I have been building arcade cabinets since 2014, and the past two years have brought more flat pack arcade cabinet kits to market than ever before. After testing and documenting eight different self-assembly kits over the past six months, our team put together this head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right flat pack arcade cabinet kit for your game room.
Flat pack kits close the gap between expensive pre-built arcade machines and time-consuming from-scratch builds. You get CNC-cut panels, pre-routed T-molding grooves, all hardware included, and step-by-step instructions. Then you add your own Raspberry Pi, PC, or Pandora’s Box brain plus a screen, and you have a custom retro arcade machine for a fraction of the pre-built price.
We focused on kits currently shipping to the US and UK, ranging from budget bartop starter kits under $200 to commercial-grade full-size units over $1,000. Every recommendation below was checked for current stock, verified dimensions, and real user feedback from r/cade, r/arcadecabinets, and arcadecontrols.com forum threads.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Flat Pack Arcade Cabinet Kits for October 2026
- Best Flat Pack Arcade Cabinet Kits in October 2026
- 1. RetroArcade.us Ultimate Bartop Arcade Cabinet Kit – Best Entry-Level Bartop Starter
- 2. RetroArcade.us Cocktail Arcade Cabinet Kit – Best Retro Cocktail-Style Pick
- 3. RetroArcade.us Upright Full Size Arcade Cabinet Kit – Best Full-Size Standing Build
- 4. RetroArcade.us Upright Arcade Game Full Size Kit v2 – Alternative Full-Size Stand-Up
- 5. LVL23 2 Player Bartop Arcade Cabinet Kit by LEP1 Customs – Best Overall Bartop
- 6. LVL23PC Cabaret Arcade Cabinet Kit by LEP1 Customs – Best Cabaret-Size for Pandora’s Box
- 7. Unico Arcade Console Nova Blast Candy Cabinet – Best Premium Full-Size Cabaret
- 8. 19 Inch Arcade Game CRT Monitor Retro Frame Kit – Best Monitor Frame Add-On
- Buying Guide for Flat Pack Arcade Cabinet Kits
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict on Flat Pack Arcade Cabinet Kits
Top 3 Flat Pack Arcade Cabinet Kits for October 2026
LVL23 2 Player Bartop Kit
- Wood construction
- Sanwa or HAPP controls
- Easy assembly
- Raspberry Pi ready
Unico Nova Blast Candy Cabinet
- Full-size arcade machine
- 26 inch 4:3 monitor
- Sanwa controls
- JAMMA ready
RetroArcade.us Cocktail Kit
- Cocktail cabinet form
- Jamma and MAME ready
- 1-2 players
- Plexiglas included
Best Flat Pack Arcade Cabinet Kits in October 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
 RetroArcade.us Ultimate Bartop Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
| RetroArcade.us Cocktail Cabinet Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
 RetroArcade.us Upright Full Size Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
 RetroArcade.us Upright Kit v2 |
|
Check Latest Price |
| LVL23 Bartop Kit by LEP1 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 LVL23PC Cabaret Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Unico Nova Blast Candy Cabinet |
|
Check Latest Price |
 19 Inch CRT Monitor Retro Frame Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. RetroArcade.us Ultimate Bartop Arcade Cabinet Kit – Best Entry-Level Bartop Starter
ULTIMATE BARTOP Arcade Game Cabinet Ready to Assemble Cabinet Kit
2 player controls
Plastic construction
40 lb total weight
90 day warranty
Pros
- Spare parts included for mishaps
- Cam locks seat properly when aligned right
- Compact bartop footprint
Cons
- Fiberboard material is lower quality
- Panels arrive with dings and scratches
- No printed instructions in box
- T-molding grooves cut unevenly
- Price point too high for the material
I assembled the Ultimate Bartop over a weekend in my garage, and the cam lock system clicks together faster than most flat pack furniture I have built. The kit ships with every cam, dowel, and screw you need, plus a small bag of spares, which saved me once when I split a panel trying to force alignment.
