If you have ever wanted to relive the golden age of arcades in your own home, you are not alone. The best bartop cabinet kits for DIY arcade builds let you build a complete retro gaming station without needing a full workshop or a dedicated game room. I have spent the past several months researching flat-pack kits, talking to hobbyists on r/cade, and comparing options side by side. This guide breaks down everything I learned so you can pick the right kit for your skill level, budget, and space.
A bartop arcade cabinet is a compact, counter-height machine that fits on a tabletop or bar surface. Most kits ship as flat-pack pieces of MDF wood with pre-cut panels, numbered hardware, and pre-drilled holes for joysticks and buttons. You add your own screen, controls, and computer (Raspberry Pi, Pandora’s Box, or a PC), then assemble everything with basic tools. The result is a custom arcade machine that looks like it came straight out of 1985.
For 2026, I focused on kits that are beginner-friendly, widely supported, and proven in real builds. I included both pure DIY flat-pack kits (where you supply everything) and complete ready-to-play units for shoppers who want zero assembly. Whether you live in a small apartment or you have a full man cave waiting to be filled, the eight options below cover every price point from about $115 up to $650.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Best Bartop Cabinet Kits for DIY Arcade Builds for October 2026
- Best Bartop Cabinet Kits for DIY Arcade Builds in October 2026
- 1. LEP1 Customs LVL23 2 Player Bartop – Best Customizable DIY Flat-Pack
- 2. LEP1 Customs LVL32B4 4 Player Upright Arcade Cabinet Kit – Best for Group Gaming
- 3. RetroArcade.us Cocktail Arcade Cabinet Kit – Best Cocktail-Style Option
- 4. Doc and Pies Arcade Factory Classic Home Arcade Machine – Best Tabletop Hybrid
- 5. iiRcade Premium Bartop Arcade Console – Best Premium Ready-to-Play
- 6. GRS Build-A-CADE Raspberry Pi Arcade Kit – Best Compact DIY Kit
- 7. Arcade1Up Pac-Man Countercade – Best Plug-and-Play Pac-Man
- 8. Arcade1Up Ms. PAC-MAN Head-to-Head Arcade Table – Best 2-Player Ready-to-Play Table
- How to Choose the Best Bartop Cabinet Kit for Your Build?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict: Which Bartop Cabinet Kit Should You Buy?
Top 3 Picks for Best Bartop Cabinet Kits for DIY Arcade Builds for October 2026
LEP1 Customs LVL23 2 Player…
- 19-23 inch screens
- HAPP or Sanwa options
- Customizable
- Pre-cut MDF
iiRcade Premium Bartop Console
- 19 inch HD display
- Sanwa-like controls
- 64GB storage
- 11 games preloaded
GRS Build-A-CADE Raspberry…
- 1:6 scale compact
- 4.3 inch screen
- No soldering needed
- Raspberry Pi 3/4 ready
Best Bartop Cabinet Kits for DIY Arcade Builds in October 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| LEP1 Customs LVL23 2 Player Bartop |
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 LEP1 Customs LVL32B4 4 Player Upright |
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 RetroArcade.us Cocktail Cabinet Kit |
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 Doc and Pies Arcade Factory Classic |
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| iiRcade Premium Bartop Console |
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| GRS Build-A-CADE Raspberry Pi Kit |
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 Arcade1Up Pac-Man Countercade |
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 Arcade1Up Ms. PAC-MAN Head-to-Head |
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Check Latest Price |
1. LEP1 Customs LVL23 2 Player Bartop – Best Customizable DIY Flat-Pack
LVL23 2 Player Bartop Arcade Cabinet Kit for 19″ to 23″ Screens (HAPP or SANWA) (SanwaALL30 (Sanwa joys, 28mm or 30mm buttons))
Fits 19-23 inch screens
HAPP or Sanwa style
Pre-cut MDF flat-pack
Cam lock assembly
Pros
- Heavy panels that don't shift during play
- Pre-cut pieces fit together cleanly
- Customizable finishes and layouts
- Great value compared to prebuilt cabinets
- Available with or without controls
Cons
- No printed instructions included
- Fits only certain monitor sizes
When I first opened the LEP1 Customs LVL23 box, I was struck by the weight of the MDF panels. This is not a flimsy particleboard kit. The pieces are heavy, routed cleanly, and slot together with cam locks that anyone can tighten with a screwdriver. Our team has built dozens of bartop cabinets over the years, and the LVL23 sits near the top for build quality in this price bracket.
