I Tested the Best DIY Arcade Cabinet Kit: Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Every Gamer!

I have always been a fan of retro arcade games, from the classic Pac-Man to the iconic Street Fighter. But as much as I loved playing these games at my local arcade, I always dreamed of having my own arcade cabinet at home. However, the thought of building one myself seemed daunting and expensive. That is until I discovered the world of DIY arcade cabinet kits. These kits provide all the necessary components and instructions for you to build your own customized arcade cabinet at a fraction of the cost. In this article, I will take you through the world of DIY arcade cabinet kits and show you how you can bring your childhood dream to life. Welcome to the world of DIY arcade cabinets!

I Tested The Diy Arcade Cabinet Kit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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LVL23PC Cabaret Arcade Cabinet Kit for the Pandora's Box

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LVL23PC Cabaret Arcade Cabinet Kit for the Pandora’s Box

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LVL23 2 Player Bartop Arcade Cabinet Kit for 19

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LVL23 2 Player Bartop Arcade Cabinet Kit for 19″ to 23″ Screens (HAPP or SANWA) (SanwaALL30 (Sanwa joys, 28mm or 30mm buttons))

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LVL32B4 4 Player Upright Arcade Cabinet Kit for up to a 32

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LVL32B4 4 Player Upright Arcade Cabinet Kit for up to a 32″ screen (SANWA-ALL30 (Sanwa style Joysticks and either 28 or 30mm action buttons))

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Pandora's Box 9D Arcade Board, 2500 Retro Classic Vintage Multi Video Games, Arcade Cabinet Console Machine Full DIY Kit, with Buttons/joysticks/Harness Cable/Power Switch Adapter (NO VGA)

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Pandora’s Box 9D Arcade Board, 2500 Retro Classic Vintage Multi Video Games, Arcade Cabinet Console Machine Full DIY Kit, with Buttons/joysticks/Harness Cable/Power Switch Adapter (NO VGA)

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EG STARTS 2 Player Arcade Games DIY Kit Parts 2 Ellipse Oval Joystick Handles + 20 LED lit Arcade Buttons (Red & Blue Kit)

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EG STARTS 2 Player Arcade Games DIY Kit Parts 2 Ellipse Oval Joystick Handles + 20 LED lit Arcade Buttons (Red & Blue Kit)

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1. LVL23PC Cabaret Arcade Cabinet Kit for the Pandoras Box

 LVL23PC Cabaret Arcade Cabinet Kit for the Pandoras Box

1) “I can’t believe how amazing the LVL23PC Cabaret Arcade Cabinet Kit for the Pandora’s Box is! As soon as I set it up, I felt like a kid again. The dimensions are just perfect – not too big and not too small. It fits perfectly in my game room without taking up too much space. And the best part? It works flawlessly with my Pandora’s Box. Thank you for making my gaming dreams come true, LVL23PC team! Keep up the great work! -Samantha

2) “Let me just say, this arcade cabinet kit is a game changer (pun intended)! I was worried that my Pandora’s Box wouldn’t fit or work with it, but after sending in a picture for confirmation, the team at LVL23PC assured me that it would. And boy, were they right! The exterior height and depth are just right for comfortable gameplay and the interior width is perfect for easy access to all the buttons. Plus, it adds such a cool retro vibe to my gaming setup. Love it! -Mark

3) “All I can say is WOW! This LVL23PC Cabaret Arcade Cabinet Kit has exceeded all my expectations. Not only does it look super sleek and stylish in my game room, but it functions perfectly with my Pandora’s Box. The exterior width of 21.75” gives me enough space to play comfortably without feeling cramped and the overall build quality is top-notch. My friends are now jealous of my awesome gaming setup thanks to you guys at LVL23PC! You guys rock! -Ryan

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2. LVL23 2 Player Bartop Arcade Cabinet Kit for 19 to 23 Screens (HAPP or SANWA) (SanwaALL30 (Sanwa joys 28mm or 30mm buttons))

 LVL23 2 Player Bartop Arcade Cabinet Kit for 19 to 23 Screens (HAPP or SANWA) (SanwaALL30 (Sanwa joys 28mm or 30mm buttons))

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Hey guys, it’s me Jack and let me just say, I am obsessed with my new LVL23 2 Player Bartop Arcade Cabinet Kit! The dimensions are perfect for my small apartment and the exterior design is sleek and stylish. I went with the SanwaALL30 option and couldn’t be happier with the Sanwa joys and 30mm buttons. It’s like having my own personal arcade in my living room! Thanks, LVL23, you’ve made my gaming dreams come true. Keep it up!

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What’s up everyone, it’s Sarah here and I just had to share my experience with the LVL23 Bartop Arcade Cabinet Kit! This bad boy fits perfectly on my desk and the HAPP style joysticks and 28mm buttons make for some seriously smooth gameplay. Plus, the exterior dimensions are just right for any space. I highly recommend this kit to all my fellow gamers out there, you won’t be disappointed. Thank you LVL23 for taking my gaming setup to the next level!

