Raspberry Pi Retro Arcade using RetroPie (with NO programming) // How-To | I Like To Make Stuff
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ก.พ. 2025
- Make your own retro Raspberry Pi Arcade!
For more info and a list of everything you'll need visit
www.iliketomake...
RetroPie linux distribution:
blog.petrockblo...
If you’ve been around my site for a while, this may look familiar. That’s because I’ve written blog posts, here and here, about this exact build. If you look at those, you’ll get a MUCH more in depth look at the process that I went through to make the original version of this Pi arcade.
I’m not one to repost content, but since I’m starting to move toward building the full size arcade cabinet, I thought it’d be good to make a video of this portion of the project, so that my newer audience members have the context.
While making this video, I actually found that the software that I use, RetroPie, has been updated and SIGNIFICANTLY improved! It’s fantastic !! Kudos to those guys for making a really stellar package that is free for anyone to use!!! Since I made my original version, the controller board, IPAC2, has also been updated. The newer version has some new options, and looks pretty great, although I have no real reason to replace mine.
Obviously, this one isn’t much to look at. It’s just a prototype to explain how the controls go together and will be put into a much better package (and wired in a nicer way) in the final arcade cabinet.
Here's what you'll need:
(purchasing via these affiliate links supports ILTMS)
www.ultimarc.co... - IPAC controller
amzn.to/15Wa6ZO - Raspberry Pi
amzn.to/17IqtKg - 8GB Micro SD card
amzn.to/1D8eJwO - Female wire connectors
amzn.to/1ylmlqw - Hook up wire
www.ebay.com/it... - Arcade LED Buttons
amzn.to/1BKijeX - Joystick
amzn.to/1ylnfmM - Wire Stripper
amzn.to/1tMfdqr - Wifi USB Adapter
amzn.to/18DNZZT - Power adapter (for Raspberry Pi)
amzn.to/1LAeiiG - Silhouette Portrait
amzn.to/161gMG9 - Transfer paper
amzn.to/1tQZNBd - Black vinyl
You’ll need a control board like this IPAC-2.
Also, a Raspberry Pi and a small SD card.
Using free software, add the disk image to the SD card, in one simple step.
Plug in the SD card, HDMI cable, USB keyboard and power to the Raspberry Pi.
It will boot right up and be ready to play with the keyboard.
Add your own games by putting them on a thumb drive and plugging it in.
The system will automatically add them.
I made button designs in Adobe Illustrator.
Then cut them out, in vinyl, on a craft cutting machine (Silhouette Portrait).
Cut and apply a piece of transfer paper over the vinyl.
Roughly cut out each individual sticker.
Take apart a button by twisting the switch.
Peel the back, apply the sticker to the button, and peel the front off.
It will leave behind the cut out shape.
Make a wiring daisy chain with one female plug per button.
Make three daisy chains in red, black, and green.
Make a single wire, with female plug, for each button.
Layout your control board (this was a very rough prototype).
Drill holes for each button and joystick.
Add a simple frame to lift it off the table.
Screw in the joysticks from the back side.
Drop in buttons from the front.
Screw on rings from the back to hold buttons in place.
Attach wires as shown on each button.
Also add wires to the joysticks (no LED = no red & black daisy chain)
Wire the joysticks and all buttons to relevant terminal on IPAC.
Attach the end of the green daisy chain to the ground terminal.
Daisy chain the right sides of each button (red) and the left sides (black).
Wire the ends of the daisy chains to a 12v power supply.
Plug it in for light up buttons!
Plug in IPAC to the Raspberry Pi (via USB).
PLAY AWESOME GAMES FOR HOURS!!!
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Raspberry Pi Retro Arcade using RetroPie (with NO programming) // How-To | I Like To Make Stuff
• Raspberry Pi Retro Arc...
I Like To Make Stuff
/ iliketomakestuff
I'm always trying to convince my friends that projects like these are easier than they think so I'm glad to see someone making these types of projects more manageable for people with less experience in electronics. Can't wait to see the rest of the cabinet being built!
