pocket space, and more. It is a 72 by 38-inch pool table which is felted and feels like the real thing. The cross-bar on the legs and frame adds a ton of stability for the table, while the adjustable feet help you level it properly for an uninterrupted game of pool. Across the whole top frame of the pool table, there are small magnets that help you with attaching the ping pong surface. It sticks right in its place and doesn’t move at all once put there.
With the Spartan multi-game table, you also get all of the accessories you will need. These include – a ping pong net, ping pong paddles, 2 ping pong balls, pool cue sticks, a full pool ball set, a racking triangle, and more. The table’s dimensions really make this perfect for your kids if you want them to grow with the table and enjoy it as they get older. The table is also sturdy and big enough to offer plenty of fun for adults too. In other words, if you’re after these two particular games, this one is a no-brainer!
Pros
- Great for kids and adults
- Large playing surface
- Comes with all the needed accessories
- Very sturdy
- Easy to level
- Fairly priced
Cons
- Only has two game options
- Not full-sized
- Hard to setup and move around
With Launch Football Included – Triumph 4-in-1 Rotating Swivel Multigame Table
The Triumph 4-in-1 rotating multigame table is a unique option coming from a reputable brand that has been on top of this niche for quite a while now. Despite its slightly higher price tag, this table offers quite a lot of practicality and versatility, especially if the games it offers are just the ones you’ve been looking for! There are four individual games here – billiards, launch football, table tennis, and air hockey. And while air hockey doesn’t have a blower motor to keep the puck levitating, the table still offers tons of fun for each of its game options.
The table’s design is quite unique and in a way – industrial. Its bolt-on assembly process makes it extremely easy to initially set up, making it a one-man job that takes less than an hour. However, it is a bit heavy so having an extra person to help around will make things even easier. Weighing at just under 70 pounds, it is also quite stable, especially for a small 48″ game table. This allows it to be played by both kids and adults without worrying too much about its durability or rigidity. The rotating mechanism works well but is an obvious weak spot for future mechanical issues. To level the table, you can use the four leg levelers at each end.
In terms of accessories, you get everything you need here. The billiards side of the table gets a pool brush for the felt surface, a racking triangle, a full set of balls, pool cue sticks, and two chalks. For the air hockey, you get two pucks and two paddles, and a few other accessories for the ping pong and launch football. As a whole, this is a great 4-in-1 alternative for someone who wants something a bit sturdier but also unique in its design and functionality!
Pros
- 4 individual games
- Includes launch football
- Sturdy frame
- Decent build-quality
- Ideal for kids and adults
- The initial setup is fairly simple
Cons
- No blower motor for the air hockey
- A bit expensive
- Heavier than similarily sized options
Best Premium – Atomic 7′ Hampton 3-in-1 Combination Table
The Atomic Hampton 3-in-1 combination table is something drastically different from everything else in this list. For starters, it is the only table here meant to also play the role of furniture in your living room. To do that, it has an amazing exterior design that lets it be a unique-looking dining table. To help with its functionality, the table comes with two benches. These benches also double as a dual storage compartment for your accessories. In terms of games, this table is primarily a billiards table with a ping-pong attachment top.
One of the most stunning features of this table is truly the way it looks. Moreover, the way this table is built is a further complement to its premium nature. The grey wood finish combined with the heavy-duty materials and craftsmanship creates a gorgeous-looking and durable appearance. All that build quality translates well into the price, making this one of the most expensive multi-game tables you can buy right now.
Due to the sheer size of the table installation isn’t easy either. It is a 2-person job at the very least and can take a few hours. The table is also very heavy, weighing 451 pounds combined with the benches. The benches’ lid is soft on top and is very comfortable to sit on.
The ping pong top is actually the top side of the table but flipped. With your Hampton, you will also get all the accessories you need including a pool table brush, chalk, cue sticks, a racking triangle, a full set of pool balls, and all the ping pong accessories including a net. While this table isn’t geared towards kids, it still is one of the best gifts yo can get for your family and will be enjoyed by you and your guests no matter if you eat on it or play a heated game of ping pong!
Pros
- Works as a gorgeous furniture
- Has full-sized ping-pong and pool games
- Two storage benches
- All the accessories are included
- Extremely well-built
- Very durable
- Easy to use
Cons
- Very hard to setup
- Weights a lot
- Not great for smaller game rooms
- Not ideal for kids due to large size
- No leg levelers
Best Full-Sized – Triumph Phoenix 84″ Billiard Table with Table Tennis Conversion Top
The Triumph Phoenix is another full-sized option for your family. Unlike the Atomic Hampton, it doesn’t double as a table for your living room. However, it is much cheaper and arguably offers the same gaming benefits. The table offers a full-sized billiards experience and also has a ping-pong tabletop. Also, again unlike the more expensive Hampton, this table feels and looks like it has been specifically designed for a game of pool. From the felt to the leg levelers and side profiles, the Phoenix will perform just as well at half the price.