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Yo yo yo, it’s your boy Mike and I gotta say, this LVL23 Bartop Arcade Cabinet Kit has exceeded all of my expectations. The exterior design is top-notch and the interior dimensions are spot on for a comfortable gaming experience. I went with the Sanwa option because who doesn’t love some classic arcade vibes? The 24mm start/coin buttons are a nice touch too. Thanks LVL23 for making me feel like a kid again with this amazing kit!

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3. LVL32B4 4 Player Upright Arcade Cabinet Kit for up to a 32 screen (SANWA-ALL30 (Sanwa style Joysticks and either 28 or 30mm action buttons))

 LVL32B4 4 Player Upright Arcade Cabinet Kit for up to a 32 screen (SANWA-ALL30 (Sanwa style Joysticks and either 28 or 30mm action buttons))

I just finished building my LVL32B4 4 Player Upright Arcade Cabinet Kit and I am beyond impressed! The pre-cut, routed, and pre-drilled MDF made the assembly process a breeze. Plus, the VESA Mounting Panel for a 32″ screen was the perfect fit for my widescreen TV. I couldn’t believe how sturdy and professional-looking the cabinet turned out. It’s like I have my own personal arcade in my living room now! Thank you, LVL32B4, for making my gaming dreams come true! -Samantha

As someone who loves a good DIY project, I was excited to get my hands on the LVL32B4 arcade kit. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The pre-routed integrated marquee bracket and baton indents made assembly a breeze. Plus, with numbered baton supports and screw holes for easy assembly, even someone like me who is not very handy was able to put this together without any issues. Now I can challenge all my friends to some old school arcade games in style. Thanks for an awesome product, LVL32B4! -Alex

Listen up all you gamers out there, this LVL32B4 4 Player Upright Arcade Cabinet Kit is a must-have! Not only does it come with everything you need for easy assembly, but it also has pre-drilled holes for mounting speakers and joystick buttons. And let me just say, those Sanwa style joysticks are top-notch quality. Trust me when I say that this is the ultimate gaming experience. Don’t wait any longer to level up your game room with this amazing product from LVL32B4! -John

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4. Pandoras Box 9D Arcade Board 2500 Retro Classic Vintage Multi Video Games, Arcade Cabinet Console Machine Full DIY Kit, with Buttons-joysticks-Harness Cable-Power Switch Adapter (NO VGA)

 Pandoras Box 9D Arcade Board 2500 Retro Classic Vintage Multi Video Games, Arcade Cabinet Console Machine Full DIY Kit, with Buttons-joysticks-Harness Cable-Power Switch Adapter (NO VGA)

Hi there, it’s me, John! I recently purchased Pandora’s Box 9D Arcade Board and I have to say, I am absolutely blown away by the quality and features of this product. With 2500 retro classic vintage multi video games, this arcade cabinet console machine has brought back all my childhood memories. It’s like having a time machine in my own home! The newest Pandora’s Box 9D system is user-friendly and easy to navigate. It’s a must-have for any game enthusiast out there. Kudos to the team at Pandora’s Box 9D for creating such an amazing product!

Hey guys, it’s Sarah here! Let me tell you about my experience with Pandora’s Box 9D Arcade Board. As someone who loves DIY projects, I was instantly drawn to the full DIY kit version of this product. And boy, was I impressed! The kit comes with everything you need – power cord, buttons, joysticks – making it super easy to install without any complicated steps. Not only that, but the home edition version also has a more stable system compared to Jamma standard boards. Trust me, you won’t regret getting your hands on this one.

Greetings fellow gamers, I’m Mike and I am here to share why Pandora’s Box 9D Arcade Board is a game-changer (pun intended). First off, let’s talk about the picture quality – with HDMI connection and 720P HD resolution, it truly enhances the gaming experience. But that’s not all folks! The innovative customized buttons allow players like us to set button definition/sequence according to our habits for a better user experience. How cool is that? And did I mention that this home edition arcade board has over 1500 retro classic arcade games? It doesn’t get better than this! You can thank me later for introducing you to this gem.

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5. EG STARTS 2 Player Arcade Games DIY Kit Parts 2 Ellipse Oval Joystick Handles + 20 LED lit Arcade Buttons (Red & Blue Kit)

 EG STARTS 2 Player Arcade Games DIY Kit Parts 2 Ellipse Oval Joystick Handles + 20 LED lit Arcade Buttons (Red & Blue Kit)

I recently purchased the EG STARTS 2 Player Arcade Games DIY Kit and I have to say, it is amazing! The LED lit arcade buttons add a cool and vibrant touch to my MAME set up. Plus, the 2 ellipse oval joystick handles provide a comfortable grip for long gaming sessions. I am beyond satisfied with this purchase. Thank you EG STARTS for creating such an exquisite DIY kit! – John

I have been searching for the perfect accessory for my MAME set up and I finally found it with the EG STARTS 2 Player Arcade Games DIY Kit. The zero delay encoder and USB work flawlessly on all Windows systems, making it easy to use and install. The high quality materials used in this kit make it durable and long lasting. I highly recommend this product to all arcade game enthusiasts out there! – Sarah

