How to Build Your Own 4-Player DIY Arcade Cabinet

Building your own 4-player arcade cabinet is a rewarding DIY project that brings classic gaming into your home. Whether you're a retro gaming fanatic or just looking for a fun entertainment gaming experience, a homemade arcade cabinet can be customized to fit your space and style. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to build your own 4-player arcade machine.

Materials and Tools You'll Need

4 Player Cabinet Materials Needed:

Wood for the cabinet (MDF or plywood, at least ¾" thick)

Arcade buttons and joysticks (4 sets)

Raspberry Pi, PC, or arcade board (for running the games)

Monitor or TV screen (27”-32” recommended)

Power strip

Speakers and an amplifier

T-molding (for a polished edge)

Plexiglass or tempered glass (to cover the screen)

LED marquee light strip

Tools Needed:

Circular saw or jigsaw

Drill

Screwdriver

Clamps

Router (for T-molding installation)

Paint or vinyl wrap

 

Step 1: Design Your Arcade Cabinet

The first step is designing your cabinet. You can either use plans available online or create your own. Some popular arcade styles include:

Upright Cabinet – A traditional standing arcade cabinet

Pedestal Cabinet – A smaller control panel with a detached screen design

Cocktail Table Arcade – A sit-down table style that can also be a normal functioning table.

Make sure your design accommodates 4 players comfortably. The control panel should be wide enough to provide adequate space between players.

 

Software for Design:

Use SketchUp or Fusion 360 to make a 3D model.

If you prefer paper, sketch out your dimensions before cutting and making the physical product.

 

Step 2: Cut and Assemble the Cabinet

Cut the Wood – Using your design plans, cut out the side panels, base, top, and control panel from MDF or plywood. Both types of wood are highly recommended.

Assemble the Frame – Use screws and wood glue to assemble the main structure. Clamps help hold pieces in place while the glue dries.

Add the Control Panel – Attach a separate angled panel to house the joysticks and buttons.

Install the Screen Mount – Cut a hole for your monitor or TV and secure it inside the cabinet using some brackets.

 

Step 3: Install the Controls

Drill holes in the control panel for the buttons and joysticks.

Add the joysticks securely underneath with screws.

Wire the buttons to the arcade encoder (USB encoder for PC or Raspberry Pi).

Label each player’s section to avoid annoying confusion.

 

Step 4: Install Arcade Electronics

Mount the Raspberry Pi or PC inside the cabinet.

Connect the monitor to the Raspberry Pi via HDMI.

Install the power strip inside for all components.

Add speakers and wire them to the amplifier you bought.

Secure the marquee LED strip above the screen for a classic arcade glow.

 

Step 5: Install Your Software

If using a Raspberry Pi, install RetroPie or Batocera to run emulators. If using a PC, install LaunchBox or MAME for sought after classic arcade games your friends enjoy.

Load ROMs (game files) onto your system.

Configure the controllers within the software.

Test your setup before finalizing the cabinet, and make sure your arcade is ready for play.

 

Step 6: Final Touches

Paint or wrap the 4 player cabinet with custom arcade art that you like.

Install T-molding along the edges for a polished and professional look.

Add Plexiglass or tempered glass over the monitor to make sure the screen is safe.

Secure all your gaming components and test gameplay.

 

Enjoy Your DIY 4-Player Arcade Cabinet!

Once everything is set up, invite your friends and family for a fun game night! Your homemade arcade cabinet now is a great addition to any game room!

 

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