Size Specifications for 4 Person Arcade

[ymmurri]

Hey looking to make my first arcade machine but not sure on the size of the cabinet. I want it to be full size (around 6' tall), but have no idea what sort of width and depth i need. I was thinking about a 19-20 inch screen but if this wont work let me know. All help is appreciated.

[Alaska]

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,144583.msg1502830.html#msg1502830

Start here as a jumping off point. A word for the wise. Plan as much and you can before dropping the cash and getting after it.

[voltz]

Some advice as to where viewing space and positioning is concerned, I would suggest having a cabinet where the design will support the lcd "in the back" of the box or to make it a showcase style where the control panel sits further out.  If you're going to run multiplayer fighting games (MvC2, MK9, etc), this may end up being a godsend rather then forcing people to plaster their faces less then 1 foot away.

I never understand why people don't consider the viewing angles in their setup.

[harveybirdman]

4p on a 19" screen?


* Start with a list of games that you want this to play, stick with Arcade games because this is an arcade cabinet.
* If lots of 4p games are on that list and you have kids, roomates, or are more popular than your typical middle age nerd then commit to the 4p design, otherwise scrap it.
* Look at actual four player cabinets such as TMNT, Dungeons and Dragons, Golden Axe RODA, Xmen 4p, and design your cab with those in mind
* Consider CRT, but if you must do LCD and you're going to do 4p then you should strongly consider a pedestal design.

[vwalbridge]

4p on a 19" screen?


* Start with a list of games that you want this to play, stick with Arcade games because this is an arcade cabinet.
* If lots of 4p games are on that list and you have kids, roomates, or are more popular than your typical middle age nerd then commit to the 4p design, otherwise scrap it.
* Look at actual four player cabinets such as TMNT, Dungeons and Dragons, Golden Axe RODA, Xmen 4p, and design your cab with those in mind
* Consider CRT, but if you must do LCD and you're going to do 4p then you should strongly consider a pedestal design.

harveybirdman speaks truth. I concur with his truth.

[PL1]

* Start with a list of games that you want this to play, stick with Arcade games because this is an arcade cabinet.

Malenko assembled a great list of multi-player arcade games here.


Scott

[BadMouth]

Look at the original games and see what style you like, then see if the plans are here:

http://jakobud.com/

IIRC most of those games originally had 25-29" 4:3 monitors.
If using a widescreen 16:9 LCD, you're going to need a 27-32" to get a 4:3 image that big.

As stated, make sure you get one with a wide viewing angle and if the monitor is going to be leaning back, make sure the viewing angle from below is good as well.
From the bottom is usually the worst.

If you are using a flatscreen, you can probably reduce the depth of the cabinet.

Also search "pedestal" in the project announcements subforum.
A pedestal might make more sense for you and there have been some nice 4 player ones built.

[DeLuSioNal29]

My advice:  Consider a pedestal instead.  A 19" is way too small for a 4 player cabinet.  With Flat screens as cheap as they are, you can hang one on a wall and put the pedestal in front of it.

D

[voltz]

I've also seen where people use projectors with those, but that's kinda breaking the budget a bit.

[vwalbridge]

but that's kinda breaking the budget a bit.

Especially when you have to replace the bulb.

[pbj]

Buy the biggest LCD you can afford, slap it on the wall, build a pedestal.

Learn it, live it, love it.

[DeLuSioNal29]

IMHO projectors get in the way if you don't have a high ceiling )I can imagine it creating a shadow as you stand in front of the pedestal.

[paigeoliver]

Ok, here is the real truth.

#1. Do you live in a frat house, if yes then skip to #4.

#2. Count your children, counting boys as 1 and girls as .5. Did you get to 3? If yes then skip to #4.

#3. A 4 player cabinet is not for you.

#4. By virtue of living in a frat house or having a large brood you are a candidate to build a 4 player machine.

#5. You still shouldn't build a 4 player machine. You should buy an existing 4 player arcade game and build a 2 player machine on the side. It ends up being the same money.

[severdhed]

I agree. If you are sure you want 4 players (Frequently have people over to play, multiple children), then I suggest a pedestal with wall mounted tv.  A pedestal ensures you can make it big enough to fit 4 players comfortably, without taking up too much space.

 I love mine, it gets used heavily by my children and their friends.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[mgb]

Ok, here is the real truth.

#1. Do you live in a frat house, if yes then skip to #4.

#2. Count your children, counting boys as 1 and girls as .5. Did you get to 3? If yes then skip to #4.

#3. A 4 player cabinet is not for you.

#4. By virtue of living in a frat house or having a large brood you are a candidate to build a 4 player machine.

#5. You still shouldn't build a 4 player machine. You should buy an existing 4 player arcade game and build a 2 player machine on the side. It ends up being the same money.

That's like a handy dandy flow chart for deciding on a 4 player or not.

19-20"  is just too small for a 4 player.
It's your choice, build what you want but it'd do you best to really decide hard on what your needed games are.

[opt2not]

Best 4 player set-up IMO  :  http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,108719.msg1313058.html#msg1313058

[paigeoliver]

Gauntlet, Quartet and some of the only Pong clones did 4 player on a 19". It is doable. Although those cabinets were also much smaller than most people's modern 4 player builds.

Ok, here is the real truth.

#1. Do you live in a frat house, if yes then skip to #4.

#2. Count your children, counting boys as 1 and girls as .5. Did you get to 3? If yes then skip to #4.

#3. A 4 player cabinet is not for you.

#4. By virtue of living in a frat house or having a large brood you are a candidate to build a 4 player machine.

#5. You still shouldn't build a 4 player machine. You should buy an existing 4 player arcade game and build a 2 player machine on the side. It ends up being the same money.

That's like a handy dandy flow chart for deciding on a 4 player or not.

19-20"  is just too small for a 4 player.
It's your choice, build what you want but it'd do you best to really decide hard on what your needed games are.