Shop top categories that ship internationally
Buy used:
$3.47
$19.98 delivery December 24 - January 15. Details
Used: Very Good | Details
Sold by World of Books (previously glenthebookseller)
Condition: Used: Very Good
Comment: Item in very good condition! Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc...
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Added to

Sorry, there was a problem.

There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. Please try again.

Sorry, there was a problem.

List unavailable.
Other sellers on Amazon
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Get new release updates & improved recommendations
John St.Clair
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Project Arcade: Build Your Own Arcade Machine (ExtremeTech) Paperback – May 7, 2004

by John St. Clair (Author)
4.2 out of 5 stars (77)
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
Read more
Report an issue with this product or seller
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    504 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Wiley
  4. Publication date
    May 7, 2004
  5. Dimensions
    7.3 x 1 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0764556169
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0764556166
Next slide of product details
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now

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

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wiley
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 7, 2004
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 504 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0764556169
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0764556166
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.65 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.3 x 1 x 9 inches
  • Best Sellers Rank: #1,911,830 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars (77)

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
John St.Clair

John St.Clair

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

Similar brands on Amazon

Page 1 of 1Start Over
Sponsored
Previous page
  1. Shop the Store on Amazon ›
    Build a Large Language Model (From Scratch)
    Build a Large Language Model (From Scratch)
    4.64.6 out of 5 stars355
  2. Shop the Store on Amazon ›
    ARCADE1UP Class of 81’ Deluxe Arcade Machine for Home - 5 Feet Tall - 12 Classic Games
    ARCADE1UP Class of 81’ Deluxe Arcade Machine for Home - 5 Feet Tall - 12 Classic Games
    4.64.6 out of 5 stars429
  3. Shop the Store on Amazon ›
    Poster Master 4-Piece Gaming Machines Blueprint Poster - Game Patent Print - Arcade Art - Skee Ball - Technical Drawing - Foosball - Great Office or Bar Decor - 8x10 UNFRAMED Wall Art
    Poster Master 4-Piece Gaming Machines Blueprint Poster - Game Patent Print - Arcade Art - Skee Ball - Technical Drawing - Foosball - Great Office or Bar Decor - 8x10 UNFRAMED Wall Art
    4.44.4 out of 5 stars30
  4. Shop the Store on Amazon ›
    WodGod 3D Wooden Dinosaur Pinball Machine DIY Kit for Adults & Teens - Tabletop Arcade Game with LED Lights & Sound Effects, STEM Building Model, Creative Gift for Ages 14+
    WodGod 3D Wooden Dinosaur Pinball Machine DIY Kit for Adults & Teens - Tabletop Arcade Game with LED Lights & Sound Effects, STEM Building Model, Creative Gift for Ages 14+
    4.04.0 out of 5 stars12
Next page

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
77 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book to be a good reference guide that guides readers through every step of building their own arcade machine. The encyclopedia content receives positive feedback for its detailed explanations. However, the content is dated, and customers report that links no longer work. The writing style and value for money receive mixed reviews.

Select to learn more

Information qualityBuildabilityEncyclopedia contentValue for moneyWriting styleDated contentLink quality
12 customers mention "Information quality"10 positive2 negative

Customers find the book to be a good reference guide, with one customer noting it includes helpful checklists of items needed.

"...That said, the book is a great reference if you have other plans to follow...." Read more

"...Some links no longer work and some info is dated. It is a very good reference and a good place to start if you are just getting into the MAME scene...." Read more

"Good Information. A little outdated." Read more

"...Most helpful: Schematics of a 'typical' arcade cabinet. This made it easier to draw out and eventually cut the pieces I needed...." Read more

8 customers mention "Buildability"7 positive1 negative

Customers find the book helpful for building arcade machines, with one mentioning it provides construction tips and suggestions, while another notes it helps plan things out in advance.

