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Under $900

Complete Retro Arcade for Under $900 (2025)

DIY bartop arcade with Raspberry Pi, 4-player controls, 32" display, and classic games for authentic retro fun.

💰 Actual Cost: $639.91Save $1360 vs PremiumUpdated December 6, 2025

Dreaming of your own arcade but scared off by $2,000+ commercial cabinets? With $900, you can't buy a premium upright machine, but you can build an impressive DIY bartop retro arcade that punches way above its weight. This guide delivers a complete, working system using proven emulation for smooth gameplay on classics like Pac-Man, Street Fighter, and Mario Kart.

You'll get 4-player support, a vibrant 32-inch screen, responsive arcade controls, and a sturdy wooden cabinet—all for under $650, leaving buffer for shipping, taxes, or extras. Expect authentic retro vibes with limitations like no native PS2/GameCube (Pi handles up to Dreamcast well) and DIY assembly effort. No compromises on fun, just smart value.

Budget Philosophy

For this $900 retro arcade, I allocated roughly 25% to emulation hardware ($160), 25% to display ($150), 20% to controls ($120), 20% to cabinet materials ($80), and 10% to audio/accessories ($130)—totaling $640 with $260 buffer. Compute and controls get priority because laggy emulation or mushy buttons kill the arcade feel; display maximizes immersion. We save on the cabinet via DIY (premium kits cost $400+), as basic wood delivers 80% of the look for 30% price.

This balances must-haves (playable games) vs nice-to-haves (fancy trim). Trade-offs: Smaller budget skips metal frames or Sanwa parts, but focuses on reliability. Result: A system outperforming $1,000 pre-builts with cheap internals, scalable for future upgrades.

Where to Splurge

  • Emulation Hardware: Raspberry Pi 5 delivers 60FPS on demanding ROMs (N64/PS1); weaker boards stutter, ruining gameplay.
  • Arcade Controls: LED buttons and zero-delay encoders feel authentic and last years; cheap kits have sticky joysticks and false inputs.
  • Display: 32-inch 1080p TV offers arcade-scale visuals with low input lag; tiny screens feel like toys.

Where to Save

  • Cabinet Materials: Plywood + DIY is structurally sound for beginners; you're not sacrificing stability for basic use.
  • Speakers: Budget Bluetooth pair provides clear sound without distortion; premium audio shines in quiet rooms only.
  • Accessories: Standard T-molding/LEDs add polish without affecting play; core experience intact.

Recommended Products (9)

#1essentialEmulation Computer

CanaKit Raspberry Pi 5 Starter Kit (8GB RAM)

Powers the emulation software to run retro games smoothly from NES to Dreamcast.

$159.99
25% of budget
CanaKit Raspberry Pi 5 Starter Kit (8GB RAM)

This official CanaKit kit includes the Raspberry Pi 5 8GB board, active cooler, power supply, case, and 32GB microSD starter—everything for plug-and-play emulation. At this price, it outperforms older Pi 4s on complex emulators like Dolphin light. Compared to $300 mini PCs, it's cheaper yet sufficient for 95% retro library (user-supplied ROMs via RetroPie/Batocera). Exceptional value for 4K upscaling capable hardware.

Running total: $160. Remaining: $740.

Pros

  • +Excellent N64/PS1 performance at 60FPS
  • +Quiet active cooling prevents throttling
  • +Future-proof 8GB RAM for frontends
  • +Easy setup with pre-config tools
  • +Compact for bartop fit

Cons

  • -Struggles with heavy PS2/GameCube (20-30FPS)
  • -Requires ROM sourcing (legal dumps only)
  • -No built-in storage beyond SD
  • -Overheats without cooler (included)

Upgrade Option: Beelink SER5 Pro Mini PC 16GB/500GB ($299) - Handles PS2/GameCube at full speed.

Budget Alternative: Raspberry Pi 4B 4GB Kit ($99) - Loses 30% speed on demanding games.

Check Price on Amazon
#2essentialStorage

SanDisk 256GB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Card

Stores RetroPie OS, emulators, and hundreds of ROMs for quick loading.

$29.99
5% of budget
SanDisk 256GB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Card

High-speed A2-rated card with 200MB/s reads ensures fast game loads and save states. Fits budget perfectly—cheaper 128GB cards fill up quick with art packs. Vs premium 1TB ($100+), this holds 500+ games comfortably. Load Batocera ISO, add ROMs, done.

Running total: $190. Remaining: $710.

