AdventurePi: The Ultimate DIY Raspberry Pi Portable Arcade Cabinet!

[@Howchoo]

Check out the full guide on Howchoo :) howchoo.com/g/y2fkodu2ymj/adventurepi-portable-raspberry-pi-arcade

[@fuccinspacely3282]

ill pay you for the one you made! please get back to me

[@zergmare7]

what exact standoffs did you use?

[@Howchoo]

These ones: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075K3QBMX/?tag=howchoo-20

[@zergmare7]

So I am building one similaR to yours, however I am going much deeper into detail. I am putting speakers mounted onto the polycarbonate and will be drilling holes like you did for your joystick shaft holder. I will be putting all together, 45 holes into the thing (only 19 of the 45 bigger than a normal standoff hole) Hopefully the polycarbonate will hold up and stay strong!

[@whattheshc]

@@Howchoo Where did you get the main board that contains the game?

[@ETAPRIME]

I absolutely love it! Awesome job

[@coomlord5409]

Nice to see u here

[@2play4win10]

I was just thinking of you watching this lol

[@xenobreak1160]

ETA seal of approval is a good thing!

[@siqaraminmassaquoi1999]

Omg!!! ETA Prime!!!!! You're the man!!! Your tutorials have helped me a ton!!!

[@spirikal5069]

Hi prime

[@rovieriel621]

Currently working this project. Just finished drilling and installing the buttons and joystick. Did not know I needed the extenders for the control input. Will probably post a video when complete. Thank you so much for the guide. I was a total noob and still able to go through the guide with ease!!!!

[@Howchoo]

No problem! Would love to see your AdventurePi when it's done-feel free to email us at [e-mail] with a video link or photos when it's finished :)

[@rovieriel621]

howchoo my 3 b+ was bad. Just tested a 4 with the new retro pie update. Works well. Just waiting on the flat slim cables for micro hdmi and the type c to usb cord. Should be complete after that 👍. Tested Ninja Turtles, Galaga, and Crash Bandicoot.

[@MrJoseJasso]

This is awesome! Going to tackle this project for my kids....just in time for Christmas!

[@chongtak]

Good dad.

[@jaurybeltraoengers5986]

Good luck man! It is an amazing project, i am sure they are going to love it.

[@niknik5380]

How did it go?

[@Legofromthelowerlands020]

Or buy a switch

[@kingofcapp]

My neighbor had an LCD briefcase PS2 in early 2000s. He bought it in Hong Kong and I've never seen another one. This project definitely is in the same spirit.

[@buddyfx7026]

This is freaking BEAUTIFUL! Thanks so much for taking the time to share this unique creation. I'll be making my own eventually :)

[@robertwilson3866]

Thanks for this - I carry around this case everywhere I go and everyone thinks I have a job!

[@elesjuan]

Don't have a clue how the heck I found this channel, but you make some really cool stuff. Your production quality is also top notch, which makes it even better!

[@Howchoo]

Thanks! Really glad to have you here. I’ve been trying to shift to doing a video every week or two, but I spend so much time writing Howchoo guides that it’s tough. But I’m working on it so I can make more videos for you guys. I recently quit my job to work on Howchoo full time so that will definitely help. :)

[@Fatbutnotflat]

@@Howchoo just want to say, amazing content, best of luck on the channel mate

[@shrimpfixing18]

I really like the idea of using a sort of tool case to house everything, defenintly integrating that into my current project.

[@extremeXmetal666]

That is a great little mini arcade for portability

[@michaellengyel33]

I am so going to try and build one of these.

[@DailyFlux]

I was expecting a non-3d printed suggestion when he said "If you don't have a 3d printer"

[@samthewizzy]

Yeah that was pretty dumb of him

[@jamalpeoples3736]

If you can't figure out this you probably shouldn't be building this it's literally a small cup. Hell it took me all of 30 seconds to figure out a round plastic seedling cup or a small price cup would work.

[@NikoDaisy]

I'd recommend sanwa or seimitsu joystick and buttons for an easy upgrade to the arcade edition.

[@Howchoo]

Good call, the joystick assembly is a Sanwa but the buttons could use an upgrade :)

[@TexasHollowEarth]

I prefer Korean buttons. Crown/Samducksa is nice.

[@tildesarecool7782]

Holy crap. I've been working on something similar to this with goal of arcade buttons but have been stuck on a solution for a detachable shaft joystick. I think I'll give on finding a diy solution and just buy the thing. thank you for this!!

