Arcade machines evoke a nostalgic feeling of a time when arcades were the go-to place for video game enthusiasts. Now, with the revival of retro gaming and the desire to recreate the authentic experience at home, arcade machines are making a comeback. However, with a multitude of options available on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one best suits your preferences and space. Whether you're a classic gaming enthusiast or a curious newbie, this article will guide you through the essential elements to consider when building your ideal arcade machine. Discover our expert advice to make an informed decision that combines nostalgia, entertainment, and functionality, and immerse yourself in the captivating world of retro gaming in a way that perfectly suits your expectations.

Downloadable plan to build your own arcade machine

When you embark on the exciting journey of building an arcade cabinet, one of the first crucial decisions to make is choosing the template. The arcade cabinet template determines not only its aesthetic appearance, but also its footprint, visual style, and how it will fit into your space. In this section, we'll explore the four most commonly used and widespread templates among arcade cabinet builders and help you find the corresponding plans. Whether you're aiming for an authentic replica of classic cabinets or a modern interpretation, follow our guide to make the right decision that will make your arcade cabinet not only an entertainment center, but also a visual centerpiece that will captivate everyone's attention

MAME

The MAME (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator) arcade cabinet template is the most widely used among arcade cabinet builders. This model is also known as the Metal Slug in France. With a rectangular retro style and few curves, this model is also the most popular among beginners thanks to its shape, which is easily reproduced with a jigsaw. Below you will find the plan for making this model.

Dimensions of the MAME arcade cabinet: H1660 x W600 x D600

Taito

The Taito arcade cabinet is a little less popular among builders and beginners than the MAME and Jeutel, as it's more complex to assemble. However, it offers very attractive features: Equipped with handles, casters, a keyboard drawer, and an easy-to-open panel, it will appeal to even the most DIY-minded among you. It also has the advantage of including detailed plans and a guide created by enthusiasts from the famous HSF Play forum. However, you'll need to pay a €20 donation to the forum to access it.

Dimensions of the Taito arcade cabinet: H1715 x W636 x D750

Euro (Jeutel)

The Euro (Jeutel) template is, after the MAME, the second most popular in France. It's also the one we selected at JDF Arcade for our arcade cabinets and wooden kits (ours is slightly different). Why? Because the JEUTEL is a French model (Cocorico!), its rounded, retro shapes make it a decorative object that can adapt to any type of interior. We know that many of you are looking for the plans for this arcade cabinet, and we have them... but we're not going to give them to you, lol. Just kidding, here are the plans for the Euro (Jeutel) arcade cabinet.

Dimensions of the Jeutel arcade cabinet: H1690 x W600 x D600

Vewlix

The Vewlix Terminal, in a different register, is a seated arcade terminal that features a larger screen. It stands out for its modern design and its wide, high-definition screen, offering an immersive gaming experience. It is popular in arcades thanks to its comfortable use in a seated position. Below you will find the plan and the pattern for making this model, which we must point out is one of the most complex to make

How to cut the structure of your arcade machine?

Cutting Arcade Boards at Home

First, you'll need plans to preview your kiosk. These plans will serve as a template that you can print (A0 format) and trace onto the wood. This will help you determine how many wooden panels you'll need.

If you can't print in this format (in 99% of cases), you'll need to measure and mark the exact dimensions to transfer the plan's measurements to your wooden panels using a pencil and a set square. Some hardware stores offer free cutting of wooden panels, or €1 per cut.

This will allow you to have most square or rectangular boards for your kiosk cut to the exact dimensions without any effort. The more complicated parts, however, are the sides of the kiosk and the control panel (the panel with buttons and joysticks). For cutting, you'll need at least a jigsaw. Place your wooden panel on a stable surface, making sure it doesn't move.

Try to cut as straight as possible following the lines drawn on the wood.

After cutting the two side boards, place them on top of each other and sand the edges to make them even and identical. The next step is to create a groove on the edges of the side boards to insert the T-molding. Use a pencil and a ruler to mark the groove location. If you're using a router or circular saw, set the cutting depth to 2.4 mm; aim for a groove width of 1.6 mm.

