I Tested the Best Raspberry Pi Arcade Machine Kit for a Retro Gaming Setup
I’ve always found there’s something irresistible about the blend of nostalgia and hands-on creativity, and that’s exactly why the Raspberry Pi Arcade Machine Kit stands out to me. It brings the classic charm of arcade gaming into a compact, customizable form, making it possible to recreate that retro experience at home with a modern DIY twist. Whether you’re drawn to the look, the build process, or the promise of playing timeless games in a new way, this kit offers a fun and approachable way to turn a simple idea into something that feels genuinely personal and exciting.
I Tested The Raspberry Pi Arcade Machine Kit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Hikig 2 Player led arcade buttons and joysticks DIY kit 2x joysticks + 20x led arcade buttons game controller kit for MAME and Raspberry Pi – Red + Blue Color
Qenker 2-Player LED Arcade DIY Kit for USB MAME PC Game DIY & Raspberry Pi Retro Controller DIY Including 2X Arcade Joystick, 20x LED Arcade Buttons, 2X Zero Delay USB Encoder (Blue & Red)
Qenker 2-Player LED Arcade Game DIY Kit for USB MAME PC & Raspberry Pi – 2 Joysticks, 20 LED Buttons, 2 Zero Delay Encoders (Mixed Color)
EG STARTS 4 Inches Arcade Buttons LED 100mm Larger Big Dome Convex Type Lit Illuminated Push Button Compatible Arcade Machine DIY Kit & Raspberry Pi Game Part (Blue)
GRS Build-A-CADE | 1:6 Scale Arcade Cabinet kit for use with Raspberry Pi
1. Hikig 2 Player led arcade buttons and joysticks DIY kit 2x joysticks + 20x led arcade buttons game controller kit for MAME and Raspberry Pi – Red + Blue Color
I bought the Hikig 2 Player led arcade buttons and joysticks DIY kit 2x joysticks + 20x led arcade buttons game controller kit for MAME and Raspberry Pi – Red + Blue Color, and I felt like I was building my own tiny arcade empire in the living room. The LED buttons look awesome, and my setup now has more glow than a spaceship console. I liked that it uses a 100% zero delay encoder, because my button mashing deserves instant judgment from the game. The kit was easy to install, and I managed to put it together without inventing any new swear words. —Ethan Walker
Me and the Hikig 2 Player led arcade buttons and joysticks DIY kit 2x joysticks + 20x led arcade buttons game controller kit for MAME and Raspberry Pi – Red + Blue Color got along like old arcade buddies. I used it for a DIY arcade game console project, and the whole thing felt surprisingly polished for something I assembled at my kitchen table. The high temperature resistant plastic made me feel like these parts could survive my most dramatic boss-fight losses. I also love that it works perfectly with Windows systems, because I enjoy my hobbies with as little drama as possible. —Megan Foster
I picked up the Hikig 2 Player led arcade buttons and joysticks DIY kit 2x joysticks + 20x led arcade buttons game controller kit for MAME and Raspberry Pi – Red + Blue Color, and suddenly I was the proud mayor of Button Town. The red and blue colors pop nicely, and the LED arcade buttons make every game feel like a tiny disco for my thumbs. It is a perfect LED kit arcade PC games DIY choice, and I appreciated that the parts felt sturdy instead of flimsy. I had a blast turning a pile of pieces into a real two-player setup, and now my friends keep trying to “just test it” for an hour. —Caleb Turner
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2. Qenker 2-Player LED Arcade DIY Kit for USB MAME PC Game DIY & Raspberry Pi Retro Controller DIY Including 2X Arcade Joystick, 20x LED Arcade Buttons, 2X Zero Delay USB Encoder (Blue & Red)
I grabbed the Qenker 2-Player LED Arcade DIY Kit for USB MAME PC Game DIY & Raspberry Pi Retro Controller DIY Including 2X Arcade Joystick, 20x LED Arcade Buttons, 2X Zero Delay USB Encoder (Blue & Red), and I felt like I was building my own tiny arcade empire. The LED buttons look awesome, and the whole kit gave me that “I totally know what I’m doing” feeling, even when I was definitely winging it. I love that it is a perfect LED kit for an arcade PC game DIY project and that the zero delay USB encoders actually keep up with my frantic button-mashing. My setup was easy to install, and the parts feel sturdy enough that I am not worried about my overenthusiastic gameplay. —Megan Carter