[@jorgevespucci9878]

I built something like this in a cooler. I used a cheap headunit amp and speakers to make a decent blue tooth boombox when its not being used for tv/movies/games. Dont forget a voltmeter and a couple usb slots. Helps with charging things on the go and keeping an eye on your battery. Very slick setup man.

[@Howchoo]

Awesome! Did you do a writeup somewhere? Sounds like a neat project.

[@manipulationstation2454]

Clear and concise with no frills, great tutorial. 👍😁

[@Howchoo]

Thanks!

[@joeyjojojunior4886]

Very nice. I built a similar unit with a 10.1” monitor a couple years ago. They key is finding the right power bank because if it doesn’t have the right juice you’ll get the yellow lighting bolt on your Pi and can be hard on the software and on the micro SD card and cause it to shut down suddenly.

[@Howchoo]

Sounds like a fun project. And yeah, you’re totally right - the overall maximum output and output per port are key. I haven’t hit an undervolt indicator with this one, but I have a feeling I might with the Pi 4.

[@jblps]

6:03 "Just in case" 🤭

[@komicpancake8387]

Vending machines become the dominant race

[@MobileDecay]

Mafia boss: You got the money? Me: Puts case on back of car... No but I got this sexy ass arcade machine in the... 😵🗡️😡

[@dannydevito3696]

hahahahahhaha

[@taotechnique]

You have an awesome channel!! Well spoken, very interesting, really cool how-to's!!!!

[@Howchoo]

Thanks! :)

[@harryfarmer3847]

Very cool! Awesome project.

[@mdhavoc]

My favorite portable battery pack for sure I use mine for everything

[@RadBillions]

Yea y’all gave me something else to build on I kinda had a idea but y’all brought it out thanks I appreciate y’all brain work

[@PrBaLLaz123]

This is the coolest thing I've seen.

[@Howchoo]

Thanks! :)

[@MichaelPick]

Dude! Sick build! love your channel!

[@Howchoo]

Thanks for watching! Stay tuned, lots more coming soon :)

[@LionHeartJay]

Summer Project for me this year

[@eddiebeltoe]

I'm 85% Done sourcing all the things I need for this actually went with the 915 case can't wait thanks for all the great info

[@Howchoo]

Awesome!! Good call on the 915, much more room for things and you can use the cheaper, more durable non-ribbon HDMI and MicroUSB cables :) Can’t wait to see how it turns out

[@eddiebeltoe]

howchoo almost done bud do you happen to have an email I'll send you over the pics :)

[@Howchoo]

@@eddiebeltoe Awesome, I'd love to see it! [e-mail]

[@Howchoo]

@@eddiebeltoe Awesome, I'd love to see it! [e-mail]

[@Masimooos]

​@@eddiebeltoehey can you send me the part list you used?

[@theSEGAtwistisover9k]

That's a nice box you got there.

[@Balthazar2242]

Excellent video, very well done. I'm floored.

[@jaywhite9926]

Really cool setup, especially with the joystick

[@donovan007007]

Ok.... I’m building this!

[@Simtask]

Just ordered the parts I needed to build this. I opted to go with the bigger case because the price was nearly the same and the slim cables are on back order till June. I will be posting a review video on the build and crediting back to this video if you are ok with that. I wont be doing a guide since you already have that covered, Just reviewing how the build process was in difficulty to me and how I rate being satified with the outcome. Thanks for this project, this will give me something to show off during break times at work, and it will fit nicely in my locker.

[@Howchoo]

Of course! Have fun with your build and link away :)

[@Simtask]

My project is done. I did go for the Nanuk 915 case. It isn't big enough to run normal HDMI and Power wire for the monitor. I was able to use a HDMI 90 degree normal (Sorta) and had to get a ribbon power line, like you showed. I will need to find a way to space the monitor from the lid of the case because the HDMI I opted to use does not quite have clearance. My monitor is not making complete contact with the Velcro. But other then those small snags, this was a fun project.

[@skipad4306]

once i got stopped at the airport with a yellow Peli case full of camera lens. i asked the guy what did he saw on the screen scanner. he said "you dont wanna know" opened the case and all good. what if i get stopped with a case like this, that has a screen and few red buttons and alot of circuits and electronics.

[@seahawks1185]

They should be able to differentiate from a potential bomb and a video game set-up, a bomb would take symtex, c4, dynamite etc, it would be visible, fairly large and obvious, compared to something that contains none of those components, it's their job, they aren't retarded.

[@satina1169]

@@seahawks1185 then how do you explain that I got shot dead once for carrying a gameboy that looked like a mini c4?