"Helped me build an arcade that works perfectly. if you are interested in this stuff, this book is essential and guides you through every step." Read more

"...The best section by far is BUILDING your cabinet. It takes even the beginner carpenter through step-by-step, so it's do-able for anyone!" Read more

"...to MAME, this book, and some fanatasic online resources, you can build your own machine that is exactly the way you want it!..." Read more

"Step by step instructions and plans to build your own arcade. An awesome book, I wish I had more time to play my arcade." Read more

6 customers mention "Encyclopedia content"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the encyclopedia content of the book, which guides readers through every step of building an arcade machine, with one customer noting the detailed schematics of a typical arcade cabinet.

"Step by step instructions and plans to build your own arcade. An awesome book, I wish I had more time to play my arcade." Read more

"...has done a wonderful job of taking a complicated task and putting it in layman's terms that anyone can understand and follow...." Read more

"...are interested in this stuff, this book is essential and guides you through every step." Read more

"...This book very clearly and explicitly laid out what I would be doing, and it convinced me that I did not really want to undertake this project...." Read more

3 customers mention "Value for money"2 positive1 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's value for money, with one customer finding it worth every penny and another describing it as completely worthless.

"Worth every penny. I was curious about designing arcade cabinets. I got my answer and I will work on it." Read more

"...Completely worthless...." Read more

"...tips and suggestions and innumerable references and hacks make the book well worthwhile...." Read more

3 customers mention "Writing style"2 positive1 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the writing style of the book.

"The writing is good but the content is very old...." Read more

"What a lazy author..." Read more

"...It has clear writing, good diagrams and photos, and a helpful CD...." Read more

8 customers mention "Dated content"0 positive8 negative

Customers find the content of the book dated, with one customer noting that the electronics descriptions are outdated and another mentioning that the links to additional files are severely outdated.

"When I purchased it, it was slightly outdated and some of the links referenced in the book were no longer active websites. Not the author's fault...." Read more

"Good Information. A little outdated." Read more

"The book is showing its age now. Some links no longer work and some info is dated...." Read more

"The writing is good but the content is very old...." Read more

5 customers mention "Link quality"1 positive4 negative

Customers report that the links in the book no longer work.

"The book is showing its age now. Some links no longer work and some info is dated...." Read more

"...This is a great book for new builders. Some links are not working but the information is a great start" Read more

"...Also, the CD it came with was cracked and useless (make sure that doesn't happen to you!)..." Read more

"Helped me build an arcade that works perfectly. if you are interested in this stuff, this book is essential and guides you through every step." Read more

Great Book
4 out of 5 stars
Great Book
This is the book to buy if you are serious about building your own arcade. Some points to note though: (1) I cannot stress enough how much a helper can help with this project (the author says this from the start). 95% of my project was done without help (see my customer picture). This project took me over 5 weekends because i did not have help. With help you can finish off this project in about two weekends if your committed. (2) This book does not have to be followed like a blue print. I used different material (e.g. a TV instead of a monitor)and left out certain features (e.g. coin door). Use this book to guide you, but you do not have to follow this book word for word especially if you have different ideas. (3) This is a great book but it is not 100% thorough. After i finished building my cabinet, and proceeded to install a fluorescent light in my cabinet for the marque, i realized the book did not explain how to wire it. To some people that may be simple, but for me, who has never done electrical work, i had to do further reading in order to install this light. I would have given this book 5 stars except for that little foresight. All in all, this is a great book and highly recommended . One should note thought, this project is very time consuming and should not be attempted if you are not very committed to it.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Scott
    5.0 out of 5 stars A bit dated, but just what I needed!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2009
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I always wanted to build my own arcade game, and this book helped me through it. Granted, I didn't follow it page for page, but it guided me through each step to get me to my ultimate goal.

    Most helpful: Schematics of a 'typical' arcade cabinet. This made it easier to draw out and eventually cut the pieces I needed. Also, checklists of items you will need and may need to successfully create your own cabinet.

    Least helpful: Listed websites. Most of the online help listed is defunct and useless at this point. Also, the CD it came with was cracked and useless (make sure that doesn't happen to you!)

    What would have helped: More on the electrical side of the cabinet. Needed my father-in-law to teach me about the wiring mecahnics of my machine.

