First Arcade Build (but looking to do it in style!)

[Shinobis Shinpads]

Hey everyone,

The title gives some idea of where I’m going with this. Essentially, 3 years ago I paid someone a fair bit of money to build me an arcade cabinet. It was a fairly large 4 player cabinet, with a trackball and two Aimtrack guns. As you would expect it has served me and the family well. I dare say I care a bit too much for it! However I have had a few niggling issues and I’m at the stage where I would like to build my own cabinet to create my ideal little number.

To be honest I’m pretty much looking to build the ultimate cabinet – one that has multiple options whilst remaining aesthetically pleasing (so whilst I’d love to add wheels I think it would look a tad ridiculous and busy). With that in mind I’m looking for advice on what the best parts would be, as well as optimum configurations. Ideally I’d like the following but if someone feels there are better options please let me know;

1.   4 Player cabinet – my current top is a little crowded with the trackball, any ideas on best size to accommodate 4 controllers and a track ball?
2.   USB ports for controllers (not in constant use, but something missing from my current one and I know they would get occasional use – would there be any issues with mapping if I’m swapping controllers frequently?).
3.   32 inch screen (current screen is 24, which is fine actually, but if I’m increasing the panel size then might be best to increase the screen also)
4.   Ideas on optimal computer set up (processing power etc) would be great as my current one is pretty basic and struggles to add PC games like Marvel VS Capcom. I’m looking to add as many arcade titles as possible, including anything PS3 related that is stable – so I’m guessing I would need a pretty high end set up.
5.   Would Hyperspin be the best bet as a Frontend? I haven’t used it myself, my front end is an older mame based one so it’s taken a fair bit of work to get things like Supermodel etc working as best they can
6.   Will have light guns, really hoping the Sinden guns are better than initial tests are suggesting
7.   Trackball as mentioned
8.   Possibly a spinner (or three) as that is one way of getting some wheels attached for occasional Super Sprint gaming, and then putting the wheels away when not in use. Spinner and USB ports would be below the control panel.

This will be a fairly gradual build and happy to buy the best parts to make it happen, just really would appreciate some guidance on the above. Any help and advice greatly appreciated!

[jennifer]

 4 player cabinets seem fun in theory, but reality, rarely  if ever would  it ever be used as such, especially in this corona social distance world we find ourselves in...As for building a cab, a decent tablesaw, and a router will do most of it Although if you got access to a jointer too that may help in terms of square and perfect.

[Drnick]

Hmmm, Looking to build the ultimate cabinet,  good luck with that one, People have been looking to build that for years,  Someone came close once with their ark of the covenant inspired build,  Just for the love of humanity do not build a chase designed control panel

I would personally recommend a pedestal unit with the largest TV you can fit to the wall.

1 ) Look at real 4 player arcade machines,  Simpsons, Xmen, Gauntlet,  just scale up a little bit to allow room for the trackball
2 ) Yes there are lots of issues with mapping and swapping controllers frequently, but there are also a number of tools that can assist.
3 ) As per pedestal comment
4 ) For HD Gaming I recommend something along the lines of I5 9600K GTX 1650/1660 16GB Ram, 512GB M2 Drive, Largest mechanical drive possible, 500W PSU
5 ) Hyperspin is good if you are willing to put in the time, don't just buy a drive full of roms and expect it all to work,  Personally I used Bigbox/launchbox for my last setup having been using hyperspin previously
6 ) Can't comment on this, I've always been happy enough with wii remotes as guns
7 ) Happ/Ultimarc Trackball
8 ) Ultimarc spinners, I believe that they also do the little steering wheel attachments,  someone did do this previously

In short build whatever makes you happy, but I would recommend something like this
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/377809856212021222/ or https://www.instructables.com/4-Player-Pedestal-Arcade-Cabinet-for-MAME/

and not something like this

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/529665606157952822/

[javeryh]

Before even clicking on this post I knew I was going to see one of the design criteria be 4 players.  It's like a rite of passage.

Welcome to the forums.

1.   I would not build a 4P cabinet unless you have 3 kids that will all agree on what to play every time you turn on the machine.  It sounds great in theory but never once have I wished I had one. TMNT, X-Men, Simpsons, etc. are all the same and are all boring after about an hour.  There are a few good ones like Gauntlet but not sure if it is worth the added expense and space.  YMMV though.

