Arcade Revival Custom Emulator Starter Kit - Load Your Own Games

Our Starter Kits are available in three options: Essential, Complete and Ultimate. Each kit includes the core components needed to build your own arcade machine, with higher tiers adding more features, convenience and customisation. The Essential Kit includes the core electronics and controls, the Complete Kit adds popular upgrades and finishing components, and the Ultimate Kit includes everything in the Complete Kit plus a Full Wrap Kit and additional extras for the most complete build experience.

After you purchase a Starter Kit, you'll automatically receive an email with a Preferences Form specific to your chosen kit.

Here, you can select your preferred button styles and colours, joystick tops, T-moulding colours and more, depending on your kit.

We'll then personally assemble and dispatch your Starter Kit according to your selections!

IMPORTANT: Please check your junk/spam folder if you don't see the email in your inbox.

Absolutely! Every Starter Kit includes our comprehensive 134-page Digital Build Guide, featuring step-by-step instructions, detailed cabinet plans (Metric & Imperial), printable templates, materials lists, wiring diagrams and instructional video tutorials to guide you through your entire build.

You'll also receive instant digital access and FREE lifetime updates, so you'll always have the latest version!

Yes, you'll just need to source your own MDF timber, a 24-inch monitor and some basic tools to build your arcade cabinet.

Depending on which Starter Kit you choose, you may also want to add your own finishing touches, such as paint or one of our Full Cabinet Wrap Kits.

We've made the process simple with detailed shopping lists with links, cabinet plans and step-by-step instructions included in your Digital Build Guide!

Yes! Our Starter Kits are designed for beginners and first-time builders, with no previous arcade-building or electronics experience required.

We've taken the guesswork out of sourcing compatible components, and every kit includes our comprehensive 134-page Digital Build Guide, complete with step-by-step instructions, wiring diagrams and video tutorials to guide you through the entire process.

With a few basic tools, some patience and a little DIY enthusiasm, you can build your own arcade machine! 🕹️

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 🕹️

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 🕹️

You'll only need a handful of common DIY tools:

✔️ Drill
✔️ Jigsaw or circular saw
✔️ Router (for T-moulding)
✔️ Sander
✔️ Tape measure & clamps

Don't have every tool? No problem! Many builders borrow or hire what they need.

Our Build Guide explains which tools are required, how they're used and where to source them, so you can plan your build with confidence.

Easier than you might think!

Our Starter Kits include clear, visual wiring diagrams showing exactly how to connect your arcade controls, with no previous arcade electronics experience required.

We've also created step-by-step video tutorials for both Classic HAPP and LED button setups, so you can follow along and wire your controls with confidence.

Watch our Control Panel Wiring Tutorials below.

Classic HAPP Button Wiring | Step-by-Step Tutorial

LED Button Wiring | Step-by-Step Tutorial

We strongly recommend a 24-inch monitor for our 2-player upright arcade cabinet design. Bigger isn't always better!

Our entire build system has been carefully designed around this size for several important reasons:

• Optimal arcade ergonomics: A comfortable viewing distance while maintaining the authentic proportions and feel of a classic arcade machine.
• Cabinet dimensions: Our plans are specifically designed around a 24-inch monitor, ensuring everything fits together as intended.
• Artwork compatibility: Our Full Cabinet Wrap Kits and screen surrounds are designed to suit these exact cabinet measurements.
• Affordable & accessible: 24-inch monitors are widely available, relatively inexpensive and easy to source, even second-hand!

Thinking of going bigger? Keep in mind that a larger monitor may require significant changes to the cabinet's internal width and overall construction, which can also affect the fitment of our artwork and templates.

For the easiest build and best results, we recommend sticking with our tried-and-tested 24-inch design.

Absolutely! Our Build Guide is designed around using a modern LCD monitor, which we recommend for its affordability, reliability, lighter weight, sharp picture and ease of installation.

Prefer that authentic old-school CRT experience? That's possible too, although it requires additional planning, modifications and specialist knowledge.

For most builders, we recommend sticking with a 24-inch LCD monitor for the best balance of classic arcade proportions, practicality and ease of construction.

Yes, it's possible. We've had customers successfully use our Starter Kits to restore, upgrade and retrofit older arcade cabinets.

However, our entire build system, including our Build Guide, Starter Kits, components and Wrap Kits, has been carefully designed to work together for maximum compatibility and ease of installation.

Please note: As existing arcade cabinets vary significantly in design, dimensions, wiring and electronics, we cannot guarantee compatibility or provide technical support for custom retrofits and third-party cabinet conversions.

For the easiest building experience and best results, we recommend following our original Arcade Revival cabinet plans.

The great thing about building your own arcade cabinet is that you control the budget!

You can build a fantastic, fully customised arcade machine for well under $1,000 AUD, including your Starter Kit, MDF, monitor and finishing materials. The final cost depends on your chosen kit, materials and optional upgrades.