+travis Martin yes! The linux distribution called Retropie includes tons of emulators and is ready to go once installed on the SD card. The video didn't leave out any steps, it's really that easy :)
Can you build an longboard holder for the wall :D
What software is used to apply the Retropie image to the SD card?
I used ApplePi-Baker for the Mac
+I Like To Make Stuff Is it possible to set it up to automatically boot to a particular rom? I'm wanting to make my father a full-size Galaga cabinet and would prefer it to automatically boot to that rom specifically.
Also, is it possible to configure Retropie to rotate the display? Galaga plays on a sideways-mounted 19" monitor... :P
+Brent Hewitson With a little programming, anything is possible! ;D
I know I'm a little late to the party but if you want you can ask around on reddit.com/r/raspberry_pi and try to get some information there. A lot of friendly faces who are more than willing to help you out or at least point you in the right direction
I built my first full size arcade cabinet about 4 years ago,it was one of my first ever projects. I've made 3 more since plus a bunch of fight sticks. Arcades go down so well at poker nights! Stupidly good fun!
I build these devices all the time and interact on many forums where new comers ask about the Control Panel all of the time. I have to say that this is by far the best demonstration of how to pull together a CP that I have seen. I will be sharing this whenever I'm asked how you create a custom control panel in the future. Awesome video.
As a retro gamer, I love seeing all of the latest and greatest indie retro games being played on retro tech. Retro gaming is the future of retro gaming.
Retro gaming is the future of retro gaming. What?
And to think that all this time I lived without knowing that those arcade buttons were customizable! You just changed my mind over the Raspberry Pi, as I thought it is way too complicated. Cheers!
It's REALLY easy tot setup a Raspberry Pi to be a retro arcade machine, NO PROGRAMMING REQUIRED! Check it out!
that's a good start I Like To Make Stuff I have been planning out a build for myself good to know that I can use raspberry Pi as the emulator controller. I can't wait to see more on this.
I built one but with a computer (i-pac included) , I was thinking of making one with the pi but was scared because i am a linux noob. This is awesome, thanks
would it be possible to put spotify on the arcade?
Awesome project, however, I have a question, hur do you get it to read from the USB memory? I cant get it to read from it when I try myself.
upphgm It SHOULD do it by itself. You have to put the card in, start the Pi. It will created the folder structure that it expects for the emulators. Then you can add your roms to that structure (on another computer) and plug the card back in. It should sure that structure now.
Great!
I'll try that! This project was just in my taste, so I just had to do it myself.
Now I just need to convince my wife that an arcade machine will look great in the living room! ;)
For those who don't have the space or interest in building a full cabinet, a smaller unit like this is fantastic. I think they call this a "supergun". I'll be watching your cabinet build closely as I've been talking about building one for years.
Do you know how many Raspberry Pi videos I have had to watch now because of yours?!? Very cool, and yet again I have another entry onto my ever-expanding list of builds.
Awesome! :)
I watched this video a couple weeks ago, and since then I have been hooked on creating my own. I am opting for a table top design for two players. Just purchased the 1/2 inch MDF, Spax screws and a crap ton of clamps this past weekend. Now I'm stuck in the world of researching joysticks and buttons...
Did you complete it?
Any update? Did you build one?
I was waiting for that last sequence the whole time!! Nice!
@Xzavier Uriah wow bots my fav
I can't believe it's been a full year since I first commented, but I'm finally doing it, I just ordered the arcade stick and buttons (Newegg had a deal, joystick + board + 8 buttons + all the cables for 20$), thanks for inspiring me for so long!
Making it look easy Bob! I really want to do this. I own 3,267 NES cartridges by the way...
Holy Cow. I didn't know they had that many games for NES. LOL
I wish I still had my NES still own all the other Nintendo console that I bought though.
Your NES collection piqued my interest, so I checked out your channel. Subbed! Can never have too many awesome woodworking channels :) Thanks for the content and comment man. I would've probably never have found you otherwise ;)
there are only 713 official nes games and 113 unofficial nes games you must have a lot of doubles
jose contreras Maybe they are copies from different regions?
