Ever since I was a kid, I always dreamed of having my very own Dance Dance Revolution machine. I never knew it would one day become a reality. Prior to finding my DDR cab, I had a custom home setup consisting of two StepManiaX(SMX) stages, an SMX monitor, a KVM switch, a mini PC to play DDR and ITG, a pair of readers, and custom made menu panel. Even though I enjoyed my setup, something was still lacking. It quite did not give me the authentic experience and the SMX pads felt different outside of playing the game they are intended for.
After much consideration, I decided to go in this journey by searching for a DDR cab and fulfilling a childhood dream. I looked through different channels such as Facebook, Ebay, Craigslist, Discord and more. I knew the search will be difficult since most cabs have been parted or have come to private ownership over the years. I have joined a Facebook group where people post their DDR cabs for sale. However, it was rare finding anything near me.
I quickly realized if I find an opportunity I would need to drive hours to pick up a machine or be ready to spend a lot of money on getting one delivered. On top of that, I would need to develop new skills to maintain one or learn how to restore one depending on the condition. Cab ownership is not for the faint of heart. It requires a lot of patience and dedication.
I started to ask myself if I do get a cab, what would I do with it? Am I going to play the classic games, Stepmania, or the newer games? I want my machine to run newer games so I started buying parts for upgrading a classic cab slowly.
At first glance, most cabs that I have seen listed online go for $3000-$6000 USD. I am talking about just the classic cabs not any of the HD models. Be ready to have money aside if one presents itself. Even if you find one in working condition, be mentally prepared to do some work. The first generation cabs were manufactured in 1998. There’s a lot of things to consider with owning one including if you would have a place suitable for the machine. They take up a lot of room.
I started complying a list of arcades nearby including the neighboring states hoping someone would sell me their old DDR cab. I have sent emails and made calls during my lunch breaks. Sadly, most of my inquiries went unanswered. The ones that responded were not looking to let their machine go.
Eventually, I found a lead and the owner kept regular contact until they stopped communicating completely. It was easy to get discouraged and call it quits, but I just had to keep on trying. This went on for months and I kept on reaching dead ends.
One day, I realized I overlooked one of the businesses in my very own state and with some faith I sent an email before going to work. As I pulled up the work parking lot, I noticed I received an email from the business. The manager of the business stated she would ask the business owner if they are willing to sell their DDR machine. After two days, I received an email from her and I was hesitant to open the email fearing rejection.
Upon opening the email, she responded by saying the monitor is not working and some of pad sensors need to be replaced and that the owner simply wants to get rid of cab. I quickly responded and accepted the offer. Less than a week later, I picked up a box truck from Home Depot and drove four and half hours to pick up the machine. The maintenance manager forklifted the cab and pads and helped me secure everything with straps inside the truck.
It was all worth it. My inner child has been healed.
