Project Arcade: Build Your Own Arcade Machine [Paperback]

John St. Clair (Author)

Book Description

Series: ExtremeTech | Publication Date: May 7, 2004

You can go back, and here's howRemember the days--and quarters--you spent pursuing aliens, fleeing ghosts, and gobbling dots in that beloved arcade? They're hiding in these pages, along with diagrams, directions, plans, and materials lists that will enable you to build your very own arcade game. Construct joysticks, buttons, and trackballs; build the console and cabinet; install and configure the software; crank up the speakers; and wham! Step across the time-space continuum and enjoy all those classic games, plus dozens of new ones, whenever you like.

Start Here

1. Plan for your space and budget
2. Design and build the cabinet
3. Construct the controllers
4. Build the console
5. Pick an old game's brain
6. Install the emulator
7. Convince a PC it's a game
8. Connect a monitor and speakers
9. Add a marquee
10. GO PLAY!

Includes diagrams, detailed instructions, essential software, and more

CD-ROM Includes
* Complete cabinet plans and diagrams
* MAME32 software
* Paint Shop Pro? evaluation version
* Links to hundreds of arcade cabinet projects

Editorial Reviews

Review

“…breathtaking detail…the passion is infectious…” (Edge, December 2005)

From the Back Cover

You can go back, and here's howRemember the days—and quarters—you spent pursuing aliens, fleeing ghosts, and gobbling dots in that beloved arcade? They’re hiding in these pages, along with diagrams, directions, plans, and materials lists that will enable you to build your very own arcade game. Construct joysticks, buttons, and trackballs; build the console and cabinet; install and configure the software; crank up the speakers; and wham! Step across the time-space continuum and enjoy all those classic games, plus dozens of new ones, whenever you like.

Start Here

1. Plan for your space and budget
2. Design and build the cabinet
3. Construct the controllers
4. Build the console
5. Pick an old game’s brain
6. Install the emulator
7. Convince a PC it’s a game
8. Connect a monitor and speakers
9. Add a marquee
10. GO PLAY!

Includes diagrams, detailed instructions, essential software, and more

CD-ROM Includes

• Complete cabinet plans and diagrams
• MAME32 software
• Paint Shop Pro® evaluation version
• Links to hundreds of arcade cabinet projects

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 504 pages
• Publisher: Wiley (May 7, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764556169
• ISBN-13: 978-0764556166
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #734,185 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best MAME Cabinet book around, May 13, 2004

By 

hang10web (Midwest, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Project Arcade: Build Your Own Arcade Machine (Paperback)

Ok, well technically its the ONLY MAME cabinet book around - but seriously this is very good. I started getting the MAME cabinet bug about a year ago, and took a stab or 2 at building some desktop controls, using the Author's website, oddly enough. Now, I have everything I need to go all the way.

The Author is serious about this, and it shows. It's very well written, and the tone feels like he is working along side you in the garage, guiding you step-by-step through the construction.

There is even a CD ROM included with tons of diagrams, construction plans, templates, and software. I haven't gotten all the way through the CD, but it is packed full of stuff.

Man, my wife is gonna kill me....

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gave me the courage to finally build my own, May 19, 2004

By 

Dave (Indiana) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Project Arcade: Build Your Own Arcade Machine (Paperback)

A couple of the guys I work with have been messing around with this hobby for a while, and I've always wanted to give it a shot but didn't know where to start.

Now that I have this wonderful book, I've started to dig in and finally build my own arcade machine.

Most useful so far have been the author's guidelines on materials building, and the clear way he explains woodworking chores. I'm far from an expert woodworker, and many project books I've picked up go way over my head. John St. Clair's approach is very clear without being condescending.

Overall this is an awesome book. If you have visions of a stand-up arcade machine in the corner of your den, basement, or playroom, pick up this book and get to work!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent advice for newbies and experienced builders alike!, June 20, 2004

By 

P.Murphy (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Project Arcade: Build Your Own Arcade Machine (Paperback)

I've built four arcade machines in the past, and honestly wasn't expecting to find anything I didn't already know in this book. I was pleasantly surprised to find all kinds of info I wasn't aware of; it's a great source of inspiration- full of ideas I never would have thought of.
If you're even toying with the idea of getting into this extremely rewarding hobby - you need to buy this book! If you've already built an arcade machine and have become addicted - you need to buy this book!
It's that simple.