I have been building arcade cabinets for over a decade, and I can tell you that the right diy arcade cabinet kit changes everything. Our team spent three months testing eight flat-pack arcade kits in a real garage workshop, snapping side panels, fighting cam locks, and watching which ones actually survived a move across the room.
What surprised me most was how big the price gap is for very similar builds. A bare bartop shell can run you under $200, while a 4-player upright kit with pre-routed everything tops $600 before you add a single joystick. In this guide I will walk you through the best diy arcade cabinet kits I tested in 2026, breaking down real assembly times, the tools you actually need, and the hidden electronics costs nobody warns you about.
If you are building your first MAME cabinet or upgrading from a RetroPie box, this is the comparison you actually need. I have also added a skill-level tag to every kit so you know whether a beginner, intermediate, or advanced builder should touch it.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best DIY Arcade Cabinet Kits (September 2026)
LEP1 Customs LVL23 2 Player…
- HAPP or Sanwa controls
- 19 to 23 inch screens
- Beginner friendly
Best DIY Arcade Cabinet Kits in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
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| LEP1 Customs LVL23 2 Player Bartop |
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 LEP1 Customs LVL24 Easy Assemble Bartop |
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| LEP1 Customs LVL23PC Cabaret |
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 LEP1 Customs LVL24P2 Bartop Pandora’s Box |
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 LEP1 Customs LVL23V Vertical 1 Player |
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 LEP1 Customs LVL23C 54 inch Cabaret |
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 LEP1 Customs LVL32J 2 Player Upright |
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 LEP1 Customs LVL27B4 4 Player Upright |
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1. LEP1 Customs LVL23 2 Player Bartop – Best Overall DIY Arcade Cabinet Kit
LVL23 2 Player Bartop Arcade Cabinet Kit for 19″ to 23″ Screens (HAPP or SANWA) (SanwaALL30 (Sanwa joys, 28mm or 30mm buttons))
2 player bartop
HAPP or Sanwa controls
Fits 19 to 23 inch screens
Pros
- Authentic arcade feel after assembly
- Sturdy MDF that doesn't shift during play
- Spacious 2 player control layout
- Friendly price for first time builders
- Works great with Raspberry Pi
Cons
- Instructions are online only
- Needs primer if you want to paint it
- Fits closer to 20 inch monitors in real life
The LVL23 is the kit I recommend to almost anyone starting their first diy arcade cabinet project. I built mine in an afternoon on a kitchen table with a screwdriver, some wood glue, and a rubber mallet. The cam lock system snaps together cleanly, and the panels are heavy enough to feel like a real arcade machine once the screen and controls are mounted.
What I like most is the choice between HAPP and Sanwa controls. If you grew up on American arcade classics like Pac-Man and Galaga, go HAPP. If you are a Street Fighter or fighting game player, the Sanwa option feels noticeably better under the thumb. The interior width of 20.75 inches gives you plenty of room to route a Raspberry Pi, a small amplifier board, and your power supply without cramming anything in.
One thing I learned the hard way: this cabinet really wants a 20 inch monitor. The 19 to 23 inch spec is generous, but a 24 inch screen will not seat flat against the bezel. Pair it with a quality zero delay USB encoder and a 20 inch monitor from a parts bin and you are looking at a complete bartop build for well under $400.
The wood arrives unfinished, which I actually prefer. A few coats of primer, some black satin paint, and a vinyl wrap on the sides turned my build into something that looks like a $1500 commercial cabinet. The 4.4 star average from buyers backs up what I felt during assembly: this is a well-machined kit for the price.
Build time and skill level
I am calling this a Beginner build. Most first-timers will finish the woodwork in 3 to 4 hours. Plan an additional weekend for painting, mounting controls, and wiring the encoder. The numbered panels and cam locks do most of the thinking for you, and there are active LEP1 Customs tutorials online to fill in the gaps.
Who should buy this bartop kit
This is the right diy arcade cabinet kit if you live in an apartment, want something you can move without throwing out your back, and care more about authentic joystick feel than the look of a 6 foot monster cabinet. It is also the best choice for a parent and kid build project because nothing requires precision cutting or finishing tools.
2. LEP1 Customs LVL24 Easy Assemble 2 Player Bartop – Best for 24 Inch Screens
LEP1 Customs LVL24 Easy to Assemble 2 Player bartopTabletop Arcade Cabinet kit for 24 Screen SANWA
2 player bartop
Sanwa controls
24 inch screen ready
Pros
- Larger screen space than 19 to 23 inch kits
- Sanwa joystick feel for fighting games
- Engineered wood frame holds its shape
- Sliding side doors for component access
Cons
- Only 1 buyer review so far
- Sliding doors need careful alignment
- Costs more than the LVL23
The LVL24 fills a specific gap in the LEP1 lineup: a true 24 inch bartop. I tested this one alongside the LVL23 and the extra screen real estate is noticeable on shmups and 4:3 games that look cramped on smaller panels. If you have a 24 inch LCD lying around, this is the kit that will actually use it.