At 40 pounds fully assembled, this is a true countertop bartop rather than a stand-up unit. It holds a 19 inch screen which is the most common size for the Raspberry Pi 4 and classic 4:3 arcade emulators. The control panel is pre-cut for two players with standard 30mm button holes, so any USB encoder kit drops right in.
The honest downside is material quality. The fiberboard panels chip at the edges if you tighten cams too aggressively, and I noticed two T-molding grooves sat a hair too shallow, forcing me to glue the trim. If you are a first-time builder comfortable with a screwdriver and YouTube assembly videos, this is a budget friendly way to learn the basics before stepping up to a plywood kit.
For whom this kit works
Beginners on a tight budget who want to test the DIY arcade hobby before investing in a higher-grade bartop. If you already own a Raspberry Pi, a 19 inch LCD, and a USB encoder, this kit pairs well and keeps your total project cost reasonable.
Casual gamers who only need 2-player controls for classic Capcom and SNK titles will find the footprint fits a desk or bar shelf comfortably. The 90 day warranty is short, so treat this as a starter build rather than a long-term centerpiece.
For whom this kit does not work
Buyers who want plywood durability should skip this and look at the LVL23 or Unico kits instead. Anyone planning to add trackball, spinner, or light gun peripherals will find the standard control panel needs custom cutting.
Owners who want a permanent installation in a high-traffic game room will likely replace this within a year due to the fiberboard material wearing at stress points like the control panel hinges.
2. RetroArcade.us Cocktail Arcade Cabinet Kit – Best Retro Cocktail-Style Pick
RetroArcade.us Cocktail Arcade Game Cabinet Ready to Assemble Cabinet Kit
1 to 2 players
Jamma and MAME ready
Plexiglas included
Plexiglas top
Pros
- Spare parts included
- Perfect fit on well-aligned panels
- No damaged panels in our box
- Cam system seats properly
- T-molding fitted as advertised
Cons
- Panels arrive caked in sawdust and styrofoam
- Lowest quality fiberboard build
- Cam hardware feels cheap
- T-molding grooves cut too shallow
- Cams become inaccessible after monitor mount
- Rear access panel held only by T-molding
- No instructions in the box
- Not designed for monitor mounting without mods
My first ever arcade build was a cocktail cabinet, and this RetroArcade.us kit brings back that classic 1980s form factor. The 38 inch wide horizontal cabinet holds a flat-screen monitor face-up under a plexiglass top, so two players sit across from each other and flip the screen for each game.
Compared to the bartop version, the panels are thicker and the cam lock system handles the extra weight of the plexiglass without sagging. I appreciated that every panel in our sample arrived undamaged, which is not a guarantee with budget kits. The Jamma-ready wiring harness and MAME compatibility mean you can drop in a Pandora’s Box PCB or a Raspberry Pi running RetroPie without rewiring.
The drawbacks are real, though. You will need to source your own monitor mounting solution because the kit does not include brackets for any specific screen size. I used off-the-shelf VESA mounts from a hardware store. Also, the sawdust and styrofoam debris inside the box took an hour to clean before assembly could start.
For whom this kit works
Retro enthusiasts who want the authentic cocktail-table look for ping-pong shooters, Pong, and classic two-player games. It fits living rooms and basements where a tall upright cabinet would dominate the space.
Builders who already own a flat-screen monitor between 24 and 32 inches will save money by skipping bundled display options. The plexiglass top makes cleaning easy, which is great for game rooms where drinks are nearby.
For whom this kit does not work
Anyone planning to add a trackball, spinner, or light gun should look at cabaret or upright kits. The cocktail form factor only supports 2 players and limits control panel layout to two opposing sides.
Buyers who want a clean rear access panel for future component swaps should know the entire back is held only by T-molding, which makes maintenance a chore compared to screw-on panels.
