AMAZING!! Super Easy DIY ARCADE build / How to?

It really doesn't get easier than this BUDGET friendly Arcade cabinet DIY build. I think that this is easy enough for anyone with some simple tools. I hope this video TUTORIAL will inspire you to do this fantastic build.
For more retro video game content then find me at / @jigretro

[@capame3737]

I'm building one ATM. I got bored on a Saturday. I found out that building the cabinet, wiring the thing, and trying to make it look clean n professional... is actually really fun.

[@jigretro]

Thanks for watching, enjoy your project. 👍

[@jimsicle]

I built mine back in 2019 and exactly like you said - it is the perfect accessory to have when friends are over. Yours and your brother's machines are superb, I wish you both many a good game!

[@jigsey.]

I'm a carpenter and I'm very impressed with your sawing skills... Excellent build mate

[@jigretro]

Wow, thank you sooooo much!! My dad was a pretty good DIY’er when I was a kid so I guess I just naturally picked up some basics from him when I would help him with projects. Very kind of you to say, I’m glad you enjoyed the project/video 👍👍👍

[@ToTBoO]

ya no kidding....if i did that all the sides would be crazy uneven lol

[@RealziesCuts]

Got my sub, This is a current project of mine because I was born in 1977 so arcades are infinitely special to me 🎮🏆✊

[@jigretro]

Thank you dude, means a lot. I hope your project goes swimmingly. 👍

[@5ch3nk]

I love the low profile build. I've always wanted to do a DIY arcade cab...maybe I'll finally do it sometime soon.

[@chrisleung6331]

That was an amazing design. Your video just inspired me to do the same for my pandora's box. Thank you!

[@jigretro]

Nice one, I really appreciate that. If I could recommend anything it would be to take your time, especially if it’s your first build 👍

[@chrishowarth6623]

Top work fella, I did my own incorporated into a portable record player case and also I did a digital pinball machine.

[@jigretro]

I’m looking forward to doing a Virtual pinball machine soon, just haven’t got round to it yet. 👍

[@nerdloftgaming]

Looks really clean, love it! My own arcade build has been on my bucket list forever - this just proves the everyday man can do it! Subbed for more content 👍

[@jigretro]

Many thanks..Do it!! Although my first attempt is a little bit janky, this second build was mint…..take your time, accurate measurements and a through planning stage and you will be fine 👍👍

[@davidherron9151]

Nice one mate , in the UK people can be extremely limited for living space tools money and access to large work shops , not to mention a van or something to get all that heavy duty MDF. KZbin can feel disheartening sometimes watching Americans drive their truck ( bigger than your room) to their garage ( bigger than your house) to build some thing with more tools than your city and guilds college has. This is a nice little realistic build for people who want a bit of joy and may not have much work or money. I built a bed by hand the other day as an. Emergency stand in for someone cause there floor was damp and matteress could not be on floor. Did it with a load of wooden sleepers and skip stuff, a drill and big skrews hand saw and tape measure. It does not even rock or squeak all cuts by hand saw lol😅 I CAN MAKE THIS 🎉🎉

[@homerphoneby8450]

Well done! A simple yet elegant design.

[@jigretro]

Thank you, thanks for watching! 👍👍

[@theblowupdollsmusic]

Great build. Thank you for taking the time to share this and document your process.

[@jigretro]

Thank you, for watching 👍

[@UL439]

Finally someone who says basic tools and doesn't dish out CNC, joiner, planer and table saw

[@MotownBatman]

New Sub! Detroit, Michigan, US Well Done Sir! Simple & Sleek!

[@gasperbarone]

thanks for the inspiration and tutorial! Built one of my own!

[@jigretro]

That’s great, a surprisingly easy build isn’t it….there can never be too many arcade machines in the world 🤣👍👍

[@jameschesterton]

Modern, simple and elegant. Looks super my friend.

[@jigretro]

Thank you 👍

[@stonedcommander]

Real cool...love that style. Good idea to decorate to match the room.

[@jigretro]

Thank you, that was my brothers idea, it does make it fit into his room nicely from an aesthetic standpoint. 👍

[@nunomoreira2171]

Everyone stole my color scheme. black cabin with red stripes and buttons.😊

[@jeffdunehew]

I built two of these. One was scrap wood for a maker space I'm a member at and the other was for my sister who wanted one. I used the thinner wood for one of them and I think in the end the thicker is better when you can add that t-edging around it to make it look professional. I couldn't do that on the thinner one. Great channel, just came across it. I do have one recommendation. I think you should darken the room up, put a ring light or something on you and put LEDs in the back to get more of an arcade feel. A lot of the gaming channels have that and for some reason it catches the eye (at least mine) more and feels more like an arcade. Either way, good luck. Subscribed.

