Ultimate 4K Virtual Pinball Guide 2024: Build or Buy?

[@digitalvictory8266]

Holy crap!! This is the very best video I have ever seen on this hobby!!! Very well done, man!!! Are you OK if I link to you on my Channel? My viewers often ask about many different aspects of virtual pinball and you pretty much nail 'em all here!! Bro - your channel is about to BLOW THE *&^% UP!!!! GREAT video!

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

Love the kind words, especially from a channel that I have definitely watched. Happy to have you link up on the channel.

[@digitalvictory8266]

@@TheCraftyCatsman Well, thanks for watching my vids!! I have added you in my Video Description list for Friends and Partners of Team Victory!

[@locked01]

Humble and nice. It felt like a friend was giving me advice. The way of the wrench guy did an amazing job too with those pinball videos. I watched them for fun and for tips and improvements on my machine, although my approach was completely different than his.

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

Thanks, I tried to keep it informative and straightforward - glad that you liked it. My approach was different than his as well but his series helped get me through some of the harder elements to the build.

[@brianconnolly3540]

How is this the first time I’ve heard of you? This was so good on so many levels. I really appreciate your respect for the community at large, and specifically the creators of the tables (and to Stern and other manufacturers who have agreed to let this continue). Subscribed. Looking forward to seeing more!

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

Thanks for the kind words! My aim for anything VPin related is to drive that point home. Let's all be thankful for the hours upon hours that the community puts into this hobby. I appreciate that you subscribed, there is more to come 🤘

[@BobBacheler]

Terrific Video. I am finishing up my Arcade Cabinet thanks to ArcadeOne, Rec Room Masters, & Pixelcade. I want to add a virtual pinball but may look for something pre-assembled.

[@baiamontes]

Amazing video, many thanks if may I ask since I watched I m trying to find more information about the hd matrix like wiring diagram controller board and how to interface with visual pinball but can’t find a tutorial please any information will be very appreciated Matthew

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

Thanks for the kind words! Its a mouthful but look up Virtual Pinball Custom LED Effects (VPCLE) on facebook. Most of what you need is in the featured section of the group.

[@sclawrenc]

Great video with very helpful resources! Thanks! Subscribed and liked!

[@SidebandSamurai]

Great video. I have been watching Way of the Wrench for years. His videos are the best. Thanks for mentioning him. He has done lots to contribute to this hobby. Oh and I did subscribe

[@davidhutchison2202]

Excellent video. Very detailed and clear. Thanks.

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

Thanks for the kind words and for taking the time to write them!

[@Noneevo]

Where can i buy one of those iron maiden in Portugal? Many thanks

[@starpause]

Thanks for sharing your expertise!

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

Thanks for taking the time to show appreciation. Best of luck on whichever path you decide.

[@shreddyvedder]

Excellent video!

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

Equally excellent KZbin name 🤘

[@shreddyvedder]

@@TheCraftyCatsman Thank you my brother 🤘🎸🤘

[@VPCLE]

Excellent video. Great info and very helpful for all. Thank you

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

Glad it was helpful! 🤟

[@RussellThatsMe]

Wow! This is amazing😂! This really helped😊🙌.

[@RussellThatsMe]

no

[@NoleMAN09]

Subscribed, Go Noles!

[@jeffmcclure888]

You’ve inspired me to build one!

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

Truly Love to hear it!!

[@brysrandomstuff]

Great informative video! 👍

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

Thanks!

[@bradehirsch]

This is such a helpful video, thank you! Subscribed

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

Glad it was helpful and thanks for the sub!

[@Arcade-Steam-FPGA]

Hello Jeremy. Thanks for your video. I am new to this VPin. I own a custom designed gaming pedestal. Can I ask why you don’t recommend MDF cabinet material. Seems like people have used MDF to build cabinets. Otherwise what material do you recommend to have used. Lastly I will not be able to build my own or even use a kit. What would you say is the best place to get a custom build. Thanks

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

Welcome to the channel! I share a view along with a number of people in the community that replicating the real thing is the best option. 3/4" Birch plywood works great for durability and acoustics. It also allows all of the peripherals to line up and attach smoothly. I chose to avoid mdf because of a few reasons: 1. Weight - MDF is heavier and adds unnecessary weight an already heavy project. 2. Flexibility - I have worked with MDF in other projects and as you probably know it's not the most forgiving. Pinball machines get moved and nudged a decent amount and the thought of a stress fracture or crack is the main reason I stayed away from it. 3. Acoustics - I leaned on the community for this one. It seems that sound travels more appropriately in plywood, where MDF might muffle or distort playfield sounds. I hope this helps !

[@Arcade-Steam-FPGA]

@@TheCraftyCatsmanhi. Yes it helped. Do you have any recommendations on where I can get the best build from since I will not be able to build my own.

