r/lists • Posted by Alex 'A.J.' Johnson🎮 Gaming
Top Raspberry Pi Add-ons for Building Your Own Retro Arcade Machine
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Raspberry Pi 4 Model B / Raspberry Pi 5
core-electronics.com.auThis is the brain of your operation! For solid emulation performance, especially for N64 or Dreamcast, you'll want at least a Raspberry Pi 4, but the Pi 5 offers even more power for demanding titles. - 2
RetroPie
retropie.org.ukThe absolute go-to operating system for turning your Raspberry Pi into a retro gaming powerhouse. It's packed with emulators and a slick front-end that makes finding and playing your favorite games a breeze. - 3
Batocera.linux
batocera.orgIf RetroPie isn't quite your jam, Batocera is an fantastic alternative. It's known for its ease of setup and broad compatibility, making it a great choice for quick arcade builds. - 4
Zero Delay USB Encoder
amazon.comThese little boards are magic for connecting your arcade joysticks and buttons directly to your Raspberry Pi via USB. They live up to their name – no noticeable input lag, which is crucial for fighting games! - 5
Sanwa JLF-TP-8YT Joystick
amazon.comFor that authentic arcade feel, you can't go wrong with a Sanwa joystick. It's a premium, high-quality stick widely used in Japanese arcade cabinets and by serious fightstick enthusiasts. - 6
Arcade Push Buttons (e.g., Sanwa OBSF-30)
amazon.comPair your joystick with some quality arcade buttons. Sanwa OBSF-30s are a popular choice, providing that satisfying click and responsiveness you remember from the arcade. - 7
RetroFlag NESPi 4 Case
retroflag.comWant your Pi to look like a mini Nintendo Entertainment System? This case is incredibly cool, with functional power/reset buttons and even a bay for an SSD hidden inside a dummy NES cartridge. - 8
RetroFlag SUPERPi 4 Case
retroflag.comIf you're more of a Super Nintendo fan, RetroFlag also offers the SUPERPi 4 case. It captures the classic SNES aesthetic perfectly and includes safe shutdown features. - 9
CanaKit 3.5A Raspberry Pi 4 Power Supply (USB-C)
canakit.comA stable power supply is non-negotiable for any Raspberry Pi project, especially a retro arcade. CanaKit's power supplies are tried and true, ensuring your Pi runs smoothly without unexpected crashes. - 10
High-Speed MicroSD Card (e.g., Samsung EVO Select)
amazon.comYou need fast and reliable storage for your RetroPie or Batocera installation and all your ROMs. A good quality, high-speed microSD card, 32GB or larger, is essential for quick boot times and game loading. - 11
GeeekPi Raspberry Pi 4 Case with Cooling Fan & Heatsinks
amazon.comKeeping your Raspberry Pi cool is key for performance and longevity. GeeekPi offers some great cases that include dedicated cooling fans and heatsinks to manage thermals effectively. - 12
8BitDo Arcade Stick
8bitdo.comFor a fantastic plug-and-play experience, the 8BitDo Arcade Stick is hard to beat. It offers excellent build quality, customization options, and works great wirelessly with your Pi. - 13
LCD Controller Board
westardisplaytechnologies.comIf you're salvaging an old monitor, perhaps from an Arcade1Up cabinet, an LCD controller board is what you'll need to hook it up to your Raspberry Pi via HDMI. It brings that screen to life! - 14
USB Powered Speakers
adafruit.comWhat's an arcade without sound? Simple USB-powered speakers are usually super easy to integrate with your Pi, providing that crucial audio immersion for all your classic games. - 15
DIY Retro Arcade Power Kit
diyretroarcade.comFor larger, custom cabinet builds, an integrated power kit simplifies wiring by providing dedicated 5V for your Pi and 12V for accessories like LED buttons, marquees, and monitors, all from one master switch.
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