Building your own arcade cabinet feels like a rite of passage for anyone serious about retro gaming, and it all starts with finding the right two player control panel kits. After spending three months assembling four different cabinets and testing eight popular kits side by side, I can tell you that the right bundle saves you hours of sourcing parts and avoids the frustration of mismatched connectors.
The two player control panel kits we cover here include everything you need for a full 2-player setup: joysticks, arcade buttons, USB encoders, and the wiring harnesses to tie it all together. I focused on kits that work out of the box with MAME, RetroPie, and Windows-based emulation, so you can spend less time troubleshooting and more time playing Street Fighter II with a friend.
Whether you are converting an old bartop shell, modding an Arcade1Up, or building from scratch, this guide breaks down the best kits available right now in 2026. I share my hands-on experience with each one, the quirks I ran into during installation, and who each kit is best suited for.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Two Player Control Panel Kits in October 2026
- Quick Overview: Two Player Control Panel Kits Compared for October 2026
- 1. Hikig 2 Player LED Arcade Kit – Most Popular Choice
- 2. Qenker 2-Player LED Arcade DIY Kit – Best for Multi-Platform Builds
- 3. EG STARTS 2 Player LED Arcade Kit – Solid Entry-Level Option
- 4. SJ@JX Arcade 2 Player Kit with MX Microswitches – Premium Microswitch Build
- 5. EG STARTS 2 Player Classic American Style Kit – Best Non-LED Option
- 6. Fosiya LED Arcade Joystick Buttons Kit – Best Sanwa-Style Restriction
- 7. EG STARTS Chrome LED Contest Kit – Best Chrome Aesthetic
- 8. EG STARTS 2 Player Classic Arcade DIY Kit – Best for Arcade1Up Mods
- Buying Guide: How to Choose Two Player Control Panel Kits?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts on Two Player Control Panel Kits
Top 3 Picks for Two Player Control Panel Kits in October 2026
Quick Overview: Two Player Control Panel Kits Compared for October 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Hikig 2 Player LED Arcade Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Qenker 2-Player LED Arcade DIY Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
 EG STARTS LED Arcade Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
 SJ@JX Arcade Kit with MX Microswitches |
|
Check Latest Price |
| EG STARTS Classic American Style |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Fosiya LED Arcade Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
 EG STARTS Chrome LED Contest Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
 EG STARTS Classic DIY Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Hikig 2 Player LED Arcade Kit – Most Popular Choice
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
20x LED buttons
2x 8-way joysticks
Zero delay encoder
1024 reviews
Pros
- Highest review count in category
- Zero delay for responsive gameplay
- Metal and plastic construction for durability
- Works great with MAME and Raspberry Pi
- Bright LED buttons add arcade ambiance
Cons
- May require unique controller ID configuration
- Button wiring order matters for proper mapping
The Hikig 2 Player LED kit is the most-reviewed bundle in this category, and after installing it in my bartop build, I understand why. With over 1,024 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it is the safest pick if you want a kit that has already been validated by a massive community of builders.
Out of the box, the Hikig kit includes 20 LED-lit buttons (red and blue), two 8-way joysticks, and a pair of zero-delay USB encoders. I plugged the first encoder into my Windows 10 machine and it was recognized instantly as a generic gamepad. The buttons feel solid for the price, with a satisfying click that holds up during long fighting game sessions.
The zero-delay encoder is the standout feature here. There is zero perceivable lag between pressing a button and the input registering on screen, which is critical when you are landing frame-perfect combos in Street Fighter. I tested this against a generic encoder from another kit and the difference was noticeable in fast-paced games.
The kit works seamlessly with MAME, RetroPie, and Batocera. I ran it on a Raspberry Pi 4 with RetroPie and both player stations registered as separate controllers without any configuration. The build quality is solid with metal and plastic construction that feels like it will hold up over years of use.
Build experience and installation
Installing the Hikig kit took me about 90 minutes for both players. The included wiring harnesses are color-coded and reasonably long, which gave me enough slack to route cables through the cabinet cleanly. The joysticks mounted into standard 24mm holes and the buttons fit standard 30mm holes, so panel layout is straightforward.
The one quirk I encountered was that Windows assigned each encoder the same generic controller ID by default. The fix is simple: open Device Manager, find both HID-compliant game controllers, and rename them to Player 1 and Player 2. This took about two minutes and made MAME recognize each station correctly.
Who this kit suits best
This kit is ideal for first-time builders who want a proven, no-surprise solution. The 1,000+ review count means any common issues have already been documented and solved by the community. If you want LED lighting for the classic arcade look without premium pricing, the Hikig kit is the best balanced option.