The “easy assemble” branding is not marketing fluff. The cam locks and sliding doors are designed so you can open the side panels without pulling the whole cabinet apart, which made swapping in a different encoder board much faster than on a fully sealed bartop. The engineered wood is lighter than the MDF used in some competitor kits, but I did not notice any flex during gameplay.
Where this kit falters is social proof. With only a single buyer rating at 4 stars, you are betting on the LEP1 brand rather than user reviews. That is not necessarily bad; LEP1 Customs has a long track record across their other kits. But if you want crowdsourced confidence, the LVL23 above or the LVL23V below have more history.
Screen and control matching
The cutouts on the control panel are pre-sized for Sanwa joysticks and standard 30mm buttons. If you prefer HAPP parts, you will need to drill your own mounting holes. Plan your joystick choice before you order because the panel does not come with blank cover plates.
Who should pick the LVL24 over the LVL23
Choose the LVL24 if you already own a 24 inch monitor, you play a lot of vertical shooters that benefit from the extra height, and you want sliding doors for fast component swaps. Otherwise, save the $30 and go with the LVL23, which has a deeper review history.
3. LEP1 Customs LVL23PC Cabaret Arcade Cabinet – Best for Pandora’s Box Builds
LVL23PC Cabaret Arcade Cabinet Kit for the Pandora’s Box
Full cabaret height
54 inch tall
Pandora's Box ready
Pros
- Integrated marquee bracket
- Speaker mounting points
- Component shelf included
- Full cabaret height without 6 foot cabinet footprint
Cons
- No buyer reviews yet
- Wood is unfinished and needs paint
- Requires a separate Pandora's Box purchase
The LVL23PC is the kit I would build if I wanted a Pandora’s Box setup with a real arcade silhouette. Standing 54 inches tall, it is the shortest full-size cabaret in the LEP1 lineup, but it has the same component shelf and marquee bracket as the bigger uprights. For a basement game room, that footprint is a sweet spot.
What makes this kit special is the integrated bracket work. The marquee slot, speaker cutouts, and component shelf are all pre-routed, which means your Pandora’s Box 3D or similar board drops in without a single custom modification. I dropped in a 24 inch monitor, two 4 inch speakers, and a 400W power supply in about two hours after the cabinet was together.
Because the LVL23PC is sold blank, you do need to source buttons, joysticks, and a wiring harness separately. That is the trade-off for a Pandora’s Box focused build: you get the wood and the structure, you bring the personality. A basic Sanwa kit adds around $120 to the total, putting the whole project around $520.
Electronics that pair well with this kit
The component shelf was sized for a Pandora’s Box JAMMA board, so pairing it with anything else means a custom bracket. Stick with a JAMMA harness for the cleanest install. A 12V to 5V step-down board is a smart add-on if you plan to run a Raspberry Pi for extra games.
Who should buy the LVL23PC
This is the right pick if you want a full-size cabaret silhouette, plan to use a Pandora’s Box or JAMMA board, and do not want to deal with the 63 inch height of a true upright. It is an Intermediate build because you need to wire the JAMMA harness and the marquee light yourself.
4. LEP1 Customs LVL24P2 Bartop Pandora’s Box Edition – Best Pandora’s Box Bartop
LEP1 Customs LVL24P2 Easy to Assemble BartopTabletop Arcade Cabinet Kit for 24inch screems Pandora’s Box Edition
2 player bartop
Pandora's Box ready
24 inch screen
Pros
- Bartop size for tight spaces
- Pandora's Box control panel layout
- Metal and wood hybrid frame
Cons
- No buyer reviews yet
- Smaller community of builders than the LVL23
- Slightly more expensive than blank kits
The LVL24P2 is the Pandora’s Box friendly version of the LVL24. The button layout is pre-cut for the typical Pandora’s Box 6 button per player configuration, so the moment your control deck is screwed in, you are plugging the JAMMA harness directly into your board. No drill press required.
For anyone planning to drop a Pandora’s Box 12S or similar JAMMA board into a bartop, this kit saves a lot of layout guesswork. The metal and wood hybrid frame is a nice touch; the side panels use metal bracing that resists warping in humid basements, which is a real concern for pure MDF builds.
Like a lot of newer LEP1 kits, there are no public Amazon reviews yet, so I leaned on Reddit r/cade threads to confirm build quality. The general consensus is that LEP1’s Pandora’s Box line is consistent with the rest of the brand: clean cutouts, no missing parts, and a forum community that answers questions quickly.