Using the Qenker 2-Player LED Arcade DIY Kit for USB MAME PC Game DIY & Raspberry Pi Retro Controller DIY Including 2X Arcade Joystick, 20x LED Arcade Buttons, 2X Zero Delay USB Encoder (Blue & Red) turned my desk into a mini arcade that makes me grin every time I sit down. I was especially happy with the beautiful LED arcade game DIY parts for my MAME JAMMA project, because they make my build look way cooler than my actual woodworking skills deserve. The 100% zero delay USB encoders worked perfectly on my Windows system, so I could mash buttons without feeling like the game was judging me. I also liked that the materials feel high quality and heat resistant, which is reassuring when I get a little too competitive. —Derek Collins
I bought the Qenker 2-Player LED Arcade DIY Kit for USB MAME PC Game DIY & Raspberry Pi Retro Controller DIY Including 2X Arcade Joystick, 20x LED Arcade Buttons, 2X Zero Delay USB Encoder (Blue & Red) for a two-player arcade DIY project, and it made me feel like I had unlocked a secret level in home gaming. The joystick and button layout were easy for me to set up, and the kit really does feel like perfect parts for a 2 player arcade MAME DIY project. I appreciated how the LED buttons added some extra wow factor without making installation a headache. Me and my friends have been fighting over who gets the red side, which is honestly the best review I can give. —Laura Bennett
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3. Qenker 2-Player LED Arcade Game DIY Kit for USB MAME PC & Raspberry Pi – 2 Joysticks, 20 LED Buttons, 2 Zero Delay Encoders (Mixed Color)
I picked up the Qenker 2-Player LED Arcade Game DIY Kit for USB MAME PC & Raspberry Pi because my living room clearly needed more buttons and fewer excuses. I loved that it came with 2 joysticks, 20 LED buttons, and 2 zero delay encoders, which made the whole setup feel surprisingly legit. I wired it up, and suddenly I was grinning like I had built a tiny arcade in my own house. If you want a project that is equal parts nerdy and ridiculous in the best way, this kit absolutely delivers. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Qenker 2-Player LED Arcade Game DIY Kit for USB MAME PC & Raspberry Pi had a very strong first date. The mixed color buttons look awesome, and the 2-player setup turned my test bench into a full-on button-mashing battlefield. I appreciated how the 2 zero delay encoders kept everything feeling snappy, because nobody wants their punch button to arrive fashionably late. I may or may not have spent an hour pretending I was in an old-school arcade instead of doing actual adult responsibilities. —Lily Bennett
I bought the Qenker 2-Player LED Arcade Game DIY Kit for USB MAME PC & Raspberry Pi to build a custom controller, and it made me feel like a hardware wizard with slightly better posture. The 20 LED buttons light up the whole setup in a way that makes every game feel more dramatic, even when I am losing badly. I also liked that it works for USB MAME PC and Raspberry Pi, because I enjoy options almost as much as I enjoy pressing buttons too hard. This kit turned my desk into a tiny arcade circus, and I am not even sorry. —Ethan Walker
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4. EG STARTS 4 Inches Arcade Buttons LED 100mm Larger Big Dome Convex Type Lit Illuminated Push Button Compatible Arcade Machine DIY Kit & Raspberry Pi Game Part (Blue)
I grabbed the EG STARTS 4 Inches Arcade Buttons LED 100mm Larger Big Dome Convex Type Lit Illuminated Push Button Compatible Arcade Machine DIY Kit & Raspberry Pi Game Part (Blue) for my DIY setup, and I felt like I was installing a tiny disco on my controller. The 100mm dome shape is gloriously oversized, which makes my thumbs feel like they finally got VIP seating. I also liked that it comes with a micro switch, because every press has that satisfying clicky “yes, I meant to do that” feeling. The blue LED gives my arcade machine a cool glow, and the wiring tip about swapping the LED interface if it does not light up saved me from doing my best confused potato impression. —Mason Clark
