Build a RetroPie Bartop Arcade Cabinet with a Raspberry Pi

[@1000sofusernames]

For you builders using VGA monitors, just done a build with an old Dell 19" monitor and had the annoyance of no signal using HMDI to VGA. If you're doing one similar stick your written image card into the PC and change the boot config.txt from there as it won't let you do it over Winscp as you don't have root permissions. It'll save you a lot of hassle. Just find #hdmi_force_hotplug=1 and remove the # and save.

[@tomypower4898]

1000sofusernames YES!!

[@tomypower4898]

1000sofusernames Yes fan ready for good

[@FunnyAsian00]

What? Lol

[@RetroAddicts]

Fantastic video Mike!

[@TheGeekPub]

+Mame Addicts Thanks!!

[@codebeat4192]

Very very very nice! I like the simplicity you build those cabinets by being smart.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

nice! Looking good!

[@TheGeekPub]

+I Like To Make Stuff Thanks Bob!

[@gamerbeast1012]

I WANT ONE PLZ PUT IT OUT FOR SALE!!

[@nova396]

Nicholas Floyd I'll sell you one...

[@arcadespirit75]

Very good job ! 👍🏼😊☺️👌🏼😀😁

[@g04tm4n]

This is perfect. I set my retropi up last night on my new 3. I wanted to make a cabinet for our annual block 3rd of July party. If I can make mine look 50% this nice, people will dig it I think. Thanks for this effort, its going to make for some awesome fun.

[@dovahzoh]

I MUST make one now. Not very experienced with wood work, but I am a fast learner. No special tools either but I can compromise. I WILL make one thank you for this!

[@justmutantjed]

Looks great! 6:06 - Did you put any kind of starters on the drilling spots? Lightly tap it with a nail, just to keep the drill centered at all, or are you that awesome with a hand-drill?

[@TheGeekPub]

Watch the Guild Video...

[@BruceAUlrich]

Cool arcade! I agree...the t molding really adds a lot!

[@Ironcaster]

that bit about the air compressor is pretty clever. I'll have to remember that provided that I ever get around to actually building one of these

[@30Jago]

Used your plans and actually made 2 cabinets. Just finishing second one. I added vinyl decals made at sign store now waiting for controls I ordered

[@darbinorvar]

Came out great Mike!

[@TheGeekPub]

+Darbin Orvar Thank you Linn!

[@rustynutsnboltz]

Did you use the 191mm control panel? Do you feel its overly close to the monitor ?

[@KungFuMojo]

What's the width of this bartop? I'd like to know the monitor size restrictions prior to getting the plans. Thanks!

[@lousterzenbach7235]

I love this build. Does anyone know where to get speakers like these anymore? The last cabinet I made, I just used old Amazon Basic speakers and tore them down so i could mount them, but the speakers in this build look SO much better.

[@alexandrebrochu4265]

You. Are. A. Genius. I would love to have just half your manual skills. Great! Awesome!

[@CajunFoots]

I used your plans to build my cabinet and it came out great. I'm just waiting to put the marquee in, ordered Plexi-glass and printing graphics. I will make two modifications though. The first is using a potentiometer for volume control mounted to the side of the cabinet, and the second is to cut a 5" hole in the back door to mount a cooling fan. I've noticed that after awhile, the Raspberry Pi gets hot as noted by the small thermometer that shows up on the top right corner of the screen.

[@VeggieGamer]

Dude!! I have been watching several videos for bartop arcades, but this video had some really awesome ideas! The amount of effort others go to for the screen to be installed behind the board, but you place it infront?? I love this and when (or if) I get around to doing my own I'll be sure to use your tips!! :)

[@anthonypesina5249]

I purchased your plans for this and i was wondering what the compass length was set at to find the angle for the curve

[@patishon]

Great mike what is the size of the backer block for the monitor same as the other ?

[@AH-qt4dp]

what size is the monitor and do the plans come with a complete list of all purchases needed to complete the project aslo include the templates for the buttons and speakers

[@TheGeekPub]

24" and yes.

[@tom_kauf]

Very awesome build, I've been looking for a design like this. I am most interested in two things. I would like to know the exact paint and primer you used to cover the mdf. Also, I am curious to the controller board models that you used, Thanks.

[@TheGeekPub]

I sell plans with more details on my website.

