What arcade games can you make at home?

If you love arcade games but want a hands-on project, making your own arcade games at home is a fantastic way to combine gaming and creativity. Whether you want to build a full cabinet or create simple games, here are some ideas to get you started!

🕹️ 1. Build a DIY Arcade Cabinet

What You Need:

  • Raspberry Pi or small PC

  • Arcade joystick and buttons (available in kits)

  • Monitor or small screen

  • Wooden or acrylic case (you can build or buy a DIY cabinet kit)

  • Arcade emulator software (like RetroPie or MAME)

What You Can Do:

  • Load classic arcade games like Pac-Man, Galaga, Donkey Kong

  • Customize controls and artwork for a personal touch

  • Build a cocktail table-style cabinet or a traditional upright

🕹️ 2. Create Simple Arcade Games with Coding

If you want to get into programming, platforms like:

  • Scratch (great for beginners)

  • Unity or Godot (for more advanced users)

  • PICO-8 (a fantasy console for retro-style games)

allow you to create simple arcade-style games like:

  • Classic shooters

  • Platformers

  • Maze chases

  • Puzzle games

🕹️ 3. Use Plug-and-Play Arcade Kits

  • Buy kits that let you assemble mini arcade machines easily at home.

  • Some come preloaded with games or allow you to add your own.

  • Great for kids and beginners.

🕹️ 4. Make Tabletop or Handheld Arcade Games

  • Using small screens (like old smartphones or LCDs) with buttons, you can build mini arcade consoles.

  • Perfect for portable retro gaming on the go.

🛒 Where to Get DIY Arcade Parts & Kits

🎯 Tips for Home Arcade Projects

  • Start simple: Begin with a Raspberry Pi and RetroPie to avoid overwhelm.

  • Join online communities for support and inspiration (Reddit’s r/cade is great!).

  • Customize your cabinet with paint, LED lights, and decals for style.

Making your own arcade games or machines at home is a fun, rewarding way to dive deeper into gaming culture. Whether you want to tinker with hardware or code your own game, there’s a DIY arcade project for every skill level!

🕹️ DIY Arcade Cabinet: Step-by-Step Guide + Essential Parts List

Building a DIY arcade cabinet can be a rewarding project that lets you play your favorite classic games with authentic controls and style. Here’s how to get started:

🎯 Step 1: Plan Your Arcade Cabinet

  • Decide on cabinet style: Upright (classic tall), cocktail (tabletop), or bartop (smaller, sit-down).

  • Choose your screen size: Typical sizes are 17” to 24” LCD monitors.

  • Set a budget: DIY can range from $150 to $600+ depending on parts and tools.

🎮 Step 2: Essential Parts List

Part Description & Tips Estimated Cost
Raspberry Pi 4 (4GB or 8GB) The “brain” of your arcade running RetroPie or similar emulators $50-$70
MicroSD Card (32GB or more) Stores your game software and ROMs $10-$20
LCD Monitor or Screen 17” to 24” HDMI monitor works well $50-$150
Arcade Joystick & Buttons Kit Includes joysticks, buttons, wiring harness; Sanwa or Happ are quality brands $30-$60
Arcade Cabinet Case or Wood Panels Build from scratch or buy premade kits $50-$200+
Power Supply For Raspberry Pi and monitor $10-$20
USB Encoder Board Converts joystick/button presses to USB signals Often included with button kits
Speakers Small powered speakers for sound $10-$30
Cables & Connectors HDMI, USB, power cables $10-$20
Optional LED Lighting Add ambiance with LED strips $10-$30

🔧 Step 3: Assembly Overview

  1. Prepare the Cabinet

    • Cut and assemble wood or use a pre-made case

    • Paint and decorate the cabinet (stickers, artwork)

  2. Install the Monitor

    • Secure inside the cabinet, connect HDMI to Raspberry Pi

  3. Set Up Controls

    • Mount joysticks and buttons in control panel

    • Wire them to USB encoder board connected to Raspberry Pi

  4. Install Raspberry Pi & Software

    • Flash RetroPie or similar OS on microSD card

    • Insert microSD, connect power, and boot up

    • Load game ROMs legally

  5. Connect Speakers

    • Install and wire for audio output

  6. Test Everything

    • Make sure buttons, joystick, screen, and sound work perfectly

💻 Step 4: Software Setup

  • Use RetroPie or Recalbox — popular arcade emulator platforms with easy-to-use interfaces.

  • Transfer ROMs via USB or network connection.

  • Customize controls and display settings.

🛒 Where to Buy Parts

🎥 Bonus: Helpful Video Tutorials

  • Search YouTube for "DIY Arcade Cabinet Build" or "RetroPie Arcade Setup" for step-by-step visuals.

  • Channels like ETA PRIME, Retro Game Corps, and Adrian’s Digital Basement offer great guides.

Building your own arcade cabinet is an amazing project that combines tech, woodworking, and gaming nostalgia. With the right parts and patience, you’ll have a personalized arcade ready to play classics for years!