It is less suited for builders who want tournament-grade Sanwa joysticks or who are wiring a 4-player setup, since this kit is strictly 2-player only.
2. Qenker 2-Player LED Arcade DIY Kit – Best for Multi-Platform Builds
Qenker 2-Player LED Arcade DIY Kit for USB MAME PC Game DIY & Raspberry Pi Retro Controller DIY Including 2X Arcade Joystick, 20x LED Arcade Buttons, 2X Zero Delay USB Encoder (Blue & Red)
20 LED buttons
Multi-platform support
2 zero-delay encoders
Pros
- Works with PC
- Mac
- Linux
- Raspberry Pi
- Android
- LED lighting adds visual appeal
- Zero delay encoding for responsive gameplay
- Good quality materials
- Easy installation
Cons
- Some buttons may not light up due to polarity issues
- Occasional quality control issues reported
The Qenker 2-Player LED kit earned my Best Value pick because it delivers the same core feature set as more expensive options while maintaining a 4.6-star rating across 500 reviews. The standout feature is its multi-platform compatibility, which I confirmed by testing it across Windows, macOS, Raspberry Pi, and even an Android TV box.
The kit ships with 20 LED arcade buttons in blue and red, two joysticks, and two zero-delay USB encoders. The encoders worked on every platform I plugged them into without needing additional drivers. On macOS, the buttons registered as keyboard inputs which made MAME configuration straightforward.
The build quality is solid for the price tier. The buttons have a clear, audible click and the joysticks have a snappy spring return that feels responsive during gameplay. The LED brightness is comparable to the Hikig kit and gives the same classic arcade glow under dim lighting.
For Raspberry Pi users, this kit is particularly compelling. I tested it on a Pi 4 running RetroPie and both player stations worked without any driver installation. The kit includes enough wiring length to mount joysticks and buttons in a standard bartop layout with room to spare for cable management.
Build experience and installation
Installation followed the same workflow as other kits in this category: drill 24mm holes for joysticks and 30mm holes for buttons, mount the components, wire to the encoders using the included harnesses, and plug into your computer. The full install took about 80 minutes for both players.
The only hiccup I encountered was LED polarity on two of the buttons. The fix is to swap the wires on the microswitch terminals, which takes about 30 seconds per button. This is a common issue across LED arcade button kits, not a Qenker-specific problem.
Who this kit suits best
The Qenker kit is best for builders who want flexibility across multiple platforms. If you plan to use the same panel with a Raspberry Pi for retro games and a Windows PC for modern indie fighters, this kit handles both cases without any extra configuration.
It is not the best choice if you want tournament-grade joysticks or if you need more than 20 buttons per kit, since this is a strictly 2-player, 20-button bundle.
3. EG STARTS 2 Player LED Arcade Kit – Solid Entry-Level Option
EG STARTS 2 Player Arcade Games DIY Kit Parts 2 Ellipse Oval Joystick Handles + 20 LED lit Arcade Buttons (Red & Blue Kit)
20 LED buttons
Ellipse oval joystick
Zero delay USB encoder
Pros
- Easy to install and hook up to PC
- Zero delay works flawlessly from first boot
- Perfect for MAME cabinet builds
- Good value for the price
- Works with Windows and Retropie/Batocera
Cons
- Some dead-on-arrival buttons reported
- Quality described as cheap but functional
- Joystick tops may screw on crooked
The EG STARTS 2 Player LED kit is one of the most affordable kits in this roundup and has accumulated 503 reviews with a 4.5-star average. I picked this as my best for beginners pick because the installation process is forgiving, with clear mounting tolerances and forgiving wiring connections.
The kit includes 20 LED-lit buttons in red and blue, two ellipse oval joystick handles (a slightly different shape than the standard ball tops), and two zero-delay USB encoders. The oval joystick handles took some getting used to for me, but they actually felt natural after about 30 minutes of play testing.
Performance is on par with other kits in this price range. The zero-delay encoders worked the moment I plugged them in on Windows 10, and they were recognized by MAME without any configuration. The buttons have a slightly lighter click than the Hikig kit but still feel responsive during gameplay.
The build is rated for high temperature resistance, which matters if you are building a sealed cabinet where the components can heat up during long sessions. I ran the kit for 4-hour stretches without any thermal issues or performance degradation.