[@jigretro]

Many thanks for your sub and advice 👍👍

[@user-xn5wd5os6h]

Like the arcade behind you,but as a stand up style not a sit down,im old school but luv the design,and i like your vigolix cade that you built also

[@jean-baptiste6053]

great result, well done !!

[@jamesemery7190]

Love this!!! The shape reminds me of the SEGA Naomi :)

[@davidgomez5116]

I'm still looking for the version of bosconian from the plug and play system in the mid 2000s no one seems to have it.

[@jigretro]

I don’t know that game off the top of my head but next time I fire up my raspberry pi or my brothers Pandora box I’ll see if it’s there 👍

[@davidgomez5116]

@@jigretro Don't do it it's too addicting

[@davidgomez5116]

Honestly it's just normal bosconian but it doesn't have the stupid loud a** dude saying blast off in the beginning.

[@redherring5532]

Hey I like this design! I've been doing a slim 4 player build that fits through a door easily but can play four with lots of comfort. Also has a bracket for hanging four folding stools

[@jigretro]

4 player?! …….very nice 👌

[@redherring5532]

@@jigretro this is the way

[@sircasino614]

@@redherring5532 Make a video on it

[@omnitravis]

@@redherring5532 maybe you could make the 1 and 4 player, or outside ones, assume you use that as 1 and 4, fold up? Throw some strong, lockable hinges and make sure the crease isnt noticeable when you are playing.

[@clleo888]

Super cool arcade build, I wish I also have one like this. Cheers mate!

[@jigretro]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@TheMrDizzie]

If you have Ghosts, You have everything :D

[@charleyboy74]

I built my own cabinet with a 32Inch TV in it. has to be one of the best things I've built (Built other things as well). using Batocera, which is amazing as it can play Ps2 games. Soul Calibur 2 !!!!!!

[@jigretro]

That sounds great, I’m just starting to think about getting a more powerful mini pc emulation set up, i just wonder what is to be gained from going too mad tho, saturn, GameCube and Dreamcast would be nice but PS2, Xbox 360 and ps3 games are really cheap at the moment. I really want to build a virtual pinball machine for pinball fx on the switch but I just haven’t found the time. 👍

[@charleyboy74]

@@jigretro Running PS3, you need pretty powerful GPU, But PS2 games have been running on an Intel 530 GPU and 720p - 1080p on a GTX 750ti

[@jigretro]

I was looking at a hp elitedesk G3 with 8g ram and a intel i7. What are your thoughts on that? It’s so budget friendly but will it do the job?

[@charleyboy74]

@@jigretro I've got an i5-6500 16 gig of ram, with a Low profile gt750ti, tried need for speed most wanted (newer version) on RPCS3 and it was pretty laggy. Low Profile GPU's cost a load more. but was fine with all PS2 games, running from 720p to full 1080p. (plus you can add newly made texture into the PS2 emulators texture folder, games look a ton better) Like you i was on a budget. but it's now replaced our old XboxOne in our TV unit, which we never use as we all have PCs Running Batocera, its amazing !

[@jigretro]

Cool thanks for the advice 👍👍

[@ajhildreth3913]

Think I just found my next project ,Thank you :)

[@jigretro]

Thanks for watching, I hope your project goes well. I’ve just this moment found a video on making a video pinball machine out of an old telly and the switch (which I already own). So I think I’ve just found mine also 🤣 👍

[@ajhildreth3913]

@@jigretro I'm interested , let me know how it goes

[@jigretro]

Yep, the project will almost certainly make a future vid so stay tuned 👍

[@simaosantos8539]

Amazing and inspiring! Good work, mate!

[@jigretro]

Many thanks 👍

[@RaineyRetro]

Really enjoyed this. Definitely going to try and build my own cabinet

[@foxin2453]

nice

[@CYGNOSIC]

well done!

[@joev816]

All that work, just to kick your brother's ass...WORTH IT!

[@ChukiessWhackboi]

Can we have the blueprint for pandora arcade ?