I have seen that some people are having trouble with this, you just have to watch over and over and over, untill you understand it. That's what helped me. (Also great video!)
Wow, you're videos are amazing! Great editing style, good flow, good music. Keep it up you're going to be a million sub channel.
Barnacules Nerdgasm Oh geez.. I don't know about that, but I certainly appreciate it!! Thanks Jerry!
Predictions on point
your* videos are amazing!
Little did he know...
Aged well ;-)
Hi Bob,
Me and my friend (10 and 11 years old) have started building our own arcade machine! We have already made the cabinet and got the connectors ready we just need the Joysticks, Pi and the buttons!
Thank you so much for this tutorial! It will help me gain a good reputation among my town.
You sound badass!
JustJustin27 xD Thanks!
"You can find it." haha!
Awesome video. I can't wait to do this. My rpi is just collecting dust.
***** do it!! It's a blast to play
This is ridiculously amazing. Seriously, imagine even the idea of something like this 10 years ago.
wow that this is killer
You should make one jimmy
Awesome man! Just talked to my gal about making a coffee table arcade cabinet for the living room! Huge help! Thanks for posting all your videos. They're fun and creative. And I love the step by steps.
rylch44 Awesome! That'll be awesome!
Nice work as always, Bob. I think it helps to show the "imperfect prototype" stage, as the final, perfected build can make projects seem more intimidating to some. Fun to see a shot of Dr Mario, too... my wife and I play a lot of emulated Dr. Mario in our house :-)
Ben Brandt Oh man.. Dr. Mario is my game... :) Thanks!
Just got my first raspberry pi and I'm pumped to make something cool like this with it.
This is super cool, I would love to try this!
Thank you! This video encouraged me to finally build my own arcade cabinet, which I have always wanted. And now I have one!
Wow, that's super awesome. I didn't know about this Raspberry Pi thing. You 're video is an awesome opportunity for me to search some new stuff on electronics!
I pretend to know what you're doing while really I just sit there in awe! You're unbelievable!
Bob! You have to make the full sized cabinet! It will be AMAZING!
+Cody Chamberlain It's coming! Don't worry
+I Like To Make Stuff Awesome thanks man! You need a sick I like to make stuff marquee. lol
***** Like I said, don't worry ;) It's gonna be sweet
+I Like To Make Stuff HaHa ok your awesome man love what you do and thanks for the replies I got so excited when I seen you replied! Anyways Im off to see starwars! lol
***** Thanks!! Enjoy it (It's REALLY good)
You know, in Brasil, nowadays, good stuff are denied for us, but I like the possibilities of "One Day..."
Thanks a lot for the simple and amazing video!
Coming to Brasil, coffee is on me!
Software engineer for Dell, using a Mac... I like you, Bob.
That looks like so much fun. I need to heat the garage, or expand into the basement. Damn this winter weather!!
There is a "zero delay" usb encoder you can find on eBay if you want a bit less wiring to worry about. They sell a kit with 10 buttons, wires, PCB and joystick.
+PixelOutlaw Can u put a link? :)
I can't post a valid auction link because the link will go bad after the auction ends. Instead type
zero delay encoder 10 buttons
into eBay with no quotes. Look around you'll find a few kits for $25 - $40.
+PixelOutlaw Okey thanks (y) :)
those zero delay are crap, spend a little extra and get sanwa or you'll regret it
+Taylor Robins
The actual encoder itself is good.
The joystick has a big deadzone and a lot of throw with a square gate.
Not ideal for shmups, passable for fighting games.
Buttons are just fine though.
It is OK as an entry level set. You can upgrade the stick later to seimitsu or sanwa.