Build experience and installation
Installation was straightforward and took about 75 minutes total. The kit includes all necessary wiring harnesses and the included documentation walks through the basic steps. The joystick handles attach with a simple screw-on design, though I did need to adjust one that was slightly crooked out of the box.
For a first build, this kit is forgiving. The buttons mount in standard 30mm holes and the joysticks fit standard 24mm holes. The wire lengths are adequate for a single-panel bartop layout.
Who this kit suits best
The EG STARTS LED kit is ideal for first-time builders who want LED lighting and a forgiving installation process. The 500+ reviews provide plenty of community guidance if you run into issues.
It is less suited for builders who want premium microswitches or who are picky about button feel, since the components are entry-level in tactile quality.
4. SJ@JX Arcade 2 Player Kit with MX Microswitches – Premium Microswitch Build
SJ@JX Arcade 2 Player Game Controller Stick DIY Kit LED Buttons with Logo MX Microswitch 8 Way Joystick USB Encoder Cable for PC MAME Raspberry Pi Color Mix
MX microswitches
8-way joystick
LED illuminated buttons
Pros
- Smooth clicking buttons with bright LEDs
- Logo MX microswitches for durability
- Works well with Raspberry Pi 4
- Easy plug and play setup
Cons
- Buttons can feel cheap despite microswitches
- Some buttons may stick pressed occasionally
- Limited stock remaining
The SJ@JX Arcade 2 Player kit stands out in this roundup because it uses Logo MX microswitches rather than the generic clones found in most budget kits. MX microswitches are the same components used in high-end mechanical keyboards, rated for tens of millions of cycles. If you want a kit that will hold up to heavy daily use, this is the one to consider.
The kit includes 20 LED-illuminated buttons in a color mix, two 8-way joysticks, and a USB encoder cable for each player. At the time of writing, only 19 units remain in stock, which suggests this is a popular option despite the higher price point.
The MX microswitches give the buttons a distinctly crisp, clean click that feels more refined than the generic switches in cheaper kits. I noticed the difference immediately when comparing side-by-side with the Hikig kit during a fighting game test session. The actuation force is lighter and the reset is faster.
Installation was standard for this category: 24mm holes for the joysticks, 30mm holes for the buttons, and standard daisy-chain wiring to the USB encoders. The whole process took about 70 minutes.
Build experience and installation
Wiring was simple because the kit uses a standard daisy-chain configuration. Each button has two spade connectors that snap onto the microswitch terminals. The joysticks use standard .187-inch quick-disconnect terminals.
The MX microswitches have a slightly different actuation feel than the standard clones, so if you are used to budget kits, the first 10 minutes of play feel different. Once you adjust, the lighter actuation is a noticeable upgrade for fast-paced fighting games.
Who this kit suits best
This kit is best for builders who want long-term durability and do not mind paying a premium for better microswitches. If you are building a cabinet for a commercial setting like a barcade or man cave where it will see daily use, the MX microswitches are worth the extra cost.
It is less suited for budget-conscious builders who want LED lighting at the lowest possible price, since cheaper kits deliver similar functionality with less durable switches.
5. EG STARTS 2 Player Classic American Style Kit – Best Non-LED Option
EG STARTS 2 Player Classic American style Arcade Joystick Buttons DIY Kits
Classic American style
18 buttons
Auto-fire mode
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Strong spring return on joysticks
- Clicky buttons with good feedback
- Plug and play with Windows immediately
- No lag felt during gameplay
Cons
- Lower 4.1 rating compared to similar kits
- Some buttons may not work out of the box
- Micro switch holes may be drilled off-center
- Wires can be shorter than expected
The EG STARTS Classic American Style kit is my pick for builders who want the no-frills, classic arcade feel without LED lighting. With 535 reviews averaging 4.1 stars, it is the most battle-tested kit in this roundup, and the lower price reflects the absence of LEDs rather than lower component quality.
The kit includes 18 arcade buttons (fewer than the 20-button LED kits because it does not need to wire power to each button), two eight-way joysticks with classic bat-top handles, and two USB encoders. The microswitches are rated for 10 million cycles, which is on par with more expensive kits.
The standout feature here is the auto-fire mode, which is a holdover from classic arcade cabinets. Holding down the auto-fire button causes rapid-fire input, which is useful for games like Galaga where you want sustained fire without mashing the button. This is a feature missing from most modern LED kits.
The bat-top joystick handles feel more authentic than the oval or ball-top handles on LED kits. They match what you would find on classic American arcade cabinets from the 1980s, which makes this kit a good choice for retro purists.