Pros

  • +Lightning-fast for emulation
  • +Rugged, waterproof build
  • +Enough space for full retro library
  • +Compatible with Pi imaging tools

Cons

  • -Fills fast with HD textures
  • -No pre-imaged (DIY 30min)
  • -Expensive per GB vs SSD

Upgrade Option: Samsung 1TB PRO Endurance ($129) - Massive storage for PS2 ROMs.

Budget Alternative: 128GB Class 10 ($12) - Half the capacity, slower loads.

Check Price on Amazon
#3essentialControls

4 Player USB Arcade Encoder Kit with 4 Joysticks & 56 LED Buttons

Provides authentic 4-player arcade inputs with zero-delay USB connection to Pi.

$119.99
19% of budget
4 Player USB Arcade Encoder Kit with 4 Joysticks & 56 LED Buttons

Full 4H4P kit (4 horizontal/vertical sticks, 56 illuminated buttons) for multiplayer fighters/racers. Budget-friendly vs $250 pro kits, yet responsive Happ-style microswitches. Perfect Pi companion—plug into USB hubs.

Running total: $310. Remaining: $590.

Pros

  • +True arcade feel with clicky buttons
  • +4-player party ready
  • +LEDs for night play
  • +Zero delay encoder
  • +All wiring included

Cons

  • -Joysticks not Sanwa smooth
  • -Learning curve for wiring
  • -Bulky for small cabinets

Upgrade Option: SuzoHapp 4-Player Kit ($249) - Premium durability and feel.

Budget Alternative: 2-Player Basic Kit ($50) - Loses multiplayer fun.

Check Price on Amazon
#4essentialDisplay

TCL 32" Class 1080p FHD HDR LED Roku Smart TV - 32S355

Serves as the cabinet screen with arcade-sized viewing and low-latency HDMI.

$149.99
23% of budget
TCL 32" Class 1080p FHD HDR LED Roku Smart TV - 32S355

Compact 32" 1080p TV fits bartop perfectly, with HDR for vibrant pixels and Roku for menus (disable for pure emulation). Beats $200 IPS monitors in size/value; 60Hz fine for retro.

Running total: $460. Remaining: $440.

Pros

  • +Ideal bartop size/brightness
  • +Low input lag (16ms)
  • +Built-in speakers backup
  • +Wall-mountable
  • +Cheap vs gaming monitors

Cons

  • -60Hz caps high-FPS mods
  • -Smart features unnecessary
  • -Reflections in bright rooms

Upgrade Option: Samsung 32" 144Hz QHD ($279) - Smoother motion, sharper image.

Budget Alternative: 22" Portable Monitor ($80) - Cramped view.

Check Price on Amazon
#5essentialCabinet Materials

Roseburg PureBond 1/2 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. Pine Plywood

Primary structural wood for building the bartop enclosure.

$54.98
9% of budget
Roseburg PureBond 1/2 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. Pine Plywood

Strong, paintable plywood—one sheet cuts all bartop panels (free plans online). Half premium MDF price, same rigidity. Sand/paint for pro look.

Running total: $515. Remaining: $385.

Pros

  • +Affordable, easy to cut/drill
  • +No warping if sealed
  • +Home Depot/Amazon delivery
  • +Eco-friendly PureBond glue

Cons

  • -Splinters without sanding
  • -Heavy (cut in store)
  • -Needs paint/primer

Upgrade Option: Pre-Cut Bartop MDF Kit ($249) - No tools, perfect fit.

Budget Alternative: Cardboard Mockup ($20) - Temporary, unstable.

Check Price on Amazon
#6recommendedAudio

Logitech Z207 2.0 Bluetooth Computer Speakers

Delivers punchy stereo sound for chiptunes and explosions.

$49.99
8% of budget
Logitech Z207 2.0 Bluetooth Computer Speakers

Compact Bluetooth/3.5mm speakers with 10W power—loud enough for 10x10 room. Vs $100 soundbars, saves space/money without muddiness.

Running total: $565. Remaining: $335.

Pros

  • +Bluetooth wireless option
  • +Clear mids for retro SFX
  • +USB-powered from Pi
  • +Slim for cabinet mount

Cons

  • -No deep bass
  • -Volume maxes at parties
  • -Basic build

Upgrade Option: Logitech Z313 2.1 ($59) - Adds subwoofer thump.

Budget Alternative: Pi HAT Speaker ($15) - Tinny, low volume.

Check Price on Amazon
#7recommendedCabinet Materials

Midwest Products Clear Plexiglass Acrylic Sheet 1/8" x 24" x 36"

Transparent bezel overlay protects screen and adds retro aesthetic.