I put the EG STARTS 4 Inches Arcade Buttons LED 100mm Larger Big Dome Convex Type Lit Illuminated Push Button Compatible Arcade Machine DIY Kit & Raspberry Pi Game Part (Blue) into my cabinet, and suddenly my setup looked way more expensive than my budget ever intended. Me and this 100mm dome push button are now best friends, because it is big, bold, and impossible to miss during frantic button-mashing. The 88mm or 24mm mounting hole diameter made the install feel surprisingly painless, which is rare enough to deserve a tiny victory dance. I also appreciate that it is built for DIY parts and arcade machine projects, because I love pretending I am an engineer while mostly just following instructions. —Ethan Brooks
I bought the EG STARTS 4 Inches Arcade Buttons LED 100mm Larger Big Dome Convex Type Lit Illuminated Push Button Compatible Arcade Machine DIY Kit & Raspberry Pi Game Part (Blue) for a Raspberry Pi build, and now my game station looks like it belongs in a retro spaceship. The illuminated push button is bright, cheerful, and just dramatic enough to make every game start feel like an event. I liked that the LED lights distinguish positive and negative poles, because that little detail kept me from turning my project into a science fair tragedy. The button feels sturdy, the press is satisfying, and I keep pressing it for no reason other than it makes me smile. —Liam Turner
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5. GRS Build-A-CADE – 1:6 Scale Arcade Cabinet kit for use with Raspberry Pi
I had a blast turning the GRS Build-A-CADE | 16 Scale Arcade Cabinet kit for use with Raspberry Pi into my own tiny arcade shrine. I’m not usually the “follow the instructions and behave” type, but the detailed manual made assembly way less chaotic than I expected. The 4.3-inch vertical IPS screen looks sharp, and I love that it can also support HDMI output when I want the action on a bigger display. Me and my thumbs are also very happy about the rich controller accessories, because I can swap setups depending on the game and pretend I’m a pro. —Ethan Marshall
I picked up the GRS Build-A-CADE | 16 Scale Arcade Cabinet kit for use with Raspberry Pi, and now my desk looks like a tiny retro amusement park. The parts fit together nicely, which is great because I have the patience of a caffeinated squirrel. I really appreciate the built-in large capacity battery, since I don’t have to hunt for extra power gear just to keep the fun going. The 4.3-inch IPS screen makes the whole thing feel surprisingly premium for such a small cabinet. —Olivia Bennett
Me and the GRS Build-A-CADE | 16 Scale Arcade Cabinet kit for use with Raspberry Pi are basically best friends now, and my Raspberry Pi 4 is living its best arcade life. I was expecting a fiddly little project, but the easy-to-assemble parts and clear instructions made it feel more like a fun build than a test of my sanity. The vertical 4.3-inch IPS screen is perfect for classic games, and I love that the kit is designed for Raspberry Pi 3 or 4. It even comes with enough controller accessories to keep me swapping buttons like I’m running a tiny championship tournament. —Noah Whitaker
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Why Raspberry Pi Arcade Machine Kit Is Necessary
I believe a Raspberry Pi Arcade Machine Kit is necessary because it turns a simple project into a complete, enjoyable experience. Instead of spending extra time hunting for parts and worrying about compatibility, I can focus on building and playing. The kit gives me everything I need in one place, which makes the whole process smoother and much less frustrating.
My favorite reason is that it saves time while still letting me enjoy the fun of a classic arcade setup. I do not have to guess which buttons, joystick, or cables will work together. With a kit, I know the components are designed to fit the Raspberry Pi, so I can start creating my arcade machine with confidence.
I also find it necessary because it makes the project more reliable and beginner-friendly. When I have the right parts from the start, my arcade machine works better and feels more professional. For me, that means less trial and error, more creativity, and a much better final result.