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

I have spoke with VirtuaPin and ThePinBallKing for years and find both owners to be stand up guys who care passionately about the hobby. I had multiple hour plus long conversations with both guys years before I even started my build, let alone this channel. Both were willing to help me and genuinely seemed to care that I got the machine that was right for me (i.e., not just a quick sale for them). I recommend these two companies based on the interactions I had and the different styles that they offer. I have codes in the video description that will get you a little bit off of either purchase, as the disclaimer mentions I get a small affiliate commission if you use the code. As the channel grows, I hope to have the chance to meet more builders as there are some really cool options out there!

[@pinballguru]

Great video. I am not handy at all. I have looked around and think I found the best seller for a plug and play VP.

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

Thanks for the comment! Which one are you choosing?

[@michaeliverson2049]

#VisualPinballAddicts thank you for creating this video. I am new to the hobby and have been loving it.

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

Glad to hear and welcome from VPAddicts! The community support is top notch, I hope you enjoy the process 🤘

[@_The_Worst_]

I'm just gonna buy one...🤘🏼💯✔️

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

Nothing wrong with that! Let me know which one you choose, I might be able to get something off for you.

[@pinballguru]

I am back. Great Video. Who would you recommend for a Plug and Play high end unit in the USA?

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

I have spoke with VirtuaPin and ThePinBallKing for years and find both owners to be stand up guys who care passionately about the hobby. I had multiple hour plus long conversations with both guys years before I even started my build, let alone this channel. Both were willing to help me and genuinely seemed to care that I got the machine that was right for me (i.e., not just a quick sale for them). I recommend these two companies based on the interactions I had and the different styles that they offer. I have codes in the video description that will get you a little bit off of either purchase, as the disclaimer mentions I get a small affiliate commission if you use the code. For high end, make sure that you add options like SSF! As the channel grows, I hope to have the chance to meet more builders as there are some really cool options out there.

[@georgesumpter6097]

Hi there. I was checking out you virtual pinball video here on KZbin and I noticed a Seminole spear on the wall behind you. Are you based in Tallahassee? If not, no big deal but I always like hooking up with fellow content creators in my town and I'd love to pick your brain on the topic.

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

Hey George, I responded to your email, look forward to connecting there!

[@ColbyHiggs]

Great video! Thanks!

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

Glad you liked it! More content to come soon.

[@adieltoro2771]

Great video. Thanks fors sharing the knowledge

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

Glad that you found it helpful!

[@Scatootle]

I have a Full Sized VP Cabinet that my Computer died on. I do not have the knowledge or desire to take the time to fix it. The Cabinet is in Excellent Condition and has a lot of the needed hardware you mentioned for a DIY Build. Do you have any recommendations of where I could sell it? I live in Las Vegas, and obviously can't ship it, so I've tried Facebook, but looking for more of a "Targeted" audience. Any suggestions are appreciated.

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

Sad to see you go! My advice would be to join the Virtual Pinball and VPin Cab Builders facebook group and make a post there. facebook.com/groups/570599429710599. This group is full of builders that are just getting started, buying yours might be appealing enough for someone a little further out to travel to grab it. Best of luck!

[@bemusedish]

You have a Cleveland Software Design discount code coming soon? Will be paying attention for that!

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

Discount code, maybe. But I'm working with them on a fun giveaway. Stay tuned 🤘

[@mikemoss6045]

Price wise? You will be in it for about the same regardless of building one, or modding an a1u or atgames pinball. Its all about how far you are willing to go with it really.. plus as said in this video, just go for it. This is the internet, there are more instructional and help sites than there are cat videos i assure you.

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

But, how many instructional help sites with cat videos are there 😺. The main complaint that I hear from a1u modders is the non standard frame size. I agree get out and go for it 🤟. The next video on vpin is comparing builds to a quest 3 / Pinone Mini. Both of which are coming this week and I can’t wait to get started. Thanks for watching !!

[@TheNinja4]

What software is used for the Pinball games? On steam?

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

There are a few pieces of software that make the tables I am showing work. Pinup Popper and Visual Pinball are the main drivers, but there are a few ancillary programs that improve the experience.