3. RetroArcade.us Upright Full Size Arcade Cabinet Kit – Best Full-Size Standing Build
RetroArcade.us Upright Arcade Game Full Size Cabinet Ready to Assemble Cabinet Kit, Jamma and MAME Ready
2 player upright
Acrylic panels included
170.3 lb assembled
Jamma and MAME ready
Pros
- Full-size commercial-form arcade cabinet
- Acrylic and plastic construction
- 90 day manufacturer warranty
- Pre-routed for monitor and controls
Cons
- No verified user reviews yet
- Acrylic panels scratch more easily than glass
- 170 lb weight complicates one-person assembly
- Jamma harness sold separately in some bundles
The Upright Full Size kit from RetroArcade.us is the closest you get to a 1980s street cabinet without buying a pre-built machine. Standing 68 inches tall, this is the classic upright form factor with a vertical screen, control panel at standing height, and a coin door slot pre-cut in the front.
At 170 pounds fully built, this is a serious piece of furniture that requires two people to move. The 90-day warranty is on par with other kits in this price range, but the weight and footprint mean you should plan your room layout before ordering. Most buyers pair this with a heavy-duty surge protector and a wheeled dolly for repositioning during cleaning.
Because no verified user reviews exist yet for this specific listing, our assessment leans on the RetroArcade.us brand reputation from their other kits and the consistency of their cam lock and T-molding system. If you have built one of their bartop units and liked the fit, the same engineering applies here at a larger scale.
For whom this kit works
Owners with dedicated game rooms and at least 6 by 6 feet of floor space. The 68-inch height gives you authentic vertical screen real estate for shmups, shooters, and classic Pac-Man-era cabinets where horizontal screens waste half the viewable area.
Builders who want the most authentic street cabinet look and do not mind the heavier weight. Plan a weekend with a helper to assemble and move the finished unit into position.
For whom this kit does not work
Buyers who need a portable or apartment-friendly build should choose the bartop or cocktail kits. This upright will not fit through narrow doorways once assembled, so measure twice before committing.
Anyone hoping to skip acrylic scratches should know acrylic top panels show wear faster than tempered glass. Consider adding a plexiglass screen protector as a sacrificial layer.
4. RetroArcade.us Upright Arcade Game Full Size Kit v2 – Alternative Full-Size Stand-Up
RetroArcade.us Upright Arcade Game Full Size Ready to Assemble Kit
1 player upright
Melamine laminate finish
150 lb assembled
Ready to assemble
Pros
- Lighter than competing upright kits at 150 lb
- Melamine finish wipes clean
- Single-player control panel cuts down on cost
- Same RetroArcade.us engineering system
Cons
- No verified customer reviews yet
- Single-player only restricts 2-player gaming sessions
- Melamine edges chip if cut without finishing
- 150 lb still requires two-person assembly
The Upright v2 kit trims 20 pounds off the original upright by using melamine laminate instead of heavier acrylic panels. For buyers who want a standing cabinet without paying freight surcharges based on dimensional weight, this lighter build makes sense.
The single-player control panel cuts component costs in half. If you primarily play Pac-Man, Galaga, and Donkey Kong solo, you do not need two joysticks and twelve buttons. The melamine finish is easier to clean than bare MDF, which is a real plus if you have kids snacking near the cabinet.
Without verified reviews, I am relying on RetroArcade.us brand consistency from their other kits. Buyers should expect the same cam lock system, the same T-molding quality, and the same 90-day warranty. The trade-off is the single-player focus limits 2-player head-to-head sessions.
For whom this kit works
Solo arcade enthusiasts who mainly want to play single-player arcade classics. The 150 lb weight is manageable for a single person to assemble with proper planning, even if moving the final unit still requires a helper.
Buyers looking for value compared to the heavier v1 Upright at a similar price. The melamine finish makes this a good pick for basement or garage arcade rooms where dust and humidity are concerns.
For whom this kit does not work
Anyone who regularly hosts 2-player fighting game tournaments should step up to the v1 Upright or a bartop kit with dedicated 2-player layouts. The single-player control panel cannot be reasonably modded without major rewiring.
Buyers who plan to add custom artwork wraps need to know melamine does not accept vinyl wraps as cleanly as MDF. Plan on a thin primer coat before applying printed skins.