The width of the T-molding will depend on the thickness of the wood you choose.

Alternatively, there's another, simpler option: U-molding. It won't be necessary to create a groove, but rather to glue the edges together using resin or a suitable glue. The only drawback is that it's less durable over time.

For assembly, several options are possible, the simplest being brackets. They provide a simple and effective way to join wooden boards. Make sure you use good quality brackets and screws appropriate for the type of wood you are using and the required strength level. Place the brackets where you want to join the boards. Make sure they are positioned symmetrically to maintain alignment.

Use a pencil to mark the mounting holes on the boards. Make sure the marks are precise. Pre-drill holes in the marks you made on the boards. Choose drill bits with a diameter slightly smaller than the screws you will be using.

For the control panel, you will need a drill and a 30 mm or 28 mm drill bit, depending on the buttons you choose. This diameter is also compatible with the joysticks that will be screwed in.

It is preferable, even recommended, to have your cabinet stickered before assembly.

Professional Arcade Cabinet Carpenter

It is possible to consult a carpenter or a professional with a CNC (Computer Numerical Controlled Machine) to create the plan for you. However, the operation will be very expensive. This option is only preferable if you want a very specific plan with a design unique to you.

Arcade cabinet assembly kit

If you're not a DIY enthusiast and are interested in assembling a cabinet at a low price, we have the solution!

As simple as assembling IKEA furniture, a cabinet with perfect finishes, pre-built by us. We gather all the parts needed to assemble an arcade cabinet and send it to you as a kit with detailed instructions.

This kit can accommodate a 24-inch screen and is adaptable to any system you wish to install. Our kits are already grooved to accommodate 19mm T-molding and offer the option of using Plexiglas for the marquee and bezel of the screen. You can also choose a sticker to decorate your cabinet or request a template in PSD (Photoshop) format to create it yourself.

What's more, we are available to answer any questions or provide assistance during the installation process.

Find our Arcade Cabinet Assembly Kits

What wood should you use for your arcade machine structure?

There are a thousand and one materials you can use to build your arcade machine (wood, metal, forex, etc.), but we'll focus primarily on wood because it's the material that defines arcade machines, whether they're the ones you grew up with or the most modern. Wood is also very handy and, above all, accessible to the general public (DIY stores, carpentry shops, etc.).

The question you might ask yourself is what wood to use? Here again, we've sorted it out for you. We've selected the types of wood with the best characteristics, accessibility to the general public, and a reasonable price.

MDF

MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) is a construction and furniture material made from wood fibers compressed under high pressure. It has a uniform and smooth density, making it ideal for projects where a flat, consistent surface is required.

MDF is widely used in the manufacture of furniture, shelving, moldings, and other interior applications due to its ease of cutting, stability, and ability to be painted or finished. Raw MDF can therefore be used for the construction of your arcade cabinet.

However, it will need to be painted or flocked with a sticker, as its raw appearance is not the most aesthetically pleasing. This type of wood will be the most affordable option for building your structure. This wood is also the most suitable for DIY woodworkers because it is very flexible, fairly lightweight, and suitable for saw cutting. Caution! We strongly recommend not using this type of wood with a thickness less than 18mm.

This is important for the durability of your arcade machine.

Melamine

Melamine-coated wood is a composite material widely used in the furniture and interior design industries. It is made by applying a layer of decorative paper impregnated with melamine resin to particleboard or MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard). This layer is then hardened under heat and pressure, creating a strong and durable surface. Melamine-coated wood is valued for its easy maintenance and resistance to scratches and stains. It is commonly used to make furniture, kitchen cabinets, shelving, and other interior design elements.

Melamine is the standard in the world of professional arcade cabinets. It's the type of wood used by arcade cabinet builders in the 1980s and the same wood still used by modern builders like us.

However, this type of wood is less suitable for amateur saw cutting because the melamine surface risks chipping and ruining the benefits of this type of wood.

Indeed, it's best to use professional CNC tools for cutting melamine.

