Raspberry Pi enthusiast and maker Yann Morere from France has unveiled an awesome Raspberry Pi Nano arcade cabinet that he has created and 3D printed to house a 2.8″ piTFT Adafruit screen. This compact and innovative project showcases the versatility and potential of the Raspberry Pi platform, especially when combined with 3D printing technology.
Together with the Raspicade distro, a Raspberry Pi mini PC, and a selection of buttons and joystick, Morere has managed to recreate the nostalgic experience of arcade gaming in a miniature form. The cabinet design is based on the Cupcade shape and has been designed to be printable on a Printrbot Simple Metal 3D printer.
Design and Features
The Raspberry Pi Nano arcade cabinet is not just a simple enclosure; it is a carefully thought-out design that captures the essence of classic arcade machines. The 2.8″ piTFT Adafruit screen provides a crisp and clear display, perfect for retro games. The buttons and joystick are strategically placed to mimic the feel of traditional arcade controls, offering an authentic gaming experience.
The cabinet’s design is heavily inspired by the Cupcade project but has been significantly modified to enhance its functionality and aesthetics. The use of 3D printing allows for precise customization, enabling enthusiasts to tweak the design to their liking. The compact size of the cabinet makes it a perfect desktop accessory, combining both form and function.
Building Your Own Nano Arcade Cabinet
For those interested in building their own Raspberry Pi Nano arcade cabinet, Morere has provided full instructions, a comprehensive component list, and all the necessary 3D files on the Thingiverse website. This makes it accessible for anyone with a Raspberry Pi and a 3D printer to embark on this exciting project.
The process involves printing the cabinet parts, assembling the components, and configuring the software. The Raspicade distro is a specialized operating system designed for arcade gaming, making it easy to set up and use. The combination of hardware and software ensures a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.
Watch the video below to learn more. Its creator explains:
It is based on the Cupcade project but has been heavily modified. – Much of the mystique of the originals (arcade games), lay in the cabinets and controls.
Anyone can load a game onto a smartphone or tablet…but the physicality of the arcade machine and its clicky buttons made them rare objects of desire back in the day.
The appeal of this project lies in its ability to bring back the charm of classic arcade games. The tactile feedback of the buttons and joystick, combined with the visual appeal of the cabinet, creates a unique and immersive gaming experience. It’s a testament to how modern technology can be used to preserve and celebrate the past.
Full instructions on how to build your very own, together with a full component list and all the 3D files that you require, are kindly listed over on the Thingiverse website.
Source: 3DP
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