GEAR & RESOURCES

The brains of the build. Runs RetroPie, handles everything through PS1 smoothly.

Verdict: Essential. Don't go lower than 4GB RAM.

Battery power via GPIO header. USB-C charging, 2× 18650 cells, regulated 5V output.

Verdict: Best single upgrade. Makes the cabinet portable.

High-capacity rechargeable cells for the UPS HAT. Always use matched pairs.

Verdict: Don't cheap out — name brand cells last 3× longer.

Holds the OS and ROMs. A2-rated for faster random reads during emulation.

Verdict: A2 rating genuinely improves load times.

Charges the UPS HAT. Any quality phone charger works.

Verdict: Boring but necessary. Get one with a long cable.

Sharp IPS panel with driver board. Connects via HDMI, powered from GPIO.

Verdict: IPS is non-negotiable. TN panels look terrible at angles.

Connects Pi 4 to the LCD driver board. Short cable preferred over dongle.

Verdict: Get a short flexible cable — dongles add bulk.

Tiny but clicky. Perfect for 1/6 scale action buttons. Pack of 100.

Verdict: Great tactile feel. You'll use 6–8 per build.

Long hinge lever momentary switches for joystick directions. Pack of 4.

Verdict: Reliable and easy to mount in a joystick assembly.

4-pin tactile switch with built-in blue LED. For coin/start buttons.

Verdict: The blue glow adds character. Wire LED separately.

7×7mm latching push button. Clean on/off without software menus.

Verdict: Latching type is key — momentary won't work here.

Flexible stranded wire in multiple colors. Essential for tight routing.

Verdict: Multiple colors = easy debugging. Don't skip this.

Class-D 3W×2 amp with built-in volume potentiometer. Powered from 5V.

Verdict: Surprisingly good. The volume pot is a huge plus.

Small form factor speaker for the cabinet. Keep wires short.

Verdict: Gets loud enough for desk use. Don't overthink this.

Cut-to-length strip for marquee backlighting. Powered from Pi GPIO 5V pins.

Verdict: Transforms the look. Cut at solder marks only.