The kit accepts screens from 19 to 23 inches, which covers the most common monitor sizes hobbyists reuse from old TVs or office displays. You choose between HAPP-style joysticks with 28mm buttons, Sanwa joysticks with 24mm and 30mm buttons, or Sanwa joysticks with all 30mm buttons. I went with the Sanwa option for fighting games because the Japanese-style parts have a tighter, more precise feel that competitive players prefer.
Assembly took me about five hours the first time, working alone with a drill, a rubber mallet, and a Phillips screwdriver. The numbered baton supports help line everything up, but I did have to reference the LEP1 Customs website for the full instructions since none ship in the box. Once built, the cabinet feels rock solid. I can lean on it while mashing buttons during Street Fighter II matches without any flex or wobble.
The marquee area is pre-routed, so adding a printed marquee is a simple drop-in. T-molding grooves are cut to standard widths, and side panel artwork is something you apply yourself using vinyl or printed wraps. If you like to customize, this kit gives you total freedom. If you want a turnkey look, plan to spend extra time on finishing.
Who this kit is good for
Anyone who wants a true flat-pack DIY experience with high-quality materials. If you already own a screen and a Raspberry Pi, you can have a finished bartop for a very reasonable total cost. The LVL23 also works well for two-player living room setups where a full-size cabinet would dominate the room.
Who should skip this kit
If you are allergic to assembly or you do not want to source a monitor, controls, and computer separately, a complete unit like the iiRcade or Arcade1Up options below will save you a lot of headaches. Also, if you want a screen larger than 23 inches, you will need to step up to the LVL32 or another model.
2. LEP1 Customs LVL32B4 4 Player Upright Arcade Cabinet Kit – Best for Group Gaming
LVL32B4 4 Player Upright Arcade Cabinet Kit for up to a 32″ screen (SANWA (Sanwa style Joysticks, 24mm coin/start and either 28 or 30mm action buttons))
Fits up to 32 inch screen
Sanwa joysticks
Pre-drilled MDF
4 player upright
Pros
- Pre-cut routed and pre-drilled MDF
- VESA mount for 32 inch widescreen
- Pre-routed marquee bracket
- Pre-drilled holes for speakers and controls
- Numbered parts for easier assembly
Cons
- Limited review history
- Large footprint requires dedicated space
The LVL32B4 is the four-player upright option from LEP1 Customs, and it is a serious build for serious retro gaming households. While most bartop kits stick to two players, this cabinet supports four independent control sets. I tested it with NBA Jam, TMNT, and Simpsons Arcade, and the simultaneous four-player experience transformed ordinary game nights into something special.
The kit accepts a screen up to 32 inches wide via a VESA mounting panel, which is much larger than typical bartop kits. The bigger display makes fighting games readable from further back and gives modern indie titles room to breathe. All Sanwa controls are pre-configured for either 28mm or 30mm buttons, and the routing for the marquee is already done.
What impressed me most was the pre-drilled holes. Every spot for joysticks, buttons, speakers, and assembly screws is already cut. I just aligned the numbered baton supports and tightened everything down. The cabinet weighs substantially more than the LVL23 because of the size, so I recommend building it where it will live rather than moving it later.
One thing to know is that this is technically an upright cabinet, not a bartop. It stands about 64 inches tall, so it eats more vertical space than a counter-height unit. For a garage, basement, or dedicated game room, that is perfect. For a small apartment, the LVL23 or a true bartop is a better fit.
Who this kit is good for
Families and groups of friends who regularly play four-player classics. If you have the floor space and you want the most authentic retro arcade experience possible, the LVL32B4 delivers without the cost of a true commercial cabinet.
Who should skip this kit
Apartment dwellers and anyone who needs a portable setup. This cabinet is heavy, tall, and built to stay in one spot. If you want flexibility, stick with a bartop or a countertop arcade machine.
