Multiple Arcade Machine Emulation, or MAME, machines are devices that use the look of vintage coin-operated arcade machines but are modified to run hundreds or even thousands of video games. Building one is a cost-effective way for gamers to get a nostalgic kick, but they can also be made from pre-existing arcade cabinets. This is a great way for people who already own a cabinet and have grown tired of the arcade game to revitalize the furniture.
Gut the arcade cabinet. This is exactly what it sounds like, and it can be time-intensive. It involves carefully removing all electronics from the cabinet without damaging the piece of furniture. Remove the monitor and the controls from the dashboard using screwdrivers, hammers and saws if necessary. What remains will be a small amount of electronics that actually ran the old game.
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Install a new controller into the cabinet where the old one was. Buttons, joysticks and trackballs can be purchased and wired independently, or a new controller can be bought. SlikStik, X-Arcade and Ultimarc produce parts suitable for the conversion. The new controller will act as the input device for the MAME machine.
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Install MAME hardware onto the PC, using a legal website like mamedev.org, and place the PC in the base of the arcade cabinet. Put the monitor at the top, where the old one went, and connect both the monitor and the controller to the PC. You now have a fully functioning MAME machine, housed in the old cabinet, but a few steps remain to finish it.
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Decide if any cosmetic work needs to be done on the cabinet. This could be a new cover for the controller, or perhaps new artwork on the sides or marquee, depending on your purposes. Now that it's your MAME machine and not just an old arcade unit, feel free to personalize it as you see fit.