[@IamNotaRealAmerican]

Love the wood working skillz, talent def runs in the family!

[@hdchicken7866]

What do you call the two things you plugged the buttons into, how do you know what botton goes where, and did you just use a computer monitor? Thanks!!!!!

[@TheGeekPub]

"All of the details are on my website." - Me

[@hdchicken7866]

thks

[@Rockman_87]

Very very very nice my friend! Only one question... what type of adapter is? I haven t find for now that type of connetion for the buttons. Where I can find it?

[@TheGeekPub]

+Cristiano Pardo It's all in the plan file on my website.

[@ryanmichalski7420]

how do I get the pc monitor to turn on without using the power button due the fact that the bezel is in the way.

[@voltz15]

Great stuff! I'm surprised you don't add a tinted glass to the front of the display since most cabinets usually have one.

[@TheGeekPub]

The glass was there to keep kids from breaking the screens. I won't have that problem, and I didn't want to deal with dust getting between them. That being said, it would be very easy to add.

[@wanajo403]

hi, I liked your hand work but I came here for products of retropie buttons or joysticks etc. Do you have list of them? I need to build this from scratch like you.

[@hdchicken7866]

Is the wireless keyboard described in the plan's parts list a necessity or an option, what do you need it for if you need it?

[@kdub1159]

What kind of paper did you use for the marquee? Thank you!

[@ryanbarber6358]

after cutting out the sides, did you sand at all? or is it unnecessary since you are using t-molding?

[@sebastianocala8187]

I've seen a lot video, and this is the most useful so far, well done GeekPub

[@ROWLESmade]

Nice build! We've been thinking of adding a Retro Pie arcade to our RV and this was a kick in the butt to start it. Thanks for sharing.

[@Noah-gn7dp]

Did you use a kit for the buttons and the joystick? If not what controller board did you use? Also how would you add a coin acceptor?

[@TheGeekPub]

All on my website.

[@RmxPR]

Noah Askew u

[@Noah-gn7dp]

radames ramirez u what?

[@stepheneastcoastuk2757]

Hey Mike greetings from the UK that is one Sick workshop you have

[@metzUK]

Do you have any instructions on setting up the joysticks/buttons to work with Retropie?

[@TheGeekPub]

+metzUK Coming in a video in a about a week or two.

[@Fiona2254]

just watched the full size cabinet build. I'm here for the raspberry pi part 😁

[@samgonzalez7416]

Nice work! Did you seal the wood? Because mine started to grow algae due to moisture from the placing of my hands, from hours of play.

[@TheGeekPub]

Yes. I primed and painted it.

[@samgonzalez7416]

+TheGeekPub oh sorry, I meant like a water sealer, or does a regular primer work for water resistance or moisture prevention?

[@TheGeekPub]

Primer doesn't, but a quality paint most definitely will.

[@nicklancing4544]

if you can get a vinyl image, but no adhesive backside, what would the best type of self applying adhesive be for the job? and would the 3m 77 work well for the job? and would it work with the soap and water method used when trying to get that image on the cabinet correctly?

[@travishannan7145]

Awesome! How did you get emulation station to recognize both sets of buttons/joysticks? I can only get player one working...😩

[@autumn_breeze616]

When they were hooking it up it seemed as if they had two separate control boards. However, there are parts that allow two players through one control board, and you have to follow provided diagrams in order to get it working. If all else fails though, try to look it up or ask on a forum including information like the types of buttons, joysticks, controller boards, your Raspberry Pi model number and the version of RetroPie you have installed. Haven't made one myself yet but if you do that you'll probably find an answer as you can't get much more thorough than that!

[@ncarrasco2006]

Hi, nice video. Regarding the Joystick screws, does the screws come with the Joystick? Can you recommend which type of screws I should use for a similar Joystick? Thanks

[@chrismason7066]

i built a contrl panel for my full size mame cabinet... used silver shelf paper and it looks great.. but now that i have a rain gutter business... i wish i would have used a flat sheet of black powder coated aluminum (used to make rain gutters) instead of the shelf paper.. it'll last longer plus i have about 25 colors to choose from including real copper... with the proper bit it's also easy to drill through... i may go back... take the panel off and use aluminum instead of shelf paper.. it's super thin .027" gauge so shouldn't affect the buttons at all.... if you do another one.. let me know and i can help source the aluminum.

