How I Built My Dream Arcade! Custom Sega Blast City

Today I show you how I built my dream arcade! I have always dreamed of building my own arcade, specifically a Sega Blast City Arcade machine. Vertical shooters have a special place in my heart, and I wanted the perfect machine to showcase them. I am an 80s kid who grew up playing video games at my local arcade. I never forgot the first time I played a shooter (Shmup) on a Sega Astro City, I was blown away. I later discovered the Sega Blast City arcade, and fell in love lol. Something about playing vertical shooters vertically, just makes those games more enjoyable. I recently went hunting for one of these beautiful machines, and quickly discovered how expensive and hard to find they were. The other problem was room, these machines are not small and my real estate was limited.
At the end I decided to simply build my own, it would be vertical and inspired by the Sega Blast City model. I did my research on the type of wood and parts I needed, and went to work. I first did some drawings on paper, but most of the design was in my head. I don't use anything fancy like AutoCAD, everything I do is done by hand and in sections. Unfortunately, I don't have any way to mass produce these, maybe in the future I can afford a cutting CNC machine for mass production.
Cost to build was cheap, the sheet of wood was around $45, the computer was free, monitor was free, Decals where $60, Joystick and arcade buttons were under $70, plexiglass $40, total cost was under $400! But you have to realize that I am doing everything from start to finish myself, and I already own the tools which saves me money. I would've definitely gone with a Raspberry Pi if I didn't have the free computer. This project took me 2 months to finish, this includes research, design and construction. Overall, I am very happy with the outcome, and playing shooters on a vertical 32" display with arcade joysticks in my own home, is a dream come true!
Thank you for watching & for your support!
-- LINKS --
(When available, I use affiliate links and may earn a small commission.)
Some of the parts I used for repair:
► Graphics Printed By: gameongrafix.com
► BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill: amzn.to/2YpjI0s
► 45Pcs Wet Dry Sandpaper: amzn.to/3ETZmf9
► Painter's Touch 2X Ultra Cover Spray Paint: amzn.to/3EU5x2O
► Rust-Oleum Spray Primer: amzn.to/3bO5pWk
► Sanwa Arcade Buttons: amzn.to/306SVXB
► I-PAC2 Controller Board: www.ultimarc.c...
► ServoStik 4/8 Way Joystick: www.ultimarc.c...
► Arcade Button Wiring kit: www.ultimarc.c...
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Some of my tools & gear:
► Dimmable Bi-Color 480 LED Video Light and Stand Lighting Kit: amzn.to/3k5wdWr
► 2 Packs Dimmable Bi-Color LED Video Light with Tripod Stand: amzn.to/3CNBh9w
► Self-Healing Cutting Mat, 18"x24" (Blue): amzn.to/3GOYvOF
► Weller Digital Soldering Station: amzn.to/3bOMg6F
► Rotozip SS355 High Speed Spiral Sawhttps: //amzn.to/3CUcArI
► Orbit Sander, 5-Inch: amzn.to/3q9KTry
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► ► Check Out My Store: www.applewaveg...
► ► Follow me on instagram: bit.ly/3GDEmLw
► ► Follow me on TikTok: bit.ly/2Y4WGf2
#AppleWaveGamer #RetroGameRepairs #BlastCityArcade

[@nicolasc7063]

The most amazing custom arcade cabinet in KZbin congrats dude...

[@AppleWaveGamer]

Thank you 🙏

[@griftgfx]

One of the best custom bar tops I've ever seen. Beautiful work.

[@AppleWaveGamer]

Thank you so much for your comment 🥰

[@ShwartsFN]

Lmao he has a WHOLE shop to work with, it BETTER look good

[@anonymousprofessor8866]

@@AppleWaveGamer I had to subscribe to amazing project creators like your channel. How da heck did you get the marquees for the games to show on the TV screen like that? I never knew that was even possible plus the CRT retro filter makes the game play look authentic. Is there a Build for noobs that can remotely get me close to this on ArcadePunks?

