"The Blue Matrix Arcade" MAME Cabinet Build

[Mr_Tantrum]

I'm building my first arcade cabinet and taking a hybrid approach.  I'm purchasing a pre-fab cabinet that I will assemble, but creating my own artwork, control panel, and MAME PC.  I'm theming the cabinet based upon my favorite sci-fi movie, The Matrix.  Attached are my designs so far, and I wanted to see what the community thought.  I'm always open to ideas, so please chime in if you have anything constructive to offer.

[Mr_Tantrum]

After looking at it for a day, I think I would prefer non-logo sides but all vertical graphic.  Thoughts?

[rablack97]

side are is really up to you, as most say its hidden when you put it in a corner, if its going to be visible the leave the logos on the sides,  or change it up to break the monotony.

you've also got alot of admin buttons, you wont need more than select game, exit and tab for mame.

[Nephasth]

Personal preference... but I'd ditch all those admin buttons. Keep only a start button for each player. And use shifted functions for admin stuff.

[Mr_Tantrum]

I am still working on my control panel layout.  Just to clarify, the "buttons" (i.e. circles in my graphic) along the top are as follows:

left: coin, P1, TBD (I've seen as mouse, but may get rid of this one)
right: coin, P2, TBD (same as above)
center: 4-Way JS 45-degree, 4-Way JS, Spinner, 2 game buttons

I know it may sound silly, but Qbert is one of my family's favorite games so I wanted to include a dedicated 4 way joystick mounted correctly.  I've gone back and for with U360 but they are relatively expensive vs. just throwing in a cheap additional 4 way.  I've played Qbert (and other 4 way classics) with an 8 way and don't like it at all, and don't really think I will like playing all the classics with any kind of stick with a round/no restrictor.

Just my thoughts at this time, but nothing solidified yet.

[Nephasth]

What's the cost difference between 2 U360s and the 4 joysticks you're planning on? Also, each U360 can handle 8 buttons (6 action buttons, start, and coin for example ), eliminating the need for a stand alone controls interface board. They might actually save you a little money... or cost about the same.

[Mr_Tantrum]

Well a single U360 is $59 + $3 for firm spring + $14 for a restrictor plate = $152 for 2 joysticks.

For 2 x IL Eurostick 8 ways for P1 & P2 + 2 x ball top JS with restrictor for 4 way & 4 way 45 degree = $45 for 4 joysticks.

I'm using RGB LED buttons, spinner, trackball, etc. so plan was to purchase I-Pac Ultimate

[yotsuya]

Four joysticks versus two joysticks, though.

[Mr_Tantrum]

Yeah, I get that.  I've seen nice control panels with both configs, but still have not made up my mind.

[Nephasth]

If you're looking to shave costs... do it in the LED department. Physical controls should be where the money goes. Don't cheap out on what you'll be constantly using. Bling is just bling.

...and my math comes to $80 for the 4 joysticks you mentioned.