[@drakegreg1]

Paintjob looks fantastic. Right now I am hesitating between vinyl or a paint... Could painted one look as good as the vinyl?

[@TheGeekPub]

You kind of need to paint it regardless of vinyl, because the vinyl will have a hard time sticking to MDF without paint. Also there will be places the vinyl does not cover that still need paint. You should shoot the whole cabinet with primer and a base color first.

[@drakegreg1]

Thanks for advice. Looks like I have to learn more about this process.

[@TheGeekPub]

I just updated my comment. I meant to say the vinyl has a hard time sticking to MDF without paint.

[@brutaljustin1349]

The Raspberry Pi does get pretty hot when you play more demanding games like PS1, N64, some arcade stuff, etc. But you can just buy a Pi case that has a fan you can connect to the board.

[@Gijz74]

Awesome build.

[@shenaniganiz0r]

This looks great! I appreciate the guide. Excuse my lack of technical terminology and know-how, but do you think it'd be possible to also have some simple USB controllers plugged in but create some kind of switcher - whether it's a physical switch or some kind of program on the pi - to be able to switch between the traditional arcade-style controls and USB SNES-style controllers? Like maybe an on/off for the arcade controls and an on/off for the SNES controllers?

[@TheGeekPub]

Check out the Pacade build. It has USB front ports and does this. No switcher needed.

[@shenaniganiz0r]

@@TheGeekPub Wow that's perfect, thank you kindly.

[@soth69]

Very nice! "is just a matter of pluging every button to the correct socket", in your setup, which one is the correct socket?

[@TheGeekPub]

I don't understand your question.

[@soth69]

basically how do you know the button order to the circuit, or you put them randomly and after figure out where to position them in wood?

[@TheGeekPub]

It makes zero difference. Retropie will figure it out automatically.

[@soth69]

Ok, i get it. Thank a lot!

[@robertborowski5240]

Nice work Mike do you sell them build ?

[@lucasmorris3474]

Have you done a video that shows how to map the buttons and joystick to the raspberry pie?

[@TheGeekPub]

Coming soon.

[@henningstrandvik8245]

Hi!... GREAT video!... What is the bit you are using on your router to make the t-slots?.. i need to get one! :)

[@cookykola8859]

Yes, is it possible to modify the case for a crt monitor?, I have a Macintosh Color Display just doing nothing, as my Macintosh Performa doesn't work anymore, and I want to use it for something.

[@TheGeekPub]

Sure, but I think you'd need to make the cabinet quite a bit deeper.

[@cookykola8859]

Alright, I'll either modify the plans or make my own plans.

[@TheEDS1971]

and take in consideration the heat...

[@AndyVandercoy]

I am really excited to try this as my first major woodworking project. Question is, I would like to add a trackball in the middle for the unit. What do you recommendation for layout templates that would accommodate that and what lighted trackball would you recommend? Thanks!

[@KennethGundersen]

How do you connect the Raspberry to the speakers? When I use the jack-connector I hear some "humming" from the speakers. I feel the sound is not good this way. I'm not sure, but wonders if my Raspberry pi 3 is at cheap "ripoff" or "fake". I have not tried the HDMI connector yet. Maybe the sound is better using HDMI?

[@TheGeekPub]

Which speakers are you using? Are they USB? Do not power them from the Pi. Use a quality USB charger.

[@KennethGundersen]

For now I have used headphones connected to the jack-connector in the pi. They work flawlessly on my Arranger keyboard and with my computer too. Have not tried USB speakers though. I guess USB speakers is the way to go?

[@agopo]

Great build

[@gone1583]

this is so simple. What a great vid

[@KiefferProjects]

Thanks so much for your plans and your video. I'm building a couple of these right now, and I wouldn't have have even thought of doing it until I saw what you built. Nice job.

[@hoody2141]

Didn't see in the comments or on the build page, but what are the rough dimensions...width, height, depth? Looking over several plans and trying to see what will fit in the space I have. I like your design as it seems it has enough room for two players as others I've seen are really cramped. Also excited about what type of build and video you said is coming soon!

[@chemikalguy]

I love the build. It looks very professional. One question I have about your info is whether or not you have specific instructions on configuration of the RetroPie to work with the buttons in this particular cabinet. Your RetroPie video is done using a keyboard, rather than being specific to this build. Can you elaborate? Thanks!

