Build Your Own Arcade Machine™

Arcade Revival Verified independent store

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The Complete DIY Arcade Build System for First-Time Builders 🕹️ You spent years feeding quarters into these machines — now it’s time to build one of your own. In a world of endless scrolling, binge watching and digital distractions, there’s something deeply rewarding about building something real with your own hands. From cutting panels and wiring controls to the very first game you play, every step is part of the journey; ending with a full-size arcade machine you’ll be proud to play, show off and enjoy for years to come. Your browser does not support the video tag. .home-arcade-video { width: 100%; max-width: 600px; /* Limits the video width on desktop */ height: auto; display: block; margin: 0 auto; /* Center the video */ border-radius: 12px; /* Optional: nice rounded corners */ } @media screen and (max-width: 768px) { .home-arcade-video { max-width: 80%; height: auto; } } ⭐ Trusted by thousands of builders ⭐ Instant Download ⭐ Lifetime Updates Real Builds From Our Customers Full Build Breakdown Watch the tour of this completed machine and see exactly what you'll create with our Arcade Revival Guide & Starter Kits. Which Starter Kit Is Right For You? Find the perfect Starter Kit for your build and budget. International Customers: All major components include your region plug. Questions Almost Every Builder Has Before Starting 🕹️ Thinking about building your own arcade machine? These are the exact questions almost every builder asks before getting started. Can I actually build this? Most of our customers are first-time builders. Many have little to no woodworking experience and build theirs in garages, sheds and driveways using basic DIY tools. If you can measure, cut and follow instructions — you can absolutely build this 🕹️ How hard is wiring? Easier than most people expect. We provide clear visual wiring diagrams showing exactly where everything plugs in, no electronics experience required. Plus, our step-by-step video walkthroughs guide you through the process, making it easier than ever to get your machine up and running. Whether you're building with a pre-loaded system or emulator setup, we’ve made the process as beginner-friendly as possible. 🎥 Watch our Control Panel Wiring Walkthrough Videos What exactly arrives? If you purchase the guide: ✔️ Full Step-by-step build guide✔️ Printable side panel template✔️ MDF & Plexiglass cutting lists✔️ Shopping lists & material guides✔️ Drill-ready control panel template✔️ Digital wiring diagram booklet✔️ Access to helpful build videos If you choose a Starter Kit: You’ll receive everything included in the guide, plus the essential arcade components needed to bring your machine to life. Choose between our Essential Starter Kit or Complete Starter Kit depending on the features you'd like to include in your build. 💡 Many builders choose the Complete Starter Kit to get everything they need in one go, including several popular upgrades that are commonly added during a build. 👇 See what's included in each kit below. Does the pre-loaded system play well? Absolutely - the Pandora DX2 is a fantastic plug-and-play starting point for most builders. It offers smooth gameplay, reliable software and a massive library of classic arcade titles, with games playing just as you remember them. Features builders love: ✔️ Smooth, responsive gameplay with great emulation✔️ Massive library of 9800+ pre-loaded games✔️ Create favourite lists for quick access✔️ Hide games you don’t want displayed✔️ Save high scores even after powering off✔️ Easily switch between coin mode and free play✔️ Excellent compatibility with our optional coin acceptor✔️ Button remapping and control calibration options✔️ USB controller support for console-style games✔️ Easy upgrade path to a full emulator / PC setup later on Want to upgrade later & load your own games? No problem. The pre-loaded system can be easily removed and replaced with an emulator or PC setup, while continuing to use your existing buttons, joysticks and encoders. This system offers the perfect balance of simplicity, performance and value allowing you to start playing straight away while still offering plenty of flexibility for future upgrades 🕹️ What tools do I need? Basic DIY tools: ✔️ Drill✔️ Jigsaw or circular saw✔️ Router (for the T-moulding slot)✔️ Sander✔️ Tape measure & clamps Don't worry if you don't own every tool already. Many builders borrow tools from friends, hire them locally or already have access to most of what they need. Throughout the guide, we show you exactly which tools are used, when they're needed and how they're used during the build. We also provide recommendations on where to source many of the tools and materials needed to complete your build. What monitor do I use? We recommend a standard flat-screen TV or monitor. For our standard 2-player arcade cabinet design, we recommend a 24" monitor, which provides a great balance of visibility, ergonomics and classic arcade proportions. Many first-time builders assume bigger is better, but that's not always the case. A 24" screen is large enough to comfortably enjoy arcade games while maintaining the proportions, ergonomics and feel of a traditional arcade machine. These monitors are also surprisingly affordable brand new, widely available and easy to source, with many builders already having a suitable screen at home or even picking up a great option second-hand or during a sale. The guide walks you through the process, including recommended screen sizes, mounting ideas and what works best for the cabinet design. How much will it cost to build? This all depends on how premium you want to go. Most builders spend anywhere from around $700 to $1,000+ AUD total for their complete build, including the cost of the guide/starter kit. A budget build using