[@jaybee1158]

Eh it’s alright it’s a pain in the ass to build though .I did mine years ago and this is way before it became a trend like everything else.. but with this project I’m glad to say not many can actually do it and make it look good. I didn’t have much help bcuz the ones demonstrating how to build it leave out crucial details. Now these new videos show that they have way less things inside the vr pinball as opposed to mine . I’m a neat freak with wires and placement but to me in looks like crap this video that shit looked less hectic and super clean. So the feeling of accomplishment is probably more so then having it. It’s fun at first and def when people come through but it’s more novelty than anything. U have to really love pinball machines. The other pro is this video dsnt show that 3d imagery to the table. If u have that I will say that shits dope in comparison to the reg set up almost looks like a real pinball with the toys. I personally prefer the real thing . Eventually I’ll get one but the con to owning one is more costly then building one. I like arcades and built me one as well but again I like to OG ones it’s nostalgic for me bcuz growing up in the 80’s that’s what was in playing on the cr tvs . I like my arcade build and bcuz I can fix arcades I’m thankful I got some arcades for cheap. If u really love to build things and up for a long challenge and do love pinball then it might be something for you I’d say good luck it’s a beautiful sight to see like homeboy said when u add the lights and to b honest the DMD put 2 screens in the backbox or u can make it 3 or have one big one and split the screen image on the computer. U literally can make it how u want u can even put the lights on top of the back box Police light on pinball cab skies really the limit .. this is a koo video also after seeing this I can re mod mine so it’s less hectic but idk how it’ll work might have to start from scratch bcuz there’s just sooo many diff things wired up to my I/O boards and etc.. anyways again respect on the video and to anyone doing this good luck 👍

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

I agree 100% that if you choose to build it, your reward system is wired a bit differently. The accomplishment factor is a major reason that I chose to build,. not buy my machine. I would think it's the reason why such a high % of people continue to tweak their machine. It's like working on a car, or being an audiophile...the little details become the most fun. I also agree that it's more of a novelty when large groups of people are over at the bar. But the 1:1 with me and my nephew has been one of the best parts of this entire process. The 3D imagery is great but the glasses dim the overall table a bit too much for me. The growth of VR in the hobby is something to really look at. Tables in VR look stunning with the main drawback being it becomes a very secluded hobby. Not really a whole lot of fun for a group of friends to watch someone else with a headset on. This space is growing very quickly and I am excited to see where it goes. Thanks for the detailed comment and the compliments - good luck on your new build (if you choose to do it!)

[@SteveFusionX]

does anyone know a good seller here in the UK?

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

Unfortunately, I don't but I will ask around and let you know if I get some recommendations.

[@parkerbohnn]

It's worth it if you buy the model with the full sized playfield. The shortened playfields are an insult to the sport of pinball I know a couple of real pinball machines also have shortened playfields but they were mistakes. Former 6 time world pinball champion.

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

Awesome to have a world champion in the comments! Also glad to see that you enjoy the digital version. I agree completely, replicating the cabinet dimensions makes a big difference in how gameplay translates between physical and digital pinball. Thankfully I learned that early and before I started my own build 👍👍

[@sgent]

must.... build.... virtual pinball....

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

DO IT!

[@sgent]

@@TheCraftyCatsman How could I not with all this sick info. Are there like blueprints for cabinet diy? I'm no carpenter.. but I think I could do it with the tools I have haha

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

MJR's pinscape build guide is a great place to start. I highly recommend a widebody build: mjrnet.org/pinscape/BuildGuideV2/BuildGuide.php?sid=plywoodCuttingPlans

[@joeybeaulieu8123]

Humm i dont recommend linking thepinballking in description. Hes a known pack seller and has also cyber attacked and hacked pinball content creators. Hes been a pain to the hobby for a long time now. Him and retroplay from australia. 2 of the worse people that abuse the hobby for monetary gains. If you dont beleive me ask around in the forums. You will quickly see what i mean. I wouldnt not want to associate myself with him if i were you. Just for that im not clicking like or subscibe. Let me know if you change it and i will. But i fear it may be the case for most of us in the hobby.

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

Joey, thank you for the feedback. I haven't heard that before and I'm my years of speaking with him I didn't get that sense. That being said, I want to dive in a bit further because I could be wrong. Can you email me [e-mail] so we can talk offline?

[@BarafuAlbino]

If you actually need a "gaming" computer to run this, then it is programmed horribly. There is no reason why a Ryzen CPU with latest builtin graphics and little RAM would not be able to handle this task. (OK, the older ones couldn't play CS1.6 at 120Hz, so only the latest are to be considered.) I'd assume the largest expense would be the actual display. Is it just a TV turned on its side? Unfortunately, most matrix types would look horrible in that particular position, that is where the extra care should be taken.

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

The first generations required little by way of cpu/gpu, but the newer tables are demanding. Keep in mind that at any given time there can be up to four screens running different functions. The effects demand a lot to run smooth on 4k 120hz. The playfield can compete by way of costs. It really all is a balancing act.

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

For the audience, you mean him and not me.. right?? 😀

[@KurtusCFlush]

@@TheCraftyCatsman absolutely!

[@KurtusCFlush]

Say you know nothing about modern virtual pinball without saying you know nothing about...

[@TheCraftyCatsman]

🙏🫡 BTW, your VPin looks great