[@TheGeekPub]

Check my website.

[@wizzl3dizzle403]

Looks great man! I just got a raspberry pi 3 not too long ago and have just been running it like a normal console with retropie but this has given me a great idea with what to do with my pi now!

[@TheGeekPub]

Send pictures!

[@wizzl3dizzle403]

i will bud! thanks again!

[@RetroModeDays]

What size auger bits you use for Joy-Cons and Buttons ?

[@krystlih]

Question: Did you use the Industrial Velcro for the monitor as well or is it just resting in the cabinet? FYI I did buy your plans, I do like the design overall and it seems relatively budget friendly.

[@TheGeekPub]

+Christopher Scott The monitor is press fitted into place. I'll cover that in more detail in a future video.

[@krystlih]

+TheGeekPub Awesome thanks I really look forward to it.

[@thetoolsmith]

Hey Mike, In your opinion, is there enough room for adding a trackball with your current button layout? Thanks

[@TheGeekPub]

Yes, but it would be very tight.

[@arthurcolling6600]

I did buy your plans for the bartop! I am looking forward to making this with my son. How did you find the radius for the circle. I saw the two points, but what is the radius you used?

[@TheGeekPub]

Watch the first few minutes of this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2ilkH-MfKimgac

[@TheChrisPineWorkshop]

SO fun! Looks great! Looking forward to the videos about this to come!

[@TheGeekPub]

+Chris Pine Thanks Chirs!

[@Paul_Henshall]

very nice build.

[@lisabethard1092]

I'm building one up with my son, and I was wondering if you have any details on building in a rumble or shake feature. What hardware would be needed? Once you are Ready To Rumble...(sorry, couldn't resist)....Are the games coded to activate the rumble?

[@TheGeekPub]

I actually plan to do a video on this at some point. Its pretty complicated with today's hardware/software, but ultimately yes, the games are designed to send software signals to hardware to make it happen.

[@jrocha3128]

Nice build, with all said and done how much do you estimate the piece weights?

[@engrosadopinilla]

Hello, Is there any special setup on the controllers? I did the wiring in sequence starting at the socket that is near the USB port. I did the setup using the retropie settings. I am having issues with the snes games

[@ignaciofacundo5954]

just curious, how is the monitor held in place besides the spacers in the build? i noticed you dropped it into place but didnt see you secure it with anything after that. other than that awesome build man!

[@TheGeekPub]

It's just a press fit. But you can install a VESA mount if you like. Our plans include how to add that.

[@stuartleckie]

any links to where to buy the button/joystick kits? thanks

[@TheGeekPub]

+Stuart Leckie You can find all of that and more in the plans.

[@MinNyeAccount]

I like how simple the construction of the cabinet is, seen some pretty elaborate constructions out there, some things I might change on my build (That will be based on yours) is air intake holes in the back, and a fan to pull out the heat generated from the monitor in the top. also, is the sound, okay having them blasting out the back like that?

[@ikkuranus]

Would it be feasible to have the screen inset in such a way that the Acer logo is covered by the wood?

[@zachdavis5854]

Does the template for the arcade button layout come with the plans or are they a separate purchase

[@TheGeekPub]

+Zach Davis With the plans.

[@jakeknaup5686]

Awesome job man. You made that look easy. I want to tackle a project like this so bad. I'm slowly getting up the nerve.

[@jcvaluations]

Did you print the marquee on a regular sheet of paper or is it on a transparency type material?

[@TheGeekPub]

I discussed this on my website article, but card stock.

[@tubzgames199]

how do I set up the the joysticks or does it do it automatically? also I heard it isn't safe to plug usb's in the pi

[@wardrich]

What boards are you using to interface the buttons with the pie?

[@TheGeekPub]

Links in the description and on my website.

[@quaide78]

That is awesome! I have the technical skills for this. The carpentry stuff is hard. It would be a fun learning experience but I would end up spending twice as much do to mistakes. Does anyone know where I could buy it precut and assemble myself?

[@noiselabproject9659]

richsbartoparcades on ebay

[@shywolf281]

Your video helped me finished mine, thanks

[@tammyconner3419]

Mike, you mentioned that you prefer a certain type of monitor so that if the power gets cut-off, it does not lose it's memory or remembers where it was at? Can you provide a model number or more specific information on what type of monitor is best to buy? Thank you for your reply. The arcade looks great!