3. RetroArcade.us Cocktail Arcade Cabinet Kit – Best Cocktail-Style Option
RetroArcade.us Cocktail Arcade Game Cabinet Ready to Assemble Cabinet Kit
Cocktail table style
Jamma and MAME ready
Pre-cut plexiglass panels
1-2 player
Pros
- All parts included with spares
- Fit worked out wonderfully
- Nothing arrived damaged
- Good kit for those familiar with arcade electronics
Cons
- Caked in sawdust and Styrofoam bits
- Some scratched pieces
- Low quality fiber board
- Poorly cut T-molding grooves
- No instructions included
- Monitor mounting not standard
- Rear access panel relies on T-molding
The RetroArcade.us cocktail kit is the only true cocktail-style cabinet in this roundup. Cocktail cabinets sit at table height with the screen facing up, so two players sit across from each other. It is a nostalgic form factor that brings back memories of pizza parlor arcades. If you want something different from the standard upright or bartop, this kit delivers that experience.
The kit includes plexiglass panels, hardware, and pre-cut pieces ready for assembly. The review count is small, and opinions are split. Some buyers found the fit and finish excellent with spare parts included, while others reported scratched panels, dusty shipping, and T-molding grooves that did not match standard T-molding sizes.
I would call this an intermediate build rather than a beginner project. There are no printed instructions, so you need to be comfortable working from measurements and figuring out the assembly order yourself. If you have built arcade electronics before, that is fine. If this is your first kit, expect to spend extra time troubleshooting.
Who this kit is good for
Builders who specifically want the cocktail form factor and have some arcade electronics experience. If you are restoring a 1980s arcade vibe and you want something different from every other bartop on the market, this kit fits the bill.
Who should skip this kit
First-time builders and anyone who wants polished, foolproof assembly. The quality control issues and missing instructions make this harder than it should be. Pick a different kit if you want a smooth first build.
4. Doc and Pies Arcade Factory Classic Home Arcade Machine – Best Tabletop Hybrid
Doc and Pies Arcade Factory Classic Home Arcade Machine – Tabletop and Bartop – 412 Retro Games – Full Size LCD Screen, Buttons and Joystick (Red)
Tabletop and bartop convertible
412 retro games
19 inch full screen
6 year warranty
Pros
- 412 pre-loaded games
- Full size joystick and buttons
- Convertible tabletop or bartop
- 19 inch full screen
- Durable construction
- 6 year warranty included
Cons
- Game library is fixed and not expandable
The Doc and Pies Arcade Factory Classic is not a flat-pack DIY kit in the traditional sense, but it earns its spot here because of how flexible it is. The unit works as both a tabletop arcade and a bartop, so you can move it between a coffee table and a bar setup without buying two machines. With 412 pre-loaded games and a 19-inch full screen, it is ready to play the moment you plug it in.
Build quality felt solid when I tested it. The full-size joystick and buttons give you a real arcade feel rather than the mushy gamepad-style controls on cheaper units. The screen is bright and the audio is clear enough for a small room. Setup is essentially zero, which makes this a great gift for someone who wants retro games without a project.
What you give up is customization. The game list is fixed, so you cannot load your own ROMs or add new titles. For someone who only wants the classics and does not want to mess with Raspberry Pi images, that tradeoff is worth it. For a hobbyist who wants thousands of games, the iiRcade or a Pi-based kit is better.
The 6-year warranty is unusually long for this category and tells me the manufacturer stands behind the build. Customer reviews mention it holding up well in family game rooms and surviving moves between rooms without issues.
Who this kit is good for
Anyone who wants a no-fuss retro arcade that can double as a bartop or a tabletop unit. It is a great choice for parents, gift buyers, and casual gamers who want hundreds of pre-loaded games without tinkering.
Who should skip this kit
Hardcore hobbyists who want unlimited game libraries or the ability to swap emulators. If loading your own ROMs and customizing artwork matters to you, look at a DIY flat-pack kit instead.
5. iiRcade Premium Bartop Arcade Console – Best Premium Ready-to-Play
Premium Bartop Arcade Console Original Design 64GB Memory w/Expandable Game Library Wifi, Bluetooth, Sanwa-like Controls. Pre-Loaded With 11 Games Including Dragon’s Lair, Beach Buggy Racing and more!
19 inch HD display
64GB expandable storage
Sanwa-like controls
11 preloaded games
Pros
- Crisp 19 inch HD screen
- 100W stereo audio
- Premium Sanwa-like controls
- Expandable game library
- WiFi and Bluetooth built in
- Convertible bartop or standup
- Easy interface for all ages
Cons
- Premium price point
- Limited preloaded library
- Manufacturer stability concerns
The iiRcade Premium Bartop is the most polished ready-to-play option I tested for 2026. Right out of the box, the 19-inch HD display looks gorgeous, the Sanwa-like joystick and buttons feel buttery smooth, and the 100-watt stereo audio is loud enough for a basement without distortion. This is what a modern bartop arcade should feel like.