[@jigretro]

I would suggest screen grabbing the moment I show it in the video, or I’ve sent it to a Dropbox here www.dropbox.com/s/xq7ewgm4qcmpvil/B1B95BFF-5107-404D-9AE9-310D88E7B267.jpeg?dl=0 Be aware that I did change the plans for the screen surround during the making process so I would ignore those on the plans and work that out yourself. Also be careful as not all Pandora arcade sticks are exactly the same sizes.

[@ChukiessWhackboi]

@@jigretrotq. What is the screen monitor size ?

[@Ruzkig]

Ghost 🤘 (regards from Sweden)

[@cazmodder]

Great build. I hope to build something similar this year.

[@jigretro]

Thank you, good luck with your project. 👍👍

[@leonbegaming2559]

My dream is to build a vigolix still great video, inspirational!!!!!!😄

[@jigretro]

Well now that you say that…..I’ve just looked into it and it looks like those images that inspired this build are deffo the vigolix type. 👍👍 this is just bigger for standing and wider for 2 player.

[@leonbegaming2559]

@@jigretro My plan was to do the exact same thing by increasing the plan on a larger piece of mdf allowing for 2 player and standing. You guys did a wonderful job showing the concept can be done reasonably!!!

[@jigretro]

Thank you!! 👍

[@jigretro]

And good luck with your project 👍👍

[@kylep1979]

Do you have a link to the plans to the arcade.

[@jigretro]

I would suggest screen grabbing the moment I show it in the video, or I’ve sent it to a Dropbox here www.dropbox.com/s/xq7ewgm4qcmpvil/B1B95BFF-5107-404D-9AE9-310D88E7B267.jpeg?dl=0 Be aware that I did change the plans for the screen surround during the making process so I would ignore those on the plans and work that out yourself. Also be careful as not all Pandora arcade sticks are exactly the same sizes.

[@LittleSaint425]

Really cool project. I'm think about making a half arcade to put on my countertop in the kitchen to play while I'm cooking. Do you know if anyone have made something like that? Your video are awesome mate. Got my sub.

[@jigretro]

Thank you so much. I honestly don’t other than doing a lil KZbin search myself. With that said, with a little thought then I think that this idea could quite simply be changed to a counter top. I also saw another one on KZbin that could be folded away like a dart board that looked great, but he had ALL of the carpenters gear. 👍

[@CYBERXED]

Nice design. This was my plan with the Pandoras Box. Can I have the design layout for the MDF? Thanks

[@jigretro]

I would suggest screen grabbing the moment I show it in the video, or I’ve sent it to a Dropbox here www.dropbox.com/s/xq7ewgm4qcmpvil/B1B95BFF-5107-404D-9AE9-310D88E7B267.jpeg?dl=0 It was a pretty primitive, hand drawn plan so apologies. Be aware that I did change the plans for the screen surround during the making process so I would ignore those on the plans and work that out yourself. Also be careful as not all Pandora arcade sticks are exactly the same sizes.

[@wanderingdaze7018]

That Ghost shirt tho

[@sinenomine3449]

Fuck yeah dude ghost is the shit

[@jigretro]

🤘👻🤘

[@Chief_Eagle_Dropping]

Good initiative....the biggest issue is the Pandora box is on mediocre at best.

[@jigretro]

Yer, I like my raspberry pi more personally, but he already had the Pandora and was happy with what he had so that’s what we used. At least his sticks and buttons feel good, prob better than mine.

[@thetwi5tedcircusgamingchan301]

How much you charge to build this cabinet, not all the stuff in it, just the cabinet?

[@jigretro]

I’m sorry but there is no way I have time to build these cabinets on a regular basis, would be a great lil bit of business but I don’t really have the space to store supplies or the time to build. I work full time and have 2 baby’s……I’ve been trying to get round to building myself a virtual pinball machine for years but just haven’t got round to it 🤣

[@jean-baptiste6053]

does a wood kit is available an purchase somewhere ? thank you

[@jigretro]

I’m not quite sure what you mean but I just simply bought sheets of MDF. I believe the dimensions are mentioned in the video 👍 hope this helps

[@jigretro]

I’m not quite sure what you mean but I just simply bought sheets of MDF. I believe the dimensions are mentioned in the video 👍 hope this helps

[@NicooRico]

This was a really cool project and your brother's build is something sleek that I can get away with my wife cause it isn't too bulky lol. But since I am fairly new to raspberry pi and pandora box can you direct me to the links of your videos that show what it does and how to set it up? Thanks mate!

