How to build a RetroPie Arcade Machine - Assembling the Cabinet and Buttons

Hey everyone! Jeremy here. So I'm back again with another update on my RetroPie arcade machine build, so in today's video ill be showing you how I assembled the cabinet and wired the arcade buttons to the RetroPie over all it was an easy and great experience so I hope you like the content I'm putting out and if you want to see more videos like this then let me know in the comments what you would like to see me cover next and don't forget to subscribe!
#RetroPie #Arcade #Emulation
Just got your Raspberry Pi? Check out how to set it up here:
• Setting up the Raspber...
Already have your Raspberry Pi but need to install RetroPie? I got you:
• How to install RetroPi...
Need to know how to put games on it?
• How to transfer Roms t...
Check out part 1 to this build
• How to build a RetroPi...
Raspberry Pi 4: www.amazon.com...
Custom arcade cabinets (Lep1Customs): www.etsy.com/s...
Arcade buttons and joy sticks: www.amazon.com...
Music credits go to (Pyama) : / literalbagoftrash
and (Karl Casey) from white bat audio: / @whitebataudio

[@BelowAverageGaming]

Part 3 is here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5ytf6KOj5aJZ7M&ab_channel=BelowAverageGaming

[@GreatMazinkaiser]

If you need dimensions for a specific piece to get your artwork made I've got the unassembled kit just sitting here (waiting on getting joystick connectors so I can test my control parts before I start doing any gluing)

[@BelowAverageGaming]

Dude that would be awesome! Do you have the same model as mine?

[@ASMRPANDAS]

Was part 3 taken down? 😱Great video thanks for the upload ❤🐼❤️

[@BelowAverageGaming]

No just low on funds and couldn't complete it as fast as I'd like, I do have the supplies now but i just need to start filming

[@rashawnwinstion5281]

Please no more fart noises

[@AuronJ]

I love your video and it is very helpful. I do have a bit of advice from a slightly experienced woodworker on your difficulties putting this thing together that might have made it easier. You likely needed better glue coverage over the batons and grooves as MDF side grain will absorb a lot of glue leaving too little for the joint You also likely needed to let your glue set for longer. An hour is enough to for it to start to harden but will still fall apart under any sort of load. I usually let my glue-ups sit overnight. However if you want to keep working on it while the glue is drying you can do exactly what you did, pin nail the batons to keep consistent clamping pressure while the glue dries and let you keep building the machine. Also you can pre-drill holes for nails to help with splitting. Just drill a hole smaller than your nail and it will not lose any holding power. I would be wary of just using nails in the joint though, wood glue joints are much stronger than nail joints and your nails may come loose over time. It probably won't be an issue since it is not holding much weight but just keep that in mind. All in all I think you did a good job, the manufacturer of that cabinet did you no favors.

[@BelowAverageGaming]

Wow thanks for the insight! I appreciate the comment, yeah after doing this I completely agree in hindsight, My issue with the wood glue wasn't necessarily the waiting period But my inner self didn't trust it to not fall apart as the years go on lol Especially right now I'm not in a permanent living situation so I'll have to move the cabinet eventually and if I do I'd be upset If it fell apart so I don't regret nailing it in as of yet Good idea with pre-drilling laws though! I debated buying one of the bar arcade setups from them so if I ever do that I'll give what you set a try! Next up is just saving up some money for some artwork!

[@AuronJ]

@@BelowAverageGaming Yeah I think the way you did it was fine for this project, just know that wood glue is actually stronger than the wood fibers it joins. It's a very strong bonding agent and will actually hold up better against movement. Still I would have probably glued and nailed all these parts anyway just so I didn't have to wait overnight for it all to dry

[@BelowAverageGaming]

Do you have any tips for building a bezel? I also have to make that and find a way to make it fit with the very little space I have surrounding the monitor

[@AuronJ]

@@BelowAverageGaming There are basically two ways to do it depending on what tools you have access to. The easiest is probably to buy a board big enough to cover the whole opening. Measure the exact size of your monitor and cut out a hole that size using a jigsaw. The second way would be to get some boards that are long and thin and butt join them in a square shape around the monitor. This might be harder as you might need a table saw to do it. I would probably go with the first option since it can be done with MDF so it will match the parts around it. Plus it can be done totally with a jigsaw and a drill.