Solid wood

Solid wood is the finest material in terms of wood, however, it is also the most expensive and is of little use unless you are aiming for an authentic wood design or planning to engrave patterns directly into the wood.

Solid wood also has the characteristic of being extremely heavy, which means your archway may be very heavy.

When using solid wood, it is strongly recommended to varnish the material before use.

How to make stickers for your arcade machine?

Arcade Machine Photoshop Template

There are many tools available for creating your designs, but Photoshop remains the standard in this field, thanks to its ease of use. You can also use Paint, but we can't guarantee the results ;)

If you're somewhat proficient with the tool, you can create your own stickers by creating a template for your kiosk or even simply create rectangular files to cut out later.

Where to print arcade cabinet stickers?

To print your stickers, you can go to a local printer or use the many printing websites you can find on Google.

We strongly recommend printing with a laminate to protect your sticker. Without it, your sticker won't last long.

As an additional option, you can add UV protection.

You can choose between matte or glossy lamination. From experience, we recommend matte as it will make defects less visible.

Professional stickers

Another option: choose a sticker created by an arcade professional with a pre-designed design. At JDF Arcade, we offer rectangular stickers, adaptable to several arcade cabinet models.

Find our various arcade cabinet sticker themes here.

T-molding

How to install your T-molding?

• Preparing the terminal: Ensure the surface where you will be attaching the T-molding is clean and smooth. Clean it as needed to remove dirt and residue.

• Preparing the T-molding: If the T-molding is rolled up, remember to unroll it first. Good quality T-molding will be flexible and easy to handle. However, you may encounter lower-quality, rigid T-molding. This will need to be softened by gently heating it with a hair dryer or heat gun. This will make it easier to install.

• Applying the T-molding: Starting from the least visible part for the connectors (the bottom of the terminal for the sides), insert the fir-tree end of one end of the T-molding into the groove provided for this purpose on the edge of your terminal. Ensure it fits properly.

• Using a Rubber Mallet: To avoid damaging the T-molding or terminal, use a rubber mallet to gently tap the T-molding, gradually pushing it into the groove.

• Continue applying the T-molding: Work gradually along the entire length of the terminal, making sure to keep the T-molding properly aligned in the groove

• Corners and Curves: If your terminal has corners or curves, you may need to carefully trim the T-molding fir to fit. You can use wire cutters or a box cutter to do this..

Le Bezel

The bezel, made of either glass or plexiglass, is the part that protects the screen. This area is often used to display additional information, decorative graphics, game instructions, or other visual elements that enhance the player's experience and recreate the authentic look of classic arcade cabinets.

When arcade cabinets were popular, screens weren't as advanced as they are today and often featured black or blank borders around the main game image. Arcade game designers and operators took advantage of these borders to add visual and informational elements. These elements could include game logos, character illustrations, instructions for game controls, remaining credits, and other relevant details.

Bezels are graphic images or designs that frame the on-screen play area, mimicking the look of arcade cabinets of yesteryear. This helps recreate the retro and nostalgic atmosphere of the arcade experience.

In short, a bezel's purpose is to protect the arcade cabinet's screen, conceal the interior of the cabinet, and offer the opportunity to add visual elements..

Glass or plexiglass for the bezel?

Glass bezel

Glass protects the game screen from scratches, scuffs, dust, and other potential damage. This is especially important in environments where the arcade cabinet may be subject to heavy use.

You can choose classic clear glass or tempered glass; in terms of thickness, we recommend a minimum of 4mm.

A glass bezel can add a touch of sophistication to the arcade cabinet, giving it a more professional and polished appearance.

For fans of classic arcade games, using a glass bezel can add authenticity to the gaming experience by emulating the look of vintage arcade cabinets that used glass bezels.

Plexiglass Bezel

Plexiglass is lighter than glass, which can be advantageous in terms of handling and installation.

Although Plexiglass is less scratch-resistant than glass, it is still durable enough to protect your gaming screen from minor damage. It is also less likely to shatter if accidentally dropped, which can be an advantage in certain situations.