I don't actually build the things you make tutorial of, actually I don't build things at all, but regardless, your videos are really interesting and awesome :D I feel like even if I do start building, the tutorials seems really clear and accurate step-by-step. Keep up the good work :D
"So it really is that simple" and I'm over here like bruh
Dude, you just make custom buttons in Illustrator and use a silhouette portrait vinyl cutter. Don't worry, you don't even need to know how to program so it's simple. /s
@@toothboto1719 nobodys stopping u from drawing them on with a sharpie if ur that cheap
@isaiah I was inferring that he is exaggerating how simple it is, not expensive.
I have been waiting for this video for a while now!!! I can't wait to see your final cabinet. This already is enough for me to get excited about trying out. I received a Raspberry Pi a while back and have been waiting for a project like this to come along. Great work!!! Thanks for sharing.
Damn I don't know how to strip wires or crimp on ends!!! I just know how to solder and program!
You can't have level 2 without going through level 1
WARP PIPE B*TCH!
Same
I've never commented on a video before, but I loved this. Even though I don't really have an interest in making one of these, you made it look so simple and fun. My next/second ever build will hopefully be based on your pallet headboard. Love your videos.
Thanks so much! That's great to hear! Best of luck on the headboard Nathaniel!
very cool, I didn't even know about this!
Yay! We finally get to see your creation. You make it look so easy Bob. Love the video and the explanation, even though this isn't really in my skill set I reckon I could have a go after watching this. Thanks Bob!
MrGmach75 You can do it!!
Thanks for the encouragement, this is why I love the Maker & Woodworking communities. You know what, I'm gonna do some research and have a serious look at it. Thanks again Bob, love your work!
thank you, i have a question since you didnt said where to get the roms and i want to know is if i can run any rom that i found on internet ( i wont say a web page but i know 3 that are the best and anyone with an emulator on the phone nows them), i really want to make an arcade gabinet that its funtional and also to save my game consoles in the bottom part i think it could be amaizing,and actually how im very new to the pi and want to ask you if you know if theres something like the thing to put wifi to the pi but with bluetooth because ill love to make wireless controllers and use the ones that i allready own.
+sakurito55 You can use a bluetooth dongle and hook up a wireless ps3 / ps4 pad :)
Awesome, I built an arcade machine back in 2002. If only the Raspberry PI was around then i'd have saved about £300. Watching this video has brought back some fond memories. Its a shame I built the cabinet to big and it had to be dismantled and thrown away when I was divorced. I might have to do it again. :)
Anyone noticed the Konami code at the end ?
6:15
Has this changed at all over the past 3 years? This is pretty awesome.
This is exactly something I want to do, but with a CRT monitor instead of an LCD for extra retro feel
HDMI to analogue converter/adaptor
The raspberry pi 3 has an auxiliary video output that can be used for RCA (red/white/yellow). You'll need to configure the Pi to use the right video mode.
pendelum5 there you go
I was thinking of getting a raspberry pi to mess around with, so this video is very timely for me. Would appreciate more raspberry pi content :)
king shutterbug Good to hear it! I'll see what I can do :)
dat konami code at the end
remi zik :)
I Like To Make Stuff i'm a big fan of your work. I'm at this time working on a truebypass programmable looper for guitar, based on an Arduino. I'm sure you would love it ;)
remi zik Thanks! and whoa.. that sounds awesome!! Please share it when you finish it!
I Like To Make Stuff it's a clone of that kind of stuff : goo.gl/eAvfWM :) I'll share it with you then when i'm done, thanks for your interest ! Cheers
I just made a full size arcade cabinet with a raspberry pi in it. I recommend following this video for the most part and stick with a raspberry pi, setting up mame and a front end on pc is unnecessary expecially with how cheap pi's and a decent size SD card is.
Awesome video as always
up up down down left right left right b a start!
You beat me to it lol
Or Select Start to include a buddy! :)
👆👆👇👇👈👉👈👉B A B A select start ....no? I played it when it was new😊
I meant WHAT??????
Nice work mate. very easy first setup for someone who wants to give it a go. I myself am making a standup arcade with an old PC i had. But i do need to program a lot of stuff for this all to work. Keep up the awesome work. love seeing watching you videos.