$26.99
4% of budget
Midwest Products Clear Plexiglass Acrylic Sheet 1/8" x 24" x 36"

Easy-cut acrylic for marquee/bezel—laser-cut optional. Budget vs $50 thicker sheets.

Running total: $592. Remaining: $308.

Pros

  • +Crystal clear, lightweight
  • +Scratch-resistant
  • +Perfect Pi screen overlay

Cons

  • -Cuts with score/snap
  • -Yellows over 10 years

Upgrade Option: Anti-Glare Polycarbonate ($45) - Better visibility.

Budget Alternative: Skip - Use none, dust-prone.

Check Price on Amazon
#8optionalCabinet Trim

Arcade T-Molding 3/4 in. Vinyl Black 25 Feet

Edges panels for pro arcade look and safety.

$17.99
3% of budget
Arcade T-Molding 3/4 in. Vinyl Black 25 Feet

Standard size fits plywood edges—heat gun inserts easy. $20 vs custom $50.

Running total: $610. Remaining: $290.

Pros

  • +Authentic rounded edges
  • +Hides rough cuts
  • +25ft covers full bartop

Cons

  • -Needs groove router
  • -Fades in sun

Upgrade Option: Chrome LED T-Molding ($40) - Glows stylishly.

Budget Alternative: Edge Banding Tape ($8) - Less arcade vibe.

Check Price on Amazon
#9optionalLighting

Govee 16.4ft RGBIC LED Strip Lights

Ambient underglow/marquee lighting for immersive arcade atmosphere.

$29.99
5% of budget
Govee 16.4ft RGBIC LED Strip Lights

App-controlled segments sync with music/games (Pi GPIO hack). Fun add-on vs $60 pro strips.

Final total: $640 (buffer $260 for tools/shipping).

Pros

  • +Music-reactive modes
  • +Pi-compatible 12V
  • +Bright, color zones
  • +Easy adhesive install

Cons

  • -App bloat
  • -Power draw adds heat
  • -Overkill for purists

Upgrade Option: WS2812B Addressable LEDs ($50) - Full Pi control.

Budget Alternative: Basic White LEDs ($10) - No color/flair.

Check Price on Amazon

Start with free bartop plans (search 'bartop arcade plans Raspberry Pi'—e.g., from robthegamer or arcadecomponents). Tools: jigsaw ($30), drill, sander, clamps, paint (total extra $100, fits buffer). Time: 15-25 hours over weekend.

  1. Cut plywood per plans (store cuts halves free). Sand, prime, paint black. Assemble frame, mount TV inside (VESA brackets $10). Cut/install plexi bezel, T-molding edges. Add LED strips underside.

  2. Wire controls: Solder buttons to encoder per diagram (30min, no soldering if pre-wired). Connect to Pi USB. Image SD with Balena Etcher (Batocera recommended—auto-detects controls).

  3. Boot Pi, connect HDMI to TV, audio to speakers. Configure EmulationStation: map buttons, scrape art, add ROMs via network. Test games. Ventilate with fan hole. Tips: Measure TV twice, seal wood against humidity, print marquee vinyl ($20 local). First boot: pure nostalgia!

Budget Tips

  • Shop sales: Amazon Prime Day or Micro Center for Pi bundles saves 20%.
  • DIY cabinet: Free plans avoid $300 kits; Home Depot cuts plywood free.
  • Source ROMs legally: Dump your carts; avoid shady sites.
  • Used monitors/TVs on Facebook Marketplace—test lag first, save $50+.
  • Never cheap controls: $20 kits fail in months.
  • Pre-image SD: YouTube guides 10min.
  • Buffer for tools/shipping: 20% taxes in some states.
  • Scale players: Start 2P kit ($60) if solo.

Common Mistakes

  • Undersizing screen: 19" feels toy-like; prioritize 27-32".
  • Cheaping controls: Sticky buttons kill fun—splurge here.
  • Ignoring airflow: Pi throttles in sealed cabinet; add vents/fan.
  • No plans: Free dimensions mismatch screen/controls.
  • Overbuying games packs: Illegal; dump own ROMs for quality.

Upgrade Roadmap

First: Swap Pi for Beelink N100 mini PC (~$200)—unlocks PS2/GameCube 60FPS, top priority for performance. Next: Sanwa joystick kit ($150) for buttery inputs lasting decades. Then full upright cabinet conversion ($400 materials) for standing play.

Wait on: Sound system (speakers fine), lighting (visual only). These ~$800 total keep under $1500 grand total, transforming budget bartop to pro setup.

Related Topics

budgetretro arcadeunder 900bartop arcaderaspberry pi arcadediy arcaderetro gamingemulation setupgaming consoles4 player arcade2025
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