Instructables user jackandwho has created an awesome Raspberry Pi Bartop Arcade and kindly published everything you need to know over on the Instructables website to make your very own.
The retro-styled Raspberry Pi Bartop Arcade has been created using a modified Icade Cabinet that is available to purchase from Amazon for around £29.99. This cabinet provides a sturdy and nostalgic housing for the arcade machine, reminiscent of the classic arcade cabinets from the 80s and 90s.
Components and Assembly
A Raspberry Pi 2 provides the power and an 8″ 4:3 LCD screen and HDMI board has been fitted to offer a good-sized gaming display. The choice of an 8″ screen strikes a balance between portability and a sufficiently large display for an immersive gaming experience. Instructables user jackandwho explains:
“Approaching middle age, wanting an excuse to play with a Raspberry Pi, and having great memories of 80s games (mainly spectrum, sega master system, neo geo, and Atari ST) I decided to build a mini arcade machine / retro emulator.”
“Hopefully some of the things I learnt and successes (as well as mistakes) I made along the way will help others as others helped me.”
The project involves several key components aside from the Raspberry Pi and the screen. These include arcade buttons and a joystick, which are essential for replicating the authentic arcade experience. The buttons and joystick can be connected to the Raspberry Pi using a USB encoder, which translates the physical button presses into digital signals that the Raspberry Pi can understand.
Software and Emulation
For the software, RetroPie is a popular choice. RetroPie is a software library used to emulate retro video games on the Raspberry Pi. It supports a wide range of gaming systems, including the Sega Master System, Neo Geo, Atari ST, and many others. RetroPie is relatively easy to set up and provides a user-friendly interface for navigating through your game library.
One of the advantages of using a Raspberry Pi for this project is its versatility. The Raspberry Pi 2, while not the latest model, is still powerful enough to handle a wide range of retro games. Additionally, the Raspberry Pi community is very active, providing a wealth of resources, tutorials, and forums where you can seek help if you run into any issues.
View the full instructions and shopping list required to make your very own here. For more details on Raspberry Pi displays and HATS jump over to our essential guide.
Building your own Raspberry Pi Bartop Arcade is not just about the end product; it’s also about the journey. The process of assembling the hardware, configuring the software, and troubleshooting any issues that arise can be incredibly rewarding. It’s a project that combines nostalgia with modern technology, allowing you to relive the golden age of arcade gaming while learning new skills.
Moreover, this project is highly customizable. You can choose different types of buttons, joysticks, and even customize the artwork on the cabinet to make it truly your own. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or a beginner looking for a fun project, the Raspberry Pi Bartop Arcade offers a perfect blend of challenge and enjoyment.
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