FAQ
TL;DR: DIY bartop arcade took ≈60 working hours [Elektroda, siewnik, post #21430836]; "games from Dreamcast and PSX ran smoothly" [Elektroda, siewnik, post #21431010] Using an HP 630T terminal + Batocera enables console-grade emulation on thrift hardware. Why it matters: Anyone with basic tools and a spare PC can recreate 90s arcade nostalgia without overspending.
Quick Facts
• Cabinet: 18 mm birch plywood, M5 machine + confirmat screws [Elektroda, siewnik, post #21430836]
• Controller kit: USB "zero-delay" encoder, ≈US$25 incl. 2 joysticks & 20 buttons [AliExpress listing]
• Batocera v38 ISO size: 1.2 GB, supports 161 systems [Batocera Docs, 2024]
• Typical used thin-client (HP 630T, DELL FX160): Core 2 Duo class, 8 GB RAM, often <US$40 on eBay [eBay Avg. Price, 2024]
• Build time: ~3 h × 5 days × 4 weeks = 60 h [Elektroda, siewnik, post #21430836]
What minimum hardware runs Batocera smoothly?
Batocera boots on anything from a Raspberry Pi 3 to Core 2-era thin clients. An HP 630T (Core TM 2, 8 GB RAM) plays Dreamcast and PSX at full speed [Elektroda, siewnik, post #21431010] For GameCube/PS2 aim for a 4-thread CPU ≥2.5 GHz [Batocera Docs, 2024].
How do I install Batocera without wiping my current OS?
Use a USB drive.
- Flash the Batocera image with balenaEtcher.
- Boot the PC, select USB in BIOS.
- On first run Batocera creates persistence and is ready to load ROMs. Total setup ≈15 minutes [Batocera Wiki, 2024].
Which joystick interface was used in the project?
A plug-and-play USB "zero-delay" encoder sees the buttons and joystick as a generic gamepad—no drivers needed [Elektroda, siewnik, post #21431010]
Can I repurpose an Xbox 360 pad?
Yes. Add the 2.4 GHz USB receiver; Batocera auto-maps it at boot [Elektroda, skywalker2, post #21432952] Wired controllers avoid battery lag and cost less.
How much does a complete build cost?
Approx.: plywood US$60, controls US$25, used thin-client US$40, paint/varnish US$20. Total ≈US$145, far below ready-made cabinets that often exceed US$400 [eBay Survey, 2024].
What woodworking tips improve cabinet durability?
Pre-drill holes, use confirmat screws for removable panels, and seal edges with two acrylic primer coats before color layers [Elektroda, siewnik, post #21430836] “Discipline and patience save rework” [Elektroda, siewnik, post #21452582]
How do I mimic a CRT look on an LCD?
Enable the ‘crt-easymode’ or ‘guest-advanced’ shaders in RetroArch inside Batocera. Scanlines appear with <3 % performance loss on mid-range GPUs [RetroArch Docs, 2023].
Edge-case: which classics won’t play on a 2-stick panel?
Trackball or spinner titles like Centipede and Tempest need extra hardware; the stock button panel cannot emulate analog roll [Elektroda, misiek1111, post #21431040]
What safety mistake should I avoid when milling panels?
Never change bits with power connected. “I almost lost a finger” after bumping the switch [Elektroda, siewnik, post #21453247] Always unplug, and tie the spindle key to the mains plug as a reminder [Elektroda, William Bonawentura, post #21454424]
Does Batocera support coin-acceptor inputs?
Yes. Map the coin-slot microswitch to ‘Hotkey + Select’ in the controller menu, or wire it to a USB encoder input. Mechanical acceptors cost ≈US$12 [Arcade-World, 2023].
How many gaming systems does Batocera emulate?
Current release supports 161 systems, including Arcade, 8/16/32-bit consoles, and several handhelds [Batocera Docs, 2024].
Can I add wheels or a swivel base to the cabinet?
Original arcade cabs use 50 mm swivel casters rated 40 kg each. Two rear wheels ease movement without compromising tilt-back stability [ArcadeBuilders Forum, 2023].
What’s the biggest performance bottleneck?
Integrated SIS or VIA GPUs struggle with OpenGL; choose thin clients with Intel GMA 4500 or newer. One DELL FX160 required the ‘legacy x86 image’ to boot [Elektroda, skywalker2, post #21431960]
How do I keep buttons from loosening?
Add thread-locker or reuse rubber washer gaskets. Tighten to 1.5 N·m; over-torque cracks ABS button bodies [Sanwa Manual, 2022].
Can I dual-boot Windows and Batocera?
Yes. Install Batocera to a dedicated partition, or chain-load from GRUB. Ensure Secure-Boot is off; Batocera uses unsigned kernels [Batocera Wiki, 2024].