[@BelowAverageGaming]

Thanks again for your response! I have access to a table saw and a jigsaw so either way it works out, the first way does seem better though When I secure it in, should I make batons just like in this video and fasten them to the batons?

[@Deemossi]

Great vid

[@rweakley]

You can determine the correct polarity of a diode with a multimeter. Diodes only allow electricity to flow in one direction, so that's why you had to reverse the wiring.

[@BelowAverageGaming]

I still think the instructions were crap though lol Plus I was thinking everything would be set up no problem. So in hindsight for next time your way would be a good idea lol

[@Proteinpapi210]

Ordered the pedestal version for 4 players, yeah used brad nails 10x faster! And good luck understanding the instructions, knowing what I know now, I could’ve built something much more sturdy than this MDF

[@ErockOnTech]

New sub here. Love the fart/spit sounds lol

[@BelowAverageGaming]

Haha thanks again, sometimes it's the little things that matter in life lol

[@moltar512]

This is an inspiration, my dude

[@BelowAverageGaming]

Glad you like the content! I'll be sure to keep updating

[@TSSolutionsPro]

The nails hold the piece while the wood glue dries. The glue is much stronger than the nails.

[@BelowAverageGaming]

While I'm not denying that, after letting the glue dry and setting up the cabinet. Some pieces started falling off. Nothing wrong with reinforcing your build

[@bcklee1]

Lmao at all the fart effects bruh keep catching me off guard 😂😂😂😂

[@BelowAverageGaming]

So many people hate it! Lol I crack up every time

[@ReadxOnly]

Thank you for the video. Very helpful 👍

[@whoopdiddydo]

Great video!

[@tomtheptgamerguy]

I'm building one of these right now. I'm hesitant to just glue in the batons for the wall mount panel like the manual says. I see you nailed yours in, would you still stand by that decision today? or would you recommend a different way to anchor those batons? Thanks for the video, it really helps as the manual isn't the clearest

[@BelowAverageGaming]

Yeah no problem I do plan on finishing my videos it's just a little expensive so I'm saving up right now, the next video will be about how I apply my artwork. As far as the frame for the monitor I would definitely hit that with the nail gun, I wouldn't trust wood glue holding up a possible 5 to 15 lb monitor. The only downside is can think of is if you're going to paint and/or apply artwork you will have to fill in the holes you make and also don't miss your shots or you'll have holes in your wood! But yeah I would 100% recommend the nail gun

[@tomtheptgamerguy]

@@BelowAverageGaming appreciate the response. so make sure to mark and line things up well first before nailing :)

[@GreatMazinkaiser]

I was actually thinking it might be easier to drill screw holes, but maybe that'd be more likely to split the wood (I've got one of these ordered so I'm contemplating it myself)

[@BelowAverageGaming]

One issue that I ran into is making sure I had a straight shot with the nail gun, if it's not precise you'll split the wood It's been awhile since I posted that video but my arcade machine is still just fine, I'll be finishing it soon once I save up a little bit of money to purchase the artwork

[@tomtheptgamerguy]

@@GreatMazinkaiser I ended up drilling screw holes myself. Have to be careful either way cause the wood easily splits. Mine started to at one point, but it's together and working great. Just have to finish painting/decorating it. Fun project for sure

[@no-se6zn]

The fact that this only a bit more expensive than modern Arcade1Ups is baffling.

[@BelowAverageGaming]

And you have way more versatility with this, on top of it actually being arcade machine height

[@nephilimshammer9567]

Exactly

[@4tackis]

What is the best way to use a PC with this cabinet? I can’t imagine having a PC enclosed inside is good for air purposes, or should it not matter?