second-hand or existing items (monitor, speakers, etc.) can be done quite affordably even under that price range, while premium builds with custom wraps, marquees, lighting and upgrades will naturally cost more. The beauty is you don’t need to do everything at once - much like modifying a car, you can build the machine first and continue upgrading and customising it over time. The guide includes detailed shopping lists, recommendations and budget guidance so you can plan properly before starting. And at the end of it all, you’ll have built something you can genuinely be proud of — a full-size arcade machine customised your way, and something your family and friends will enjoy for years to come. Nothing beats that 🕹️ Can I customise it? Absolutely - that’s one of the best parts. Choose your own artwork theme, button colours, button type, joystick style, joystick colour, T-moulding colour, lighting and more to create something uniquely yours. We also offer a growing range of full cabinet wrap kits and reproduction artwork, professionally designed to fit Arcade Revival cabinets and help bring your favourite retro theme to life. When you purchase a Starter Kit, you’ll receive an email with a link to our Preferences Form, where you can customise your build and select options such as: ✔️ Button colour✔️ Button type (HAPP or LED)✔️ Joystick type & colour✔️ T-moulding colour✔️ Other build preferences 🔼 Example Preferences Form Sent After PurchaseBe sure to check all inbox folders, including spam, junk and promotions, as this email can occasionally land there. Build something completely unique to your games room, shed or space 🕹️ No two Arcade Revival builds are ever exactly the same. What if I mess it up? Don’t stress - almost every builder worries about this. MDF is forgiving to work with, and most mistakes are usually minor and easily fixable along the way. The guide walks you through every step of the build process, with clear instructions, diagrams and visual support to help keep you on track. So if you can follow instructions, you can build an arcade machine. We’ve also created helpful video walkthroughs covering key stages of the build, making it even easier to follow along with confidence. And if you ever get stuck, we’re always here to help with support along the way. The biggest thing? Take your time and enjoy the process 🕹️ Will my wife kill me? 😅 We can’t guarantee anything… But many customers tell us the arcade machine they were “definitely building for themselves” quickly becomes everyone’s favourite thing in the house 😄 Just make sure you save room for Player 2 🕹️ .image-wrapper { position: relative; left: 50%; right: 50%; margin-left: -50vw; margin-right: -50vw; width: 100vw; max-width: 100vw; } .full-width-mobile { width: 100%; height: auto; display: block; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .image-wrapper { position: static; margin: 0 auto; width: auto; max-width: 100%; } .full-width-mobile { width: auto; max-width: 100%; height: auto; } } .full-width-banner { width: 100%; height: auto; display: block; margin: 0 auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .full-width-banner { width: auto; max-width: 100%; height: auto; } } .full-width-banner-wrapper { width: 100vw; position: relative; left: 50%; right: 50%; margin-left: -50vw; margin-right: -50vw; overflow: hidden; } .full-width-banner-wrapper img { width: 100%; height: auto; display: block; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .full-width-banner-wrapper { width: auto; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; left: 0; right: 0; } } 💾 Play The Classics You Grew Up With /* Firefox */ .ar-scroll { scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(0,255,255,.6) rgba(0,255,255,.07); } /* Chrome/Edge/Safari */ .ar-scroll::-webkit-scrollbar { height: 12px; } .ar-scroll::-webkit-scrollbar-track { background: rgba(0,255,255,.07); border-radius: 12px; box-shadow: inset 0 0 10px rgba(0,255,255,.15); } .ar-scroll::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb { background: rgba(0,255,255,.6); border-radius: 12px; box-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(0,255,255,.5), 0 0 20px rgba(0,255,255,.35); border: 2px solid rgba(0,0,0,.25); } .ar-scroll:hover::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb { background: rgba(0,255,255,.85); box-shadow: 0 0 12px rgba(0,255,255,.8), 0 0 24px rgba(0,255,255,.6); } 🕹️9800 Pre-Loaded Games: From old-school arcade machines to legendary home consoles, this system brings back thousands of classics - side-scrollers, fighters, beat 'em ups, racing games, and more. If you played it back in the day, it's probably in here. Choose Your Build Path Once your cabinet is built, a full wrap is the finishing touch that brings it to life. Ready to Build Your Dream Arcade? Download the guide and start building memories that last .faq-section { margin-top: 40px; } .faq-item { margin-bottom: 10px; border: 1px solid #00cfff; border-radius: 6px; overflow: hidden; } .faq-question { background: #0b0b0b; color: #00cfff; font-family: 'Press Start 2P', sans-serif; padding: 14px 16px; cursor: pointer; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; width: 100%; border: none; outline: none; transition: background 0.3s ease; } .faq-answer { background: #101010; color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Helvetica', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; padding: 14px 16px; display: none; animation: fadeIn 0.5s; } @keyframes fadeIn { from {opacity: 0;} to {opacity: 1;} } /* Ensure the scrollbar appears and looks clean on desktop */ .ar-scroll { scrollbar-width: auto; } /* Firefox */ .ar-scroll::-webkit-scrollbar { height: 10px; } /* Chrome, Edge, Safari */ .ar-scroll::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb { border-radius: 10px; background-color: rgba(0, 255, 255, 0.4); /* optional subtle glow */ } Show more