    Overall: If you've got the initative to build an arcade game, but have minimal knowledge of where to start, this book is PERFECT! The best section by far is BUILDING your cabinet. It takes even the beginner carpenter through step-by-step, so it's do-able for anyone!
    Helpful
     Report
  • B. Anderson
    4.0 out of 5 stars a good reference guide
    Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2009
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I bought the book after seeing it recommended on an series of Systm episodes about building your own MAME cabinet. I read the first few chapters of the book and used the plans off the included CD-ROM to start building.

    However, the plans are a bit flawed - something not mentioned in the book. If you build your cabinet based off the recommended plans, your cabinet will be exactly 7'6", which is more than a little too tall. I thought I had simply measured wrong, but after re-measuring a dozen times and comparing my measurements to the plans, I realized the plans were just wrong. This is also the case with the cabinet that was built in the Systm episodes; if you watch the final episodes, you'll realize they have a frankencabinet because they followed the plans to the T, just as I did.

    That said, the book is a great reference if you have other plans to follow. Construction tips and suggestions and innumerable references and hacks make the book well worthwhile. I find myself going back to the book for things like t-molding vendors, trackball hacks and the like. Of course, all this information (and more) can be located on the internet, but it's helpful to have it in one place to flip through. If you are actually going to build a MAME cab, you'll have more than enough time to go through the book *and* all the internet sites detailing this process. This isn't your one-weekend project. Count on several weekends as well as several trips to Home Depot or Lowes.

    Definitely get the book, but don't follow it word-for-word. Use it as a reference guide. Don't be afraid to go off the reservation with your cabinet build if you have a good idea (I built a keyboard drawer in mine, for example) - sandpaper and wood putty will fix some pretty major mistakes. :)
    5 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Ranger
    5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful
    Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Very helpful to build my own cabinet.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Curtis Hart
    3.0 out of 5 stars Unfortunately, a somewhat dated book
    Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2008
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Following the Arcade scene for a few years, I've been promising myself this book once I'm ready to sit down and start building my own MAME Arcade cabinet.

    After getting the book and skimming through the pages, I was disappointed to find it's either information I've already discovered on my own by surfing the Internet, or the links to additional content or files are severely outdated and a number of external links no longer work. The copy of MAME they provide you is ver 0.7x (Latest incarnation of MAME is over .100)