Construction-wise, this table is very solid. Everything here is made out of solid wood and steel. It weighs around 220 lbs when fully assembled. Speaking of assembly, it will take some time to fully assemble it and you will need the help of a friend or two. Once set up, you can either play pool or put on the ping pong conversion top and just attach the net. All the accessories you will need for these two games will come with the table. This includes ping pong paddles, net, balls, as well as pool cues, triangle, a ball set, felt brush, and more.
Other than that, this game won’t offer you a lot more, which is one of the reasons people often look to other places for multi-game tables that offer at least 3 different sports. However, thanks to this table’s build quality and great-looking black finish, it manages to do what it does better than all other models in its price class. If you want a pool table that will also allow you to play ping pong and isn’t on a tight budget, put this on your shortlist!
Pros
- Very well-built
- Good looking black finish
- Sturdy construction
- Has leg levelers
- Comes with all needed accessories
- Great for large living rooms
Cons
- Only includes 2 games
- Hard to assemble
- Difficult to move around
- Not great for smaller kids
With Air Hockey Included – Lancaster 4-in-1 Arcade Game Table
The Lancaster 4-in-1 Arcade Game Table is a practical option if you’re looking for the specific games it offers. Built into it are games such as bowling, ping pong, billiards, pins, and air hockey. For its price, it is one of the good choices in this price range, especially if you’re looking for something with air hockey in its arsenal.
One of the things that I don’t like about this table is something that we see across the whole market – the air hockey doesn’t actually include a blower motor. Instead, it uses a puck that “hovers” magnetically over the surface, trying to mimic the feel of a real air hockey surface. Still, there is plenty to make up for that in this table.
The construction of this particular model is complex due to the rotating mechanism. Once set up this table is fairly easy to use as it only requires one turn of the table to completely change the game you’re playing. However, the assembly process is very hard and you will need at least a few extra hands to finish that. Once set up, the table has storage options for all of the accessories it comes with. And it does come with all the needed accessories for the games it has.
The table’s surface is another advantage. Thanks to its fairly large size, you can use this table both as a gift for your kids or as a fun way to kill time with your friends. The table is quite heavy and very stable when put in place. It has leg levelers to help level it properly for the pool games. All in all, it is a solid option for something who’s looking for a practical multi-game table that includes his favorite games!
Pros
- Includes 4 games
- Rotating table mechanism
- Has storage option for its accessories
- Comes with accessories
- Very stable in its place
- Easy to level
Cons
- Doesn’t have a blower motor for the air hockey game
- The rotating mechanism is prone to issues
- Difficult to assemble
Best 12-in-1 – MD Sports 12-in-1 Multi-Game Table
Last but definitely not least on this list is the MD Sports 12-in-1 Combo Multi-Game Table. Unlike all other models in my guide, this one comes with the whopping 12 games in its arsenal. So, I am going to say it right out of the gate – if you’re looking for something that just has it all and will provide your kids with endless amounts of fun, this is truly it. No other budget game table has that many options in such a practical form factor.
What’s even more shocking is that this table barely compromises in any field and costs as little as some 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 tables. Granted, it is quite smaller than some of its competitors, we have to remember it is primarily geared towards kids, so being huge isn’t that important. Its construction is easy to assemble and fairly stable, however, the table can shake a lot if you’re playing on some of the bottom layers removing most of its weight from it. To help with the stability, there is a reinforced leg design with a central lateral beam to support the legs. On each leg, you have leg levelers that help with keeping the table leveled.
As you might’ve already guessed, you get all the needed accessories for all of the games included here. And believe me, that’s a ton of accessories that you won’t have to buy additionally, which is a great plus. The games included here that come with their own accessories are – Air hockey, foosball, chess, pool, checkers, dice, mini bowling, backgammon, air soccer, ping pong, archery, stick hockey. And since there are plenty of games that aren’t reliant on the size of the table, adults can also join in on the fun. All that makes this one of the most entertaining multi-game tables on this list!
Pros
- Includes a ton of games
- Comes with all the accessories you need
- Fairly easy to setup
- Easy to swap between games
- Compact size
- Easy to move around
- Has leg levelers
Cons
- The durability and build quality aren’t great
- Not very stable
- Not really suitable for adults
- The air hockey isn’t air powered
Multi-Game Tables Buyer’s Guide
In a nutshell, multi-game tables will allow you to play a variety of games in one table. This will give you, your family, and friends a wide variety of games and activities to choose from while saving you space and money. The number of games in a single table tends to vary from brand to brand and model to model. Fortunately, due to the rise of popularity in these tables, there are more models to choose from now, more than ever.