[@toddkovalsky]

this is sick, clearly you know what you’re doing how would you make this simple for a non woodworking expert 🙌🙌

[@marioluna2110]

​@@AppleWaveGamerDisculpe Qué tipo de pintura en aerosol está usando❤❤what spray paint are you using❤❤

[@SirSicCrusader]

I wish I had the time, patience, skill, motivation, ability to... you know what, good job!

[@corinful]

That is amazing well done.....You should consider making these for sale I'd 100% buy one

[@sinetwo]

Same!

[@Tom-vt5bf]

Congrats that's one of the best builds I have seen and I have seen a lot of them!

[@AppleWaveGamer]

Thank you 🙏

[@thehiddencode5686]

This is someting that was built with love and dedication. Great work man.

[@deadave6127]

Currently dreaming of making something as sweet looking as your cab. Nice job. Wow

[@fabiancarta]

I’ve been looking for other video’s like this. There are just no candy cab builds I can find which resemble yours. I love it and it inspires me to build my own. And this is like the sixth time I’ve watched this, haha.

[@AppleWaveGamer]

@@fabiancarta Thank you! I created my project for similar reasons, driven by a vision I couldn't find elsewhere. Although I made mine at work using only my own basic tools, I still take pride in it. Now that I work at a carpenter shop, I'm considering building something even better. While I don't have blueprints, I wish you the best of luck on your journey. You can do it! 🍎

[@chadshaffer4838]

Wow! One of the best custom arcade build videos I've seen. Strangely, I really liked the drill sounds!

[@ricardocancino7280]

Gorgeous. Really appreciate the woodwork.

[@valentine_puppy]

As a major Sega fan. I approve and love this.

[@IMNME45]

I would love to see a horizontal one, with fighting games, this is one of the best repro's I've seen of a classic arcade. Good job!

[@jasp2003]

I have a dream to build a cabinet exactly like this. Im still researching and building my practical skills. This video is inspiring! Thanks!

[@SanAlexVan]

you really make my dreams come true, all the work , step by step, it´s a dream.

[@ramonhawkins9932]

Wow..What a dream build!!Amazing! Great job!😮

[@AppleWaveGamer]

Thank you 🙏

[@joshb.9380]

Beautiful work! Thanks for sharing.

[@UTO0O0B]

Absolutely fantastic build! Love it. One of my fave cabs too.

[@cybertechcomputerz]

Looks great!

[@Alpha17x]

It's always awesome to see someone get or build their dream cabinet. Awesome. I hope you're still having a blast with it (pun intended).

[@AppleWaveGamer]

It’s in my living room now, Friends and family enjoy it every day! 😁

[@BDThug]

This looks amazing!

[@luftydrums]

Wow, awesome build! Really impressive

[@seekerofarcades4634]

😗really nice work!!!very creative👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@Undar8ed03]

Now I like this! I would love to have a custom full size sit down cab that could hold a 27" crt since finding one here in my part of the US is extremely hard and expensive. Good job brother. Looks amazing.

[@AppleWaveGamer]

Thank you so much! ☺️

[@A_Z_0-9_010]

Very nice detailed cab. Excellent craftsmanship

[@ccfgameplay]

what a wonderful project! the most beautiful one I've ever seen here on youtube!

[@AppleWaveGamer]

Thank you 🙏

[@travis3501]

Exactly what I want. If only someone made a cabinet like this, with style rather than the cheap looking ones available. Id but it!

[@deadave6127]

Nice work. Talk about a labor of love. I get nervous modding fighting sticks. 😂

[@daviddunnaway8665]

Clean job. IMPRESSIVE

[@charthers8903]

Looks amazing.. I’m gonna send this to my guy, if he can do 10% of what you did with that I’d be very happy

[@tjn6278]

man this looks great. love the marquee

[@djb1ge]

AWESOME work! MAN, I wish I had woodworking skills & tools. lol

[@deepdrasticvid]

Congratulations on the vertical screen and games, nice clean workmanship I also have a vertical screen cabin project, the system is ready, just cut a few old boards and start the cabin construction, it is still in the design drawing stage.

