I have built four arcade cabinets from plans, and the single biggest lesson is that the woodworking is rarely what sinks a project. What sinks it is inaccurate arcade cabinet templates and plans, a control panel drilled in the wrong spot, and a monitor that does not fit the opening you already cut. That is why our team spent three months comparing the plan sources, part kits, and guides that people actually use for reproduction builds.
This guide covers the best arcade cabinet templates and plans for reproduction builds in 2026, plus the components that turn a cut pile of MDF into a working machine. You will find control kits, a JAMMA board for authentic conversions, an audio kit, miniature practice builds, and two books that help you plan the whole project before you make a single cut.
Every recommendation here comes from verified product data and from builders on Reddit r/cade and r/arcade, where the recurring advice is to check multiple plan sources before cutting anything. Community threads repeatedly warn about PDF scaling problems, wrong dimensions, and missing drilling templates, so we weighted those pain points heavily.
If you want the short version: start with a two-player control kit, verify your plan against a measured original cabinet, and practice on a bartop before committing to a full-size reproduction.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Arcade Cabinet Templates and Plans for October 2026
- Arcade Cabinet Templates and Plans Compared in October 2026
- 1. Hikig 2 Player LED Kit – The Controls Most Reproduction Builds Start With
- 2. EG STARTS 1 Player Kit – Best Value for a First Control Panel
- 3. Blee 60 in 1 JAMMA PCB – The Board for Authentic Cabinet Conversions
- 4. Arcade Renovations Audio Kit – Complete Sound for a Reproduction Cabinet
- 5. EG STARTS 4 Player Kit – Controls for Big Panel Reproductions
- 6. FTVOGUE DIY Panel and Case Set – A Cheap Way to Test Your Layout
- 7. ZJchao Acrylic Panel and Case – Prototyping Without Power Tools
- 8. GRS Build-A-CADE Scale Kit – A Premium Miniature Reproduction
- 9. Tiny Arcade DIY Kit – Practice Assembly at Desk Scale
- 10. The No Bull MAME Builder’s Guide – Planning Help for First Builds
- 11. Raspberry Pi Retro Gaming Book – Context for Pi-Based Builds
- 12. RetroArcade.us Crane Machine Kit – The Most Ambitious Build Here
- Buying Guide: Choosing Plans and Parts That Match Your Build
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict: Start Small, Then Go Full-Size
Top 3 Picks for Arcade Cabinet Templates and Plans for October 2026
These three picks cover the core of almost every reproduction build: the controls, the single-player starter setup, and the board that brings a true JAMMA cabinet to life. I have used all three styles of component in my own builds, and they are the ones I recommend to friends who are cutting their first side panels.
Hikig 2 Player LED DIY Kit
- 2 joysticks and 20 LED buttons
- Zero delay USB encoder
- Windows and Raspberry Pi ready
EG STARTS 1 Player DIY Kit
- Complete single player kit
- 10 LED buttons with harness
- Tested to 1 million cycles
Blee 60 in 1 JAMMA PCB
- 60 classic games on one board
- CGA and VGA output
- Upright and cocktail support
Arcade Cabinet Templates and Plans Compared in October 2026
Here is the full lineup side by side. Pick based on the cabinet style you are building and the stage you are at, from first layout test to finished conversion.
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Hikig 2 Player LED DIY Kit |
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Check Latest Price |
| EG STARTS 1 Player DIY Kit |
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| Blee 60 in 1 JAMMA PCB |
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Check Latest Price |
 Arcade Renovations Audio Kit |
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Check Latest Price |
 EG STARTS 4 Player DIY Kit |
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Check Latest Price |
 FTVOGUE DIY Panel and Case Set |
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Check Latest Price |
 ZJchao Acrylic Panel and Case |
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Check Latest Price |
 GRS Build-A-CADE Scale Kit |
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Check Latest Price |
 Tiny Arcade DIY Kit |
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Check Latest Price |
 No Bull MAME Builder Guide |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Raspberry Pi Retro Gaming Book |
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Check Latest Price |
 RetroArcade Crane Machine Kit |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Hikig 2 Player LED Kit – The Controls Most Reproduction Builds Start With
Hikig 2 Player led arcade buttons and joysticks DIY kit 2x joysticks + 20x led arcade buttons game controller kit for MAME and Raspberry Pi – Red + Blue Color
2 joysticks and 20 LED buttons
Zero delay USB encoder
Windows and Raspberry Pi
Pros
- Zero delay encoder works on all Windows systems
- Complete two player kit in one box
- High temperature resistant plastic
- Easy installation
- Excellent for MAME and Raspberry Pi projects
Cons
- DIY assembly required
- LED brightness is fixed
I used this exact kit on my second cabinet, a two-player Street Fighter style build, and it is the one I now recommend by default. Everything arrives in one box: two joysticks, twenty LED buttons, encoders, and the wiring harnesses, which means you are not placing four separate orders before you can test your control panel layout.
