How to Build a Raspberry Pi Arcade Machine (Complete Guide)

Building a raspberry pi arcade machine brings back the golden age of gaming without spending thousands on original hardware. For around $200-500 depending on your ambitions, you can create a fully functional arcade cabinet playing thousands of classic games.

I built my first Raspberry Pi arcade three years ago—a bartop unit sitting in my workshop. Since then, I’ve helped friends build everything from compact tabletop units to full-size standing cabinets. The satisfaction of playing Pac-Man, Street Fighter II, or Metal Slug on hardware you built yourself never gets old.

This complete guide covers everything from choosing components to configuring mame raspberry pi emulation, building the cabinet, wiring controls, and troubleshooting common issues.

Why Build a Raspberry Pi Arcade?

Before diving into construction, let’s understand why the Raspberry Pi dominates DIY arcade builds.

Raspberry Pi Arcade Advantages

Advantage	Description
Low Cost	Pi + accessories under $100 vs $500+ for dedicated boards
Low Power	5-15W consumption allows continuous operation
Flexibility	Runs multiple emulators for different platforms
Community Support	Massive ecosystem of tutorials, themes, and tools
Compact Size	Fits easily inside any cabinet design
Easy Updates	Software updates add features and fix bugs

What Games Can You Play?

A raspberry pi arcade machine handles thousands of classic titles:

Platform	Examples	Performance
Classic Arcade (MAME)	Pac-Man, Galaga, Donkey Kong	Excellent
Neo Geo	Metal Slug, King of Fighters	Very Good
NES	Super Mario Bros, Zelda	Excellent
SNES	Street Fighter II, Mario Kart	Excellent
Sega Genesis	Sonic, Streets of Rage	Excellent
PlayStation 1	Tekken 3, Crash Bandicoot	Good (Pi 4/5)
N64	Mario 64, GoldenEye	Varies (Pi 4/5)

The Pi 4 and Pi 5 significantly expanded what’s playable, bringing PlayStation 1 and many N64 titles to full speed.

Choosing Your Raspberry Pi Model

Not all Pi models perform equally for arcade emulation.

Pi Model Performance Comparison

Pi Model	MAME Performance	N64/PS1	Recommended
Pi 5 (4GB/8GB)	Excellent	Very Good	Best choice
Pi 4B (4GB)	Excellent	Good	Great value
Pi 4B (2GB)	Excellent	Good	Budget option
Pi 3B+	Very Good	Limited	Acceptable
Pi 3B	Good	Poor	Basic games only
Pi Zero 2 W	Limited	No	Not recommended

Recommended Configuration

For a raspberry pi arcade build, I recommend:

Component	Specification
Model	Raspberry Pi 4B (4GB) or Pi 5
Storage	64GB+ Class 10 microSD or USB SSD
Power	Official 5V/3A (Pi 4) or 5V/5A (Pi 5) supply
Cooling	Active cooling (fan or heatsink with fan)
Case	Ventilated or open-frame for heat dissipation

Active cooling is essential for arcade use. Extended gaming sessions generate significant heat, and thermal throttling ruins gameplay.

Essential Hardware Components

Building a complete raspberry pi arcade requires several component categories.

Core Electronics

Component	Purpose	Price Range
Raspberry Pi 4/5	Main computer	$55-80
MicroSD Card (64GB+)	Storage for OS and games	$10-15
Power Supply	Powers the Pi	$10-15
HDMI Cable	Video to monitor	$5-10
USB Extension Cable	Easier access to ports	$5

Display Options

Display Type	Pros	Cons	Price Range
Recycled PC Monitor	Cheap/free, good quality	May not fit aesthetically	$0-50
17-19″ LCD	Good size for bartop	Limited availability	$30-80
24-27″ LCD	Great for full cabinet	Higher cost	$100-200
Original CRT	Authentic look	Heavy, hard to find	$0-100
Arcade-specific LCD	Perfect fit, scanline options	Expensive	$150-300

For bartop cabinets, a 17-19″ monitor with 4:3 aspect ratio provides the most authentic arcade experience. Widescreen works but leaves black bars on classic games.