[@TheGeekPub]

All of that is on my website. Link in description.

[@alex_capone]

can you just use a pc button interface or do you have to use a special one for raspberry pi?

[@JamesMichaelDoyle]

you mean like usb? I don't see why not other than you will saturate a bunch of usb ports, whereas with the kit he uses, it looks like it connects to the pi as a hat. or possibly only uses 1 usb port to connect the control card.

[@LegoMyachi]

So do the sanwa encoders plug directly into the pi? Are there enough ports to support the two boards and a flash drive with roms? Also, are they already keymapped for retropie or will I need to change anything? Sorry for all the questions, but I'm planning on building a Bartop and wanna make sure everything goes well

[@djtoleman3923]

do you need a wireless dongle to use the arcade for the pi3 or just for a wireless controller?

[@TheGeekPub]

Any bluetooth controller will work just fine!

[@djtoleman3923]

TheGeekPub so you don't need a dongle?

[@TheGeekPub]

No. The Pi has bluetooth built in.

[@djtoleman3923]

Very nice thank you and again great videos and workmanship

[@lentendo64]

Finished cabinet looks great! Hoping to put one together myself eventually!

[@TheGeekPub]

+Lentendo They look great and super easy to make. I just used cabinet grade pine ply from Home Depot. $29 a sheet.

[@alex_capone]

Amazing vid! Me and my dad are going to build a full size one! Also we are going to use the T molding because we agree, it does add an awesome retro look!

[@TheGeekPub]

Awesome! I also built a full-size arcade. See my other videos on it.

[@alex_capone]

+TheGeekPub actuallly I have seen them, dozens of times! I keep fantasizing about how awesome it is going to be when we finish it!

[@alex_capone]

Hey! Yesterday We started the arcade cabinet! we got the two sides done, which os pretty much the hardest part to the whole project.mthanks for everything, we really appreciate all the tips and tricks and layouts that you gave, because then we would pretty much have a bog crate with a raspberry pi in it. thanks!

[@Pizzaman3366]

so you did not permanently attach the control panel, so you just slide it in and out during any maintenance?

[@dewaynepierce5502]

What kind of paper was used for the marquee?

[@pofrani]

Thanks. You made that look easy!

[@nickmancini3215]

What size holes did you drill for the control panel? The plans I bought do not say the size.

[@TheGeekPub]

Depends on which buttons you buy. Check the instructions that comes with them.

[@jp31990]

can someone explain how he used the compass to draw the curve?

[@hectorcamacho5565]

Great video man! I'm working on my second build

[@neilsheedy3198]

Great video! What jigsaw blade did you use to get such a nice cut on double stacked mdf?

[@leewprice]

I'm starting my build very soon. Great idea to put reflective material behind the marquee sign. I'm using an old pc monitor as my screen. The T moulding really adds a great finish. Thanks for the video, I really enjoyed it 😀

[@MarsCarf]

Really cool machine dude.

[@jasonlowe8855]

Do you also make additional cabinets to sell?

[@TheGeekPub]

Not currently, but it has crossed my mind. But they'd be expensive.

[@scpumpchump]

TheGeekPub if you consider it, please let me know. Cheers (this is Jason)

[@MzuMzu-nx1em]

What about using a daija controller , and a 32inches tv in order to play with perfect pixel asspect ratio ? Changes much ?

[@נתנאלבןאבו-ע8ז]

What the size of the Acer screen in this video?

[@keljjeme]

where would i purchase t-moulding? cant find a store that sells it

[@TheGeekPub]

Amazon.

[@SKELLYBOY-et2od]

i got a question right now there is new raspberry pi and i dont know which one to get do i look for the first one or will the latest one work fine?

[@Bailie80]

Whats the distance between the nail and the pencil on the compass

[@concernedcitizen5760]

This is a dumb question, but how good of a craftsman do you have to be to build this? I'm not very good at building things but I would love to give this a shot.

[@simplediyr]

Do you have a list of parts, like the buttons, joystick, etc.?

[@TheGeekPub]

Yes. On my website. Links in the description and annotations.

[@simplediyr]

Just went there and unless I'm missing it, I don't see the list of parts. I'm looking for the joystick parts you used.

[@TheGeekPub]

They are in the plans.