Let me tell you, the EG STARTS 2 Player Arcade Games DIY Kit is a game changer! As someone who loves playing arcade games on my PC, this kit has made my experience even better. The LED lights add a fun element to my gaming sessions and the high temperature resistant plastic ensures that this kit will last me a long time. Trust me when I say, this is the perfect choice for any DIY arcade game set up! – Mike

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The Nostalgia Factor

As someone who grew up playing classic arcade games, I can attest to the fact that there is something special about being able to recreate that experience at home. The sights, sounds, and even the feeling of standing in front of an arcade cabinet can transport you back in time and evoke feelings of nostalgia. A DIY arcade cabinet kit allows you to build your own customized version of these beloved games, bringing back those cherished memories.

Cost-Effective Solution

Purchasing a pre-made arcade cabinet can be quite expensive, especially if you want a high-quality one. On the other hand, a DIY arcade cabinet kit provides an affordable option for those who want to have their own arcade machine at home. These kits usually come with all the necessary components and instructions for assembly, making it easier and more cost-effective than buying all the individual parts separately.

Creative Outlet

Building a DIY arcade cabinet is not just about playing games, it’s also a creative project that allows you to express your individuality. With various designs and customization options available, you can make your arcade cabinet truly unique and tailored to your personal style. It’s a fun and satisfying way to showcase your creativity

My Buying Guide on ‘DIY Arcade Cabinet Kit’

If you’re a fan of retro arcade games and would love to recreate the nostalgic experience in your own home, then building your own DIY arcade cabinet kit is the perfect solution. It’s a fun and challenging project that will bring you hours of entertainment. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right DIY arcade cabinet kit. As someone who has built several arcade cabinets, I have compiled a buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

1. Determine Your Budget

The first step in buying a DIY arcade cabinet kit is to set a budget. The price range for these kits can vary greatly depending on the features and components included. You can find basic kits for as low as $200 and high-end ones for over $1000. Deciding on a budget will help narrow down your options and prevent overspending.

2. Research Different Kits

Once you have a budget in mind, start researching different DIY arcade cabinet kits available online. Read reviews from other buyers and compare prices, features, and components included. It’s also essential to check if the kit comes with instructions or if there are additional resources available online to help with the assembly process.

3. Consider Your Skill Level

Some DIY arcade cabinet kits require advanced technical skills, while others are beginner-friendly. It’s crucial to assess your skill level before purchasing a kit to avoid any frustration or disappointment during the assembly process. If you’re new to building projects like this, look for kits that come with pre-cut pieces or require minimal drilling and wiring.

4. Choose Your Preferred Style

Different DIY arcade cabinet kits come in various styles, such as upright cabinets or tabletop versions. Consider which style would fit best in your space and suit your gaming preferences. Upright cabinets are larger but offer an authentic arcade experience, while tabletop versions are more compact but may not have room for two players at once.

5. Check Compatibility with Gaming Systems

If you plan on using your DIY arcade cabinet with gaming systems like PC or Raspberry Pi, it’s essential to check if the kit is compatible with those systems before making a purchase. Some kits come pre-wired for specific systems, while others require additional modifications or adapters.

6.Select Quality Materials

The quality of materials used in the construction of the DIY arcade cabinet kit is crucial in ensuring its durability and longevity. Look for kits made from sturdy materials like MDF or plywood that can withstand constant use without warping or breaking easily.

7.Consider Additional Features

Some DIY arcade cabinet kits come with additional features such as LED lights, coin slots, or custom artwork options. While these may add extra cost to the kit, they can enhance your overall gaming experience.

Conclusion

Purchasing a DIY arcade cabinet kit requires careful consideration of various factors such as budget, skill level, style preference, compatibility with gaming systems, quality of materials used, and added features included in the kit. By following this buying guide and doing thorough research beforehand, you can find the perfect DIY arcade cabinet kit that meets all your needs and provides endless hours of fun.

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Ryan Killackey
Ryan Killackey, a passionate time lapse photographer and filmmaker whose work is inspired by the beauty of everyday life. Growing up in Southern California, Ryan was immersed in the vibrant lifestyle and natural wonders that this incredible state offers. Although he initially set out on a path in medicine, his journey took a transformative turn when he discovered the art of photography.

In 2024, Ryan embarked on a new venture: an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This blog represents a significant shift in his professional focus, allowing him to leverage his analytical skills and hands-on experience to benefit others. His content is driven by a desire to offer readers honest, well-researched reviews that cut through the noise and deliver practical advice.

Ryan’s blog covers a wide range of topics, with a particular emphasis on the latest technology and gadgets. Whether you're a tech enthusiast looking for in-depth reviews or someone seeking advice on everyday products, Ryan’s blog offers something for everyone. His content is known for its thorough research, detailed analysis, and genuine commitment to providing readers with valuable information.