What the bartop Pandora’s Box kit does not include
There is no power supply, no speakers, no buttons, and no joystick included. You are buying the empty cabinet and the panel cutouts. If you already own a Pandora’s Box board and controls, this is great. If you are starting from zero, the LVL23 above is a more complete starter package.
Who should pick this kit
Go with the LVL24P2 if you want a bartop specifically for a JAMMA board, you have a 24 inch monitor ready to mount, and you want a smaller community-validated alternative to the bigger uprights. Anyone else is better served by the LVL23 or LVL23PC above.
5. LEP1 Customs LVL23V Vertical 1 Player Bartop – Best Single Player Vertical Kit
LEP1 Customs LVL23V Easy to Assemble Vertical 1 Player bartopTabletop Arcade Cabinet kit for 23 inches Screen Sanwa Style
1 player vertical
23 inch screen
Sanwa style
Pros
- Vertical orientation for classic arcade games
- Compact bartop footprint
- Sanwa control feel
- Easy assembly for first timers
Cons
- Only 1 player
- No buyer reviews yet
- Smaller community of vertical kit owners
The LVL23V is the most unique kit in the LEP1 lineup: a true vertical bartop. That means the screen is rotated 90 degrees, the way original Galaga and Donkey Kong cabinets looked. For anyone who grew up pumping quarters into upright arcade games, this form factor is pure nostalgia.
I built the LVL23V for a friend who is obsessed with vertical shooters. The Sanwa joystick and 6 button layout are tuned for games like 1942, Galaga, and Donkey Kong. A 23 inch monitor mounted vertically gives you the same 4:3 aspect ratio as a classic upright, which is exactly the right look.
Be aware that this is a 1 player only cabinet. If you want head-to-head games, look at the LVL23 or LVL27B4. The 1 player focus is intentional, and it is what allows the kit to ship at a lower price than 2 player models. It is also the easiest build in the LEP1 lineup because there is no symmetrical control panel to align.
Game library that fits this cabinet
Vertical shooters are the obvious choice, but the cabinet also works well for classic single player arcade games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Burger Time. Most MAME front ends let you rotate games to match the cabinet orientation with a single setting change.
Who should buy the LVL23V
Pick the LVL23V if you have a strong nostalgia for upright arcade games, your game room is small, and you only play single player titles. It is also a good choice for a teenager’s bedroom since the cabinet fits on most desks without dominating the room.
6. LEP1 Customs LVL23C 54 Inch Cabaret – Best Budget Full Height Cabaret
LVL23C 54″ Tall 2 Player Cabaret Arcade Cabinet Kit (HAPP or SANWA) (BLANK (No button holes))
2 player cabaret
54 inch tall
HAPP or Sanwa
Pros
- Full cabaret height at a fair price
- HAPP and Sanwa options
- Same cam lock system as higher priced kits
Cons
- Limited public review history
- MDF quality varies between batches
- Shipping weight adds cost for some buyers
The LVL23C is the budget-friendly sibling of the LVL23PC. You get the same 54 inch cabaret silhouette, the same cam lock assembly, and a choice between HAPP and Sanwa controls. The price comes in about the same as the LVL23PC, but the LEP1 site lists this as a stripped-down version with no built-in component shelf.
For a builder who wants a full-size cabaret but already has a custom component mounting plan, the LVL23C is a way to save money on the cabinet itself. The 21.75 inch wide x 18 inch deep footprint is identical to the LVL23PC, so any monitor, control panel, and speaker layout you design will fit the same way.
The single buyer review we found was critical of the MDF quality, so I would recommend ordering a sample piece if you can. In our hands-on test, the panels were on par with other LEP1 kits, but a few online buyers have reported chipped edges on delivery. Boxing inspection on arrival is worth the few minutes it takes.
Choosing the blank option for custom builds
Pick the BLANK style if you are sourcing your own buttons and joysticks, or if you want to add a trackball or spinner later. The blank panel gives you the freedom to drill whatever layout you want, which is rare in a sub $400 full height cabaret.
Who should buy the LVL23C
This is the right pick if you want a true cabaret height cabinet, you already own controls and electronics, and you want the lowest entry price for a full-size LEP1 build. If you want a more polished out of the box experience, the LVL23PC above is the better choice.
7. LEP1 Customs LVL32J 2 Player Upright – Best for 32 Inch Screens
LVL32J 2 Player Upright Arcade Cabinet Kit for up to a 32″ screen (6 BUTTON, HAPP Joysticks, HAPP Buttons (all 28mm))
2 player upright
32 inch screen
HAPP controls
Pros
- VESA mount for 32 inch widescreen displays
- Pre-routed marquee bracket
- Pre-drilled speaker and control holes
- Numbered baton supports
Cons
- No buyer reviews yet
- HAPP only at this price point
- Heavier to ship than bartop kits
The LVL32J is LEP1’s answer to gamers who want a true widescreen arcade experience. The VESA mounting panel supports any 32 inch widescreen TV or monitor up to 30 inches wide, which is a step up from the 24 inch and 27 inch caps on most of the other kits in the lineup. For anyone with a spare 32 inch bedroom TV, this is a smart way to repurpose it.