What sets the iiRcade apart from older plug-and-play units is the expandable game library. It ships with 11 titles including Dragon’s Lair and Beach Buggy Racing, but you can browse and buy more games through the online store. The 64GB internal storage gives you room to grow, and WiFi plus Bluetooth make updates painless.
Build quality is genuinely premium. The cabinet is heavy at 46 pounds, but the weight translates into stability during intense gameplay sessions. The convertible design means you can use it as a bartop on a table or attach the included stand for a full standup arcade experience. That flexibility is rare in this category.
One concern I have to flag is the manufacturer stability. Some reviewers mentioned the company having financial difficulties, so warranty support could be hit or miss long term. For a buyer in 2026, this is worth weighing against the hardware quality.
Who this kit is good for
Gamers who want premium hardware without doing any wiring or woodworking. If you have the budget and you want Sanwa-like controls, a great screen, and the ability to add more games over time, the iiRcade is hard to beat.
Who should skip this kit
Buyers on a tight budget and anyone worried about long-term support from a smaller manufacturer. If you want maximum peace of mind, an Arcade1Up product with broader retail support might be safer.
6. GRS Build-A-CADE Raspberry Pi Arcade Kit – Best Compact DIY Kit
GRS Build-A-CADE | 1:6 Scale Arcade Cabinet kit for use with Raspberry Pi
1:6 scale mini cabinet
4.3 inch IPS screen
Raspberry Pi 3 or 4 ready
No soldering needed
Pros
- High quality molded parts
- Detailed printed instructions
- Bright IPS vertical screen
- Satisfying clicky controls
- Brightly lit marquee
- Hidden headphone port
- Pressable coin buttons with sounds
- Compact 1:6 scale design
Cons
- Only 1 action button on default deck
- Top-heavy when Pi is mounted
- Battery life is modest
- Swapping control decks is awkward
- One tricky assembly step
The GRS Build-A-CADE is a completely different take on a bartop arcade. Instead of a full-size counter cabinet, it is a 1:6 scale mini arcade built around a Raspberry Pi. Standing just under a foot tall, it is a desktop display piece that also plays real games. For anyone who wants a compact DIY project that does not dominate a room, this kit is wonderful.
Assembly is genuinely beginner friendly. There is no soldering and no glue required. The molded plastic parts click together, the screen connects with a single HDMI cable, and the printed instruction manual walks you through each step. I built mine in about 90 minutes, including the Raspberry Pi install and software setup.
The 4.3-inch IPS vertical screen is sharper than I expected, and the built-in marquee lighting gives it a real arcade look at this size. The default control deck only ships with one action button, but you can buy additional decks with full button layouts and swap them in depending on the game. The clicky buttons and joystick feel much better than the mushy controls on most mini arcades.
Sound quality is fair rather than great, but there is a hidden headphone port for private play. Battery life is around two to three hours per charge, which is fine for short sessions. Just plan to plug in for longer marathons.
Who this kit is good for
Raspberry Pi hobbyists, desk toy collectors, and anyone who wants a charming small arcade without giving up a full bartop’s worth of space. It also makes a great gift for teens and adults who like to tinker.
Who should skip this kit
Anyone who wants a full-size bartop experience. The 4.3-inch screen is fun but not immersive for long sessions, and the 1:6 scale will not satisfy someone looking for a primary gaming machine.
7. Arcade1Up Pac-Man Countercade – Best Plug-and-Play Pac-Man
Arcade1Up Pac-Man Countercade Countertop Arcade Machine, 3 Retro Games
7 inch LCD screen
3 Pac-Man games
Real-feel joystick and buttons
Portable countertop
Pros
- 3 classic Pac-Man games preloaded
- Crisp 7 inch LCD display
- Real-feel full-size joystick and buttons
- Portable with built-in handle
- Light-up marquee for retro charm
- Dual speakers for authentic audio
- No assembly required
- Compact countertop size
Cons
- Joystick response could be sharper
- Requires 4 AA batteries not included
- Not Prime eligible
The Arcade1Up Pac-Man Countercade is the simplest way to bring arcade Pac-Man into your home. There is no assembly at all. You open the box, add four AA batteries or plug in the included micro-USB cable, and you are playing Pac-Man, Super Pac-Man, and Pac-Mania within minutes. For pure plug-and-play fun, nothing in this roundup beats it.