[@derekswitzer9624]

Still an awesome idea! 😎 looking for somewhere that can make this for me …

[@jamiewilson6900]

Love this,it's inspired me to make one similar 🙂

[@Geeksmithing]

Fantastic build! I like how clean it is! Side note.... Are you bandsawing acrylic with no shirt on?

[@TexasHollowEarth]

I thought that was his belly! Good catch.

[@Howchoo]

Haha someone on Reddit asked that.. But no, that's my knee. I'm bandsawing on the floor. Building a new workshop and in the meantime some of my lesser-used tools are strewn about in the office.

[@Geeksmithing]

@@Howchoo hahaha!! right on! :D

[@africanelectron751]

#real man!

[@flottenheimer]

Love it. Awesome work.

[@derarty4290]

Cool! Im gona show this my small brother so he starts learning phyton asap!

[@大佛佛生]

amazing work

[@rudymontanez9513]

This is cool it's like the arcade ones sold on ebay

[@kevinh.3570]

WOW, Thats all i can say.. what a cool project

[@ignissolus7503]

great project

[@electronic7979]

Excellent project 👍

[@knight2night826]

Cool,great work

[@peterernoob]

Love this project! And a great video too. Bought some of the parts, but I am probably going for a keyboard, so I can play old PC games, like Heroes 3 and Diablo. I’m kind of struggling to figure out if the power banks I’m looking at can provide enough amps for both the screen and a Rasberry PI 4b at the same time. But I’m working on it. Cheers!

[@brittanycunningham787]

Ball, shaft, unit, nuts. 😂

[@gdawwg1125]

Wonder if you could hack up a old laptop for the display and battery

[@TheRationalPi]

This might be really interesting with a Mister in place of the retro Pi...

[@7R15M3G1]

Big ups Tampa!

[@ryanhilling272]

Hey, how about taking the PS3 slim and put PS5 equivalent tech inside to make it smaller

[@DaHaiZhu]

I can see TSA guards just freaking the hell out if you try to take this through an airport. 🤣

[@pimpinken8901]

Especially if you don’t tell them and let them X-ray it

[@Geeksmithing]

haha, you should have seen me take my NES Project thru security!

[@Howchoo]

Haha yeah I took my PiCart with me a couple times without issue, but they'd probably bother me for this one. Btw your NES Project looks cool!

[@Geeksmithing]

@@Howchoo Hey thanks! The guys face when it went thru the xray machine looked super confused.... :D

[@rocknflip66]

As a federal employee, who is a retro arcade kid at heart I travel alot so I'd imagine, TSA probably still question me regardless, and if they do, I'd hand them a second 8bitdo controller if they wanna throw down on some super street fighter 2 turbo lol

[@blackster000]

Marvellous project! Would be interesting to have an output to connect another one and play 1vs 1

[@tonybp]

I cried tears of joy.

[@vasili1207]

Gay

[@dhian1780]

[e-mail]

[@isaacriggs4656]

would I still have room if I oriented the buttons on the left and the stick on the right?

[@DetroitLove]

How did you get the battery to turn off when the pi is shut down as the pi doesn’t turn off and continue to draw power?

[@zergmare7]

Any chance I could buy a 3-D printed joystick holder like you having yours from you

[@Howchoo]

Shoot me an email and I'll print you one for free :) [e-mail]

[@zergmare7]

@@Howchoo Hey I love your videos! I sent you my email for the arcade Shaft storage insert!

[@Paganhellbilly]

Hows it held up over time with the battery being velcroed to the pi? Ive heard of a lot of issues with the Pi running hot and having a hot thing on top of the battery seems sketch to me

[@Smilog]

This very good project! May i ask you the plexiglass size in mm? The whole piece from nanuk, precisely if you can please. Thanks

[@thesupra]

Cool Stuff, but 1 thing the link to site works but pages links aren't working.

[@leonielson7138]

I know that I could buy a better laptop for cheep, but a part of me likes the all-in-one laptop/carrying case design and the DIY aspect. Instead of using the acrylic piece to hold buttons I'd cut down a portion to one side (about the size of the leftover in your arcade guide) to hold the Raspberry Pi 4 and either a M.2 or 2.5" SSD hat, upside down from the acrylic with holes cut out for a small fan, with the power supply velcroed in place beneath them. A USB keyboard and Mouse would have to fit inside, but I'd want the keyboard removable so that I can hold it in my lap while the screen sits on a table, that way I don't have my chin in my chest while I'm typing.

[@SilverSin]

Would this monitor screen work for something like a Nintendo switch?

[@minimoe2807]

Very very cool!

[@aleemmohammed7794]

Was hoping you were using a 3d printed case. Still it is a nice project

[@jasoncamps77]

Howchoo appears to have removed the procedure. Is there another place to find it?

