Hey guys, I'd like to set up a new cocktail style arcade system. I'd call myself a moderate to semi-experienced PC builder.
I'm going back and forth between an XBOX 360-based system and a MAME setup. I'm actually hoping for something that's more plug and play. With a family, full time job, grad school, etc, some of these wiring and pin-out MAME systems have me a little scared. Not that I don't think I couldn't do it, I'm just not sure I want to invest all that time right now.
I was thinking about an XBOX 360, using the dual X-Arcade joystick system (with their 360 adapter) and then looking it up to an HDTV or PC monitor and powered speakers and then putting it in a cabinet I build or buy. Is it that easy? I guess what I'm wondering, I don't want to be kicking myself later on for not going with the MAME, but really, I'm interested in the simple games like Ms. Pacman and Galaga which seem to be on some 360 discs from Namco, Capcom, etc.
Is it legal to mod an xbox and them copy the games to HDD (as long as you own them)? Worth case, I just put a door on the cabinet to load the 360 discs? Although I suspect that's not the "real" way this should be done.
My other option might be a Multicade system. They seem to pop up on craigslist every once in a while (~$750?), but I'm worried about repair and such with a system like that. I would have no clue how to troubleshoot if something went wrong with a system like that.
Anyway, any comments, suggestions, recommendations would be greatly appreciated in the 360 vs MAME debate. Can you get MAME to be pretty plug and play? I do have enough PC parts around here to get an extra working system.
Thanks!