DIY Arcade Starter Kit – Build & Customise Your Own Emulator Setup

Description

DIY Arcade Starter Kit – Build & Customise Your Own Emulator Setup from Retrocade is a DIY arcade kit for building, repairing or upgrading arcade cabinets in Australia. It is suited to customers working on home arcade machines, bartop cabinets, control panels and retro gaming projects.

Retrocade supplies DIY arcade kits, arcade parts, controls, wiring, boards and cabinet hardware for customers building or maintaining arcade machines. Before ordering, check compatibility with your cabinet, wiring, controls, software and power requirements.

Also see our DIY arcade kits, arcade parts, arcade machines and arcade machine buying guide if you are comparing kits, parts or complete cabinets.

Key Details

• DIY arcade kit
• Suitable for cabinet builds and upgrades
• Useful for repairs and custom projects
• Supplied by Retrocade Australia

Compatibility Notice

DIY arcade setups can vary. Please check measurements, wiring, voltage, connectors, software and cabinet requirements before ordering parts or kits.

Bring Your Build to Life — Your Way

You’ve got the guide — now power up your arcade build with parts designed for total control and customisation.

Use your own PC, laptop, or Raspberry Pi to install the software and load your own games.

Whether you’re setting up MAME, Batocera, LaunchBox, or another emulator, (Details and how-to install these are available in the Step-by-Step guide) this Starter Kit gi ves you the flexibility to create an authentic arcade experience from the software up.No preset menus — just pure DIY freedom.

 DIY Arcade Freedom In A Box

Skip the presets. Our Starter Kit delivers everything you need to build and customise your arcade — your games, your way.Unbox, wire, load, and relive the classics — no limits.

Full Kit Details

2 x Arcade Joysticks (you choose colours and style)

16 x Arcade Push Buttons (6 Player 1, 6 Player 2 & 4 Main — 2 players)

16 x Micro switches – (connects your buttons to the wiring harness)

2 X Button Wiring Harnesses – (connect buttons to the encoder unit)

2 x USB Encoders – (link your joysticks and buttons to your Pi or PC)

2 x USB Cables – (clean, reliable connection to your emulator)

Twin Thermo Fan Kit (keep your cabinet cool)

200W Arcade Amplifier (with AU plug + RCA cables)

50cm VGA Cable (for clean monitor connection)

10M of Premium 19mm T-Moulding (choose your colour)

T Moulding Router Bit – (cuts the perfect size slot to match our T-Moulding)

Bonus: Free pack of cable hooks for clean wire management

Load Your Own Games

Take full control of your arcade experience by loading your own legally acquired game files. From classic arcade titles to retro consoles, this kit gives you the flexibility to customise your library for the most authentic, nostalgia-packed build possible.

Supports a wide range of arcade and console game formats — perfect for creating a personalised game lineup.

Need help installing?We’ll show you exactly how to set everything up — including how to install the emulator, configure your buttons, and load your own games onto your system.

Connect your way — Build your arcade with a PC, laptop, or Raspberry Pi. Total flexibility, zero limits.

Build. Customise. Relive It.

This kit is for the tinkerers, the modders, and the dreamers who want full control over their arcade’s software. Combine it with your Arcade Revival Step-by-Step Guide, and you’ve got everything you need to bring the magic back — exactly how you remember it.

Whether it’s for your game room, your kids, or just your inner child, this kit helps you build your own retro revival, one button at a time.

Your Build, Your Way — See the Difference

Not sure which setup is right for you? Compare the plug-and-play convenience of our Pre-loaded games kit with the full flexibility of the Custom Emulator kit — and find your perfect arcade build.