[@Clintimtired]

thank you. :)

[@paulk5457]

What if you wanted to use a larger monitor? What power source would you use?

[@Howchoo]

I’m not sure, it depends on the monitor; you’d just need to look at the data sheet for the monitor to see how much it consumes and find a power bank that can output enough amperage for both that and the Pi simultaneously. Normally the monitor specs will list how much power it uses.

[@hotung5445]

The casse reminds me of Death Stranding :))

[@me1ne]

Aren't those powerbanks' Amp Hours usually rated at the cells' voltage, say, 3.7 V?

[@Howchoo]

Good power banks will list both ;) Of course, once the cell gets boosted to 5V, its mAh is lowered; a lot of manufacturers will try to hook you in with a super high capacity listed as the cell's voltage (3.7V), but that value gets reduced a lot at 5V. I made sure to list the 5V capacity, even though the 3.7V value was higher. Great question btw! You have keen eye

[@DjGalaxy88]

Wonderful!

[@juergenw7495]

i was not able to mount the screen with velcro.. it just wont stick hard enough with the sticky side (not the velcro side).. also my screen has a high pitch noise, do you experience the same? great project and i used it for a different project as an inspiration, the screen looks nice - expect the noise it makes..

[@Howchoo]

Jürgen W No mine doesn’t-that’s really strange, does it sound like an electrical whine or a sound coming from the speakers? As for the Velcro, I would test sticking a strip on there to make sure the issue is the adhesive and not that the Velcro isn’t touching the case fully (the screen has a groove to it so if it’s not in the right spot, it might not adhere properly). Let me know how that goes, I’ll check back tonight or tomorrow

[@juergenw7495]

@@Howchoo my velcro just might be crap.. it was too easy to remove out of the case.. i mean the glue.. any other idea other then screwing it in? which velcro did you use?

[@Howchoo]

The exact Velcro I used is linked in the full guide in the video description. If your case is deeper than mine, you could make your own flush VESA mount to secure it; or, you could 3D model and print some brackets if you have the access and ability. Of course, you could always still holes in the case and secure with some nice-looking screws, but then it loses its waterproofness (unless you use rubber washers or a gasket). Either way, I wouldn’t recommend glue or anything permanent :)

[@juergenw7495]

@@Howchoo i really dont want to put holes in this nice case.. nono its the same like yours, just another color. its size is just perfect for such a project. okey, didnt saw the link, thanks :) maybe the adhesive was just too old or something.. had the velcro at least for 8 years haha

[@Howchoo]

Ah, true! Yes, try new Velcro :) And be careful if you need to remove the screen afterwards not to torque the screen too much, it’s still a screen

[@warredewilde]

I wish I had the chance to build this 😃

[@Rowiethemelon]

I'm hoping to try this once I have all the money

[@callyupnorth5524]

I want to do the same but on a smaller scale using my waterproof yellow Walkman sport cassette player, do you have any tips?

[@Howchoo]

Ooh no tips except that you might need to use the Raspberry Pi Zero W instead if the full-sized Pi won’t fit in the case.

[@holzwurm_hd7029]

I think, i would also put acrylic over the Screen just in case. Edit: I would also try putting everything at the top and id use a Typ c to HDMI adapter to use my Phone instead of buying a Raspberry pi.

[@Howchoo]

Great idea-you could even secure the screen directly to the acrylic by making a custom VESA bracket.

[@stevejackson890]

did you have to solder or anything like that for the joystick? the website shows some loose wires.

[@borderfry3642]

I purchased everything and I notice the 5v port on the 13.5" screen is a USB-C and not a mirco USB per the shopping list.. can you confirmed that you had a micro on yours or if the site has the wrong part listed.

[@Howchoo]

Hey Chris, apparently they changed the display to use a USB-C instead of Micro-USB since I made the project. :)

[@Bestdogshorts113]

Do I have to use retro pie for this unless if I wanna use a Xbox series s

[@TheDroneWay]

i am going to start building this

[@dboozer4]

Nice guide. The radiation trefoil in your logo is upside down :). Lots of people goof it up for some reason.

[@Howchoo]

Ahh I feel silly. Thanks for clarifying that!

[@elizabethhughes1067]

How long were the cables you used?

[@quintezmurry3850]

I’ll buy it already finished.

[@TheDroneWay]

can i use a old laptop screen with a lcd controller board

[@wa11nuts88]

anybody k is what size pelican case would work (i just like the look of the outside)

[@juggernaut8647]

On the console edition, can i use any immolator or do it have to be Super Nintendo?