Plexiglass can be cut and shaped more easily than glass, which means it offers greater design flexibility. It can be cut into various shapes and sizes.

Plexiglass is generally less expensive than glass, making it a more affordable option.

How to outline your bezel?

Spray paint

Mark off the area to be painted.

This marking will be done using masking tape. These tapes don't leave a sticky residue after use, so they can be safely applied to glass. Once the marking is complete, you can paint and spray the black paint on the marked area. Then, wait a few minutes for the paint to dry. Once the paint is dry, you can apply additional thin coats until the initial coat is no longer visible. Continue until you achieve the desired result. Remove the masking tape after the paint is completely dry.

Do not handle your arcade cabinet screen until the paint is completely dry. Let it dry for at least 24 hours before handling it. You'll see that the final result will be fantastic and long-lasting.

Sticker

It is also possible to apply stickers to glass or plexiglass, however this is a delicate operation to avoid creating bubbles.

The Marquee

The main purpose of the marquee is to display the name of your arcade cabinet. It can be made of glass, plexiglass, or simply wood. It creates an immersive atmosphere by displaying the title and graphics related to the cabinet. The marquee is often backlit using neon or LED strips placed behind the graphics. This allows the marquee to be visible even in low light conditions, adding to the atmosphere of classic arcade games.

It is also possible to set up an interactive marquee (PC or Raspberry Pi) via a DMD or LCD screen. The marquee can change depending on the game selected, displaying the current title.

Marquees are an integral part of the aesthetic of arcade cabinets and help recreate the authentic experience of classic arcade games. They are one of the many visual elements that add to the nostalgic charm of these iconic machines.

The Panel Board

The game panel is one of the most important parts of your arcade cabinet. It's the control center of your machine. You'll need to choose and plan your panel based on your console's users.

The buttons and joysticks used will determine the playability and comfort of your arcade cabinet.

What equipment should you use for your panel?

Many of you have a first question about the panel: should we make a metal panel? Should we add plexiglass over the stickers? Our answer is simple:

At JDF Arcade, we offer wooden or metal panels upon customer request.

It all depends on how you'll use the arcade machine. For arcade machines intended for intensive use (e.g., in a public space), it's preferable to use a metal panel or one with plexiglass protection over the stickers, as we don't know what type of users we're dealing with, and intentional damage is possible. In all other cases, this is purely aesthetic, as wood covered with a laminated sticker is more than sufficient in terms of durability.

The key to a panel is that the wiring underneath must be accessible either by removing the panel or by using a hinged panel.

The butons

There are a multitude of buttons available, ranging in size, brand, color, and shape. Which buttons are best suited for your arcade cabinet?

The different types of buttons for arcade machines

Type of hook

First, there are two main types of buttons:

Clip-on buttons. From experience, we recommend using clip-on buttons on a wooden panel, but these are suitable for any type of panel and are very easy to use. Screw-on buttons. In most cases, screw-on buttons must be complemented by a microswitch. A microswitch is the electronic component that complements the mechanical part of the button. There are generic ones and more efficient ones, such as the Cherry 4D. This type of button is suitable for a metal panel.

Button shapes

Then there are the forms and there again there are two schools:

The standard form

The concave shape, also called American or Gold Leaf button. These buttons have the particularity of having an inwardly curved shape. Some will say that it is more ergonomic while others will not. It's up to you to make up your own mind. Note that this type of button only exists, to our knowledge, as a screw-on button.

Button sizes

Regarding button sizes, we recommend using 30mm buttons for clip-on buttons and 28mm buttons for screw-on buttons.

You can, of course, use 24mm buttons for the "Start", "Coin", or "Pause" buttons.

The connection

There are several types of connectors for buttons, but the most common one that you should choose is the terminal system. Be sure to check that your wiring has the correct terminal size (2.8/4.8/6.2mm), otherwise you'll spend a day with your crimping pliers.

Light or opaque buttons

Ah, the famous illuminated buttons! Whether you like them or not is a matter of taste.