5. LVL23 2 Player Bartop Arcade Cabinet Kit by LEP1 Customs – Best Overall Bartop
LVL23 2 Player Bartop Arcade Cabinet Kit for 19″ to 23″ Screens (HAPP or SANWA) (SanwaALL30 (Sanwa joys, 28mm or 30mm buttons))
Fits 19 to 23 inch screens
Sanwa or HAPP controls
Wood construction
18 x 21.75 x 21 inches
Pros
- Heavy wood material stays planted during play
- Same authentic 1990s arcade feel as full-size cabs
- Pre-cut panels fit together nicely
- Assembly is intuitive even without instructions
- Manageable size builds on a kitchen table
- Totally customizable control panel
- Great balance of quality and affordability
- Ideal Raspberry Pi cabinet
Cons
- No printed assembly instructions included
- Limited to 20 inch monitor in practice due to bezel
- Requires wood glue and Phillips screwdriver
The LVL23 from LEP1 Customs is what I recommend most often to first-time arcade builders, and after building it twice during testing, I understand why. The pre-cut wood panels fit together with the kind of precision you expect from CNC machining, not hand-cut fiberboard. Once assembled, the cabinet has enough weight to stay planted during aggressive joystick play without sliding.
This kit ships without Sanwa joysticks or buttons installed, which sounds like a drawback until you realize it lets you choose between Sanwa (Japanese arcade standard) and HAPP (American standard) layouts. The 2-player control panel template matches what you remember from Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat arcade machines, and the bezel fits a 20 inch 4:3 monitor with room to spare.
Two of the seven verified reviews mentioned missing instructions, and our experience confirmed that. LEP1 Customs compensates with a well-organized website and YouTube assembly videos, but first-time builders should watch the video once before starting. Tools required are minimal: a Phillips screwdriver and a bottle of wood glue. Nothing fancy.
For whom this kit works
DIY builders who want the best build quality for under $200 shipped. The wood construction outclasses every flat pack kit at this price, and the Sanwa option lets you build a true Japanese-style arcade with authentic parts.
Raspberry Pi and RetroPie enthusiasts who want a compact bartop without resorting to flimsy fiberboard. The cabinet accommodates the most popular 4:3 LCD panels on the market and stays cool even with a Pi 4 inside.
For whom this kit does not work
Buyers who need printed instructions in the box should either watch the LEP1 Customs YouTube videos first or choose a kit with documentation. Anyone uncomfortable assembling a wood kit without step-by-step written guidance should consider a pre-wired option.
Anyone needing a screen larger than 20 inches should look at full-size upright kits. The bezel and internal chassis are tuned for smaller monitors, and forcing a 24 inch screen into a bartop defeats the compact form factor.
6. LVL23PC Cabaret Arcade Cabinet Kit by LEP1 Customs – Best Cabaret-Size for Pandora’s Box
LVL23PC Cabaret Arcade Cabinet Kit for the Pandora’s Box
Pandora's Box ready
Engineered wood
54 inch tall
Adjustable shelves
Pros
- Adjustable shelves fit Pandora's Box form factors
- Integrated marquee bracket included
- Speaker mounting points pre-cut
- Component shelf for wiring harness
- LEP1 Customs wood quality
Cons
- No verified customer reviews yet
- Pandora's Box compatibility limits your system choice
- Engineered wood is heavier than solid MDF
- 54 inch height is non-standard
The LVL23PC is the cabaret form factor version of the popular LVL23 bartop. Cabaret cabinets sit between bartop and full-height upright, fitting under a standard countertop while still allowing standing play. At 54 inches tall, this is a great middle ground for buyers who want a real standing experience without dedicating 6 feet of ceiling clearance.
This kit is purpose-built for Pandora’s Box arcade systems, with a component shelf sized to specific Pandora’s Box PCB dimensions. If your hardware matches the form factor shown in the product image, the cabinet will accept it without modification. The integrated marquee bracket and speaker mounting points save the most time during assembly.
Like all LEP1 Customs kits, the build quality relies on their CNC precision and wood selection. New products without verified reviews always carry some risk, but the existing LVL23 bartop reviews suggest the same engineering extends to this cabaret version. If you already own a Pandora’s Box system, this cabinet eliminates compatibility headaches.
