So Why Build a Custom Cabinet?

One might wonder why I’ve chosen to build a custom arcade cabinet. There are commercial options out there at places like Target or Amazon. They come either preassembled or as an easy to assemble kit. Companies like Arcade1up have licensed arcade cabinets with classic games ready to go. You can even find old arcade machines for sale. Why go to the trouble to build your own? Well here’s why I’ve chosen to custom build my own machine.

1. Space: While you can get either aftermarket arcade machines or even original ones most of them don’t have more than one game. So, if you want to play Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, and Area 51 as an example; you’re not going to be able to do that in a single machine.
2. Size: This is more a personal preference but every single aftermarket cabinet ends up being between a little and way too short. I’m over six foot so playing for hours on a short machine is hard on me. Yes they sell risers for the aftermarket machines but even then most of the time they are too short still. I actually stood in front of a Pac-Man cabinet from Arcade1up and even with the riser it was still too short for me.
3. Customization: Designing your own cabinet allows you to customize it to be exactly what you want. With any prebuilt options you’re stuck with whatever design they used. Some designs are good while others may not be.
4. Layout: Many of the aftermarket arcade machines are smaller than their original counterparts. This becomes an issue if you want to do two player games with friends. Many of the two player aftermarket machines will have you shoulder to shoulder with your friends. This can be really uncomfortable for people and it get’s worse when you start looking at four player setups.
5. Build quality: I’ve see some people comment that some of the prebuilt machines from different companies are of poor build quality and wobble when you use them. I’ve also checked a few out and found that in some cases they’re not as sturdy as you might think. While I do not know if people who are complaining correctly assembled the cabinet and some stores don’t have people who will build a demo cabinet correctly, if you build it–you’re responsible for the quality. Damage can occur in shipping and not everyone follows build instructions correctly.
6. You actually own arcade boards and game systems: I do actually own many arcade boards as well as all of my original game systems and games. Setting them all up takes up a lot of space, which I don’t have a ton of. Building a custom machine allows me to play what I own in one machine.

While custom building your own cabinet can be fun there are reasons not to do so. After all this isn’t something for everyone and it’s a big build. So why would you not want to embark on an adventure like this?

1. Cost: It can be expensive to do a custom build since it requires more hardware in some cases.
2. Experience: If you don’t have experience building projects from wood or experience with building electronics it’s not a good idea to try a big build like this. You could end up simply making a mess or frustrated and not completing it.
3. Tools: You don’t have to have the tools to build an arcade cabinet. Basic hand tools may not work the best and for correctly cutting holes, wood panels, and the like. You’re going to need some electronics tools like crimpers, a soldering iron, and a multimeter for troubleshooting.
4. Patience: This will take a long time from start to finish so if you get easily distracted or impatient you may not finish or end up with something that’s not any good.

Overall, I’m choosing to build a custom cabinet because I’d like to have one and I don’t have a lot of space. Multiple machines aren’t really an option for me due to space. I also do have experience with electronics, building PC’s, and wood working. I also have most of the tools I need as well. Additionally I’m willing to learn from my mistakes and grow from them. This isn’t for the faint of heart but I think it’ll be fun.

-J