Is it cheaper to build or buy an arcade machine?

Arcade machines have a special place in the hearts of gamers, whether it’s for nostalgia, home entertainment, or social fun. But if you’re thinking of getting your own, you might wonder: Is it cheaper to build an arcade machine yourself or buy one pre-made? Let’s break it down.

Option 1: Buying an Arcade Machine

Buying a pre-made arcade machine is convenient and often comes with a polished finish, preloaded games, and reliable controls. Prices vary depending on the type of machine:

• Mini or tabletop arcade machines: $200–$500

• Full-size classic arcade cabinets: $500–$2,000

• Multicade machines with multiple games: $800–$3,000+

• Custom or high-end arcade machines: $2,000–$5,000+

Pros of buying:

• Ready to use immediately

• Professional build quality

• Often includes multiple games and features

Cons of buying:

• Higher upfront cost for premium or custom machines

• Limited customization unless you pay extra

Where to buy:

• GameloopX 18.5-inch Arcade Machine

• Arcade1Up Cabinets

• Handheld Retro Consoles from Youwei Trade

Option 2: Building Your Own Arcade Machine

Building your own arcade machine is appealing to DIY enthusiasts who enjoy customization. You can choose the games, controls, artwork, and cabinet size. Costs include:

• Cabinet materials: $100–$300 (wood, screws, paint)

• Display: $100–$400 (monitor or TV)

• Controls: $50–$200 (joysticks, buttons, trackballs)

• Game hardware/software: $50–$200 (Raspberry Pi, PC, or emulator boards)

Total DIY cost: $300–$1,100 (depending on quality and size)

Pros of building:

• Full customization of design and games

• Cheaper if you’re willing to do the labor yourself

• Fun project for DIY enthusiasts

Cons of building:

• Time-consuming

• Requires some technical and woodworking skills

• Risk of mistakes or hardware issues

Cost Comparison

Verdict:

• If you value time and convenience, buying is usually worth the price.

• If you enjoy DIY projects and customization, building can be cheaper and more rewarding.

Bonus Tip: Hybrid Approach

Some people choose a hybrid approach: buy a basic cabinet and customize it with your own controls, artwork, and games. This can save time while still giving a personal touch.

Conclusion

Whether you build or buy depends on your budget, skills, and how much you want to customize your arcade experience. For a quick setup, buying a machine like GameloopX’s 18.5-inch Arcade Machine is ideal. For a unique, hands-on project, building your own can be cheaper and more satisfying

Step-by-Step Costs to Build Your Own Arcade Machine

Building your own arcade machine is an exciting way to relive classic gaming at home while customizing every detail. But what does it actually cost? Let’s break down the expenses step by step so you can plan your DIY project.

1. The Cabinet

The cabinet is the physical structure that holds your arcade machine. Options vary based on size and materials:

• Wood (MDF or plywood): $80–$200

• Screws, hinges, and paint: $20–$50

• Optional decorative panels or vinyl wraps: $30–$100

Total cabinet cost: $130–$350

2. Display

Your screen is the heart of your arcade machine. You have a few options:

• Old computer monitor or TV: $50–$150

• New LED monitor: $150–$300

• High-end HD or 4K display: $300–$500

Tip: Make sure the display is compatible with your game system or emulator.

3. Controls

Arcade controls include joysticks, buttons, trackballs, and sometimes steering wheels or guns.

• Joystick + buttons kit: $50–$120

• Trackball or spinner (optional): $40–$100

• Wiring and control interface (USB or encoder): $20–$50

Total controls cost: $70–$270

4. Game Hardware & Software

Your arcade machine needs a platform to run games:

• Raspberry Pi (for emulation): $35–$75

• Mini PC or old laptop: $100–$300

• Game software/emulators: $0–$50 (many are free or open-source)

Total game hardware/software cost: $35–$350

5. Speakers & Sound

Good sound enhances the arcade experience:

• Basic PC speakers: $20–$50

• Amplified arcade speakers: $50–$100

Total sound cost: $20–$100

6. Extras & Finishing Touches

• Marquee and lighting: $30–$80

• Coin door (for realism): $20–$50

• Artwork prints or decals: $20–$50

Total extras cost: $70–$180

7. Labor / DIY Effort

If you’re building it yourself, the labor cost is essentially your time. If you hire someone to assemble it, labor could add $100–$300 depending on complexity.

Total Cost to Build Your Arcade Machine

Tip: You can build a functional, good-quality arcade machine for under $500 if you use a small monitor, budget controls, and a Raspberry Pi. A full-size, high-end custom machine with HD display, premium controls, and artwork could cost over $1,500.

DIY vs Buying

• DIY Pros: Full customization, personal satisfaction, often cheaper if you source parts wisely.

• DIY Cons: Time-consuming, requires some technical skill, potential troubleshooting.

• Buying Pre-Made: Convenient and polished but often more expensive upfront ($500–$3,000+).

Conclusion

Building your own arcade machine is totally feasible, and understanding the step-by-step costs makes it easier to budget. Whether you want a compact DIY setup or a full-scale custom machine, the final product offers a rewarding gaming experience and a piece of retro nostalgia for your home.

For ready-to-play options, you can also check out:

• GameloopX 18.5-inch Arcade Machine

• Handheld Retro Game Consoles