Over the years, we have featured a number of DIY gaming arcade cabinets here on Geeky Gadgets, but never anything quite as small as the one created by SpiritMods using a $35 Raspberry Pi mini PC.
The fantastic miniaturized gaming arcade is equipped with a tiny 128×32 white OLED display, which looks awesome displaying the logo of the game currently being played.
Everything in the Raspi is set up to be completely seamless when switching between games, automatically configuring the controls and marquee for the currently selected game.”-” The build uses a Raspi for all the Linux-ey and MAME goodness, but [Sprite_tm] didn’t want to fiddle around with the HDMI or analog video output. Instead, he chose to use an SPI-controlled TFT display that is only 2.4 inches across.
Innovative Design and Features
The ingenuity behind this miniature arcade cabinet lies not just in its compact size but also in its seamless functionality. The Raspberry Pi, a versatile and affordable mini PC, serves as the heart of this gaming machine. By leveraging the power of Linux and MAME (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator), the creator has ensured that the cabinet can run a wide variety of classic arcade games. The choice of a 2.4-inch SPI-controlled TFT display, rather than the more common HDMI or analog video outputs, highlights the innovative approach taken to keep the device as small and efficient as possible.
The OLED display, although tiny, adds a touch of sophistication by showing the game’s logo, making the gaming experience more immersive. This attention to detail is what sets this project apart from other DIY arcade cabinets. The automatic configuration of controls and the marquee for each game further enhances the user experience, making it incredibly user-friendly.
Building Your Own Mini Arcade
For those interested in building their own mini arcade cabinet, this project serves as an excellent source of inspiration. The Raspberry Pi community is known for its creativity and resourcefulness, and this project is a testament to that spirit. To get started, you’ll need a Raspberry Pi, a small TFT display, and some basic electronics skills. There are numerous tutorials and guides available online that can help you through the process.
One of the key advantages of using a Raspberry Pi is its flexibility. You can customize the software to suit your needs, whether you want to run classic arcade games, modern indie games, or even create your own games. The Raspberry Pi’s GPIO pins also allow for the addition of custom controls, such as arcade buttons and joysticks, further enhancing the gaming experience.
For more information, jump over to the Hack-a-day website for full details and more videos of the creation. If you liked this, you might also be interested in our essential guide to Raspberry Pi displays and HATS.
The videos embedded above provide a closer look at the mini arcade cabinet in action, showcasing its impressive capabilities despite its small size. Watching these videos can give you a better understanding of the project’s intricacies and perhaps inspire you to embark on your own DIY arcade cabinet journey.
Source: Liliputing
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