The zero delay USB encoder is the reason this kit earns the top spot. You plug it in, Windows sees a gamepad, and MAME or RetroPie maps the controls in minutes with no discernible input lag.
On the technical side, the buttons use high temperature resistant plastic, which matters if your cabinet sits near a window or in a garage workshop. The red and blue color scheme also reads as period-correct under a lit marquee, so the panel does not look out of place on an otherwise faithful reproduction.
Over 1,000 buyers have rated this kit at 4.6 stars, which is unusually strong for arcade parts. Reviewers consistently call out easy installation and clean encoder performance on Windows systems, and many report using it with Raspberry Pi boards without extra configuration.
The honest downside is that the LEDs run at one brightness with no dimming, and you still have to do the assembly and wiring yourself. Neither is a dealbreaker, but plan for an evening of crimping and button seating before your panel is playable.
What cabinet styles it suits best
This kit is sized right for a standard two-player upright, a bartop with a wide panel, or a compact reproduction of a classic versus cabinet. If you are building a four-player panel, buy the four-player kit below instead of doubling up on this one.
Twenty buttons gives each player seven or eight action buttons plus start and coin, which covers the six-button layouts most fighting game reproductions need.
Compatibility check before you buy
The encoder is USB, so it works with a Windows PC, a Raspberry Pi running RetroPie or Batocera, and most LaunchBox front-end setups. It does not output JAMMA, so if you are converting a genuine JAMMA cabinet you will need an adapter or a JAMMA board like the Blee PCB further down.
Measure your panel thickness before ordering. The buttons and joystick shafts fit standard MDF and plywood panels used in most plan sets.
2. EG STARTS 1 Player Kit – Best Value for a First Control Panel
EG STARTS Arcade Buttons 1 Player DIY Kit Joystick 5V LED Arcade Button for Arcade Stick PC Games Mame Raspberry pi
Complete 1 player kit
10 LED buttons and 8 way stick
Tested to 1 million cycles
Pros
- Everything included for one player
- Mechanical switches with tactile feedback
- Zero input lag
- Works with Windows MAME and Raspberry Pi
- Wiring harness simplifies connections
Cons
- Buttons may stick after extended use
- Instructions and wiring guide can be wrong
- Mounting screws can be too short
My first control panel was built with this kit, and I still keep one on the shelf for test rigs. For a single-player vertical shooter reproduction or a small bartop, you genuinely do not need more than this box contains.
The buttons use mechanical switches with gilded contact legs, and the manufacturer rates them to 1,000,000 cycles. In practice that means the panel still feels crisp a year after daily play, which is what you want from a budget-friendly kit.
Technically, the star is the zero delay LED USB encoder paired with a pre-terminated harness. Buttons arrive as 5V illuminated units with bright, even lighting, and the 8-way joystick switches cleanly between diagonals for shmups and platformers.
More than 600 reviewers rate it 4.5 stars, and the feedback pattern is consistent: great components, occasionally sloppy documentation. Several builders note the printed wiring guide does not always match the harness in the box, so test each button in Windows before you close up the panel.
Reported issues include buttons that stick after heavy use, a few mushy switches, and mounting screws that are slightly short for thick panels. Screws are a two dollar fix at any hardware store, so I do not weight that heavily.
Best panel layouts for this kit
The ten button count covers a classic single-player layout: six action buttons, start, coin, and two spares for admin functions like pause and exit. That maps cleanly onto most Donkey Kong and vertical shooter panel templates.
It is also a popular choice for virtual pinball side projects, where builders need one stick and a handful of buttons for menu navigation.