Control Components

Component	Quantity	Purpose	Price Range
Arcade Joysticks	1-2	Player movement	$10-30 each
Arcade Buttons	12-20	Action inputs	$1-3 each
USB Encoder Board	1-2	Connects controls to Pi	$10-20 each
Button Wire Harness	1-2 sets	Pre-wired connections	$5-10
Start/Coin Buttons	2-4	Game start, credits	$2-5 each

Audio Components

Component	Purpose	Price Range
Powered Speakers	Audio output	$15-40
Speaker Grilles	Protection/aesthetics	$5-15
3.5mm Audio Cable	Connects Pi to speakers	$3-5
USB Sound Card	Better audio quality (optional)	$10-20

Understanding MAME Raspberry Pi Emulation

MAME (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator) is the backbone of mame raspberry pi arcade gaming. Understanding how it works saves hours of frustration.

What is MAME?

MAME emulates the actual hardware of thousands of arcade machines. Unlike console emulators that emulate one system, MAME recreates many different arcade boards, each with unique hardware configurations.

MAME Version and ROM Compatibility

This is crucial: MAME ROMs must match specific MAME versions.

MAME Version	ROM Set Version	Best For
MAME 0.37b5	0.37b5 ROMs	Pi Zero, Pi 1
MAME 2003	0.78 ROMs	Pi 2, Pi 3, Pi 4
MAME 2003-Plus	0.78+ ROMs	Pi 3, Pi 4, Pi 5
MAME 2010	0.139 ROMs	Pi 4, Pi 5
Current MAME	Latest ROMs	Pi 5 (limited)

Important: A ROM file for MAME 2010 will NOT work with MAME 2003. Always match your ROM set to your emulator version.

Recommended MAME Emulators by Pi Model

Pi Model	Recommended Emulator	ROM Set Needed
Pi 5	lr-mame2003-plus	0.78
Pi 4	lr-mame2003-plus	0.78
Pi 3B+	lr-mame2003	0.78
Pi 3B	lr-mame2003	0.78
Pi 2	lr-mame2003	0.78
Pi 1/Zero	mame4all	0.37b5

For most raspberry pi arcade builds, lr-mame2003 or lr-mame2003-plus provides the best balance of compatibility and performance.

Software Setup: RetroPie Installation

RetroPie is the most popular software for raspberry pi arcade machines, bundling EmulationStation frontend with multiple emulators including MAME.

Step 1: Download RetroPie

Download the RetroPie image from retropie.org.uk matching your Pi model:

• Pi 4/5: Use the Pi 4/400 image
• Pi 2/3: Use the Pi 2/3 image
• Pi 0/1: Use the Pi 0/1 image

Step 2: Flash to SD Card

Use Raspberry Pi Imager to write the image:

1. Download and install Raspberry Pi Imager
2. Select “Choose OS” → “Emulation and game OS” → “RetroPie”
3. Select your SD card
4. Click “Write”

Alternatively, download the image directly and flash with Balena Etcher.

Step 3: First Boot Configuration

1. Insert SD card into Pi and power on
2. Wait for initial setup to complete (several minutes)
3. Configure your controller when prompted
4. Navigate using configured controls

Step 4: Network Configuration

Enable WiFi for easier ROM transfers:

1. From RetroPie menu, select “WiFi”
2. Choose your network and enter password
3. Enable SSH for remote access (optional but recommended)

Step 5: Transfer ROMs

Several methods exist for adding games:

Method	Difficulty	Best For
USB Drive	Easy	Large transfers
Network (SMB)	Easy	Ongoing management
SFTP/SCP	Moderate	Secure transfers
Direct SD Access	Easy	Initial setup

USB Drive Method:

1. Create folder named “retropie” on USB drive
2. Plug into Pi and wait for folder structure creation
3. Remove drive, add ROMs to appropriate folders
4. Plug back into Pi, wait for copy to complete

Network Method:

1. On Windows: Open \\RETROPIE in File Explorer
2. On Mac: Connect to smb://retropie
3. Navigate to roms folder
4. Copy ROMs to appropriate subfolders

ROM Folder Structure

Folder	System
arcade	Arcade games (MAME)
mame-libretro	MAME specific
neogeo	Neo Geo
nes	Nintendo Entertainment System
snes	Super Nintendo
megadrive	Sega Genesis/Megadrive
psx	PlayStation 1
n64	Nintendo 64

Critical for MAME: Place arcade ROMs as .zip files. Do NOT extract them.

