DIY Guide: Building a Cocktail Arcade Table
Plans & Diagrams
- Making a Cocktail Table Arcade Cabinet (The Geek Pub) – plans + templates + dimensions
- Midway Cocktail Table Plans (Kyle Lindstrom)
- RetroPie Cocktail-Style Build (Instructables)
- Making an arcade cocktail table – Raspberry Pi 3 build
Parts List with Amazon Examples
- Control Kit (2-Player, Joysticks + Buttons + USB Encoders): EG STARTS 2-Player Classic Arcade DIY USB Kit
- USB Encoder (Zero Delay): Zero Delay USB Encoder Board
- Acrylic / Tempered Glass Top Sheet: Tempered Glass Tabletop Sheet (size to fit your top-cutout)
- Flat Panel Monitor (≈ 19-24″): 19-24″ Flat Panel Monitor (matching your dimensions)
- Raspberry Pi 4 Kit: Raspberry Pi 4 Kit (4 GB/8 GB)
- MicroSD Card (64-128 GB): 128 GB microSD Card (UHS-I)
- Power Supply + Wiring: 12 V Power Supply (5 A or higher) + wiring components
- Speakers: USB / Powered Speakers
- Ventilation Fans: 120 mm Case Fan(s)
- LED Strip Lighting: RGB LED Strip Lights
- Artwork / Vinyl Wrap / Decals: Arcade Vinyl Wrap / Decals
- T-Molding / Edge Trim: Arcade T-Molding Strip
Build Steps
- Choose your plan & dimensions and pick monitor size, wood thickness.
- Cut cabinet panels: sides, top, control panel panels, monitor mount.
- Route slots if using T-molding before full assembly.
- Install monitor under the top, ensure it’s secure and level.
- Build control panels for both sides: drill holes, mount joysticks/buttons, wire & test.
- Install electronics: Raspberry Pi, speakers, power supply, ventilation.
- Add acrylic or glass top, artwork wraps, trim, finish edges.
- Install emulator software, configure controls, calibrate display, load legally owned games.
Safety Tips
- Wear eye protection when cutting wood or glass.
- Ensure edges of glass/acrylic are smooth or beveled.
- Make sure electrical components are safely wired, grounded, and ventilated.
- Test all wiring before final sealing of panels.
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