[@jigretro]

To be honest for both my raspberry pi and my brothers Pandora box twin arcade sticks we bought them both preloaded with everything. I can get by on a computer but I’m not good enough for all that. I recommend buying a preloaded one. Otherwise there is loads of KZbin tutorials on how to do it yourself but not on my channel I’m afraid. Hope this helps, thank you so much for watching 👍

[@jaysonofthenorth]

Hi I enjoyed your video and might try building one myself though i may missed what is the brand and model of your game console? Thanks man appreciate it

[@jigretro]

I don’t particularly want to specify too much as I haven’t played around enough with my brothers model enough to recommend it…but if you type into google “Pandora box arcade sticks” then many options will be available to you. Thanks for your kind words 👍👍👍

[@jarredkrum9894]

Some ppls definition of cheap is not cheap lol

[@jigretro]

Ahh don’t get it twisted, I do understand that a couple of hundred pounds isn’t an insignificant amount of money…..but if you are super keen on retro gaming and classic arcade and want one for your home then I doubt you could find a cheaper or more simple build. The arcade1ups are nearer £300, original arcades can be thousands, and any other kind of build would also need thousands of pounds worth of carpenters equipment…..I’m happy to be proved wrong tho, I’d like to build a virtual pinball machine on a budget so any ideas are welcome 👍 thanks for watching. 👍

[@jarredkrum9894]

1ups are cheaper then that here ive seen em in stores for $100 now some em

[@jigretro]

Oh, cool 👍 they are really expensive here in the U.K. and we have nowhere near the selection. Modding one of those bad boys is a great option 👍 otherwise you are just stuck with like 3 games.

[@Titus70AD]

How do you turn on and off the cabinet without going on the back?

[@jigretro]

I think my bro just flicks it on at the wall plug and leaves the power switch on the back to the on position…..pretty sure it’s only a power switch anyway.

[@eventhorizon2873]

why don't you use poplar tree wood, it is 40% lighter then Medium Density Fibreboard, excellent with sanding/grinding and very strong for screws, you don't even have to drill before screws(use half wired screws)

[@jigretro]

Honestly, I don’t know, like I said in the video, I’m no carpenter…..I just bought what I thought was right at the time 🤷🏻‍♂️. Thanks for commenting 👍👍👍

[@DonSochaczi]

Hi. How big is your monitor?

[@jigretro]

I’m not certain coz it was just a spare that my brother had…..I didn’t need to know for the build, I just drew round it…..I would guess bout 24”.

[@DonSochaczi]

​@@jigretrothanks for response ;)

[@anthonycitizencain]

Nice t shirt 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@jigretro]

Ah yeah man, I really like Ghost!! I love the theatrics and the catchy rock songs. I enjoy all of their back catalog but really love the new IMPERA album……I’m prob gonna pick it up on cd……will be the first cd I’ve bought in years. 🤘🤩🤘

[@anthonycitizencain]

@@jigretro 🔥🔥🔥🔥 great albums... Brilliant live too 👍enjoyed the video, thanks.

[@dnachistatrax1029]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@jigretro]

Thanks for watching! 👍

[@TheThelso]

Show

[@alfredocha3886]

5:00 use a proper belt man

[@jigretro]

It was a long days work, I didn’t realise my arse was all over the footage until the job was done……Twas too late then……at least it’s sped up 🤣 I was presuming that’s why this is my most popular video 🤣🤣

[@TheRealJPhillips]

👍🏾💯

[@jigretro]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@jasonstopsign]

Dope build....just got a sub from me

[@jigretro]

Thanks man, thanks for watching and subbing 👍👍

[@momentarydogma]

16x9 monitor...

[@AlwaysbeingLu]

jesus christ...

[@jacquestube]

It's frustrating because it's hard to find the plastic coated plywood and it's super expensive to buy the side graphics.

[@jigretro]

Yer you are right, this is more of a “part of the furniture project” but if you want to go more realistic then it can prove very costly. I did some nice lil artwork on my cab but to be honest it was a bit of a rush, home print job.

[@jonniefast]

peel & stick wallpaper is more forgiving than paint 😊 my rescued local cabs all have black wood wallpaper cut with exacto knife, looks slick

[@TUFVLOG]

nice