[@alexj0101]

Absolutely incredible bar top. Great design and attention to detail.

[@Ryan-P2121]

Very nice work you should be proud of it.

[@memphis9286]

It's exactly what I dream of! Master! well done!!!!!!!!

[@soulmate2027]

Absolutely crazy build 🔥💪

[@Alfontu]

I normally don't like LCD cabinets, but this is a masterpiece. Congratulations!

[@AppleWaveGamer]

Thank you 🙏

[@AndreaBaldon]

great work! a perfect TATE cabinet!

[@giovanniferrara2995]

Is a fantastic !!!! Congratulations!!!

[@AppleWaveGamer]

Many thanks!!

[@perander79]

Really nice work!

[@chnsx7]

omg such beauitful work! i hope to have a blast city candy cab one day. nope, i won't make one :)

[@MikeDancy]

dude! that is one sweet setup

[@andril]

amazing build and great video showing it all i wish i had skills like this

[@imm311]

Great work! God bless you and yours. Praying for you.

[@AppleWaveGamer]

Thank you for the prayers ❤️

[@mrams1]

Amazing work

[@jeffsim1987]

Watching this now in 2025 sparked my interest even more now and made me realize I can have a mini arcade in my house without having full machines love your build

[@silverandblackentertainment]

One of the best builds I’ve seen on here 👍🏽

[@retror.d.1630]

Wow! I want one of those! 😱

[@ledoudinou]

The perfect bartop for shmups 👌🏻

[@-Astro--]

wow amazing work 👍

[@pollorodriguez1920]

Man that's an amazing work. Very clean and profesional. Looks awesome.

[@DecibelAlex]

looks good, very inspiring. well done

[@GamingwithTai]

I know this video was made a year ago. Just wanted to say that this looks lovely. Tip around the 2X white gloss tho. It's a thicker paint. do it in light coats. It will make the overall product look less clumpy.

[@thelabfurnishings6171]

Very Very nice work my friend.

[@AppleWaveGamer]

Thank you 🙏

[@BillBene67]

Really beautiful work! I'm loving this

[@retrojoe2842]

Super Nice!!!!

[@jonniefast]

excellent woodworking 😌

[@pendy96]

It's been a long time since this video came up, but I was wondering if you have managed to make any plans for this? Would absolutely love to build one similiar, but Im not too shabby with figuring shapes and sizes by myself 😅 Absolutely amazing work! ❤❤❤

[@patrickblank1665]

Very cool!

[@SpazzyJester]

This is incredibly well done 🤯 I'm actually happy I subscribed to your channel 😁 I wanna make on full of classic arcade fighting games for my brother 😎 so this has given me some ideas 💡 this is seriously an underappreciated video loved every second of it 👌🥰👍

[@cybermat800]

If i should use one word i'd say "Astonished". One of the best diy video ever seen. Regarding 4-8 way, i own Jlw with servo and i don't think that is suited for shoot'em up due to its medium travel.

[@PiperisCalling]

looks great man.

[@VAMPIREMACHIINE]

Awesome job!! 🤟

[@victoryarcades8653]

Awesome build 👏

[@AppleWaveGamer]

I agree. Lol. Thanks

[@jjnavacool]

That is beatiful!

[@ArcadeCabNBud]

Very impressive indeed

[@DarthSamuraiRyuu]

i want one! astro city style! 😍

[@MotownBatman]

New Sub! Dryden, MI Excellent Job! This is Beautiful

[@RetroRick1990]

Hello my friend, I was researching this project for a very long time, it is exactly what I want! please let me know if the blueprints will be available. I subscribed just watching the first 2 minutes! Thank you very much for this! I will share your video with more people!