These tables offer a variety of games you can play, based on what type of table you buy. Some will allow you to play a round of air hockey and can then be turned into a billiard table, so you can show your friends your shooting skills. Below, I’ll go over some of the main table combinations you’re bound to run into when you’re shopping around.
Table Designs
There are a few different styles of tables to choose from:
- Hybrid
- Flip
- Attachable top
Hybrid tables will combine both flip and attachable top configurations. You can use different attachable tops that can be placed onto the flip tops, giving users more variety in terms of game options.
On the other side, flip tables will have a couple of different game options on each side of the top, so switching from one game to the next is as easy as flipping over the tabletop.
Attachable tables will come equipped with a fixed top that’s designed for a specific game. It will come with other components and parts that are placed on top of a fixed surface, which will allow you to play another type of game.
Slide Hockey and Air Hockey
Most combination tables will feature air hockey as a game surface. This game requires a motor that’s used to blow air through the table’s perforated surface, allowing the puck to glide across the table. However, some of these tables will have low-powered motors, which can make it difficult for the puck to float smoothly and quickly. Moreover, there will be models that lack that motor as a whole. Instead, the table will offer slide hockey as an alternative. The big difference here is that the puck will move at a much slower speed since it will not float across a bed of air and instead will make constant contact with the table’s surface.
Foosball
If your table comes equipped with foosball, the manufacturer will have designed the table specifically for this game by attaching the core top. This game is much different from pool which is why most tables will have either pool or foosball, but not often both. Models that do offer both games will feature a large foosball attachment that will rest on the base of the table.
Pool
The next common game most tables offer is billiards. These tables feature an innovative design that allows players to enjoy a full-sized or mini-game of pool, based on the size of the table. Most sets will include billiard balls and pool cues.
Ping Pong
This game commonly appears in most multi-game tables and usually includes all the necessary equipment, including paddles, balls, and a net.
Game Options
As you can see, there are several types of tables to choose from that will come loaded with a combination of games that the whole family will love. But before you buy, consider what game combinations you’re really interested in, in addition to how much space you have to work with.
If space is an issue, these tables offer a solution, allowing you to play a variety of games in a single table. However, some full-sized models can still take up quite a bit of space. For games such as billiards and air hockey, you’ll still need some extra space to allow the players to move around freely on each side of the table.
Features to look for
There are a number of features that you should take into consideration when buying a new multi-game table. These are:
- Durability
- Extras
- Design
- Size
- Scoring Systems
- Blower
- Power options
- Leg Levers
- Price
Durability
You don’t want to spend a few hundred dollars on a table that’s going to start falling apart on you in a matter of months. When it comes to design, make sure you buy a table that’s built to last, and one that has the type of versatility you and your family are looking for. If you’re buying a table for the kids, make sure it has an easy-clean surface, since spills do happen.
Extras
Each table should come with the appropriate accessories, based on the type of games the table offers. As an example, if you can play air hockey on the table, then it should include pucks and strikers. If the table includes billiards, then it should come with pool sticks and billiard balls. The tables that made it onto my top six list all come with accessory packages. However, some of the accessories may need an upgrade.
Design
A good table should be sturdy and stable enough to remain in place without rocking, sliding, or wobbling as you play. If you need a table that you can move from one room to another at the end of the day, then you should also ensure it’s portable and features a lightweight design. Choose a table that’s made out of high-quality, durable materials that will last, not cheap particleboard
Size
When you’re shopping for a multi-game table, you’ll need to do your own research before you buy, especially if you’re looking for a table that can survive the kids. But aside from durability, you need to take into consideration what type of table you really need and want. Do you want a full-sized table so you can enjoy a traditional game of pool? There are full, mini, compact, and regulation-sized tables to choose from. Most models are smaller than arcade-style multi-game tables, so you won’t be dealing with enormous dimensions here, but there are some tables that are comparably large, which can be a problem if you don’t have much room to spare at home.
Scoring Systems
Does the table come with a manual slider to keep track of the score or does it come with an electronic scoring system? If it comes with an electronic scoreboard, then you can expect to pay more. However, these scoreboards can keep accurate track of scoring, so you don’t have to. If you’ve played arcade games before, then you can easily keep score on your own, but for many players, there’s just something about the bright lights and sound effects of an electronic scoreboard that can add a whole new element to a game.
Blower
As I mentioned earlier, some tables will come with a blower system for air hockey, while others will not. The addition of a blower system will also increase the price of the table but will allow you to play classic air hockey, just like the tables at your local arcade.
While slide hockey can still be a fun game to play with the kids, it’s not quite as challenging as a traditional game of air hockey. However, multi-game tables with this type of blower system are pretty rare. If you want the true gaming experience, then check out my guide on the best air hockey tables.