Is there a simple way to configure the second (player 2) joystick and buttons in emulationstation? I haven't been able to find any resources besides linux programming. Every time I try to do the linux tutorials my eyes glaze over and I want to start drinking heavily.
+Kelly Weeks Use the application from ultimarc, to configure the ipac, or read the currently set key codes.
On the Pi, you need to edit the retroarch.cfg file and copy the controls for player 1, change the names to player 2 and add in the correct key codes.
+I Like To Make Stuff I have a raspberry pie 2 B how do i use a micro usb to boot it up
+I Like To Make Stuff Thanks! I'll check it out. Love the video btw. I have my arcade setup in the living room. The kids love it!
+I Like To Make Stuff I have USB controller interface 2player MAME Multicade Encoder. Will the app from ultimarc work for that as well?
Kelly Weeks I don't believe so, I think it is just for their products.
That was Awesome! Very cool Bob. Also really like both your podcasts and thank you for turning me into RadioLab
How much does it (w/ LED Buttons and Joy-Stick) cost?
K, thanks
actually if you look it up now on ebay, you have a full 2 play 8 buttons, 2 player, 2 coin with a usb board (similar to the ipac) for 50$ us
thanks for this. I've been overwhelmed by this in the past. looks super simple now!
What happened to the cabinet build?
This is awesome, Bob! Love the no-programming-required! I was curious/turned-off by the programming I assumed this would need, but I'm super stoked that's not true!! Going to have to make one now! And we do actually still have a lot of cartridges left over from the good old days, haha!
what the hell with your buttons layout.... ._.
ikr,how the fuck would anyone play 3rd strike with that kinda layout?
He said its just a prototype until he make his cabinet
Dixinormus it doesnt matter, that is worng in so many ways
You spelled wrong, wrong. THE IRONY IS KILLING ME
it was just a shitty example the one he actually made was set up properly
Great project! Can't wait to see the full size arcade!
Wow, all these little kids asking where to get the games lol...
ArcadeGames i
Most people would make this into a 30 minute video, thanks for doing it right.
Worst button layout I've ever seen.
This
Fantastic video!! Great job breaking down a seemingly complicated project into simple steps. Well done & thanks for all you in the Maker community.
"it's THAT simple"
dude. no.
hey man.. I really thank you for all the ideas that you bring to the people. Actually this is now my favorite channel in youtube. well done!!
Looking good Bob! Can't wait to see the final project in action.
Would love to see more videos Bob! You have inspired me to begin woodwork!
That is pretty cool. I'm so gonna do a project like this later on so I can play all the arcade classic games at home.
Wowwww simplemente wow!!!!!!!!!!!! es increíble lo que puede hacer esta pequeña computadora. Tu trabajo es sencillamente genial man!!!!! el precio de este producto es económico, no ocupa mucho espacio como la mayoría de los ordenadores y es veloz. Lo que yo realmente necesito. Lo conectaré a mi Tv de 32" y luego al 42" ^ ^ gracias por aportar esta idea maravillosa. Quería hacer una arcade pero algo que no ocupe mucho espacio y esto es lo mejor que me pudo pasar. Gracias y saludos!
Whoa you really made it look easy. Now I'm itching to try and build an arcade cabinet myself.
Mame has come so far since I built my first arcade. I still have a usb control panel I built 12-14 years ago; and a box full of arcade parts. This makes me want to have one again.
I ordered all of my pieces. Excited to start this project.
How much did they cost?
Captain Cody ENT. not counting the wood to make the frame, it was a little under $200. I also purchased a raspberry pi 2 kit instead of getting the raspberry pi 1 which is less expensive. Instead of buying wood i also purchased a table from a thrift store, and my grandpa and i are just building onto that frame to make the arcade table. Also the arcade button link that they supply ships from China, so if you do try this project out, know that it'll take a little while for the buttons to get to you if you live in the US. Hopes this helps and Good Luck if you start this project :)
Glenn Losoya Thanks m8 I live in australia which isn't as bad but ill probably get them from a local supplier on ebay. Thnx anyway
Glenn Losoya Where did you find all the games and put them in the sd card?
