Things You'll Need:
- Wood
- PC Hardware / Old PC
- Tools
- Emulators and ROMs
- Software
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Step 1
Arcade Machine Designs01. Study other manufactured and home built arcade machines to get an idea for the design: To get an idea for a good Arcade Machine design it helps to study actual Arcade Machines. You can find lots of great pictures online by doing a Google Image search for “Arcade Machine”. Once you have an idea of what you would like your arcade machine to look like draw some rough sketches to create plans from later.
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Step 2
Arcade Machine Hardware Requirements02. Decide on the hardware requirements for your system: Plan out what type of computer hardware you will need for your system. Most emulators require very little CPU power to run. If you have an old PC lying around the house this would be perfect for a DIY Arcade Machine. If you are interested in using newer hardware consider what would be ideal for your system and budget. If you are unsure on your hardware choices try doing a Google search for “Arcade Machine Hardware Considerations” to get some good ideas for what you should purchase.
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Step 3
Measurements for your Arcade Machine Design03. Draw out plans and measurements for your design: Once you know what you would like your system to look like, and what type of hardware will be going into it you can start sketching out some designs. It helps to start with a drawing of the arcade machine itself, and then picture in your mind how the PC hardware will fit into it. From here you can draw internal plans with the layout of your hardware. If you are having trouble creating measurements for your system try doing a Google search for “Arcade machine design measurements” to get some ideas. A good rule of thumb is to measure your display and come up with the scale of the system relative to the display you are using.
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Step 4
Building Your Arcade Cabinet04. Get wood and build your Arcade Cabinet: Once you have your measurements and design you should know roughly how much wood you need. Many people who are building their own Arcade Machine use MDF to cut down on costs. While it is a heavier wood it works well for DIY Arcade projects. You will need the right tools to safely build your system. If you are not confident with wood working, check with a friend who is handy at building to help you.
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Step 5
Mount Your PC Hardware in the Arcade Machine05. Install the PC hardware into your Arcade Machine: Once the arcade cabinet has been assembled, mount your PC hardware into the system. It can help to have an old PC case (or part of a case) to use the existing metal mounts for your hardware instead of trying to screw things directly into the wood. Old cases can be found in the trash or recycling at many businesses or schools. Try asking around and you might be able to get one for free. You can also purchase very basic cases online for next to nothing. Install your hardware and display into the system and make sure everything is working.
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Step 6
Arcade Machine Artwork06. Decorate your Arcade System with Artwork: Once you have you system built and your hardware installed you may want to decorate your system. If you are spray painting the system make sure to cover, and tape over the display and any other areas that you do not want paint to get on. If you are an artsy type you can hand paint artwork onto your system, or find a friend who is willing to do this. There are also many sites online that offer Artwork for cabinets. Do a Google search for “Arcade Machine Artwork” for more resources. You can also print your own stickers using online artwork and sticker paper for your printer. Use an X-acto knife to get clean, precise edges on your stickers.
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Step 7
MAME: Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator07. Get Emulators and ROMs for your system: Now you need the Emulators for your system and the ROMs for the games you would like to play on it. There are many resources for this online. Try doing a Google search for “ROMs” to find more information. Also keep in mind there are many file sharing networks like Limewire, Ares, and BitTorrent that you can use to search for Emulators and ROMs.
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Step 8
Install an Operating System on your Arcade Machine08. Install your Operating System and Emulators: Now you need to install the Operating System onto your arcade machine. Many people prefer Windows because it’s easy to install, use and is compatible with almost every Emulator available. If you are trying to save money you can see if a friend has a Windows 2000 disk they are no longer using, or you can always look into a free operating system like Linux. If you use Linux I would recommend Ubuntu or Kubuntu because of how easy they are to use.
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Step 9
Arcade Machine Front-End Software09. Create or Install a Front-End for your system: A Front-end is a program that manages and loads all your Emulators and ROMs. It is not “needed” for a home built arcade system but many people prefer the finished look it gives their Arcade machine. For more information on setting up a front-end for your arcade system do a search for "Arcade front end”.
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Step 10
Congratulations on Your First Home Built Arcade Machine!10. Show off your system to your Friends!: Congratulations you have built your own Arcade Machine in 10 easy steps. Now you can show it off to all your buddies who enjoy old school gaming. You will now be the talk of the town, or at least the “house” because of your passion for classic gaming!
Remember to have fun, be creative, and take your time and you will come up with a project you’re a truly proud of. Good luck!
Comments
lifeengineer said
on 3/3/2009 Nice Article. We have a MAME machine and they are great fun.
Ladybugblue said
on 2/11/2009 Very cool idea! Thanks for the great article! 5* & recommended!