Introduction: Raspberry Pi Portable Arcade Console (with RetroPie)

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Find out how to make an easy portable arcade console (cabinet) using a Raspberry Pi! You can bring it anywhere, plug it into any tv, and play all your favorite classic ROMs. This arcade has 4 general buttons and a joystick, but you can also plug in any old usb enabled controller.

Step 1: Materials

You will need a few materials to build this project:

I've also modeled a 3d printable case that you can use if you have access to a 3d printer.

3D Printable Files

If you don't have access to a 3d printer, you will need some tools:

  • Drill
  • 1-1/8" Drill Bit
  • 1/2" Drill Bit
  • Sand Paper

For wiring, you will need:

  • Soldering Iron
  • Solder
  • Wire Strippers

Step 2: Instructions

I created a 24 minute step-by-step video on how to assemble the arcade console, load the emulation software, map GPIO buttons to USB, and install ROMs. I'm using RetroPie for the emulators and Adafruit's Retrogame executable to map GPIO buttons to USB. RetroPie is great because it works with many different ROM files.

Step 3: Diagrams and Resources

On the Github repository for this project, I've added all of the diagrams for wiring. I've also posted my modified retrogame.c file.

(*note - joystick diagram provided by Adafruit)

That's it! If you have any questions about the project, please post them in the comments and I will answer them the best I can.

Thanks,

Aaron @HackerHouse