[@BelowAverageGaming]

It all depends on how much customization you want to do. If you want to do a PC on the inside, I would cut a small hole in the back of the cabinet for air or put a fan on the inside. Then maybe leave some ventilation slits in the wood

[@ahoj113]

Nice

[@lennyhochteil958]

Hi my name is Lenny, I just saw this video of your How to build a RetroPie Arcade (part #1) I have not seen or find Part #2, we ordered the same Video cabinet and will be building it just like you did (Great Video btw) soon. So, I just want to skip ahead and ask I will be adding artwork and did not know what "spray paint color Black " to use and if we need to prime it or sand it as well. Can you tell me what you did? Thanks

[@Sektorsaiyan]

Quick question: does each button decoder (one for each player) has a seperate usb port to connect it with the pie or do you connect the decoders together in some sort of way so you only got one usb that goes to your pie?

[@BelowAverageGaming]

Each one requires its own USB port, I haven't personally tried it but if it's an issue you could also try using a USB hub to add extra ports to your pie

[@Sektorsaiyan]

@@BelowAverageGaming ok, gonna build my own cade soon and just wanted to know cuz if’ve seen some other instalments where they used 1 decoder for 2 players which only used 1 usb port, not that its gonna be an issue to use two I guess 😅 thx for replying so fast, great vid!

[@BelowAverageGaming]

No problem, the only issue I would see is if you had a 4 player arcade since the ports could get tied up that way. No problem, let me know if you have any issues

[@Sektorsaiyan]

@@BelowAverageGaming ye that might be a problem indeed but im only going for a 2 player setup. Thx I will 👍

[@ahoj113]

0:32 You had one job

[@BelowAverageGaming]

🤣 for real, that manual was doo doo

[@nemoh21]

I’m literally purchasing this exact same model. Do you have the measurements that you could provide. I am looking to order vinyl art from this site but they need the measurements and as you know they won’t provide it to you beforehand.

[@BelowAverageGaming]

I'm actually looking for the same thing so I can make the next video lol I haven't gotten to that point yet though so if you have any insight later on then let me know lol

[@goikicks]

Did you put a bezel atop the monitor? Curious how that fits in.

[@BelowAverageGaming]

You have to actually create that part yourself as it wasn't included with the kit due to the maker not really knowing what size monitor you'll use But I actually have it in the works for a future video and I am adding in the bezel myself

[@hidalgop2398]

Do the coin/player buttons have 24mm in diameter and action buttons 30mm?

[@BelowAverageGaming]

The board does come like that, but I wrote the seller and asked him to drill them all to 30 mm and he had no issues doing so. So my setup all has 30 mm

[@bbay1977]

Yeah sounds like going through them would be a pain in the ass and then they didnt send 2 boards to completely assemble it proper. I will ne making my own cabinets though. They do have bartop cabinets for $99 on eBay but they only hold 17-19 inch monitors. I wanted to go with 32 inch so you dont have to bump elbows when playing against someone.

[@BelowAverageGaming]

Lep1 unfortunately might have what you're looking for

[@bbay1977]

​@@BelowAverageGaming They do carry one for $239 and on sale for $213. The only issue is that my control panel will be different for each cabinet. My NES cabinet will only require 2 buttons each for buttons A and B like the controller. Sure I could install something to fill the holes but then the controll panel wouldnt look like the real controller you would play with. I just need to quit being lazy and just start building them now 😆.

[@bbay1977]

​@@BelowAverageGaming I'm also going with a PC and using the front end called Hyperspin. It is a little picky on setting it all up but we'll worth it and looks great. Its a free too.

