This is where the innocent-looking shopping list can start to multiply.
In addition to the case, display, and computer, you may need monitor mounting hardware, a microSD or SSD card, an amplifier and speakers, a power strip, cables, cooling fans, and a way to open the case later without destroying half your work. Artwork, lighted marquees, T-moldings and coin doors can be installed once the machine has become a machine.
Game Room Solutions products show how quickly even a small build can add up. The base bartop cabinet is on sale for $129.99, and a two-player joystick, button, wiring, and USB encoder assembly costs $44.99. Its speaker and amplifier bundle adds another $29.99. Add in a $65 2GB Raspberry Pi 5 and you’re looking at around $270 without a screen, storage, Pi power supply, cables or decorative parts.
Reusing hardware significantly changes the calculations. An old monitor and PC can eliminate two major purchases, and a DIY case can beat a CNC cut kit. However, if you start buying all parts new, a full-size custom cabinet can exceed $1,000 without being particularly extravagant.
So, is it cheaper to build an arcade machine than to buy one? Sometimes. The best financial option is being able to use reusable hardware or build the case yourself, and the most reliable benefit is control over the screen, games, controls, and hardware inside.
There is another factor to consider with ROMs. MAME directs users to licensed software, ROM games released for free, non-commercial use, or data they dump themselves from arcade PCBs they own.
Arcade1Up currently lists its Pac-Man Deluxe for $499.99.