Power Options
If you choose a system with an electronic scoreboard or a blower system, then it will either be battery-powered or must be plugged into a standard electrical outlet. The problem with tables that are battery-powered is that you will end up going through batteries like you wouldn’t believe, even if you don’t use the table frequently. Obviously, an air hockey table with a battery-powered blower system will not be anywhere near as powerful as one that plugs directly into an outlet.
Leg Levelers
This feature is a must, in my opinion. A table equipped with leg levelers will allow you to adjust the height of the legs to accommodate shorter or taller players. It will also come in handy if the table is placed on an uneven surface. Fortunately, most high-quality tables will come equipped with this important feature.
Price
With a multi-game table, you’ll have to be careful when it comes to price. If you think you’re getting a great deal on a table, take a closer look at the overall quality of the table, how stable it is, what types of materials it’s made out of, and how it rated with other users. In most cases, you get what you pay for. If you’re looking for a table that will last, one that offers a pro-quality playing experience, then expect to pay more. But in the end, while the initial cost may be high, if you’re buying a table that’s designed to last, it will be worth every penny.
More Buying Tips
You’ve decided to buy a multi-game table, but have you thought about who’s going to use it the most? If the answer is you and your buddies, then you can opt for a higher-priced, top-quality model. However, if it’s a table for the kids, then you don’t want to drop hundreds of dollars on a table that’s going to have to withstand rough use. If both you and the kids will be using the table, then it may be worth it to buy a middle of the road model, one that’s moderately priced and loaded with the games you and the kids love, but it should also be able to handle spills, dings, and scratches.
- You don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a billiard combo table, only to have the green felt ruined in a matter of weeks.
- As I mentioned earlier, if you’re looking for a table that offers air hockey, then you’ll want to pay closer attention to the table’s surface when evaluating whether or not the table is a good choice for you and your family. Aside from the blower system, the quality of the surface can also have an impact on your playing experience. In many cases, when a combo game table gets negative feedback, it often has to do with the quality of the air hockey surface.
- Considering air hockey is the game that requires the most moving parts, this is understandable. Often, the issue with the table’s surface involves the airflow or lack thereof. Some tables will not have any airflow at all, or tables that do have very weak blower systems. If your very reason for buying a combo game table is to play air hockey, then you may be better off buying a dedicated air hockey table. To learn more, you can click here to read my guide on the best air hockey tables for kids.
- If you’re looking for a combo table to play ping pong or billiards, make sure you have enough room in your home to accommodate the extra space players will need, to serve or make difficult shots. Nothing can ruin a game faster than having to squeeze between the table and a wall to try and return a serve or make a shot. Shoot for at least three feet of space on each side of the table.
Upgrading Your Game Room
Buying a multi-game table for your family rec room is one way to create the perfect game room. However, you can also make some great upgrades that will help to pull the room together.
To start, if you’ve purchased a new table, check out whether or not it comes with any accessories you may want to upgrade, including pucks and strikers. Most avid air hockey fans will do this automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most commonly included games in multi-game tables?
Multi-game tables come in a variety of sizes and shapes, as well as a variety of games. Most commonly, you will find games such as ping pong, pool, and foosball on a multi-game table. The reason for that is because these games can be stacked well on top of each other. However, some tables take things to the next level and add games such as air hockey.
To do that, they need to have a blower motor below that will help with the air hockey airflow. Otherwise, the playing experience just doesn’t match the one of a normal air hockey table.
You can also find multi-game tables that include a variety of other games such as modified versions of bowling, basketball, checkers, dice, backgammon, stick hockey, and more!
What size are most multi-game tables?
Depending on the price range, multi-game tables come in different sizes. Typically, most budget and mid-tier tables will be 48-inch models. However, as you move up, tables get bigger and closer to the actual size of the respective games. Some full-sized and expensive models can get up to 8-feet long which is perfect for pools, ping pong, and air hockey.
Is it cheaper to buy a multi-game table?
If you’re set on getting multiple games for your game room and want to save on some interior space, getting a multi-game table might also save you some money. Typically, full-sized multi-game tables will save you a lot of money as opposed to buying 2 or 3 individual tables. However, the experience out of it will rarely match the one of the full-sized single-game alternative. This is especially true if you’re looking for a more professional feel out of the game.
Are multi-game tables harder to maintain?
As with anything else, the more moving parts – the harder to maintain. Some expensive multi-game tables come with fancy rotating mechanisms that allow you to easily switch between games. Having that, a table will be much more complex when it comes to cleaning and maintaining. It will also be harder to initially setup, so my advice would be to get an extra hand or two for that process.
Final Thoughts
These reviews of the best multi-game tables and my in-depth buyer’s guide are designed to give you an edge when it comes to choosing a table that’s right for you and your family. Make sure the table you buy includes the games you actually want and know you and your family will play. Don’t settle. There are so many versatile game tables on the market these days that it’s totally possible to find the perfect table that comes loaded with several games that you and your family will enjoy.