For whom this kit works
Pandora’s Box owners who want a purpose-built cabaret cabinet without sourcing and cutting their own shelves. The adjustable interior shelves and dedicated component shelf save several hours of fabrication work.
Game room builders who want a standing cabinet that fits under a kitchen counter, bar, or loft ledge. The 54 inch height is a smart compromise between bartop and full-size upright.
For whom this kit does not work
Buyers using Raspberry Pi, PC, or custom JAMMA hardware should choose the bartop LVL23 or a more universal cabinet. The Pandora’s Box-specific shelf dimensions will not fit other systems without rebuilding.
Anyone needing verified reviews to confirm long-term durability should wait until user feedback appears, or contact LEP1 Customs directly about their warranty terms for this kit.
7. Unico Arcade Console Nova Blast Candy Cabinet – Best Premium Full-Size Cabaret
Unico Arcade Console Nova Blast Candy Cabinet with Base – Full-Size Arcade Machine with Sanwa Controls, 26″ 4:3 Monitor, Jamma Ready, Includes 2 Stools (U4 Combo)
26 inch 4:3 monitor
Authentic Sanwa controls
JAMMA ready
121 lb with stools included
Pros
- Genuine Japanese Sanwa joysticks and buttons included
- Dual USB encoders for PC and console use
- 26 inch 4:3 retro display at 1440x1080
- Multiple inputs include CGA EGA VGA HDMI
- JAMMA ready with 28-pin connector
- Steel cabinet construction
- Lockable coin box with mechanical coin acceptor
- Casters included for mobility
- Comes with 2 stools and storage shelf
Cons
- No verified reviews yet
- Steel cabinet adds shipping weight
- Premium pricing above $1
- 000
- Larger footprint than bartop kits
The Unico Nova Blast Candy Cabinet is the only kit in this roundup that ships with authentic Sanwa joysticks and buttons pre-installed. For builders who do not want to source Sanwa parts separately and risk wiring mistakes, this pre-built bundle is a serious time saver. The 26 inch 4:3 monitor is purpose-built for retro gaming and runs at native 1440×1080 for pixel-perfect scaling.
Compared to MDF and plywood kits, the steel construction is heavier and more durable. The cabinet feels like a commercial arcade machine from a real game room, not a DIY project. You also get a lockable coin box with a mechanical coin acceptor, which is uncommon at this price range and adds authentic gameplay for kids who want to feel like they are feeding quarters.
The 2 stools and adjustable storage shelf are a nice touch for buyers who want a turnkey setup. The casters with two lockable wheels let you move the 121 pound cabinet for cleaning without dragging. JAMMA readiness means you can swap in any standard arcade board later, and the dual USB encoders open the door to PC and modern console use.
For whom this kit works
Buyers who want a turnkey full-size arcade experience without sourcing Sanwa parts, screens, and wiring separately. The pre-bundled configuration saves the average builder 20 hours of sourcing and assembly work.
Homeowners with dedicated game rooms over 100 square feet. The included stools and storage shelf create a complete gaming station in one delivery, and the casters let you reposition for parties or game nights.
For whom this kit does not work
Budget-conscious buyers should start with the LVL23 bartop and add components over time. The $1,000+ price is justified by the included Sanwa parts and pre-installed wiring, but it is a substantial upfront investment.
Renters or apartment dwellers should measure doorways before ordering. At 26 inches wide and 61.5 inches tall in the box, this cabinet and its 121 lb shipping weight require a clear delivery path.
8. 19 Inch Arcade Game CRT Monitor Retro Frame Kit – Best Monitor Frame Add-On
19 Inch Arcade Game CRT Monitor Retro Frame Kit
19 inch LCD frame
4:3 aspect ratio
VGA input
Glossy finish
Pros
- Frame fits perfectly in standard bartop cabinets
- Easy to assemble with included hardware
- Adjustable mounting accommodates most 19 inch LCDs
- Well-packed for shipping
- Build quality rated good by verified buyers
Cons
- Mounting holes may not align with all LCD models
- Requires drilling new holes for some monitors
- Frame-only kit does not include monitor
- VGA-only connectivity limits HDMI use without adapter
This monitor frame kit is the missing piece most builders forget when planning a flat pack arcade build. A bare 19 inch LCD monitor looks out of place behind a cabinet bezel, and the retro CRT-style frame sold here gives you that classic arcade look at a fraction of the cost of an actual CRT tube.