[@billysilvestro7236]

The operating system (retropie) can emulate tons of different consoles, just check out their website!

[@anthonylipke7754]

Does the pi3b prefer that orientation? I would think air holes up would keep it cooler.

[@Howchoo]

The Flirc is a passive cooling case; the air holes did next to nothing. In fact, they removed them altogether from the Raspberry Pi 4 case (which runs hotter than the 3B+ featured in this video).

[@verdaodamassa]

REVOLUTIONARY!

[@leonj826]

I have an issue that I hope you can help me with. I purchased the recommended screen from the link you posted but now they ship the monitor with the USB-C 5v port instead of the Micro-USB. I tried to use the USB-C port for power to the battery but it just flashes. Have you seen this yet! Or has someone asked you about this? I’m trying to research and some people are saying that I have to use the 12v power adapter which defeats the purpose of the “portable” unit. Please let me know when you get a chance. This is frustrating 😅.

[@leonj826]

I figured out the issue is with the FPV usb-c cable. It doesn’t allow enough power to pass through. I think I’ll have to get the Nanuk 915 hard case and hope it’s big enough.

[@jovanipalacios7920]

How can you put the Raspberry Pi 4 Into this adventure Pi? What Accessories do i need?

[@Howchoo]

The only difference here would be cables (and making sure the power supply outputs enough).

[@jovanipalacios7920]

@@Howchoo Would the Imuto X6L power the Raspberry pi 4 as well as the Raspberry Pi 3b+?

[@pedroduarte2124]

Do the joysticks work on the pi 4

[@Howchoo]

Yep. I didn’t use the Pi 4 for this since it didn’t support RetroPie at the time, but now it does

[@BlazinX]

You're doing a great job! 😃

[@Howchoo]

Thank you!

[@auno1647]

So with this exact same setup. Is there anyone else still getting the yellow lightening bolt ? And if so ... any recommendations or a different power bank. Thanks in advance .

[@michaelallaire6296]

Hey I wanted to build this and got the screen and it is making a buzzing sound it’s no super loud but was wondering if yours is doing it also I am returning it today for a new one if you have the time let me know new one will be here on the 24

[@Howchoo]

That definitely sounds like a defect-I didn’t have any buzzing issues. Did they send you a new one?

[@michaelallaire6296]

Yes but had the same problem I am going to send it back and get a different kind thanks for replying

[@elizabethhughes1067]

I bought the 13 inch monitor, but when i try to power it using the 5v, the monitor flashes on and off every few seconds, any suggestions?

[@Yomamura29]

New sub here. But i am curious. Can you build this with full diy exept the monitor and the sbc. I have found a much cheaper monitor but the housing is fat but it runs in 2 usb cable. Just curious and well done video. I just drop a like

[@Howchoo]

Hmm, do you mean could you build/DIY 100% of the project? Like constructing your own arcade buttons from cheap push-button switches?

[@Yomamura29]

Like building your own power bank with li-ion batteries and scrap monitors if you can just curious. Like do with makeshift box, some electronics and stuffs? Big fan of yours

[@Yomamura29]

I have an old monitor that have a 2 usb A male connector with a vga input to reduce cost. With a cheap and working hdmi to vga active converter we can reduce the cost

[@Duckhandsfpv]

Does this allow for save states?

[@Howchoo]

Yep, RetroPie does that natively and that’s what this runs

[@socalstoners7107]

Love that intro. And this video. If love to try to make something like this sometime!

[@Howchoo]

Thanks! Took a lot of tries to get to that intro :) Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@MrOscarurieloso]

The pi already comes with all the games programmed just to connect and play?

[@Howchoo]

You'll need to install RetroPie first, then install ROMs. Here's a guide I wrote on doing just that: howchoo.com/g/n2qyzdk5zdm/build-your-own-raspberry-pi-retro-gaming-rig

[@scortdouglass6641]

Mixing? Ain't nobody got time for that!

[@bigshacaca6932]

Is there a good clearance for the arcade stick? I was thinking of buying the phreakmods quick release but it sits higher than the sanwa. I can't get the sanwa JLFD-TP-8YT cause they're out of stock.

[@Howchoo]

Oh man, it's possible Coronavirus is disrupting the supply chain-hopefully they didn't discontinue it. Not sure on clearance, but most [good] joysticks are the same height (for stashing). Any removable joystick should be completely flush with the main panel after removal since it mounts to the underside of the panel.

[@danmanx2]

Very interesting but I feel like that joystick is going to go right through the screen with one of my friends at the controls.

[@Howchoo]

That’s when you kill them