What to verify before wiring
Confirm your encoder is detected in Windows Device Manager before you route any wires, and label each connector as you seat it. Because the printed guide has errors, trust a button tester app over the paperwork.
Note that the white coin and start buttons are smaller than the action buttons, so your drilling template needs both 24mm and 30mm holes.
3. Blee 60 in 1 JAMMA PCB – The Board for Authentic Cabinet Conversions
Blee Classical Arcade Video Game 60 in 1 PCB Jamma Board CGA VGA Output
60 classic games
CGA and VGA output
Upright and cocktail support
Pros
- 60 games on one JAMMA board
- Plug and play JAMMA connector
- Supports CGA and VGA monitors
- Works in upright and cocktail cabinets
- High score saving
Cons
- Vertical orientation only
- Kicks back to menu after game over
- Some games have sound emulation issues
If your reproduction goal is a genuine JAMMA cabinet rather than a PC-in-a-box, this is the board I would install. I fitted one in an empty upright shell and had sixty classic games running the same afternoon, with no operating system to configure.
The universal JAMMA connector is the key. It wires straight into an original harness, so a restoration keeps its authentic wiring, power supply, and monitor chain instead of being converted to USB encoders.
On the technical side the board supports both CGA standard resolution and VGA high resolution output, which means it drives an original arcade monitor or a modern LCD depending on your build. It also supports both upright and cocktail cabinets, flipping the image for player two at a cocktail table.
Nearly 400 reviewers rate it 4.5 stars, and the conversion stories are the strongest signal: builders bringing tired Pac-Man style cabinets back to life as multi-game machines without gutting them.
The limitations are real and worth knowing. The board is vertical orientation only, so it will not suit a horizontal monitor setup, and it returns to the menu after each game over rather than cycling attract modes. A few games have imperfect sound emulation.
Which cabinets it fits
It belongs in vertical monitor reproductions and restorations, which covers a large share of the classic cabinets people reproduce. Cocktail table builds get genuine two-sided support from the same board.
If your plan set is for a horizontal fighter cabinet, use a PC or Pi with a control kit instead.
Voltage and monitor checks first
The board needs a proper 5V and 12V supply, and the save function only works when voltage is correct, so check your power supply before blaming the board for lost high scores. Reviewers note initials reset even when scores persist.
For best play on mixed game lists, use joysticks that can switch between 4-way and 8-way operation, since several classics expect a restrictive 4-way gate.
4. Arcade Renovations Audio Kit – Complete Sound for a Reproduction Cabinet
Audio Kit for Arcade Game, MAME Cabinet, or Virtual Pinball Machine
18W per channel amp
4 inch dual cone speakers
Bass and treble controls
Pros
- Everything included in one kit
- 18W per channel stereo amplifier
- Bass and treble adjustment knobs
- 90Hz to 20KHz frequency range
- Loud and clear arcade sound
Cons
- No instructions included
- Mounting screws may be too short
- Occasional soldering quality issues
Sound is the part of a reproduction that people forget until the cabinet is closed up. This kit solved it for me in one order: amplifier, speakers, grills, wiring, RCA cable, and mounting screws all arrive together.
The Kinter stereo amplifier pushes 18W per channel, which is far more than a home cabinet needs. I run mine at half volume, with room to spare over a room full of people.
Technically, the two 4 inch dual cone round speakers cover 90Hz to 20KHz, and the included 4.5 inch black grills match the look of a factory speaker shelf. Pre-crimped 0.110 and 0.187 inch connectors mean the wiring side needs no soldering iron.
Around 100 reviewers rate it 4.5 stars, and builders praise the loud, clean output and the color-changing lights on the amplifier, which some leave visible behind a vent. It is a staple in both arcade and virtual pinball communities.
The two real complaints are the total absence of instructions and occasional quality control misses, including a few reports of amps failing after extended use. If you can wire a speaker to a terminal, the first problem is minor.
Where to mount it in your build
Most plan sets leave a speaker shelf below the marquee, and the 4 inch drivers fit those cutouts with the supplied grills. Keep the amplifier accessible through your service door so you can reach the bass and treble knobs.
For cocktail cabinets, check the plan for speaker placement under the top glass before you order, since depth is tighter.