2.   There will be mapping issues with swapping them in and out.  Not all the time but I think Windows assigns random ID#s every time something is plugged in.  That said, no one wants to play console games standing up at an arcade cabinet.  Trust me on this.  Only one of my cabinets has console games on it (retropie build) and literally no guest has ever wanted to play a console game on it.  They come over to play arcade games in short bursts.  Again, this is personal preference. 

3.   32 inch screen is OK I guess (I don't like 16:9 panels though) but make sure you will be able to get the cabinet through a door.

4.   No idea on PC - that's going to be set up specific.  If you are going to run MAME, an Optiplex with an i5 will be more than enough but for PS3... probably need a beefy rig.  Although see point #2.

5.   Not sure about "best" front end but I took the time to learn Hyperspin this summer and I love it.  It is a pain but I think the struggle is worth it because you can customize whatever you want. 

As for Spinner, Trackball and Light Guns, those are all good options but keep in mind that the more junk you have on your CP the more questions you will get from guests and the more confusing it will be to operate overall.

Good luck and post tons of pics when you start building.   

EDIT: damn my post sounds grumpy.

[vertexguy]

Welcome!  I would just take a look at the many 4 player cabs on the forums to inspire you and learn from others successes and less desirable outcomes

I'm doing something similar.  Check out my build thread for some good insights on 4 player CP layout.  Lots of community advice.  I'm very happy with my prototyped results so far. It also includes pinball buttons at regulation placement.  Its under 48" wide and doesn't make the side players stand sideways.  Its also not an aircraft carrier.    just the right amount of space on the trackball for golden tee big strokes and also has enough wrist wrest for precision play.

Now obviously there are limits to how cluttered things can get and still work well.  Aesthetics is a whole different consideration but you should favor good user experience over that IMHO.  Especially when in frankenpanel land.  I highly recommend prototyping before jumping to wood

For the wheels I would definetly try to keep them portable and easily attached / detached.   Don't forget pedals and a shifter too.  My ruff plan is to keep those separate and attach or sit them on something.  I might go with more of a modern race wheel than a basic spinner type but we shall see.  Something for you to think about.   


 How do you like the aimtracks?  There's a whole section on the forum for lightguns.  I went ultimarc with extreme ir2 sensors.  Havent gotten to heavily testing those yet but hoping they will work well.  The rest of their hardware seems pretty top notch so far.  I figure if I like them a lot then I'll upgrade with force feedback.

Best thing you can do is start a build thread under projects and post a bunch as you go.  Lots of people will usually chime in to help.  There are some seriously skilled builders here.  I'm just getting started so I still have a lot to learn. Enjoy the journey! 

[KenToad]

Regarding usb controllers and Windows 10, I use the wireless dongle made by Microsoft for 360 controllers. It supports up to four wireless controllers and they always appear in the order that you activate them. That means that you can map them all in Retroarch or MAME and use them whenever you need them without worrying about Windows reordering them. The controllers won't interfere with each other, as they aren't seen by the system when they aren't activated, which is great.

I have a similar setup for Dinput controllers using the Mayflash dongle for PS3 controllers. It supports one controller through Xinput or up to four PS3 dualshock 3 controllers through Dinput, which is what I use. The PS3 controllers, IMO, have a superior Dpad for playing old school platformers. Again, you can map all four controllers in MAME or Retroarch and then they will be ready to go.

With both of these setups, I can use the 360 controllers for games that use Xinput or have force feedback (There is a really cool plugin for mame that enables force feedback in many of the original games that supported it.) and the PS3 controllers for games that play better with a Dpad.

Although I have a bunch of USB converters for classic controllers like Genesis, SNES, and NES, I don't use them anymore because of the hassle of potentially losing mapping every time you restart Windows, not to mention that you never know which controller is first player. With the wireless controllers, you just leave the dongles plugged in and you have the controllers nearby ready to go. First player is always the first one you activate. 