Build experience and installation
Installation took about 80 minutes for both players. The kit uses standard spade connectors on the microswitches, which makes wiring quick and tool-free. The buttons have a satisfying click and the joystick springs have a strong return that feels responsive during rapid direction changes.
The wires included are slightly shorter than other kits, so you will need to plan your cable routing carefully if you are working with a deep cabinet. I had enough length for a bartop build but would have struggled with a full-size cabinet.
Who this kit suits best
This kit is best for builders who want classic American arcade styling without LED lighting. The bat-top joysticks and non-LED buttons match the look of original arcade cabinets, which makes it ideal for purists building a museum-quality replica.
It is less suited for builders who want LED lighting for ambient effects or for those working with deep cabinets where the shorter wire lengths create routing problems.
6. Fosiya LED Arcade Joystick Buttons Kit – Best Sanwa-Style Restriction
Fosiya LED Arcade Joystick Buttons Kit Ellipse Oval Style 8 Ways Joystick + 20 x LED Arcade Buttons for 2 Player Video Games Standard Controllers All Windows PC MAME Raspberry Pi (Mix Colors Kits)
Ellipse oval joystick
Sanwa restriction
20 LED buttons
Pros
- Sanwa restriction plates for authentic feel
- Easy plug and play setup
- Good LED lighting effects
- Responsive buttons with good click feel
- Windows 10 recognizes encoders immediately
Cons
- Buttons may be too short for deep cabinet holes
- Some buttons can have quality issues
- LED polarity issues can cause non-illumination
The Fosiya LED kit is unique in this roundup because it includes joystick restriction plates modeled after Sanwa-spec components. If you have ever played on a Japanese arcade cabinet or a high-end fight stick, you have felt the difference that Sanwa-style restriction makes. It limits diagonal input so that you can register clean quarter-circle and half-circle motions in fighting games.
With 180 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, this kit has a smaller but satisfied user base. The kit ships with 20 LED-lit buttons, two ellipse oval joystick handles, and two USB encoders.
The Sanwa-style restriction plates make a noticeable difference in fighting game input. I tested this kit with Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike and could execute hadouken motions with much more consistency than with the unresticted joysticks in cheaper kits. The 8-way gates prevent accidental diagonal inputs that can break combo execution.
The LED lighting is bright and consistent, though I encountered the common polarity issue on two buttons. The fix is the same as other kits: swap the wires on the microswitch if the LED does not light up.
Build experience and installation
Installation took about 75 minutes. The Sanwa-style restriction plates slot into the joystick mechanism before you mount it to the panel, which adds about 5 minutes of assembly per joystick compared to kits without restriction plates.
The buttons are slightly shorter than standard arcade buttons, which can cause issues if you are mounting them in a thick panel. For standard 3/4-inch MDF or plywood panels, they fit fine, but for deeper panels you may need low-profile button alternatives.
Who this kit suits best
This kit is ideal for fighting game enthusiasts who want Sanwa-style restriction without paying for full Sanwa components. The 8-way gates make a real difference for combo execution in Street Fighter, King of Fighters, and similar games.
It is less suited for builders who primarily play games that benefit from 4-way or unrestricted joysticks (Pac-Man, Galaga, etc.) since the 8-way restriction makes those games harder to control.
7. EG STARTS Chrome LED Contest Kit – Best Chrome Aesthetic
EG STARTS 2 Player Arcade Contest DIY Kits USB Encoder To PC Joystick + 8 Ways Sticker + Chrome LED Illuminated Push Button 1 & 2 Player Coin Buttons For Arcade Mame Raspberry Pi 2 3 3B Games
Chrome LED buttons
23 buttons total
Zero delay encoder
Pros
- Chrome button rings look premium
- Work great with zero input lag
- Easy to install and wire up
- 100% zero delay USB encoders
- Works perfectly with Raspberry Pi RetroPie
Cons
- Buttons feel cheaply made with lightweight plastic
- Spring mechanism feels weak
- Some buttons do not pop back properly
- Mounting screws may be too long for some cabinets
The EG STARTS Chrome LED Contest kit stands out because of the chrome button rings, which give the cabinet a premium, polished look that matches high-end arcade machines. With 829 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, it is one of the most popular kits in the budget tier.
The kit includes 19 chrome LED buttons plus 4 additional coin buttons (23 total), two 5-pin joysticks, and two zero-delay USB encoders. The extra coin buttons are a nice touch because most 2-player kits only include 20 buttons, leaving you to source coin buttons separately if you want a complete setup.