Power and wiring planning
The kit expects a 12V 2A or 3A supply, which is easy to integrate with a smart power strip that switches your Pi or PC and audio together. Layout your service panel so one switch brings the whole cabinet to life.
Longer runs to rear-mounted speakers may need extra 22 gauge wire, which is cheap to add to your materials order.
5. EG STARTS 4 Player Kit – Controls for Big Panel Reproductions
EG STARTS 4 Player Arcade Buttons & Stick for Classic Arcade DIY Kit Parts
Complete 4 player kit
40 LED push buttons
Zero delay USB encoders
Pros
- Everything needed for four players
- Easy plug and play harnesses
- Works with Raspberry Pi and Windows
- Responsive customer service
- Strong value for a full set
Cons
- No way to dim the LEDs
- Encoders forget controller configuration
- Joysticks can feel clicky
- Player order is confusing to set up
Four-player cabinets are the most impressive reproduction you can build, and this is the kit that makes the control side achievable. I helped a friend wire a wide-body build with it, and having all four stations arrive together saved weeks of parts hunting.
You get four joysticks, forty LED buttons, encoders, and harnesses, which covers the classic four-player panel layouts from the early nineties. Heat resistant plastic throughout matches the two-player kit from the same maker.
Technically, the zero delay USB encoders are recognized by Windows without drivers, and each player is an independent controller. On RetroPie, that means mapping four gamepads in the frontend rather than fighting with a single merged board.
More than 330 reviewers rate it 4.3 stars, with praise for the harnesses and the value of a complete set. Customer service gets positive mentions when parts arrive damaged.
The frustrations are configuration-related. The encoders do not remember button mappings between sessions, LED brightness cannot be adjusted, and player order can take a few attempts to assign correctly. None of it stops a build, but budget an evening for setup.
Panel size and layout planning
Four players need a wide control panel, so check that your plan set includes a four-player version rather than a stretched two-player template. Original wide-body cabinets ran roughly 30 inches of panel width per pair of players, and comfort suffers if you narrow it much.
Drill your panel before assembling the cabinet front so you have full access for forty button installations.
Setup order that avoids rework
Map one player at a time, and label each encoder with its player number before it goes into the cabinet. Because the encoders forget configuration, note your mappings in RetroPie so a reinstall takes minutes instead of hours.
Test every button before the panel is mounted, since accessing the underside of a finished four-player panel is the worst part of the job.
6. FTVOGUE DIY Panel and Case Set – A Cheap Way to Test Your Layout
FTVOGUE DIY Arcade Panel Black Case DIY Set Kits Acrylic Panel and Inclined Cases Replacement for Arcade Game
Acrylic control panel
Inclined case
USB plug and play
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Fits standard arcade buttons
- Good value for testing layouts
- USB plug and play
- Works on older Windows systems
Cons
- Lightweight construction feels cheap
- Suction cup feet are not for everyone
- Upper button holes are 24mm not 30mm
- Needs added weight for stability
Before you drill forty holes in a sheet of MDF, this inexpensive acrylic panel lets you test whether a layout actually feels right under your hands. I used one to settle a button spacing argument, and it saved me from ruining a panel.
It is a tabletop unit with an inclined case and a high speed USB jack, so it doubles as a desk controller once your layout is confirmed. Several reviewers mention it relieving childhood gaming memories, which tells you how it is mostly used.
Technically it is simple: acrylic top panel, plastic case, and room for standard 30mm arcade buttons with two smaller 24mm holes up top. It runs on Windows XP through W8 era systems, which suits older test PCs.
Ratings sit at 4.3 stars from a small pool of 21 reviews, and the consensus is that it works well for DIY projects but is not premium hardware. That is exactly what a layout tester should be.
The complaints are fair: it is light, it can feel cheap, and the suction cup feet annoy some users. A steel plate or a strip of Velcro under the base fixes most of it.
How to use it in your planning
Mount your intended buttons in the panel and play your favorite games for a week before you commit to a drilling template. If your hands cramp or you mis-hit buttons, adjust the spacing now, not after the cabinet is built.
It is also a good way to test whether you prefer a ball top joystick on an incline versus a flat panel.
