How to Build an Arcade

How to Build your own Arcade Machine

Getting Started

Have you decided to build your own arcade machine? That’s great, as much as we love making them, we want you to enjoy making them too!

The first thing you will have to do is choose what type of machine you want to build. You might want a portable arcade deck, or a bartop machine, maybe a stand up arcade for 2 or 4 players, or perhaps you want to build an old school sit down cocktail arcade machine?

Whichever one you picked we probably sell it in our flat pack arcade range – just click here to see what’s available.

Setting it Up

Once you’ve chosen your arcade flat pack, you will need to start thinking about how you’re going to set it up. We have a range of parts available to get you started, however, you may need to have a look around the internet to get some of the products you need.

Let’s start a list of what you’ll need to do:

How to Build An Arcade

Step -1

Purchase your flat pack from our online store or you can Google arcade plans/ instructions and download information.

Step -2

Choose what computer will be running your arcade machine. A Raspberry Pi 3b+ with Retropie is great for a portable deck or bartop machine as used in our Ultimate Deck and Bartop Arcades. You could choose to build a PC running Windows 10 which is ideal for a stand up machine and is our choice for our Stand up 2 and 4 Player Ultimate Infinity Arcade Machines. If you do choose a PC based system you will also need to choose a front end to run the games. We use LaunchBox/BigBox or HyperSpin with our PC builds, however, there are several other front ends that will work well. You’ll find a LaunchBox/BigBox build is a time saver, and we believe it’s easy for beginners to learn.

Step -3

Your arcade machine is going to need a theme so that it makes a statement! Once you’ve decided on a theme you will need to design some artwork and get it printed from a good signwriter for your arcade cabinet.

Step -4

You’ll have to start thinking about what colour buttons and joysticks you’re going to put into your cabinet as well as whether you want to add speakers, coin acceptors, LED buttons, an amplifier or lighting, etc. To check out what we have available, click here.

Step -5

Watch our videos on our YouTube channel to learn how to build an arcade machine as well as general information videos on arcade machines. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel while you’re there so you can keep up to date with our latest builds.

Step -6

Now that you’ve made all your choices, purchased everything you need and watched some instructional videos, it’s time to put it all together.

If you don’t think building your own arcade machine is for you, just go to our online store and purchase a fully made arcade machine from us. You can sit back and have a cold one while we put it all together so your arcade machine is ready for you to play as soon as it’s delivered!

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