[@BelowAverageGaming]

Yeah sounds like the buttons would be an issue. The seller was pretty cool for one thing though If I'm not mistaken my buttons are all 25mm And I believe the cabinet was not. I asked him if he could route the holes to 25 mm and he did just that As for the buttons I have the same issue when I play pokemon games, but I also added 8 buttons just in case I ever decided to play street fighter or something Going to need those high medium lows!

[@TheRealChickenOG]

I should’ve watched this before buying it

[@BelowAverageGaming]

Not liking what you got?

[@nemoh21]

So I’m very very new at this so pardon my stupidity. But instead of building my own raspberry pie and loading all the games on it etc, could I just use a android tv box like the super console x king with the games pre loaded on it? Like would I be able to hook up the joystick to it like you did with the raspberry pie? Or is it not meant to be used like that

[@BelowAverageGaming]

Theoretically you can use whatever you want, you could put an Xbox in there and it would probably work The problem is is that you're going to need to find buttons and joysticks that correspond and work together with whatever you're going to be using in place of the raspberry pi

[@nemoh21]

@@BelowAverageGaming got it thank you for the response. From what I gather that android box is essentially a raspberry pie anyways. I really liked the sticks/buttons you choose in the video. Does it just say on the specs what it’s compatible with? Also love the video can’t wait for part 3

[@BelowAverageGaming]

Part 3 is actually in the works! But it'll be painting and probably applying artwork to the cabinet As far as the specs I'm not sure, but if you look in the description of the video I left a link to them so you can check it out and see what's compatible

[@MarcoC72186]

What kind of wood glue did you use

[@BelowAverageGaming]

"Elmer's wood glue Max"

[@MarcoC72186]

Titebond probably would have worked if you clamped it and let it sit. It’s a lot better for things like that.

[@BelowAverageGaming]

Thanks for the tip!

[@panicfarm9874]

Please piss those sound effects off, they’re annoying an almost made me stop watching. The rest of the content is great and flowing and easy to follow

[@nnicoo62]

What ever happened to part 3 :(

[@BelowAverageGaming]

Working on it! It's expensive lol

[@nnicoo62]

@@BelowAverageGaming Do you have an instagram? Can you post an update… i’m emotionally invested lol

[@BelowAverageGaming]

I have a discord if you want to join! Links in the description

[@randubs1206]

These poop sounds lol

[@mbf6160]

No more vids with fart noises sir plz the content was great but the farts took away from it 🫤

[@BelowAverageGaming]

Part 3 has no fart noises 👌

[@RedSpida]

I’m glad I seen this because I was thinking of going that route but it looks like shit so I won’t be going that route. Spend the extra money buy a proper cabinet with graphics and t molding and better fitment then modify it from there. It will save you the headache and look better all around when you’re done. This here would be 500 in the trash going with this cabinet, 500 better spent on something nicer.

[@whoopdiddydo]

lol. Ok

[@badrg7010]

Enough with the fart noises it's annoying

[@arifeens]

What’s up with these fart noises dude. It ruins the whole tutorial experience. Instead there can other funny noises be added. Otherwise it’s very much helpful.

[@BelowAverageGaming]

Old video, old editing style

[@funtyes1970]

tell you what i never buy this cabinet after watching this video . you pay top money for this cabinet and this guy cant give you a complete manual for it any missing wood peaces shame on this company

[@BelowAverageGaming]

Yeah but on the bright side, I'm your manual lol Only thing I can say is that the fact that these pieces need to be wood glued in is kind of dumb, not very secure. But so far I'm loving this cabinet and I'll continue to make more videos on it shortly. Right now I'm focusing on making some artwork for the cabinet, and painting

[@zoinks29]

led...light emitting diode... "diode" it is not hard

[@BelowAverageGaming]

Thanks man, couldn't have done it without you

[@zoinks29]

@@BelowAverageGaming lol

[@funtyes1970]

nothing like watching a arcade cabinet build and you don't see it finished great KZbin build buddy .. SMH

[@BelowAverageGaming]

Lol let your feelings out buddy, it's ok to cry