How to Make Arcade-Type Video Games

Construct a video arcade cabinet that resembles an arcade unit. There are kits (see Resources) you can get with precut pieces to assemble, or you can cut your own pieces of wood. The most important parts are a top cabinet to store the video monitor, a shelf below that cabinet for the controls and a lower cabinet for the console .

Detail the arcade cabinet's outer facade any way you like. You can paint classic video game images or use your own personal style. You may be able to order decals from the same vendor that sells the cabinet kits.

Insert your game console in the lower cabinet. If you're looking to play classic games, you have three options: an old game console with the classic games on cartridges, a newer console where you can download the classic games onto it, or a PC with a downloaded emulator that plays those games.

Place a video monitor inside the upper cabinet. All you need is a simple TV set with a 27-inch screen (or possibly a bit smaller). If you are using a PC, however, you will need a computer monitor.

Connect the computer/console to the monitor. For a PC and its monitor, use the standard VGA cable connection. For a game console, connect it to the TV with the console's RF switch coaxial connector or RCA composite plug adapter. (These will be the only connections for an older console and TV.)

Place an arcade-style control panel on the shelf and connect it to the console. Some of the older consoles have arcade-style controllers, like the NES Advantage, that you can connect to them. For a newer console or PC, check a video game or electronics store for an arcade control unit that will work with your particular console.

Insert a multiplug surge protector within the lower cabinet's floorboard. Plug the console and monitor into this and plug the surge protector into an outer socket. (You may need an extension cord.) If you are downloading games, you'll also need to run an Internet cable into the cabinet and connect it to the PC/console.