#Bartop arcade cabinet plans full size for free
#Bartop arcade cabinet plans full size how to

Planning it and building it was just as fun as playing it.В It was well worth all the (minor) injuries I sustained during construction. This was not only the most difficult and expensive, but also the funnest project I've ever worked on by far. I'd go so far as I like it better than an actual Neo Geo cabinet, but I'm biased. I decided to build a 1-player cabinet, but there's a USB port on the front panel so that an optional 2nd controller can be added for 2-player games.В I could envision a finished product made of 100% authentic arcade parts,В most importantly a CRT (tube) arcade monitor, that would netВ aВ hyper-realistic arcade experience for a fraction of the cost and space requirements of a full-size system.В It took over 2 months to build, and now it's done.ДЄfter having played with it for a few days, I can honestly say I love it. tabletop) kit as opposed to a full-size cabinet so that it wouldn't take up asВ much room in my rapidly shrinking apartment. I chose to build the cabinet from a pre-fabВ kit since I lack most of the tools and skills required to cut my own. The fact that there are 150 Neo Geo games, many of which are great, all with the same controls sealed the deal.В Simple andВ attractive artwork, with a ROM set that is easy to emulateВ on an old PC helped, too. This is a much more versatile solution than using an actual arcade board, which would yield only one game, or a handful at most. When deciding what arcade game to build, I looked for 'the most bang for the buck.' The system should be PC-based, since I already had an old PC laying around. I had noticed the amazing graphics, sound, and overall fun of many of the Neo Geo games.

#Bartop arcade cabinet plans full size how to

I never played Neo Geo console or arcade games as a kid, but rather got into them in my 20'sВ when I learned how to mod the Xbox and play emulated games on it. I first read about Neo Geo and its prohibitively expensive home console and games in an early issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly circa 1990. (For those unfamiliar with Neo Geo, see here for background info.)В Mainly, it was because I love the games.

I decided to build a Neo Geo Bartop for several reasons. While it seemed economically out of reach at first, I decided that I could make a few financial sacrifices to make it work. In September, just for grins, I priced out a cabinet with the options I wanted.

This summer, as I was wrapping up my touchscreen jukebox project, I was considering what my next project should be.

#Bartop arcade cabinet plans full size for free

Ever since the days of playing games in arcades, bowling alleys,В and diners as a boy, I've wondered what it would be like to be able to play an arcade game for free whenever I wanted. A dream of mine has always been to own an arcade cabinet.