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New Builder- advise and suggestions :)

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FootNotFound:
Hey all! — first-time builder here trying to figure out the best entry path into a 4-player arcade setup.
I did look at the primary websites newbie guide but several of the links were broken for me. Hope it's ok to broadcast this here, if not please let me know.

My thoughts on controls/layout:

* 4 joysticks (8-way) (leaning optical to keep thing easy with 4 way game support)
* P1 & P2: 6 buttons
* P3 & P4: 4 buttons
* 1 center trackball
* Light guns later
This is my first build ever, but generally pretty handy and like to tinker.
I have limited woodworking tools, so I was thinking  a kit, pre-cut panels, or  perhaps simple plans would be best for the cabinet. Most of my tools are hand tool- circular saw/jigsaw..ect.
From what I can tell, while I would rather the look of a full OG cabeinet- the easiest entry point seems to be a pedestal setup with a TV mounted on the wall instead, but would love some advise.
I’m leaning toward a prebuilt control panel rather than doing it myself, which I know is more expensive, but I think might shortcut things a fair amount

Suggestions on the following would be great [(or more if you think of some!)

* Best starter option: pedestal kit, full cabinet kit, or something else?
* Recommendations for reliable prebuilt 4-player control panels that support a 6/6/4/4 layout + trackball.
* Any affordable cabinet kits that don’t require heavy woodworking.
Long-Term Goal-
My “Nirvana” dream setup would be a retro-fitted, original TMNT-style 4-player cabinet, but I know those are expensive and hard to find. That’s likely a future project — for now I just want the best, realistic starting point that fits my skill level.

Any guidance, examples, or kits you’d recommend would be hugely appreciated!Thank you!

eds1275:
I don't like optical or analogue joysticks because you can't "feel" the moves when playing fighters, I have a pair of u360s and they work great for what they are but this is where I feel like they fall short.
Make sure you have enough space on your trackball to shoot forward, the amount of blood and cracked fingernails on my spinal tap machine warrants a horror movie!

I think a pedestal would be great, gives the option to have some distance for the trackball and can be moved to clear up real estate if needed.

Are light guns "there" yet? I have the ultimarc ones but need the crosshairs enabled as I could never calibrate them 100%

MartyKong:
Although you mentioned you want a pre-built, I built my cab with just a circular saw, jig saw and router. So..,.. just missing the router and building your own is far more rewarding😀.

Fursphere:

--- Quote from: eds1275 on February 05, 2026, 01:02:58 pm ---Are light guns "there" yet? I have the ultimarc ones but need the crosshairs enabled as I could never calibrate them 100%

--- End quote ---

Yes.   Sinden, RetroShooter Reapers, Gun4IR, there are event wireless ones now (X-Gunner I think?). 

I personally use Retroshoter Reaper RS3s on my cabinet, and they're pretty dang good. 

eds1275:

--- Quote from: Fursphere on February 09, 2026, 04:33:16 pm ---I personally use Retroshoter Reaper RS3s on my cabinet, and they're pretty dang good.

--- End quote ---

Damnit, I think you just spent $300 of my money!

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