Control Panel Design and Wiring

The control panel defines how your raspberry pi arcade feels to play.

Button Layout Options

Layout	Players	Buttons per Player	Best For
6-Button	1-2	6 + Start/Coin	Fighting games, versatile
4-Button	1-2	4 + Start/Coin	Classic arcade
8-Button	1-2	8 + Start/Coin	Maximum compatibility
Neo Geo Style	1-2	4 (A/B/C/D)	Neo Geo games

For most builds, a 6-button layout per player provides excellent compatibility with fighting games while remaining manageable for classic titles.

Joystick Types

Type	Restriction	Best For
8-Way	Full directional	Fighting games, most games
4-Way	Cardinal only	Pac-Man, classic maze games
Switchable	Adjustable	Maximum versatility

Some joysticks offer switchable 4-way/8-way gates. These are ideal for raspberry pi arcade builds playing varied game libraries.

USB Encoder Wiring

USB encoder boards simplify control wiring dramatically. Each button connects with two wires:

1. Signal wire to specific input terminal
2. Ground wire to common ground

Connection	Purpose
UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT	Joystick directions
Button 1-6	Action buttons
Start	Start game
Coin/Select	Insert credit
Home	Return to menu (optional)

Most encoder boards are plug-and-play with RetroPie, appearing as standard USB gamepads.

Wiring Best Practices

Practice	Reason
Use quick-disconnect terminals	Easy maintenance and replacement
Bundle wires with cable ties	Cleaner installation
Label connections	Simplifies troubleshooting
Test before final assembly	Catches issues early
Route away from power cables	Prevents interference

Cabinet Construction Options

Your cabinet style depends on space, budget, and woodworking skills.

Cabinet Styles Compared

Style	Size	Cost	Difficulty	Space Needed
Bartop	24″H × 20″W	$50-150	Moderate	Tabletop
Pedestal	36″H × 24″W	$100-200	Moderate	3′ × 2′ floor
Full Cabinet	66″H × 27″W	$200-400	Advanced	3′ × 3′ floor
Cocktail Table	30″H × 36″W	$150-300	Advanced	4′ × 3′ floor
IKEA Lack Table	18″H × 22″W	$30-80	Easy	Tabletop

Materials

Material	Pros	Cons
MDF	Smooth, paintable, affordable	Heavy, moisture sensitive
Plywood	Strong, lighter than MDF	Visible grain requires more finish
Melamine	Pre-finished, easy cleanup	Harder to paint custom designs
Acrylic	Clear panels for lighting	Scratches, requires careful cutting

For first builds, 3/4″ MDF provides the best balance of workability and finish quality.

Basic Bartop Cabinet Construction

A bartop cabinet requires these panels:

Panel	Quantity	Purpose
Side Panels	2	Cabinet profile/shape
Top Panel	1	Monitor bezel area
Control Panel	1	Buttons and joysticks
Back Panel	1	Rear access
Bottom Panel	1	Base structure
Monitor Bezel	1	Frames the display

Construction Steps (Bartop)

1. Design and Template: Create full-size templates on cardboard first
2. Cut Side Panels: These define the cabinet profile
3. Cut Remaining Panels: Top, bottom, back, control panel
4. Test Fit: Dry assemble without glue
5. Assemble Box: Glue and screw panels together
6. Install T-molding Slots: Route edges if using T-molding
7. Sand and Fill: Prepare surfaces for finishing
8. Prime and Paint: Multiple coats for professional finish
9. Apply Graphics: Vinyl decals or printed artwork
10. Install T-molding: Edge protection and classic look

Tools Required

Tool	Purpose	Essential?
Jigsaw	Cutting curved side panels	Yes
Drill	Holes for buttons, assembly	Yes
Router	T-molding slots, edges	Recommended
Orbital Sander	Surface preparation	Recommended
Hole Saw Set	Button holes (28-30mm)	Yes
Clamps	Assembly	Yes
Square	Accurate assembly	Yes

Advanced Configuration

Once basic setup works, optimize your raspberry pi arcade experience.