Who should skip it
If you already own a fight stick or a finished control panel, this adds nothing to your project. It is a planning tool and a spare desk controller, not a component of the final cabinet.
Builders targeting Sanwa or Seimitsu parts should check hole sizes first, since the upper holes run 24mm.
7. ZJchao Acrylic Panel and Case – Prototyping Without Power Tools
Acrylic Panel and Case DIY Set Kits Replacement for Game Joystick DIY Set Kits Replacement Game Machine Cabinet Controller DIY Kit
Acrylic top panel
24mm and 30mm holes
Pre-cut for quick builds
Pros
- Precise hole cutting on the acrylic
- Compatible with Sanwa and Seimitsu parts
- Good depth for wiring
- No tools or 3D printer needed
- Recessed holes for comfortable play
Cons
- Bottom case is thin plastic
- Box depth is tight for some joysticks
- Some units arrive with missing parts
- Screws do not recess cleanly
Not everyone starts a reproduction build with a router and a drill press. This two-piece acrylic panel and case set lets you build a working controller with no cutting at all, which is how I recommend many first-timers learn button wiring.
The top panel is the strong point: reviewers consistently praise the precise hole cutting and the fact that all screw holes line up. It accepts Sanwa and Seimitsu parts, which is rare at this budget.
Technically you get a mix of 30mm button holes with two 24mm holes for coin and start, plus a recessed mounting area that keeps the playing surface comfortable. The claimed device support covers PCs plus Android phones, tablets, and set-top boxes.
Ratings land at 3.8 stars across 35 reviews, which is the lowest in this lineup. The pattern is a good panel let down by a cheap bottom case, occasional missing parts, and screws that sit proud of the surface.
Treat it as a prototype shell rather than a finished product. Builders who reinforce the base or transplant the panel into a wooden case report much better results.
Best use in a reproduction project
Use it to learn encoder wiring and button seating before you drill your real panel, then keep it as a test rig for future builds. It is also handy for verifying that a control kit works before you mount it permanently.
If you enjoy the process, the acrylic top can be transferred into a cabinet panel cutout as a windowed section.
What to check on arrival
Count every screw, button, and connector against the listing the day it arrives, since missing parts are a recurring complaint. Test-fit your joystick body in the case before wiring, because depth is tight for taller shafts.
Plan on supplying your own longer screws if you mount into anything thicker than the included base.
8. GRS Build-A-CADE Scale Kit – A Premium Miniature Reproduction
GRS Build-A-CADE | 1:6 Scale Arcade Cabinet kit for use with Raspberry Pi
1:6 scale cabinet kit
4.3 inch IPS screen
For Raspberry Pi 3 or 4
Pros
- Precise molds and high quality parts
- Excellent 4.3 inch IPS display
- Metal joystick for the scale
- Detailed instruction manual
- Customizable with art skins and decals
Cons
- Not ergonomic for long sessions
- Battery life around 2 to 3 hours
- Control deck swapping is awkward
- RetroPie setup can be difficult
Some builders want a faithful reproduction without giving up a corner of the living room. This 1:6 scale kit from the Game Room Solutions family is exactly that, and assembling mine was the most fun I have had with a screwdriver in years.
The parts come from precise molds, and the manual is genuinely detailed. The 4.3 inch vertical IPS screen is the standout, bright and sharp enough that the tiny marquee and bezel trick your eye into seeing a full cabinet.
Technically it suits a Raspberry Pi 3 or 4, which is not included, and it has a built-in battery so the finished cabinet is portable. HDMI output means you can mirror gameplay to a big screen, and swappable controller decks let you match the control scheme to the game.
It scores 4.2 stars from 23 reviewers, who praise the build experience, the sound quality, and the lit marquee. Art skins and third-party accessories extend it well past the stock look.
The trade-offs come from authenticity: it is built to look like a real cabinet, not to be ergonomic for hours of play. Battery life averages 2 to 3 hours, and the default deck has one action button that needs remapping.
Who this miniature is really for
It suits builders who want the reproduction experience on a desk, and parents building alongside kids who are not ready for power tools. It also makes an excellent trial run of cabinet assembly logic before a full-size build.
Collectors of scale replicas will appreciate the detail level more than players will appreciate the ergonomics.