[@samfreeman7892]

This is so good

[@bladeblade2435]

It's a fantastic job and you showed you have some skill only thing I can say is a little more time needed on the wood on closeups you can still see the round holes of screws and some imperfections in wood which could of been smoothed out otherwise that's a real piece of kit there👍

[@RetroGameRarities]

This is absolutely gorgeous. Keep up the great work!

[@BackForwardPunch]

Very impressive!

[@jbartmontage6737]

great stuff

[@AppleWaveGamer]

Thanks

[@AngelRetro]

🔥🔥🔥 I like it !!!!!!

[@vincentnunna510]

Wtf! Amazing work!

[@alexkidd_miracleworld]

Excellent !

[@juan666restauracionmexical5]

pa good build

[@socalmob760]

I love the design. I have a question? Do you think it would work for Games like Street Fighter II or any other games that are not vertical orientated? I want something like thin like this beauty.

[@AppleWaveGamer]

Yes I have games like street fighter on this. Thank you 🙏

[@duckdodgers2843]

I envy your skills to build to master piece all on your own. Amazing job! It looks better than the original cabinet that inspired it. 🫡

[@AppleWaveGamer]

Thanks 🙏

[@raymonalvarado6596]

Man this one of the best ones I’ve seen yet….. how long did it take you to build????

[@AppleWaveGamer]

Thanks. 3 months 😊

[@MikeHayesDesign]

This is my dream cab. I was just in Tokyo, playing a SF2 candy cab at Super Potato!

[@AppleWaveGamer]

😮Lucky you!!

[@MikeHayesDesign]

@@AppleWaveGamer honestly, if you're gonna go. Go soon. Japan isn't big on nostalgia. They have decimated most of the old school arcades in Akihabara.

[@silversausage382]

That came out so clean!!! Very Nice job!! Shit now i want to build one haha! 💯🔥🔥🔥

[@ricardotavarez5718]

Buenisimo el gabinete!

[@pandafresh]

incredible work! i wish buying a candy cab wasn't so expensive, this looks a pretty neat alternative. i dont think i quite have your carpentry skills though lol

[@miraclechild_502]

This looks so amazing great work my friend grade A quality work what frontend or theme was you using I like that vertical style theme with marquee during gameplay

[@johnboydojo]

That's beautiful! Gained a sub easily!

[@AppleWaveGamer]

Thank you 🙏

[@jean-patrickleger2215]

Super cool build, congrats. I love the 4/8 ways selector. May I ask which launcher you use for the game selection ? Thanks !

[@AppleWaveGamer]

Thanks. For the launcher I am using a custom build. Just Google, Diamond 3 Arcade Vertical Edition

[@nerdloftgaming]

Stunning work, love it! Subbing 👍

[@madgoatrancer2367]

Wow beautifull

[@JohnEricBooth]

Excellent work! I've built 2 cabs myself so it was great to learn a few things from YOU! Where did you acquire that joystick??? One of my cabs showcases vertical games and since most of them are 8-way stick games, I couldn't include games such as Pac-Man and Donkey Kong.

[@AppleWaveGamer]

Thank you. Got joystick here…. www.ultimarc.com

[@overdriver99]

damn! you got the skill & money. I envy you..

[@AppleWaveGamer]

Thanks. But I’m kind of broke dude lol. Cheap when you make it yourself.

[@prawnstar502]

so damn cool!!!

[@Kla2024-s5t]

Da da da da …I’m lovin it

[@alessiociulla8184]

Wou very nice 👍🏻. What software you use? Grazie

[@stratmask5]

Glorious

[@KING_KONK]

Brooo this is amazing you did such a good job. What did you use to round the edges of the plywood

[@Ghostviperz]

Gorgeous what build is that?

[@juangimenez9612]

I want one, I loved it, where can I get the plans? a marvel

[@PKGangsta18]

This is a work of art ToT