Best Bartop Arcade Machine Kit: Top 5 Picks for Home Arcades
Building a compact arcade is easier than ever with these bartop cabinet kits. This guide features five popular options designed for 19″ to 23″ screens, with hardware choices like HAPP or SANWA joysticks and compatible button sets. Each kit focuses on sturdy construction, easy assembly, and flexibility for future upgrades. Read to compare dimensions, compatibility, and included components to pick the right kit for your space and arcade dreams.
| Product | Brand | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| LVL23 2 Player Bartop Arcade Cabinet Kit for 19″ to 23″ Screens | Customs, LLC | HAPP or SANWA options, compact dimensions, two-player layout |
| LVL23 2 Player Bartop Arcade Cabinet Kit for 19″ to 23″ Screens | LEP1 Customs, LLC Store | HAPP or SANWA variants, streamlined design |
| Sturdy DIY Arcade Console Kit – Metal Base and Acrylic Panel | Unknown | Durable metal frame, wide compatibility |
| RetroArcade.us Ultimate BARTOP Arcade Game Cabinet | RetroArcade.us | Ready-to-assemble, manufacturer warranty |
| EG STARTS 4 Player Classic DIY Arcade Joystick Kit | EG STARTS Store | 4-player setup, USB encoder, versatile usage |
Below are five detailed sections for the most relevant bartop arcade machine kits. Each section includes a clickable Amazon link to the product page, a visual, and a concise feature review to help you compare options quickly.
LVL23 Two-Player Bartop Kit With 19″–23″ Screens
The LVL23 kit supports 19″ to 23″ displays and comes in choices between HAPP or SANWA components. It features interior width around 20.75 inches and exterior width about 21.75 inches, with overall height near 21 inches and depth of 18 inches. The SANWA option includes a SANWA-style joystick with 24mm start/coin buttons and 30mm action buttons, while the HAPP variant uses HAPP joysticks and 28mm buttons. This dual-option design helps match your preferred feel and control layout for two players.
LVL23 Bartop Kit With HAPP or SANWA Choice
This variation emphasizes selectable control styles, offering either HAPP (28mm) or SANWA (30mm) button configurations alongside a compatible joystick. Dimensions are the same as the other LVL23 kit, ensuring a consistent footprint for a two-player arcade in tight spaces. This model suits buyers who want to fine-tune the tactile feel of their sticks and buttons for drifting between retro and modern arcade titles.
Sturdy DIY Arcade Console Kit With Metal Base
This kit prioritizes durability with a metal base and acrylic panel, supporting up to two players with 8-button holes each (6 × 30mm plus 2 × 24mm for start/coin). It’s compatible with USB arcade kits and Pandora arcade box kits and is designed to work with typical PC configurations running Windows versions 7–10. The robust construction aims to minimize flex and wear during intense play sessions.
RetroArcade.us Ultimate Bartop Cabinet Kit
The Ultimate Bartop Cabinet Kit from RetroArcade.us is a ready-to-assemble option designed for a straightforward build. While the listing highlights a manufacturer warranty, potential buyers should verify included components such as the control panel layout, monitor compatibility, and assembly instructions. The kit aligns with hobbyists seeking a quick turn-key project without sacrificing the satisfaction of a custom-built arcade.
EG STARTS 4-Player Classic DIY Arcade Kit
This 4-player kit from EG STARTS brings a versatile option for larger setups or party rooms. It includes a USB encoder for PC compatibility, a 4- or 8-way stick, and four colors of illuminated push buttons. The package emphasizes compatibility with MAME, Raspberry Pi, and other emulation platforms, making it a flexible foundation for multi-player arcade experiences.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations and Comparisons
Screen compatibility and footprint are primary concerns for a bartop arcade. Measure your intended display size (19″ to 23″) and confirm the cabinet’s interior width and overall height to ensure a comfortable two-player layout without crowding the controls. Consider joystick and button options—HAPP vs. SANWA—since they affect feel, precision, and longevity. If you plan to upgrade to more players or swap screens later, check hardware adaptability and available control layouts.
Material quality and durability impact long-term enjoyment. Kits with metal bases and reinforced panels offer stability during aggressive play. Look for kits with compatible peripherals or standard USB encoders to simplify wiring and future upgrades. Also review assembly difficulty, included instructions, and whether the kit supports Pandora or other popular arcade box ecosystems for expanded game libraries.
Power and compatibility considerations matter for home use. Verify whether a kit relies on USB-powered controls or requires an external power supply. Ensure compatibility with your operating system (Windows XP through Windows 10 in many DIY kits) and with emulation software you plan to use, such as MAME or RetroPie. Finally, evaluate warranty options, as kits with a manufacturer warranty provide additional assurance for first-time builders.
When comparing products, balance build quality, control feel, and the intended number of players. If you want a compact, two-player setup with easy upgrades, LVL23 variants offer configurable button sizes and joystick styles. For durability and a heavy-duty frame, the Sturdy DIY Arcade Console Kit emphasizes a solid metal base. For multi-player crowds or ready-to-assemble enthusiasts, RetroArcade.us and EG STARTS provide turnkey and flexible options, respectively.
In sum, choosing the right bartop arcade kit depends on your preferred control system, space constraints, and future upgrade plans. The five options highlighted here cover a spectrum—from compact dual-player layouts to robust, larger multi-player builds—ensuring you can select a kit that matches your arcade goals without compromising on build quality or playability.
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