Custom Arcade Cabinet Options Explained
Cabinet Style
- The Essential Cabinet - This is our standard upright arcade cabinet. It has a traditional arcade look and feel to it.
- The Ultimate II Arcade Cabinet - This is a variation on our standard cabinet, with a more modern look.
- Custom - We can create a cabinet to fit just about any need you might have. Just describe to us in detail what you want, and we can make it happen!
Cabinet Material
- Particle Board (Standard) - We build our cabinets using 3/4" particle board. This provides a sturdy construction, and looks great with our finishing techniques applied. Our cabinets are finished with textured black speckle paint, and formica laminate (depending on cabinet style and options).
- Birch Plywood - We can use Birch Plywood to make your cabinet if you desire.
- Oak Plywood - We can also use Oak Plywood to make your cabinet. Because of our finishing techniques the wood grain will not be visible. It will be covered up by the textured paint and formica. If you wish you may specify an unfinished cabinet.
Control Panel
Controllers
- 2 Player Controls - We will create a 2 Player Control panel for you, wired and ready to go. The standard configuration includes 6 buttons , one coin button, and one start button per player.
- 4 Player controls - We will create a 4 Player Control panel for you, complete with wiring. The standard configuration includes 6 buttons, one coin button, and one start button per player. Please ask about customized layouts and button options.
Trackball
- None - By default our cabinets are not built with a trackball.
- 2.5" Trackball - Add a trackball to your cabinet!
- 3.5" Trackball - This is a larger size trackball.
- Translucent Trackball - This is a cool looking trackball that is translucent, and may be backlit for an illuminated trackball. The illuminated trackball looks awesome!
Optional Control Add-ons
- Spinner Control - Add a spinner control for those special games that require them.
- Four Way Joystick - Add a special Four Way Joystick. Some games (for example Pac-man) originally only had joysticks capable of moving in the four primary directions. Eight way joysticks can sometimes produce unintended actions. A four way joystick only operates in the four primary directions: up, down, left, right. Since the games that use a four way joystick only use the Player One control, we install this option as a single joystick add-on wired to the Player One controls. Ask us about Four way-Eight way switchable Joysticks!
- Pinball Buttons - We can add two additional buttons on the left and right sides of your control panel to simulate a pinball machine's buttons. This works well for video pinball games.
Sound
- Standard Sound - Our cabinets are built for you with standard PC speakers. This is adequate for most classic arcade games.
- 2.1 Sound Option - For an enhanced gaming experience, you can opt for the 2.1 sound option. This includes upgraded speakers, including a sub wolfer.
- Custom Sound Option - Just describe to us what you want for your sound, and we will get it done for you!
Monitor
NOTE: The monitor you choose to use with your arcade cabinet will have the greatest impact of any single option on the final cost of your system. You have three options for your video output: TV, Computer Monitor, and Arcade Monitor. Most of the classic arcade games were created to be used in lower resolution displays. Far, far less than the modern high resolution computer monitors and high definition TVs we are becoming accustomed to. For this reason a standard TV is the most economical solution, and provides a rich gaming experience. Another option is a standard computer monitor. Monitors provide higher resolution, and a clearer display when you are using your computer outside of MAME game mode. The refresh rates and resolution are much higher than the games were intended to be played on. Keep in mind that MAME emulates the actual arcade ROM hardware, and therefore video games that were intended to be played at lower resolution and refresh rates will not look as crisp as modern high resolution games. Furthermore, computer monitor prices climb rapidly when larger than 19". Finally, if you want to capture the authentic arcade look you can go with a genuine arcade monitor. These monitors were built specifically for the resolution and refresh rates used by arcade games. Arcade monitors can be expensive. Be sure to carefully consider your video output options. Some configurations may require you to have specialized hardware or adapters to interface with your computer. We recommend going with a 27" Standard TV. It is the most economical option, and provides an arcade-like experience.
- None - If this option is chosen, the cabinet will be built to the monitor specifications you provide us with, but will not be installed with a monitor. It is your responsibility to install the monitor once the cabinet is delivered.
- 17" - This is for a 17" display. Computer monitor
- 19" - 19" display Computer monitor or TV
- 21" - 21" display Computer monitor or TV
- 27" - 27" display Computer monitor, Arcade monitor, TV
- 27" Wells Gardner - 27" display. This is a brand name arcade monitor that is widely used.
- 31" - 31" display Computer monitor, TV
- Custom - Please specify what you want. We will make it happen!
CPU
If you intend to run MAME, or some other computer software, you will need a CPU. MAME's system requirements are fairly minimal by today's standards. You may have access to an extra computer you can plug into the cabinet, or you may wish to buy one yourself. You have the option to have us provide you with one as well.
NOTE: If you wish to use the cabinet exclusively for a game console like XBox or Playstation, you will not need a CPU at all.
- None - No CPU will be included with the cabinet. You will need to install one when the cabinet arrives. It is a simple matter of plugging in inputs to interface with the control panel. It is no different than plugging in a keyboard.
- Standard Refurbished - We will provide you with a used and refurbished computer that is adequate for running MAME.
- Standard New - We will deliver your game cabinet with a new Dell computer.
- Custom - If you know what you want, tell us and we will get it for you!
Options
- Formica - Our cabinets come standard with Formica on the upper section of the cabinet, and on the control panel. A formica upgrade will formica the entire front and sides with Formica from top to bottom.
- Casters - If you want wheels on your cabinet to help you move it around (it is heavy!), you can have casters installed.