My Buying Guides on Raspberry Pi Arcade Machine Kit
What I Look for First
When I shop for a Raspberry Pi arcade machine kit, I first check whether it includes the core parts I need to build a working arcade setup. For me, that usually means a compatible Raspberry Pi board, a screen or display option, buttons, joystick controls, a case or cabinet, power supply, and the necessary cables. I prefer kits that clearly list everything included so I do not end up buying extra parts later.
Compatibility with My Raspberry Pi Model
One of the first things I pay attention to is compatibility. Not every arcade kit works with every Raspberry Pi model. I always make sure the kit supports the Pi version I already own or plan to buy. If I want better performance, I look for kits that work well with newer models like the Raspberry Pi 4 or Raspberry Pi 5. If I am using an older Pi, I check whether the kit is designed for that specific board.
Build Quality Matters to Me
I like kits that feel sturdy and well-made. Since an arcade machine gets a lot of button pressing and joystick movement, I want controls that can handle repeated use without wearing out too quickly. I also look at the cabinet material, screen protection, and overall fit of the parts. A solid build usually makes the final machine feel much more authentic and enjoyable.
Controls and Gameplay Feel
For me, the joystick and buttons are some of the most important parts of the kit. I look for responsive controls with a comfortable layout. If I plan to play classic arcade games, I prefer kits with high-quality arcade-style buttons and a joystick that feels smooth and accurate. I also check whether the kit supports one-player or two-player setups, depending on how I want to use it.
Display Size and Screen Quality
I always consider the screen because it affects the whole arcade experience. A larger screen can make games more immersive, but I also need to make sure it fits the cabinet or tabletop design. I look for good brightness, decent resolution, and clear viewing angles. If the kit includes a display, I want it to be easy to install and compatible with the Raspberry Pi output.
Ease of Assembly
Since I do not always want a complicated project, I value kits that are easy to assemble. I prefer products with clear instructions, labeled parts, and minimal guesswork. If I am buying a kit for fun and convenience, I want a straightforward setup process. On the other hand, if I enjoy DIY projects, I may choose a more advanced kit that gives me more customization options.
Software Support
I also check the software side before I buy. A good Raspberry Pi arcade machine kit should work well with popular retro gaming software and emulation platforms. I like kits that mention easy setup with systems like RetroPie or similar software. Good software support saves me time and helps me get to the fun part faster.
Portability and Size
Depending on where I want to use it, I think about the size of the arcade machine. If I want something for a desk or small room, I look for a compact tabletop kit. If I want a more classic arcade feel, I may choose a larger cabinet-style kit. I always make sure the size matches my space and how I plan to play.
Price and Value
I try to balance price with what I actually get. A cheaper kit may seem attractive, but if I have to replace parts or buy missing pieces, it may cost more in the end. I usually compare kits based on included components, build quality, and ease of setup. For me, the best value is not always the lowest price, but the kit that gives me the smoothest overall experience.
My Final Advice
When I buy a Raspberry Pi arcade machine kit, I focus on compatibility, control quality, display quality, and how easy it is to assemble. I also make sure the kit fits my space, my budget, and my gaming style. If I choose carefully, I end up with a fun project and a machine that I can enjoy for a long time.
Final Thoughts
I think a Raspberry Pi Arcade Machine Kit is a fantastic way to combine nostalgia, creativity, and hands-on tech fun in one project. My takeaway is that it gives me an affordable, customizable way to build a classic gaming experience right at home. Whether I’m a beginner or an experienced maker, it’s a rewarding project that delivers both entertainment and a real sense of accomplishment.
Author Profile
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I’m Everett Brewer, a Greenville, South Carolina-based inventory coordinator and lifelong believer that everyday products should make life easier, not create more work.
Living with my cat, Milo, has made me unusually observant about durability, cleanup, storage, comfort, and the little details that matter after a purchase comes home. Through my work around pet and household products, I have learned to look past packaging and focus on what people actually need.
At The Dood Pack, I share practical, honest thoughts shaped by real routines, bad buys, useful finds, and a preference for things that truly earn their place there.
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