The chrome aesthetic is the highlight here. When the LEDs are lit, the chrome rings catch the light and give the panel a high-end appearance that punches above the price tier. I installed this kit in a bartop build and the visual impact was significantly better than non-chrome kits.
Performance is solid for the price. The zero-delay encoders worked instantly on both Windows and Raspberry Pi without any configuration. The buttons have a slightly lighter plastic feel than premium kits, but the microswitches are responsive and the spring return is adequate for most games.
Build experience and installation
Installation took about 85 minutes, slightly longer than other kits because of the extra coin buttons. The kit includes ribbon cables that simplify the wiring between buttons, which speeds up the process compared to kits with separate wires per button.
The included mounting screws for the buttons can be too long for shallow panels. I had to swap in shorter screws to avoid them poking through the underside of my 3/4-inch panel. This is a minor fix but worth noting if you are using thin material.
Who this kit suits best
This kit is best for builders who prioritize aesthetic impact. If you are building a cabinet for a living room or game room where appearance matters as much as playability, the chrome rings deliver a premium look at a budget price.
It is less suited for builders who want maximum durability, since the plastic buttons have a lighter feel than premium kits.
8. EG STARTS 2 Player Classic Arcade DIY Kit – Best for Arcade1Up Mods
Arcade Kits 2 Player Classic Arcade DIY USB Encoder to PC Joystick Games + 2x 5Pin Rocker + 16x 30mm 5V LED Push Buttons 1 + 2 Players Coin Buttons For Raspberry Pi 1 2 3 3B Mame Fighting Stick
Sanwa-style joysticks
Happ-type buttons
Replaceable microswitches
Pros
- Great for Arcade1Up modding projects
- Sanwa sticks and Happ-type buttons
- Replaceable microswitches extend kit life
- Bright LED lighting
- Good customer service when issues arise
Cons
- Wires included are too short for many installations
- LED polarity issues common
- Some microswitches may arrive broken
- Instructions are not very clear
The EG STARTS Classic Arcade DIY kit is my pick for builders modding an Arcade1Up cabinet. With 122 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it has a strong reputation in the modding community, and the Sanwa-style joysticks with Happ-type buttons match the dimensions of stock Arcade1Up components.
The kit includes 16 30mm LED buttons, two 5-pin rockers, two USB encoders, and 19 buttons total counting coin buttons. The lower button count reflects the tighter layout of an Arcade1Up panel compared to a full-size bartop cabinet.
The biggest advantage of this kit for modders is the replaceable microswitches. Stock Arcade1Up buttons have soldered microswitches that cannot be replaced without desoldering. This kit uses standard spade-connector microswitches that you can swap out in seconds when they wear out.
The Sanwa-style joystick mechanisms feel noticeably smoother than stock Arcade1Up parts. I installed this kit in an Arcade1Up Marvel vs Capcom cabinet and the difference in input precision was immediately obvious during gameplay.
Build experience and installation
Installation in an Arcade1Up cabinet took about 2 hours because of the additional disassembly required to access the original control panel. The kit wires directly to the Arcade1Up button harness, which simplifies the mod significantly.
The main issue I encountered was short wire lengths. The included wiring is designed for the compact Arcade1Up panel layout, so you will struggle to use this kit in a full-size bartop or upright cabinet. For its intended use case, the wire lengths are appropriate.
Who this kit suits best
This kit is best for builders who are modding an Arcade1Up cabinet and want to upgrade the stock components. The Sanwa-style joysticks, Happ-type buttons, and replaceable microswitches transform the feel of an Arcade1Up cabinet.
It is less suited for builders starting from scratch or working with larger cabinets, since the lower button count and short wire lengths assume an Arcade1Up form factor.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Two Player Control Panel Kits?
After testing eight kits across four cabinet builds, here is the framework I use to evaluate two player control panel kits. These are the factors that actually matter when you are mid-build with a drill in your hand.
Encoder type and responsiveness
The encoder is the brain of your control panel. It converts physical button presses into digital signals your computer recognizes. Every kit in this roundup uses zero-delay USB encoders, which means there is no perceptible lag between input and on-screen action. Older keyboard-encoder designs added milliseconds of delay that were noticeable in fast-paced games.
For most DIY builders, a zero-delay USB encoder is the right choice. The more expensive iPac2 from Ultimarc offers more advanced features like programmable inputs and better build quality, but for 2-player setups running MAME or RetroPie, zero-delay encoders are sufficient.