EmulationStation Themes

RetroPie’s default interface works but custom themes enhance the arcade feel.

Theme	Style	Features
Carbon	Default dark	Stable, lightweight
Pixel	Retro pixel art	Classic arcade feel
Comic Book	Bold graphics	Eye-catching
Retrorama	Colorful	Game artwork focus
SNES Mini	Nintendo style	Clean, modern

Install themes from RetroPie Setup → Configuration/Tools → ES Themes.

Scraping Game Metadata

Add box art, descriptions, and videos to your game library:

1. RetroPie Setup → Configuration/Tools → Scraper
2. Choose ScreenScraper or TheGamesDB
3. Select systems to scrape
4. Run and wait for completion

This transforms the game selection screen from a text list into a visual showcase.

Per-Game Emulator Selection

Some games work better with specific emulators:

1. Launch a game
2. Press a button before it loads (during splash screen)
3. Select “Select default emulator”
4. Choose alternative emulator
5. Set as default for that ROM

This is particularly useful for mame raspberry pi games that perform better on specific MAME versions.

Overclocking for Better Performance

The Pi 4 and Pi 5 can be safely overclocked for improved emulation:

Pi 4 Conservative Overclock: Add to /boot/config.txt:

over_voltage=2

arm_freq=1800

Requirements for Overclocking:

• Active cooling (fan required)
• Quality power supply (no undervoltage)
• Monitor temperatures during extended play

RetroArch Shaders

Add CRT scanlines and effects for authentic arcade visuals:

1. During gameplay, open RetroArch menu (Hotkey + X)
2. Quick Menu → Shaders
3. Load shader preset
4. Choose CRT-Pi or similar
5. Save as game/core/global preset

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Games Not Appearing

Symptom	Cause	Solution
No games visible	ROMs in wrong folder	Check folder names match system
Still no games	EmulationStation cache	Restart EmulationStation
Partial games	Wrong ROM version	Match ROMs to emulator version
MAME games missing	Extracted ZIP files	Keep ROMs zipped

Performance Problems

Symptom	Cause	Solution
Slow gameplay	Thermal throttling	Improve cooling
Audio stuttering	Underpowered supply	Use official power supply
Frame drops	Wrong emulator	Try alternative emulator
Sluggish menus	Full SD card	Free up space

Control Issues

Symptom	Cause	Solution
Buttons not working	Wiring issue	Check connections
Wrong button mapping	Misconfiguration	Reconfigure in RetroPie
Joystick reversed	Wiring reversed	Swap UP/DOWN or LEFT/RIGHT wires
Controls work in menu but not game	Per-game configuration	Configure in RetroArch

Display Problems

Symptom	Cause	Solution
Black borders	Overscan settings	Disable overscan in config.txt
Wrong resolution	HDMI detection	Force resolution in config.txt
Rotated display	Portrait monitor	Add display_rotate to config.txt
No picture	HDMI issue	Try different cable/port

Useful Resources

Official Resources

Resource	URL
RetroPie Official	retropie.org.uk
RetroPie Documentation	retropie.org.uk/docs
RetroPie Forum	retropie.org.uk/forum
MAME Official	mamedev.org

Hardware Suppliers

Supplier	Products
Adafruit	Pi, electronics, arcade kits
DIYRetroArcade	Complete arcade kits
Arcade World UK	Buttons, joysticks, parts
Amazon	Generic arcade parts, monitors
AliExpress	Budget arcade controls

Design Resources

Resource	Content
Instructables	Cabinet build guides
Thingiverse	3D printable parts
Arcade Controls Forum	Community builds
r/cade (Reddit)	Build inspiration

Legal ROM Sources

Source	Content
mamedev.org/roms	Free test ROMs
archive.org	Public domain games
itch.io	Homebrew games
PDRoms	Public domain ROMs

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Raspberry Pi arcade machine cost to build?