I also designed and constructed a four player pedestal Control Panel with trackball and dual spinners that I bolted to the top of an old freestanding entertainment center. I have a 40 inch lcd TV and sound bar mounted to the wall. Yes, you don't need four player support. I rarely use it. My kids and their friends don't really go for arcade games or even classic console games because they have access to a world of more modern gaming options. However, the 4 player setup fits well in my space. It works well on the rare occasion when I need it. I probably play 2 player Smash TV and Total Carnage with the four joysticks more often than any four player games.

TLDR, listen to the folks here on the forum. Mock up your CP to ensure properly spaced controls. Use templates to get button and joystick spacing. If you do go for 4 players, don't angle the controllers at the wings, especially if you want to play games like Smash TV. Determine what games you really want to play and who will play them with you. Assume that you will be the only one who plays regularly and make it perfect for you alone.

Welcome to the forum. Good luck and have fun!

[pbj]

In style?

Put a DeLorean on it.

[lomoverde]

Im not sure why people are trying to talk you out of building a 4 player cab,as you obviously after 3 years of having one know its what you want.
 Are you planning on selling it as is now? if not you can experiment with usb controllers and different guns now and find out a lot of info.
 You are probably better qualified than most,after 3 years of owning one,to know how a layout will suit you no?
 Maybe some fotos of your current cab,what front end you currently use,what exactly the niggles that bug you are?
 
 
 

[csnow]

TMNT, X-Men, Simpsons, etc. are all the same and are all boring after about an hour.

Agreed.  The side scrolling 'beat-em ups' genre didn't age well to me.  I remember playing them a lot on the Sega Genesis when I was in the Army, but I find them a bore-fest today and don't have any loaded on my machines.

[pbj]

I love my 4 player cabinet.  Plus I can use the sticks to play smash tv and robotron.

[Mike A]

4 player cabs are great....if you have people that will play them. Otherwise they add space, complication, and cost. In my experience, kids love those games. With 4 players there is less fighting over who plays next. Adults play them for a bit because of nostalgia and then they move on. That is just my personal experience. I have an arcade room with 20+ games.

[leapinlew]

My issue with most 4 player games is they are the go-right-and-fight variety, which are usually just quarter eaters. When quarters are free, the game loses all replayability.

I like them in theory, but I use all the 2 player variants and they work for my family. Good luck.

[pbj]

The one time a year I get 4 people on my cabinets blasting through TMNT makes it worth it.

 

[vertexguy]

When quarters are free, the game loses all replayability.

I think all games suffer from this.  Infinite continue makes them all much easier to beat and be bored .  A situation we never had in the arcade.  This is why with or without coin doors, I like the idea of setting limits on credits.  Beat TMNT with 2 quarters, etc.  True that some games are designed to make you feed them quarters but many allow skill to buy you a lot.  I could spend all day in an arcade with less than 10 bucks in my pocket.

[JRobATL]

When quarters are free, the game loses all replayability.

I think all games suffer from this.  Infinite continue makes them all much easier to beat and be bored .  A situation we never had in the arcade.  This is why with or without coin doors, I like the idea of setting limits on credits.  Beat TMNT with 2 quarters, etc.  True that some games are designed to make you feed them quarters but many allow skill to buy you a lot.  I could spend all day in an arcade with less than 10 bucks in my pocket.

 

Man. I spent $10 just on Ninja Combat in a half hour (I was very young).

[JRobATL]

First off, I agree with just about everything Dr. Nick says.

Secondly, I share your love of 4 player games. While most of my childhood favorites were the 4p side scrolling beat-em-ups, (and the reason for my own 4p build) I actually find myself enjoying NBA Jam, NFL Blitz, D&D, and Open Ice even more.

Regarding front ends, the consensus on Hyperspin seems to be that it's the most beautiful and by far the most frustrating. It's the only one I've used. I love the results, but it took months, including several sleepless nights awaiting replies on the Hyperspin forum to get there.

I also have a spinner which I can detach in lieu of a mini-wheel, but I'm not a big fan of driving games and neither are my friends. I primarily just use the spinner. Just be mindful of the distinct types of steering wheels (others can warn you better than I can), and which games require which type of wheel.

[Tiby]

4.   Ideas on optimal computer set up (processing power etc) would be great as my current one is pretty basic and struggles to add PC games like Marvel VS Capcom. I’m looking to add as many arcade titles as possible, including anything PS3 related that is stable – so I’m guessing I would need a pretty high end set up.