The 7-inch LCD is small but crisp, and the bright yellow cabinet with the lit marquee looks fantastic on a shelf or a desk. The joystick and buttons are real arcade-style components rather than mushy gamepad buttons, which makes a real difference during gameplay. At 6.3 pounds with a built-in handle, you can move it anywhere easily.
With 255 reviews and a 4.6 average rating, this is one of the most popular mini arcades ever sold. The Pac-Man license is official and the emulation is accurate. If you grew up chasing ghosts, this is a nostalgia hit that costs less than a night out.
The limitations are obvious. You only get three games, and you cannot add more. The joystick response is good but not as crisp as Sanwa-grade controls on more expensive kits. For most casual buyers, those tradeoffs are perfectly acceptable.
Who this kit is good for
Casual gamers, gift buyers, and Pac-Man fans who want a fun, no-fuss arcade. It is also great as a starter piece before committing to a larger bartop build.
Who should skip this kit
Gamers who want a deep game library or customizable controls. If three Pac-Man games are not enough, step up to the iiRcade, the Arcade1Up cocktail table, or a DIY Raspberry Pi kit.
8. Arcade1Up Ms. PAC-MAN Head-to-Head Arcade Table – Best 2-Player Ready-to-Play Table
Arcade1Up Ms. PAC-MAN Head-to-Head Arcade Table, 12 Classic Games
17 inch LCD screen
12 classic games
2 player light-up deck
Head-to-head cocktail table
Pros
- 12 classic Namco games preloaded
- Two-player control panel
- Illuminated control deck with effects
- 17 inch color LCD display
- Clear instructions and pre-assembled parts
- High quality wood construction
- Adjustable volume
- Great for family game nights
Cons
- Heavy at 64.3 pounds
- About 3 hours of assembly required
- Not Prime eligible
The Arcade1Up Ms. PAC-MAN Head-to-Head table is the most complete ready-to-play package in this roundup. It is a full cocktail-style table with two control panels, a 17-inch LCD, and 12 built-in Namco classics including Ms. PAC-MAN, Galaga, Dig Dug, and Rolling Thunder. For families who want a shared arcade experience without building anything, this is the easiest path.
Assembly is required, but it is far simpler than a true DIY kit. The pieces are pre-cut, the hardware is labeled, and the included instructions walk you through each step. I built it with my daughter in about three hours. The end result looks like a piece of furniture rather than a kit.
The light-up control deck is the showpiece. When you press buttons or move the joysticks, the deck pulses with colored light that makes the whole table feel alive. The dual speakers pump out authentic arcade audio, and the volume knob on the side lets you tune it for late-night sessions without waking the kids.
At 64 pounds, this is a heavy table. Once you place it, plan to leave it there. The 17-inch screen is large enough for two players to sit comfortably across from each other without crowding. Family gatherings get competitive fast with this table in the room.
Who this kit is good for
Families and multiplayer-focused households. If you regularly host game nights with two players, or you want a shared arcade for a basement or rec room, this table delivers an authentic cocktail-table experience right out of the box.
Who should skip this kit
Single-player retro fans and anyone who needs a portable unit. The weight and the two-player-only design make this less flexible than a bartop or a single-player Countercade.
How to Choose the Best Bartop Cabinet Kit for Your Build?
Picking the right kit comes down to five key factors: screen size, controls, materials, assembly difficulty, and total cost. Let me walk through each one based on what I learned from months of research and hands-on testing.
Screen Size Compatibility Matters More Than You Think
Bartop cabinets are designed around specific monitor sizes. The LEP1 Customs LVL23 accepts 19 to 23 inch screens, while the LVL32B4 handles up to 32 inches. If you already have a monitor lying around, measure it before buying a kit. A 24 inch screen will not fit a cabinet built for 23 inch max. If you need to buy a screen separately, budget an extra $80 to $200 for a quality LCD or a retired office monitor.
HAPP vs Sanwa Controls Explained
This is the question every beginner asks, and the answer depends on what you play. HAPP-style joysticks and buttons are the American standard used in most US arcades. They feel chunky, durable, and forgiving. Sanwa-style parts are the Japanese standard used in competitive fighting game cabinets. They feel lighter, crisper, and more precise. For fighting games like Street Fighter and King of Fighters, Sanwa is the clear winner. For beat-em-ups and casual titles, HAPP is perfectly fine.
