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Arcade Machine

David C

July 22, 2025

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Description

3D printed arcade machine designed for using the following components

RPI 4 (or you can use a slim fanless nuc like a Z8350 or similar)
18.5" portable monitor (Coolhood brand i used but others likely work)
- 180 deg USB C adapter
- 180 deg Mini Hdmi to Hdmi adapter
Ugreen USB 4 port hub
Ugreen 65w Desktop Charger
PAM8406 5w Amp module
3.5mm Audio Ground Noise Loop Eliminator (any that's good), cut the RPI noise.
Mounted speakers ~40mm (see my mounting hole template).
EG starts 2 player joystick and buttons kit
M3 bolt, washer and nut kit(s). Also get a standoff kit for mounting the PCB of the RPI 4, joystick controller boards and PAM8406 amp.

Couple points

To achieve the required size, i had to panelize the design into splits. Once assembled and bolted up, it is quite sturdy. Splits are staggered where i could.
I've managed to avoid having a fan with the vents in the back and using a portable monitor.
All items run on 5V (or USB-PD) from the desktop charger. I also believe the use of components that are generally low power keeps the heat down to not need a fan.
It gets a little cable crowded but it all fits nicely, selecting short and flexible cables is ideal then zip tie them up.
The joystick panel joint/support part is designed to just rest inside the machine. It's bolted to the joystick panel but rests on the bottom panel when installed.
The nuts are largely to be pressed into the nut recesses.
Mounting the amp will be a bit of a trial fit approach.
I found RetroPie to be very good both on RPI4 and on x86 with Debian.
You can use one of the spare arcade buttons (assuming 6 button joystick setup) as a power button, this is why there is a hole in the side.
The PAM8406 amp board volume knob also acts as on/off. Great for turning off the amp when the rpi4 or PC is also off.
3D filament wise, your preference/choice here. I quite like PETG or esun PLA-ST / Polymaker PolyMax PLA.
- This is what worked for me, if i had an enclosure, i would likely gone down other materials but i like simple printing.
This is going to consume allot of filament and time printing. Pros/Cons, if i had access to my old workbench/garage/tools etc, i'd likely look at MDF, PVC, Acrylic and anything else i could cut/mill out without panelizing. That said, the ability to print mount points into the parts, vents, hole positions for buttons etc and then just bolt up also is a big win.

Product links or product names below for items i needed in addition to the RPI4