Our advice for this type of button is to preferably use translucent backlit buttons with an LED bar. Illuminated buttons with LEDs can be of varying quality, but be aware that the LEDs inside the button will have a shorter lifespan than the button itself. Especially if you're one of those nags who taps buttons as if a crocodile was about to jump out.

The brands

There are many brands of buttons, and we obviously won't be reviewing them all, but here are the main ones and our opinion on their qualities.

• Sanwa: Sanwa is the most renowned Japanese brand in the world of arcade buttons. Their buttons are known for their precision, sensitivity, and durability.
• Seimitsu: Another Japanese brand renowned for the quality of its arcade buttons. Seimitsu buttons offer a unique tactile feel and are often used by professional players. Seimitsu is Sanwa's most serious competitor.
• IL (Industrias Lorenzo): IL is a European brand best known for its high-quality buttons and other arcade parts. Their products are appreciated for their durability and quick response.
• Baolong: A Chinese brand that is an excellent choice in terms of quality and price. Don't expect Sanwa-like quality, but for moderate players, this will do the job as it is very durable.

What game system should you use for your arcade machine?

Pandora Box

The Pandora Box is a multi-game card developed by 3A and 3H Games, although other "unofficial" Pandora boxes have also been released. This box features JAMMA or GPIO connectivity depending on the version (Arcade or Family) and contains the most popular games from the 80s and 90s.

New versions have been released year after year, retaining the same connectivity and improving upon it, now emulating platforms such as the PSP, Naomi, Dreamcast, and Atomiswave. It features a menu that allows you to select your game with a video animation.

Several video outputs are available, including VGA or HDMI. The fully graphical administration console allows you to configure the box to your liking, including adding a coin acceptor or not. It's the turnkey solution. main.

Buy your Pandora Box from €99

Raspberry

The Raspberry Pi is a credit-card-sized single-board nanocomputer with an ARM processor designed by professors at the University of Cambridge's computer science department. It has been a huge success and has sold millions of copies. Due to its popularity, a huge number of projects have emerged, including ready-made images from Batocera, Recalbox, and Retropie.

PC

No need to describe to you what a PC is. Depending on the benchmark of the latter, you can play from the smallest to the most demanding games (Switch, PS3, Tekno Parrot, latest Windows games).

The different arcade game systems for PC?

Batocera

Batocera is an open source and completely free retro-gaming Linux distribution that can be copied to a USB stick, hard drive or SD card in order to transform any computer/nano-computer into a gaming console during a game or permanently. It is a fork of the Recalbox distribution started in 2016. The distribution allows you to emulate many consoles and integrates the Kodi media player. Constantly updated, fairly simple to install, easily configurable, and customizable. Batocera is therefore a great OS for retro gaming but not only. With a powerful machine, you can play the PlayStation 3 or the Switch.

Recalbox

Recalbox is an open-source distribution based on the Linux operating system, specifically designed to transform a device into a true retro emulation machine. A turnkey solution that can be used by as many people as possible, with the goal of never having to use a keyboard or mouse to play. The Kodi media player is pre-installed and can be controlled with a controller from the interface.

Hyperspin

Hyperspin is an interface that will allow you to do without a keyboard or mouse and thus control the launch of your games through your control panel by replacing the Windows desktop environment with a customizable graphical interface that is much more pleasant and intuitive and perfectly fits the spirit of an arcade machine. We call this a frontend. It is freely downloadable, but is no longer updated or only by purists.

LaunchBox / BigBox

Launchbox / BigBox is a front end like "hyperspin". However, the license is paid, which is why it is constantly updated, constantly improved with the possibility of linking your Steam account, and a whole bunch of other options. It is quite easily configurable, which makes it one of the best front ends.

Which encoders should I use for PC?

An encoder is a USB interface that allows you to easily connect an arcade joystick and buttons to your PC, Raspberry Pi, or home console. Several models are available.

Some will be recognized as an XBOX controller, which can be an advantage because they use the Xinput API, which is recognized by all emulators and PC games, making the gaming experience "plug-and-play" for the most part.