Most LEP1 Customs kits offer both options at checkout, so you can pick based on your game library. The iiRcade uses Sanwa-like controls that split the difference nicely. The Arcade1Up units use proprietary controls that mimic both styles depending on the game.
MDF Material and Build Quality
Almost every flat-pack kit uses MDF because it is cheap, stable, and easy to machine. Higher density MDF holds screws better and resists warping. The LEP1 Customs kits use heavy MDF that feels substantial. The RetroArcade.us cocktail kit uses lower-grade fiber board that some buyers reported as fragile. When you can, choose a kit that lists MDF weight or density in the specs.
Assembly Difficulty Ratings
From easiest to hardest, here is how the kits in this roundup stack up. The Arcade1Up Countercade needs no assembly at all. The GRS Build-A-CADE takes about 90 minutes with no soldering. The Arcade1Up Ms. PAC-MAN table takes about three hours with two people. The LEP1 Customs LVL23 takes four to six hours for a first-time builder. The LEP1 Customs LVL32B4 takes six to eight hours given its size. The RetroArcade.us cocktail kit is the hardest due to missing instructions.
Total Build Cost Breakdown
The kit price is just one piece of the puzzle. A complete DIY build typically runs $200 to $500 once you add a screen, controls, USB encoder, speakers, computer (Raspberry Pi or Pandora’s Box), and T-molding. For example, the LEP1 LVL23 kit plus a 22 inch monitor plus Sanwa controls plus a Raspberry Pi 4 lands around $400. The iiRcade and Arcade1Up units include everything, so the upfront cost is higher but there are no surprise add-ons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best arcade cabinet kits available?
The top bartop cabinet kits in 2026 are the LEP1 Customs LVL23 for DIY builders, the iiRcade Premium Bartop for ready-to-play buyers, the GRS Build-A-CADE for Raspberry Pi hobbyists, and the Arcade1Up Pac-Man Countercade for casual plug-and-play fun. Each serves a different skill level and budget, so the right choice depends on whether you want to build or just play.
What type of wood is best for arcade kits?
Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is the most common and recommended material for arcade cabinet kits. It machines cleanly, holds screws well, and resists warping better than plywood. Most LEP1 Customs kits use heavy MDF that feels substantial, while premium builds sometimes use cabinet-grade plywood for extra durability. Avoid low-grade particleboard, which splinters and does not hold threaded inserts reliably.
How much does a DIY arcade cabinet kit cost?
A flat-pack kit alone runs from about $115 for a basic mini cabinet up to $650 for a four-player upright. Once you add a monitor, controls, a USB encoder, speakers, and a Raspberry Pi or Pandora’s Box, expect a total build cost between $200 and $500 for most bartops. Ready-to-play units like the iiRcade or Arcade1Up skip that math by including everything for a higher upfront price.
HAPP vs Sanwa arcade controls – which is better?
HAPP-style joysticks and buttons are the American arcade standard. They feel chunky, durable, and forgiving for casual play. Sanwa-style parts are the Japanese standard used in competitive fighting cabinets. They feel lighter, crisper, and more precise. Pick Sanwa for fighting games like Street Fighter and King of Fighters. Pick HAPP for beat-em-ups, shooters, and casual titles. Many kits, including LEP1 Customs models, let you choose at checkout.
Final Verdict: Which Bartop Cabinet Kit Should You Buy?
After testing and comparing every option, my top recommendation for the best bartop cabinet kits for DIY arcade builds is the LEP1 Customs LVL23. It hits the sweet spot of build quality, screen compatibility, control options, and price. If you want a true DIY project with high-end materials and a Sanwa or HAPP control choice, this is the kit I would buy with my own money.
For shoppers who want zero assembly, the iiRcade Premium Bartop offers the best ready-to-play experience in 2026 with a gorgeous 19-inch display, Sanwa-like controls, and expandable game library. If you are shopping on a tighter budget or you want a fun mini kit for a Raspberry Pi, the GRS Build-A-CADE is a charming, well-engineered choice.
Whatever you pick, take your time sourcing a good screen and quality controls. The kit is the foundation, but the parts you add to it determine how much you enjoy the finished build. Happy building, and may your high scores live forever.