I'm quite new to arcade building (and I'm building my own currently, been a slow process over the last 1.5 years) but I can speak to the PC side of things as I have been an avid gamer/PC builder for nearly all of my life.

This Website (https://www.logicalincrements.com/) is my go-to for current trending builds and costs. Now, you could simply pick a level, and pick buy on all of those parts, slap them together and call it good. But it can also help you see where you can give and take in your build.

A few of my own opinions:

• To promote quick boot-up times. Have a SSD (M.2 or SATA connect style) to house your OS, like Windows or Linux.
• Your games can be stored on a spinning disk. Try and get a general idea of the total number of games you want to hold/run and their size. There are thousands, and depending on what they are, they can take up a lot of space. If you're going to be running more modern games, they will be even larger. A spinning disc (normal Hard Drive) can save you some money, and store Terabytes of games/data for the fraction of the cost of putting all of that on an SSD
• You could always upgrade to SSDs for game storage when prices get low enough to justify that cost, and using the spinning discs as backups!
• If you're looking to run PS3 games, maybe even some modern PC games (Launch Box can launch Steam games along with MAME, I think) you may want to AT LEAST select PC parts from "Great" and above. If I were doing a PC build, I would typically look at parts between Very Good and Outstanding. Anything higher, and really, even some of the Outstanding PC parts, are priced above where they should be
• Price of PC parts can drop significantly around holidays (Black Friday, Cyber Monday) but also when companies announce or release their newest project. So try and keep an eye on that stuff. (GPU and CPU related the most)
• Pay close attention to form factor between motherboard, CPU
• The Ryzen CPUs seem to be the best right now. They run cooler (less electricity used) and outperform Intel. I'd go Ryzen 5 or 7. Nothing bigger.
• You can always upgrade! By purchasing parts around that Great and above categories, you're giving yourself 5-10 years of decent use. My last PC build was around $900, and I would expect to be able to keep playing modern games on it for 5+ years.
• Depending on how you want to house your PC materials within your cabinet/stand, you have a lot of different options. There are open air ones that might be fun?

Yikes, I've gone a bit overboard, I fear. Let me know if there are any other specific questions, tag me and I should be able to respond.

[bobbyb13]

If you have had a machine that long then you already know well what you want to play- so that is really good.
Most people discourage 4 player machines because the return on investment is so low most of the time but if it all gets use already in your world, then build it.

-------------The more time you spend in design and prototype phase the happier you will be with the result----------

Has everyone in the house made a list of their must have games so you REALLY know exactly what controls to build into that panel?
Controls controls controls
They have everything to do with how much fun playing is so buy good ones and make the panel comfortable and playable for everybody.

I am a big fan of multiplayer Sprint myself also, but having that many pedals, joysticks, buttons and trackball, etc. on one machine all at the same time is a big ask in terms of physical layout, encoders and wiring, not to mention the ability of Windows to tolerate it all.

Before you begin building the cabinet itself, you may want to actually build up what you are talking about for a control panel, the light guns, the pedal bank, the gamepads, ... to see if you can get the PC to handle it all without choking or remapping your stuff on you.

And find a big old CRT to stuff in there and make it really awesome!!!!

[Shinobis Shinpads]

Hi everyone,
So sorry for the lack of acknowledgement or even a reply to everyone that kindly contributed to this thread. Another lockdown and with it an extremely busy family household set me back a fair bit, but I’m back ready to tackle this little build project. It might take a while with infrequent updates but I am ready to get started and thought I might respond to the 4 player thing as a lot of people have referenced this.
Firstly, the 4 player cabinet is definitely a requirement. Before the pandemic we had a lot of families visit and the kids absolutely love 4 player games. Granted I might not use them an awful lot but it’s not a project that’s just for me and I can see how much other people get out of it so I really want to keep the additional joysticks in. Also there are certain 4 player games that I want to get transferred that seem suited to the set up, Powerstone 2 being one, as it’s one of my favourite games.
Has anyone got any examples of a 4 played cabinet that manages to incorporate the trackball and some spinners? Ideally the spinners will be on the edge of the panel so that wheels can be attached comfortably.