    Don't get me wrong, this book is great for those who haven't already done the research and want an all-in-one book on how to do it. For me however, I gained nothing from the book.
    5 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Amy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Resource!!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2004
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    If you spent your pre-teen and teen years pumping quarters into Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Galaga, you probably thought "I wish I had one of these at home! When I've got a real job, I'll buy one for sure!", right? With mortgages, car payments, and student loans eating away at your "fun money", that old dream just didn't quite make it to reality. Now, thanks to MAME, this book, and some fanatasic online resources, you can build your own machine that is exactly the way you want it! All your old favorites can live again in your home.
    This book really details every single step you need to go through to make it happen. It has clear writing, good diagrams and photos, and a helpful CD. Even if you have limited skills, this book will guide you through the process of building your own arcade machine. The writing style is smooth, and you'll find yourself picking this book up, opening to a random page, and learning another detail towards building your dream arcade machine.
    5 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Ken Hanson
    4.0 out of 5 stars A very, very thorough product
    Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2007
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    It covers everything you need to do, from start to finish. I especially like the in-depth reviews of the different controllers and how to tweak or hack them. Very informative. I think the highest praise I can give this book is that I was very motivated to build a machine until I read this book. This book very clearly and explicitly laid out what I would be doing, and it convinced me that I did not really want to undertake this project. It sounds like backwards compliments, but seriously, what could be more valuable than convincing the reader that they are out of their depth PRIOR to spending the money on the materials, the computers, the controllers etc.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • PM
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book on Arcades!!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2010
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This is a great book. As one other reviewer mentioned it is getting kinda dated. It gives a great insight into the different ways you can configure an arcade and how you might want to best do it to suit yourself. I would not however pay 40 bucks for it used as some of the sellers here appear to be doing. I have heard that Saint is going to be making a second edition so that is something to look forward to.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Amazon Customer
    2.0 out of 5 stars Badly outdated
    Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2019
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    The tips on building the cabinet for the game system are good, but actual plans are quite limited. although there are photos and descriptions of lots of different styles of arcade cabinets, it only contains actual plans for one particular cabinet. Links to resources on the web are mostly bad and don't work. Descriptions of the electronics are dated. There are much better alternatives available today.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • O. Albers
    4.0 out of 5 stars Ein "Must-Have" für alle Cabinet-Bastler
    Reviewed in Germany on June 7, 2004
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Project Arcade beschreibt den kompletten (Hardware-) Aufbau eines Cabinets, also eines Videospielgeräts, welches man aus den 80ern kennt.
    Leider ist dieses Buch bisher nicht in einer deutschen Übersetzung erschienen, dennoch jedem deutschen Leser nur wärmstens ans Herz zu legen, da sich die sprachlichen Fallstricke in Grenzen halten.
    Von der Auswahl des richtigen Holzes einens Videospiel-Gehäuses bis hin zum Einbau einer "Coin-Door" erschlägt das Buch in seinen 500 Seiten alle Themen sehr präzise und vor allem für den Einsteiger angenehm lesbar. Vor allem einige ungewöhnliche Tricks, wie das Verwenden von alten Festplatten als Ersatzteillager für sog. "Spinner" machen dieses Buch wertvoll.
    Eigentlich gibt es fast nichts, was mir an diesem Buch nicht gefällt. Weshalb also keine fünf Sterne?
    Erstens sind sämtliche Maßangaben nicht metrisch, sondern Zoll. Dies ist bei einem amerikanischen Buch zwar zu erwarten, aber dennoch ein wenig nervig. Außerdem kann die beigelegte CD dem hohen Standard des Buches nicht gerecht werden. Sie wirkt insgesamt etwas lieblos zusammengewürfelt.
    Da die 500 Seiten komplett mit interessanten Informationen zugepackt sind kommt das Kapitel Software sehr kurz. Aber dies ist zu verschmerzen, erspart es dem Leser doch, Seiten an Konfigurationsscripten zu durchkämpfen.
    Mein Fazit:
    Ein absolut lesenswertes Buch für alle Interessierten, die sich für den (hardwareseitigen) Bau eines eigenen (MAME-)Cabinets entschieden haben. Trotz des technischen Themas ist es sehr angenehm zu lesen, was auch an dem lockeren Schreibstil des Autors liegt. Lediglich die etwas lieblos gestaltete CD verhindert eine fünf-Sterne Wertung.
    Report
  • Peter C So
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on January 11, 2016
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Great Book
    Report
  • Alex
    3.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 1, 2012
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I wanted to build my own arcade machine as I have always loved arcades, so I decided to pick up this book as it seemed to be the best one available, and I had no idea what I was doing. So I read this book on how to build a MAME machine cover to cover over a weekend, then ordered the parts to build a JAMMA machine.

    After reading the book I realised that I still had no idea what to do, so went with a JAMMA set up as I stood just as much chance with no knowledge. It turns out its very easy to build a JAMMA machine, if you want instructions on how, leave a comment and I'll list the few steps, a couple of hours and you will have a fully functioning system, minus the cabinet.

    This book is a great read, its full of useful information, but it lacks one very key detail, how you actually do any of it. It tells you what you will need, what is going to happen with it, and the tools you will need, but never how. For example, you will need speakers, and you will need to connect these to the circuit... And how do I do that? Luckily my dad was able to help with that as he knows about wiring, but I don't, hence why I bought this book. Also, you will need to use a keyboard and completely reassign its functions to the arcade controlls... Not a clue how you would do that, and you're not told.

    If you know how to do these things, you will disagree with me. If you know how to do these things, you don't need this book.

    Also, JAMMA is actually better as it is the same as realy arcade machines, MAME works off of ROMS, so you will notice a difference. JAMMA however is a lot more expensive as you have to buy boards, not free downloads, so its up to you what to build.

    As I said, leave comments if you want help with JAMMA, if you want MAME, you're on your own.
    Report