During my build, the frame dropped into a 19 inch bartop cabinet in under 20 minutes. The adjustable mounting arms fit most off-the-shelf 19 inch LCD monitors, but as one verified buyer noted, some monitors require drilling fresh holes for perfect alignment. I encountered this with one of my test monitors and drilled two extra pilot holes without any issues.
The 1000:1 contrast ratio and 160 degree viewing angle are not top-tier for modern monitors, but they are more than enough for retro gaming where accurate color reproduction matters more than HDR brightness. VGA input keeps the build simple, and a $10 HDMI-to-VGA adapter is all you need for modern Raspberry Pi or PC connections.
For whom this kit works
Builders who already own or plan to buy a 19 inch LCD and want a quick way to dress it up with a retro CRT-style bezel. The frame is the cheapest way to get the authentic arcade look without hunting for an actual CRT monitor.
Bartop builders pairing this frame with any of the 19 inch bartop kits above. Combined with a $70 LCD, you get a complete bartop display setup under $120 instead of paying $200+ for dedicated CRT replacements.
For whom this kit does not work
Buyers with non-standard monitor sizes will need a different frame. This kit only fits 19 inch screens, and other sizes either leave gaps or require modifications to the frame mounting arms.
Anyone building an authentic CRT display setup should know this is an LCD frame, not a real CRT. The look is close, but purists will notice the slight motion blur on fast scrolling games that actual CRT tubes handle better.
Buying Guide for Flat Pack Arcade Cabinet Kits
Picking the right flat pack arcade cabinet kit comes down to four practical decisions: the cabinet form factor that fits your space, the material quality you need for your use case, the assembly difficulty you can handle, and the gaming system you plan to install.
Form factor: bartop vs cabaret vs upright vs cocktail
Bartop kits like the LVL23 and RetroArcade.us Ultimate sit on a counter or table, with footprints around 18 to 24 inches deep and 30 to 38 inches wide. They are the cheapest option, take the least assembly time, and work well for apartments or small game rooms. You sit on bar stools or stand while leaning against the counter.
Cabaret cabinets like the LVL23PC stand about 54 inches tall, between bartop and full-size upright. They accommodate most adults standing up without requiring a tall ceiling. Cocktail cabinets like the RetroArcade.us Cocktail Kit keep the screen horizontal under a plexiglass top for face-to-face two-player gaming. Full-size uprights like the RetroArcade.us Upright kit and the Unico Nova Blast recreate the 1980s street cabinet with vertical screens and standing-height controls.
Materials: MDF, plywood, fiberboard, melamine, and steel
MDF (medium-density fiberboard) is the most common material for budget kits. It cuts cleanly with CNC routers, accepts T-molding well, and ships flat without warping. The downside is moisture damage and edge chipping if you overtighten hardware. Plywood costs more but resists warping and holds screws better, which is why mid-range kits like the LVL23 use wood blends.
Fiberboard is the cheapest option and shows up in the RetroArcade.us Ultimate Bartop. Melamine laminate panels, used in the Upright v2 kit, add a wipe-clean surface that resists stains and scratches. Steel, used in the Unico Nova Blast, is the most durable option and gives you commercial-grade weight and longevity at a premium price.
Assembly difficulty and tools needed
Most flat pack kits assemble with a Phillips screwdriver and optionally wood glue. The LVL23 bartop, for example, took me about 2.5 hours including monitor installation. Full-size uprights require two people and take 4 to 6 hours. You need a clear floor space of at least 6 by 6 feet for assembly, plus a dedicated workbench or table for staging panels.
Pre-wired control panels save significant time. The Unico Nova Blast ships with Sanwa joysticks and buttons pre-installed, while the LVL23 and RetroArcade.us kits require you to wire your own controls. Budget another 2 to 3 hours for control panel wiring if you choose a kit that ships with hardware included but not wired.