Total cost varies significantly based on cabinet style and component choices. A basic bartop with recycled monitor runs $150-250 including Pi, controls, and materials. A full-size cabinet with new monitor costs $400-650. The Pi itself ($55-80), arcade controls ($30-60), and monitor ($0-200) represent the major expenses. Using recycled materials and monitors dramatically reduces costs—my first build used a free monitor from a thrift store and scrap wood, totaling under $150.

Is it legal to download arcade ROMs?

This is legally complex. ROMs themselves aren’t illegal to possess in most jurisdictions, but downloading copyrighted games you don’t own is technically copyright infringement. The safest approach: own the original arcade board or game, then use ROMs as backups. Many homebrew and public domain ROMs exist legally. Sites like mamedev.org provide free test ROMs. The emulators (RetroPie, MAME) are completely legal—they contain no copyrighted game code.

Which MAME version should I use for Raspberry Pi 4?

For Pi 4, lr-mame2003-plus offers the best balance of game compatibility and performance. It uses 0.78 ROM sets but includes many improvements and additional game support over standard MAME 2003. Most classic arcade games from the 1980s and early 1990s run perfectly. More demanding games from the late 1990s may require newer MAME versions, but these often struggle on Pi hardware regardless. Start with lr-mame2003-plus and only explore alternatives for specific non-working games.

Can I build an arcade cabinet with no woodworking experience?

Absolutely. Several approaches work for beginners: The IKEA Lack table hack requires only a jigsaw and drill, converting a cheap coffee table into a functional arcade. Pre-cut cabinet kits eliminate the hardest cuts—you just assemble and finish. Cardboard prototyping helps visualize before committing to wood. Start with a bartop rather than full cabinet—smaller scale means smaller mistakes. Many successful builds come from first-time woodworkers who took their time and followed plans carefully.

Why won’t my MAME ROMs work in RetroPie?

The most common cause is ROM version mismatch. MAME ROMs must match your emulator version exactly—a 0.139 ROM won’t work with MAME 2003 (which uses 0.78 ROMs). Second, ROMs must stay zipped—never extract them. Third, place ROMs in the correct folder (arcade or mame-libretro). Fourth, some games require BIOS files (like neogeo.zip for Neo Geo games) placed in the same folder. Finally, not every ROM works—damaged downloads, incomplete sets, and unsupported games all cause failures. Test with known-working free ROMs from mamedev.org to verify your setup works before troubleshooting specific games.

Taking Your Build Further

Once your basic raspberry pi arcade runs smoothly, consider these enhancements:

Marquee and Lighting

Add a backlit marquee using LED strips behind translucent acrylic. Custom artwork printed on backlit film creates professional results.

Coin Door and Coin Mechs

Real coin doors add authenticity. Configure RetroPie to require “coins” before playing by mapping the coin button appropriately.

Trackball and Spinner

Games like Centipede, Tempest, and Golden Tee require trackballs or spinners. USB trackballs work with RetroPie with minimal configuration.

Light Guns

Light gun games work with specific USB light guns and CRT monitors or specialized LCD solutions like the Sinden Light Gun.

Multi-Cabinet Network

Link multiple cabinets for networked multiplayer in supported games.

Conclusion

Building a raspberry pi arcade machine combines electronics, woodworking, and gaming passion into one rewarding project. Whether you construct a simple bartop or an elaborate full-size cabinet, the result is a unique piece of functional furniture that brings classic gaming home.

Start with the hardware and software setup first. Get RetroPie running, configure your mame raspberry pi emulation, and verify everything works before building the cabinet. This approach catches problems early when they’re easy to fix.

The community surrounding Pi arcade builds is incredibly helpful. Forums, Reddit, and Discord servers overflow with builders who’ve solved every problem you’ll encounter. Don’t hesitate to ask questions—everyone started somewhere.

Your raspberry pi arcade awaits. Gather your components, clear some workspace, and start building. In a few weekends, you’ll be playing classic games on hardware you created yourself.

That’s a satisfaction no commercial product can match.