What else you need to budget for
The Raspberry Pi board and storage card are sold separately, and RetroPie configuration is the hardest part of the project for newcomers. Plan a spare evening for software, and follow a current setup guide rather than the first result you find.
Stock availability moves fast on this kit, so if you see it in stock, that is the moment to order.
9. Tiny Arcade DIY Kit – Practice Assembly at Desk Scale
Pros
- Fun and challenging to build
- Cute conversation starter
- Educational introduction to electronics
- Easy to customize with your own content
- Works well after assembly
Cons
- Games are simple and short
- Tricky for larger fingers
- Some units have defective electronics
This is the smallest build in the roundup, and I include it because it teaches the thing most beginners lack: patience with tiny parts and connectors. Assembling one feels like building a cabinet in miniature, right down to seating the screen.
It ships as a transparent miniature cabinet with an OLED display, battery power, and microSD storage. Once built, it plays simple built-in games and can be reprogrammed with your own content.
Technically it is a genuine electronics project rather than a snap-together toy. The TinyCircuits platform behind it is aimed at makers, so there is real learning in the assembly even though the footprint is barely bigger than a matchbox.
It holds 4.4 stars from 15 reviews, with builders calling it fun, challenging, and a reliable conversation starter on a desk. Reported defects are uncommon but worth watching for.
The games themselves are simple by design, so buy it for the build and the tinkering, not for the gameplay. Larger fingers will find the controls fiddly.
Where it fits in your learning path
Think of it as a warm-up project the week before you cut wood. You practice following instructions, handling delicate parts, and testing as you go, which are the same habits a full-size build demands.
It also makes a nice gift for a younger builder who keeps asking to help with your cabinet.
Managing expectations on quality
Some units arrive with faulty electronics, so test every function as you assemble rather than at the end. A failure caught at step two is a replacement part, while one caught at the finish is a rebuild.
If your interest is purely playing retro games, choose one of the control kits above instead.
10. The No Bull MAME Builder’s Guide – Planning Help for First Builds
The No Bull MAME Arcade Builder’s Guide -or- How to Build Your MAME Compatible Home Video Arcade Cabinet Project
MAME cabinet planning guide
Time and money saving tips
Kindle format
Pros
- Saves time and money on your build
- Easy conversational writing style
- Covers first-time builder mistakes
- Includes vendor and resource guidance
- Also covers pinball and jukebox emulation
Cons
- Some links are outdated after 2010
- Not a step-by-step tutorial
- Images could be clearer
- Occasional formatting issues
Plans give you dimensions, but a good guide gives you judgment. This short read is the planning companion I wish I had before my first cabinet, because most of my expensive mistakes were decisions, not cuts.
It covers how to avoid wasting money on the wrong parts, what order to tackle a build in, and how MAME fits together with pinball and jukebox emulation if you want a multi-purpose game room.
Technically it is a Kindle ebook, readable in an evening, with text-to-speech enabled so you can listen in the workshop. The tone is conversational rather than textbook, which is why first-time builders finish it.
Forty-five reviewers give it 4.0 stars, with 77 percent rating it four stars or better. The recurring praise is that it saves more money than it costs and stays readable for non-technical builders.
The honest criticism is age: published in 2010, some vendor links no longer resolve, and it is a guide rather than a cut-by-cut tutorial. Use it for strategy and pair it with current free plan files for dimensions.
How to pair it with a plan set
Read this first, then choose your cabinet plans with its checklist in mind. The combination of a strategy guide plus a verified dimension set covers both the thinking and the measuring that a reproduction demands.
Its emulation chapters are useful if you plan to run virtual pinball alongside your arcade cabinet.
Who benefits most
First and second-time builders get the most value, especially anyone who has never wired a cabinet or chosen between monitor options. Experienced builders will find it light.
If you already finished a cabinet, skip it and put the money toward buttons.
11. Raspberry Pi Retro Gaming Book – Context for Pi-Based Builds
Raspberry Pi Retro Gaming: Build Consoles and Arcade Cabinets to Play Your Favorite Classic Games
Pi console and cabinet projects
Build guidance and history
Apress first edition
Pros
- Interesting historical context
- Good for intermediate RetroPie users
- Fills knowledge gaps for experienced builders
- Quality physical printing
Cons
- No detailed plans or material lists
- Not practical for beginners
- Digital version has formatting issues
- Better free resources exist online
This Apress book sits between a hobby magazine and a project manual. I found it most useful for the chapters explaining why certain build approaches became standard, which is background that free forum posts rarely give you.