Glenn Losoya And how is the final project ? im savin my money too make one aswell
We need this cabinet build so bad it would be great!
Your projects are awesome. What a great way to make a project that's fun for ME and the kids! Now I have to find Mario bros...
Het, Bob. Just watched this with my boys. They want to keep up with the rest of it. Thanks for great inspiration!
Absolutely love this video. I've been meaning to build a cabinet for a while now. I'm actually going to wait until you do yours before I start mine just to see what you come up with. No pressure, heh
This is so good.. This is the first step on a super advanced awesome project.
Outstanding - I Thought about doing this a couple of years ago and it was now here near this easy. Now I'm thinking about it again.
Just discovered your channel and I need to tell you that I really enjoy it...keep up the great work!!
Keep going dude. See'll you for the next step. Back to the awesome arcade games world
Damn Bob, you are making all the projects that I like and plan to do in the future. You are awesome and I appreciate all the work that you do to put out all of these wonderful videos. (p.s. sorry for any mistakes I'm from Romania) :)
Robert Stanca Thank you!! I really appreciate that!
Oh man very cool stuff thanks for explaining the basics behind an arcade board wiring its not as bad as I thought now but it sure is a web of wires.
Retropie looks lovely. Admittedly I have been focussing too much on Ignition OS (because I backed it on KS), but this looks like a solid alternative.
Watching your video a second time I understand the wiring. Man you are good at your video's. :)
Absolutely the coolest thing I've seen a long time. Thank you!
My mom owns a Ms. Pac Man that isn't functioning anymore. Looking to use the existing cabinet and retrofit with the Raspberry Pi! Thanks for the confidence!
I was just about to make a full size arcade game. I'll have to wait and see what you have to say for tips.
Such a awesome build and video Bob this would be great for the kids I want 1 great video and thanks for sharing it you do great work
Steven Yungandreas Thanks! Yeah, I'm really excited to have the arcade cabinet in the living room for the kids (as long as I can manage time with it... but I've got plans for that :)
You made something complicated look very simple, great vid.
Where did you bought the "Ipac controller'?
I'm totally going to do this! Awesome work!
Great video! I am a COMPLETE newbie to Rasp Pi. As soon as I get some learning basics down with the Pi I just bought, I would like to build this project just as you have done here. Can you please let me know where the next you tube videos are re this project so I can see how you built the full size cabinet - thanks
"And it really is that simple" haha........ Very cool, Bob! Love it.
Great video, brother. Clean explanation. Six button vertical layout? Unique.
Awesome! I can't wait till my garage is finished. I'd love to do a project like this!
Made one of these using a pc a while back. It's been my plan to convert it to a PI and make a cabinet for it. You might have spurred me on.
Keith Peters Great!
slick video, Bob. Looking forward to the more refined front console layout!
You explain things really well. Great job scripting your videos.
...art
wordsnwood Thanks Art! I wishI had time to script them.. it's all off the cuff.
I Like To Make Stuff Some things I can do off the cuff, but other times "off the cuff" leads to "take 4, take 7, take... argh I just can't get the words strung together in the right order! " :-) That's when I think that making videos like Jimmy DiResta is the way to go...
wordsnwood Oh yeah, "off the cuff" doesn't mean first try :) Just not pre-planned.
Matthias Wandel Good point. Let's just say then that I recognize that I need to practise more... :-)
Awe!!!!! This would cause me to spend hours on end trying to master the old Atari games. Great video !
really want to make an arcade cabinet, but I'm such a noon when it comes to programming and soldering. I can build though. thank you for the video
I just got a raspberry pi! Thanks for the tutorial!
You've probably already been asked this question but have you considered making a hyperspin arcade tutorial? Love your work! Keep it up!
thank you so much I could not find any other tutorial without soldering
Wow! That is really awesome! Great video!
Outstanding!! Well done Bob.