Every arcade cabinet — scratch-built, kit, or upgraded Arcade1Up — is the same six systems wearing different wood. Use this checklist to spec a build completely before you cut anything, with links to the exact parts that cover each system.
The six systems
| System | What you need | Parts |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Controls | Joystick(s), buttons, and the analog controls your game list demands | Joysticks · buttons · spinners · trackballs · switchable restrictor |
| 2. Interface | Encoder that turns switches into USB | Zero Delay V2 or Encoder Hub + harnesses |
| 3. Brains | Raspberry Pi or PC running MAME/RetroArch | Pi 4/5 works great; cabling like the Pi 4 HDMI extension keeps ports reachable |
| 4. Display & audio | Monitor in Game Mode + amplified speakers | For mini builds: BUILD-A-CADE screens & speakers |
| 5. Power | Clean supplies for boards and lighted controls | Power adapters |
| 6. Cabinet & trim | The box, panel, plexi and artwork | Scratch-build, or start from a BUILD-A-CADE kit |
Spec from the game list backwards
The one rule that prevents regret: write your top-20 game list first, then buy controls to match it. Tempest on the list means a spinner; Centipede or Golden Tee means a trackball; Ikari Warriors means the SNK-licensed rotary stick; Star Wars means the flight yoke. The full mapping lives in the MAME cabinet parts guide.
FAQ
Cheapest way to a great cabinet?
Upgrade an Arcade1Up — the wood, screen and license are done; you swap the controls that matter. Start at the Arcade1Up upgrade guide.
Where are wiring diagrams and manuals?
On each product page and in the Help Center.