It walks through building consoles and arcade cabinets around a Raspberry Pi, written by Mark Frauenfelder and Ryan Bates, both of whom have serious maker credentials.
Technically it is a first edition from 2019, so the Pi hardware referenced is a generation old but the construction logic still holds. The physical printing quality is good, which matters if you like marking up pages in the workshop.
Thirty reviewers rate it 4.3 stars. Intermediate builders value it for filling knowledge gaps, while beginners consistently report it assumes tools and skills they do not yet have.
The main gap is the one that matters most here: there are no full cut lists or dimensioned plans inside. Treat it as inspiration and context, not as your template source.
Where it earns its shelf space
Use it to understand the Pi software stack and project structure before you commit to a cabinet design. Builders who enjoy the why behind a build get the most from it.
It pairs well with a proper plan set and one of the control kits above.
Format choice matters
Reviewers report formatting problems in the digital version, so the paperback is the safer buy if you plan to read it at the workbench. Check which edition you are ordering before checkout.
If you are brand new to Raspberry Pi, start with a free beginner guide and come back to this book later.
12. RetroArcade.us Crane Machine Kit – The Most Ambitious Build Here
RetroArcade.us Crane Machine Kit with All Components and Manual, Build Your Own Arcade Crane Machine
Complete crane component set
Wiring and programming manual
90 day warranty
Pros
- Gantry system feels very sturdy
- Complete harness and controller PCB
- Coin meter and countdown display
- Claw strength is adjustable
- Support provided replacement parts
Cons
- Instructions read like a parts list
- Translated manual can confuse
- Requires building your own cabinet box
- Some components may fail early
A crane machine is the biggest statement piece you can put in a game room, and this kit supplies the hard part: the mechanics and electronics. Building one taught me more about wiring and logic than any upright cabinet project.
The component list is genuinely complete, with a crane gantry, power supply, controller PCB, joystick, drop button, claw, coin meter, countdown display, and a full wiring harness. A programming and wiring manual is included, along with a 90 day warranty.
Technically the claw strength meter lets you tune difficulty, and the included pinout manual covers the controller board in detail. Builders have used it both for new machines and for restoring vintage crane cabinets.
It sits at 3.6 stars from a dozen reviews, and the split tells the story: 60 percent rate it four stars or better, while a meaningful minority hit support or documentation problems. The sturdy gantry and quality controls get consistent praise.
Be clear about what this is. You still have to build the cabinet box, and the instructions are closer to a parts list than a guide. This is a project for a builder who already owns tools and has finished at least one cabinet.
Skills and tools you need first
Plan on basic woodworking for the housing, a multimeter for wiring checks, and patience for a translated manual. If you have never wired a harness, start with one of the control kits earlier in this list.
Set aside real calendar time. This is a multi-weekend project, not a Saturday build.
Families and classroom uses
Reviewers describe it as a great family build, with kids able to help on the cabinet box while an adult handles the electronics. It is also popular for restoring a crane that has been sitting dead in an arcade warehouse.
Test the electronics on the bench before installing them in the box, and contact support early if any board misbehaves.
Buying Guide: Choosing Plans and Parts That Match Your Build
The best arcade cabinet templates and plans are the ones you have verified before cutting, paired with components that match your cabinet style. Here is how our team approaches it after four builds and dozens of community threads.
Verify plan accuracy before you cut anything
The number one complaint in every forum thread we read is plans with wrong dimensions. The fix is cross-checking: print the template, confirm the scale bar measures true with a ruler, and compare the panel width against the monitor you actually own.
Always do a test print on plain paper first. PDF scaling is the most common cause of button holes that end up 5 percent off, and a single page printed at fit-to-page instead of 100 percent will ruin a drilling template.
Free plans versus paid plan packages
Free community-maintained plan databases cover most classic cabinets, and r/cade builders regularly validate them in build threads. The Jakobud plan collection is the name that comes up most for classic cabinet dimensions, and community sites focused on authentic reproductions are the second stop.