Our Starter Kit comparisons above provides estimated total build costs to help you plan, and you can always add upgrades and customise your cabinet over time!

Best of all? You'll learn valuable skills along the way and end up with a one-of-a-kind arcade machine you built yourself, something you and your family can enjoy for years to come. Nothing beats that! 🕹️

Most customers tackle the project over a few weekends or spend a few hours each day working through the stages. There's no rush! Enjoy the process and build at your own pace!

Yes! We've seen so many fantastic father-and-son builds and entire families getting involved. Watching your arcade cabinet come to life together is an exciting and rewarding experience, creating memories that will last a lifetime!

The possibilities are almost endless! Our Emulator (BYO PC) Starter Kit allows you to play a huge variety of classic arcade and retro console games using your own PC and emulation software such as Batocera, LaunchBox or MAME.

Unlike our Pre-loaded system, you're free to build and customise your own games library, with the games and systems you can run depending on your PC hardware and chosen software.

Want an easier way to get started? We also offer a Batocera Boot Drive USB, preconfigured with Batocera and a small selection of games, including DOOM Shareware. Simply boot from the USB and add your own legally obtained games to the appropriate folders! - Learn more about our Batocera Boot Drive USB

Both options are designed to bring your arcade to life, but offer different levels of convenience and customisation.

• Pre-loaded (Pandora): Our most beginner-friendly option, featuring approximately 9,800 pre-loaded classic games. It's a simple plug-and-play solution, perfect for getting your arcade up and running with minimal setup.
• Emulator (BYO PC): Ideal for those wanting greater flexibility, performance and customisation. Connect your own compatible PC and choose your preferred emulation software, games and settings. You're in control of your entire arcade experience!

The best part? You're not locked into either system! Our cabinet design allows you to upgrade or change your build system later as your skills and interests grow.

If you enjoy tinkering, customising your games library or want the freedom to expand your arcade's capabilities, the Emulator build system is a fantastic choice! 🕹️

Our Emulator (BYO PC) Starter Kit is compatible with a wide range of computers, including desktop PCs, mini PCs and Raspberry Pi systems, so you don't need an expensive gaming PC to get started!

A basic PC or Raspberry Pi can be great for playing classic arcade and retro games, while more demanding games and newer console systems may require more powerful hardware.

The choice is yours! Simply choose a compatible system that suits your budget, preferred games and emulation software.

Please note: The computer or Raspberry Pi is not included with the Emulator Starter Kit.

Yes! One of the biggest advantages of the Emulator (BYO PC) build system is the freedom to customise your entire arcade experience!

Popular emulation platforms such as Batocera, LaunchBox and MAME offer different interfaces, features and customisation options, allowing you to choose a setup that suits your preferences.

Depending on your chosen software, you can:

• Create your own games library with your favourite arcade and retro console titles.
• Customise the appearance of your arcade menu with themes, artwork and layouts.
• Organise and browse games by console, category or favourites.
• Configure controls and settings to suit your preferred games.
• Expand your collection and customise your setup over time.

And don't worry, it doesn't have to be complicated! Platforms like Batocera offer user-friendly interfaces, and our optional Batocera Boot Drive USB provides an easier starting point, allowing you to add your own games without installing an operating system from scratch.

Whether you prefer a simple, classic arcade menu or a fully customised gaming experience, the choice is yours! 🕹️

Yes! If you'd prefer an easier way to get started, our Batocera USB Boot Drive takes much of the guesswork out of setting up your own Emulator system!

The USB comes pre-flashed with Batocera, a user-friendly emulation operating system, along with a small selection of games, including DOOM Shareware, so you can explore the system straight away.

Simply connect the USB to a compatible PC, boot into Batocera and add your own legally obtained games by dragging and dropping them into the appropriate folders!

There's no need to install an operating system or configure everything from scratch, making it a great starting point for beginners who want the flexibility of an Emulator without the complicated setup.

Please note: Our Batocera USB Boot Drive is designed for compatible PCs and is not suitable for Raspberry Pi systems.

Learn more about our Batocera USB Boot Drive here.

Yes! One of the great advantages of our Emulator (BYO PC) build system is the flexibility to add additional controls, including USB trackballs, light guns and other compatible peripherals!

Trackballs: Our RGB USB Trackball features a direct USB connection, making it easy to connect and typically plug-and-play with most compatible Emulator systems! Enjoy classic trackball games with smooth, full 360-degree movement, with configuration or calibration depending on your chosen software.

You can learn more about our trackball on our RGB USB Trackball product page here.

Light Guns: We're currently developing light gun options for our Emulator build system! These are planned for a future release, although we don't have a confirmed availability date just yet.

Please note: Compatibility, calibration and setup will depend on your chosen PC hardware, emulation software and peripherals.

Our arcade cabinets are designed with future upgrades in mind, giving you the freedom to expand and customise your gaming experience over time!

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 🕹️