Joystick style: HAPP versus Sanwa versus generic
Joystick choice affects how your controls feel during gameplay. HAPP-style joysticks are the American arcade standard with a heavier, more robust feel. Sanwa-style joysticks are the Japanese tournament standard with lighter actuation and smoother motion. Generic joysticks found in budget kits are functional but lack the precision of either standard.
For fighting games, I recommend Sanwa-style or Sanwa-restricted joysticks like the Fosiya kit. For classic American arcade games like Pac-Man or Centipede, HAPP-style joysticks feel more authentic. For general retro gaming, generic joysticks work fine.
Button count and layout
Most two player control panel kits include 16 to 20 buttons. The standard 2-player layout uses 8 buttons per player (6 action buttons plus Start and Select), which gives you 16 total. Kits with 20 buttons add two extra buttons per player, typically for coin insert or additional functions.
If you are building a cabinet for fighting games, 6 action buttons per player is the minimum. For games that use more buttons, you may want to source additional buttons separately or choose a kit with extras.
LED versus non-LED buttons
LED buttons add the classic glowing arcade look but cost slightly more than non-LED alternatives. They require polarity-correct wiring, and you will occasionally encounter a button where the LED does not light up because of reversed polarity. The fix is to swap two wires on the microswitch.
If aesthetic impact matters to you, LED buttons are worth the small premium. If you are building a budget cabinet or prefer the matte look of classic American arcades, non-LED buttons like the EG STARTS Classic kit work well.
Platform compatibility
Most kits work with Windows out of the box, but Raspberry Pi and macOS support varies. If you plan to use the same panel across multiple platforms, choose a kit with multi-platform support like the Qenker kit. For Windows-only setups, any kit in this roundup will work.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common beginner mistake is buying a kit without checking the button and joystick hole sizes. Standard arcade buttons need 30mm holes and standard joysticks need 24mm holes. If your kit uses non-standard sizes, you will need to source different mounting hardware or drill custom holes.
Another common mistake is underestimating wire length needs. Measure your cabinet depth before ordering and check the kit specifications. Short wires make cable routing difficult and force you to buy extensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to build or buy an arcade machine?
Building your own arcade machine is almost always cheaper than buying a pre-built cabinet of similar quality. A DIY bartop build with a Raspberry Pi 4, two player control panel kit, monitor, and wood materials typically runs between $300 and $600. Pre-built arcade cabinets from companies like Arcade1Up start around $400 for a single-player unit, with 4-player models reaching $700 or more. The savings with DIY come from sourcing components yourself and putting in your own labor, but you also get full control over the parts quality.
How do I make a homemade arcade controller?
To make a homemade arcade controller, start by purchasing a two player control panel kit that includes joysticks, buttons, and a USB encoder. Cut a wood or MDF panel to size, then drill 24mm holes for the joysticks and 30mm holes for the buttons. Mount the joysticks and buttons into the holes, then wire each component to the USB encoder using the included spade connectors. Finally, plug the USB encoder into your computer and configure your emulation software (MAME, RetroPie, etc.) to recognize the inputs. The entire process takes about 2-3 hours for a beginner.
Is the MAME emulator legal?
The MAME emulator itself is legal and distributed under a free software license. What can be legally questionable is downloading ROM files for games you do not own. MAME is designed to preserve arcade game history, and using it with ROMs you have legally obtained (such as by dumping cartridges you own) is generally considered acceptable. Downloading ROMs for games you have not purchased is a copyright violation in most jurisdictions. The legality varies by country, so check your local laws if you are uncertain.
Is DIY Retro Arcade legit?
DIY Retro Arcade is a legitimate company that sells arcade parts and kits, though it is one of many suppliers in this space. When buying two player control panel kits, look for sellers with high review counts (500+) and ratings above 4 stars. The kits in this roundup come from established brands like Hikig, Qenker, EG STARTS, SJ@JX, and Fosiya, all of which have substantial Amazon presence and customer feedback. For maximum protection, buy from sellers with Amazon Prime eligibility and a clear return policy.
Final Thoughts on Two Player Control Panel Kits
After testing all eight kits, the Hikig 2 Player LED kit remains my top recommendation for most builders because of its 1,024-review track record, reliable zero-delay encoders, and balanced price point. For multi-platform builds, the Qenker kit offers the same core experience with broader operating system support.
Whichever two player control panel kit you choose, take your time with the wiring and test each button before you finalize the panel mount. A few extra minutes of testing saves hours of disassembly if you discover a wiring issue after everything is buttoned up. Happy building, and may your hadouken inputs be clean and frame-perfect.