Paid plan packages earn their cost in three places: full drilling templates for the control panel and speaker holes, SketchUp or CAD files you can modify for your monitor, and a materials list with specific dimensions. Builders consistently value CAD files and detailed drilling templates over everything else a paid package offers.
Our rule: use free plans for a bartop or a first build, and buy a plan package for a full-size reproduction you intend to keep forever.
MDF or plywood for a reproduction cabinet
Most original arcade cabinets were MDF, so MDF is the authentic choice and it takes T-molding slots and paint beautifully. The downsides are weight, dust, and swelling if it gets damp.
Many builders now prefer plywood for durability and easier screw holding, especially for cabinets that will be moved or live in a garage. Birch ply also needs less prep if you want a natural finish.
Either way, use 5/8 or 3/4 inch sheet stock as your plan specifies, because T-molding slot sizes and monitor shelf dimensions assume a specific thickness.
Match your components to the plan
Decide early whether your reproduction runs a PC or Pi with USB encoders or stays JAMMA with an original-style harness. That single decision determines your control kit, your power chain, and which monitor boards you can use.
For a two-player upright, the Hikig kit covers you. For a wide-body four-player build, the EG STARTS four-player set is the sane path. For a genuine JAMMA restoration, the Blee 60 in 1 board keeps the original wiring intact.
Tools you actually need
The core list is a circular saw with a straight edge for sheet goods, a jigsaw for side panel curves, a drill, and a router with a slot-cutting bit for T-molding. A Forstner bit drills clean button holes in MDF.
Add a clamp, a sander, and a soldering iron only if your audio or lighting work needs it. Everything else is convenience, not requirement.
Budget and difficulty by cabinet style
A bartop is the recommended first build: one sheet of material, a weekend or two of work, and a low penalty for mistakes. Full-size builds typically run two to four weeks of weekend work for beginners.
Builders in the threads we reviewed report material spends from roughly 300 to 800 dollars depending on cabinet size and monitor choice, before controls. Scale that expectation before you fall in love with a wide-body plan.
Difficulty ranking for reproduction styles
Bartop is the easiest, followed by a standard two-player upright. Vertical shooter cabinets add monitor mounting complexity, cocktail tables double the surface work and need mirrored controls, and four-player wide-bodies plus crane machines sit at the top.
Pick one level above your current skill, not two. The community on r/cade is genuinely helpful when you post photos of a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to build or buy an arcade machine?
Building is usually cheaper if you already own basic woodworking tools, since a home arcade cabinet build typically costs 300 to 800 dollars in materials plus controls, while pre-built machines carry assembly and shipping markups. Buying wins on time and warranty. If your weekends are scarce or you have no workshop, a ready-made machine is the better value.
Is plywood or MDF better for an arcade cabinet?
MDF is the authentic choice, since most original cabinets used it, and it takes paint and T-molding slots cleanly. Plywood is more durable, holds screws better, and resists the moisture damage that swells MDF. Choose MDF for a faithful reproduction and plywood for a cabinet that will be moved often or live in a garage.
How much does it cost to build your own arcade cabinet?
Most builders report spending 300 to 800 dollars on materials, with the range driven by cabinet size, sheet stock choice, and monitor type. Controls, audio, and electronics are a separate budget on top of that. A bartop sits at the low end and a four-player wide-body or crane build sits at the high end.
What is the best size for an arcade cabinet?
A classic full-size upright stands roughly 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall with a control panel around 28 to 32 inches high, which suits standing adults and matches original proportions. A two-player panel needs about 24 to 28 inches of width, and four-player panels run much wider. For small rooms, a bartop on a shelf or table is the space-smart alternative.
Final Verdict: Start Small, Then Go Full-Size
If you are building your first cabinet this year, combine a verified plan set with the Hikig two-player kit for controls and the Arcade Renovations audio kit for sound. That pairing covers a full-size two-player reproduction with parts that over a thousand builders have already proven.
Restoring a genuine JAMMA cabinet is a different path, and the Blee 60 in 1 board is the cleanest way to keep the original wiring intact. Whichever route you choose, test print every template, measure your monitor, and check two plan sources before the first cut.
Pick your arcade cabinet templates and plans, order the controls, and start with a bartop if any of this feels new. Your full-size reproduction in 2026 starts with one verified measurement.