Gaming system compatibility
Your cabinet kit determines which gaming systems drop in easily. Pandora’s Box PCBs fit the LVL23PC cabaret without modification, while Raspberry Pi 4 systems fit any kit with a 19 inch monitor and spare component shelf space. JAMMA-ready cabinets like the RetroArcade.us Upright accept original arcade boards from the 1980s and 1990s with a JAMMA harness.
Full PC builds work in any cabinet with enough component shelf space and ventilation. The Unico Nova Blast includes ventilation fans and supports full-size motherboards. Smaller kits like the LVL23 bartop work best with Raspberry Pi or compact Mini-ITX builds.
Price ranges by kit type
Bartop kits range from $159 for the LVL23 up to $349 for the RetroArcade.us Ultimate. The price reflects control hardware quality, material grade, and included accessories. Cabaret kits start around $399 and run up to $600 depending on whether the cabinet is purpose-built for a specific gaming system.
Full-size upright kits range from $695 for the RetroArcade.us Upright v2 up to $997 for the JAMMA-ready version. The Unico Nova Blast at $1,199+ includes pre-installed Sanwa hardware, a 26 inch 4:3 monitor, stools, and a JAMMA-ready chassis, making it the most expensive but also the most turnkey option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best flat pack arcade cabinet kits available?
The best flat pack arcade cabinet kits depend on your use case, but our testing confirmed the LVL23 by LEP1 Customs as the best overall bartop, the Unico Nova Blast as the best premium full-size option, and the RetroArcade.us Cocktail as the best value cocktail-style pick. Each kit ships with CNC-cut panels and cam-lock hardware that speeds up assembly.
Is plywood or MDF better for an arcade cabinet?
Plywood costs more but resists warping and holds screws better over time, making it the better choice for permanent installations. MDF is cheaper, cuts cleanly with CNC routers, and works fine for indoor projects protected from moisture. Most mid-range kits like the LVL23 use wood blends that balance durability and cost, while budget kits often use fiberboard that chips more easily.
How much does it cost to build a flat pack arcade cabinet?
A complete flat pack arcade build typically costs between $300 and $1,500 depending on cabinet size and components. A bare bartop kit starts around $160, plus $100 to $200 for a Raspberry Pi or Pandora’s Box, $80 to $150 for a 19 inch monitor, and $80 to $120 for joystick and button controls. Full-size uprights with pre-installed Sanwa controls and monitors start around $1,200.
How long does it take to assemble a flat pack arcade cabinet kit?
Assembly time ranges from 2 to 6 hours for bartop kits and 4 to 8 hours for full-size uprights, based on builder experience. First-time builders should add 2 to 3 hours for control panel wiring if the kit ships with hardware but no pre-wired harness. Plan a full weekend for a full-size upright build and budget time for testing all controls before final assembly.
What tools do I need to assemble a flat pack arcade cabinet kit?
Most kits require a Phillips screwdriver and wood glue at minimum. For monitor mounting, you may need a drill with pilot hole bits if the included bracket holes do not align. A rubber mallet helps seat cam locks, and painter’s tape protects visible surfaces during assembly. Budget a flat workspace of at least 6 by 6 feet for staging panels before final assembly.
Final Verdict on Flat Pack Arcade Cabinet Kits
After building all eight of these flat pack arcade cabinet kits over the past six months, our top recommendation depends on what kind of build you are planning. For first-time builders on a budget who want the best bartop experience, the LVL23 by LEP1 Customs is the clear winner with its wood construction, Sanwa compatibility, and forgiving assembly process. For buyers who want a turnkey full-size cabinet with premium Sanwa controls pre-installed, the Unico Nova Blast Candy Cabinet is the most complete package in this roundup.
Flat pack arcade cabinet kits give you the best combination of cost savings and customization compared to pre-built machines. Pick the form factor that fits your space, choose your material grade based on durability needs, and budget one weekend for assembly. You will end up with a custom retro gaming machine built to your exact specifications for a fraction of commercial arcade pricing.