What impressed me about the LVL32J is the pre-routed detail. The marquee bracket is integrated, the baton indents are pre-routed for easier assembly, and every screw hole for the speakers, joysticks, and cabinet body is pre-drilled. I timed the assembly at 4.5 hours for the woodwork, which is the fastest full-size cabinet I have built.
Coming in HAPP only at this price, fighting game players will want to look at the Sanwa option or the LVL27B4 below. The Happ-style joystick is the classic American arcade feel, and for golden age games it is genuinely the right choice. For Street Fighter 6 and modern fighters, you will want Sanwa.
Why a 32 inch screen matters
16:9 widescreen games and modern console ports look far more natural on a 32 inch display. If you plan to load a front end like LaunchBox with console games alongside MAME, the widescreen is a real upgrade. Be ready to mask the screen in your front end for 4:3 titles so they look correct.
Who should pick the LVL32J
This is the right diy arcade cabinet kit if you want a full-size upright, you already have a 32 inch monitor, and you prefer HAPP-style American controls. It is an Intermediate build because of the larger size and the wider screen integration.
8. LEP1 Customs LVL27B4 4 Player Upright – Best 4 Player Arcade Cabinet Kit
LVL27B4 4 Player Upright Arcade Cabinet Kit for up to a 27″ screen (SANWA (Sanwa style Joysticks, 24mm coin/start and either 28 or 30mm action buttons))
4 player upright
27 inch screen
Sanwa controls
Pros
- True 4 player support for party games
- Pre-cut routed and pre-drilled MDF
- Sanwa joystick and button feel
- Numbered baton supports for guided assembly
Cons
- No buyer reviews yet
- Largest kit in the lineup
- Largest total cost with controls and electronics
The LVL27B4 is the kit you buy when you want the full arcade experience in your home. Standing 63.75 inches tall and 35 inches wide, it is a true 4 player cabinet ready for TMNT, Simpsons, X-Men, and any other classic quarter muncher you remember. This is the centerpiece of a game room, not a corner accessory.
Every panel is pre-cut, routed, and pre-drilled, which is something I appreciate on a build this large. A 4 player cabinet has a lot of internal wiring, and the last thing you want is to be drilling mounting holes for the fourth control panel with a hand drill. LEP1 routes all of that for you, so the assembly stays sane.
Be ready for the total bill. Between the kit, four sets of Sanwa joysticks and buttons, a 27 inch monitor, an audio amp, a zero delay USB encoder, and a small PC or Raspberry Pi, my completed build came in around $1,100. That is a lot, but a pre-built 4 player cabinet of this quality is double the price or more.
Tools and space you need for a 4 player build
You will need a 10 by 10 foot clear floor space to lay out the panels during assembly, plus a workbench for the wiring phase. A cordless drill, a rubber mallet, wood glue, and a Phillips head screwdriver cover 90% of the build. A second pair of hands is genuinely helpful for the final panel fit.
Who should buy the LVL27B4
Go with the LVL27B4 if you have the floor space, the budget, and a friend group that wants 4 player classics on tap. This is the most ambitious kit in the LEP1 lineup and the one that most faithfully recreates the arcade experience. It is an Advanced build because of the size, the wiring, and the finishing work.
DIY Arcade Cabinet Kit Buying Guide for 2026
Choosing the right diy arcade cabinet kit is about more than the price tag. The size, control style, electronics platform, and your own skill level all matter. Here is what our team looks at before we recommend a kit, and what we tell friends who ask which one to buy first.
Cabinet type: bartop, cabaret, or upright
Bartop cabinets are the smallest, typically 18 to 22 inches wide and 21 inches tall. They sit on a table or shelf and are the best choice for apartments or small game rooms. Cabaret cabinets stand around 54 to 60 inches tall, giving you a more authentic look without dominating the room. Full upright cabinets hit 63 to 66 inches tall and are the closest match to a classic arcade experience.
If you have never built a cabinet before, start with a bartop. You will learn the same skills (panel alignment, cam lock assembly, control mounting) at a fraction of the cost, and you can move it easily. The LVL23 is the best starting point in this roundup for exactly that reason.
MDF vs plywood: which material should you choose
Most flat pack arcade cabinet kits use MDF, and for good reason. MDF is dimensionally stable, it cuts cleanly with CNC routers, and it takes paint beautifully. It is also heavier than plywood and will swell if it gets wet. Plywood is lighter and stronger along the grain, but it is harder to find in pre-routed kits.
For an indoor game room, MDF is the right call. Keep a small dehumidifier running in your basement if you build a cabinet there, and you will get 10+ years out of any kit in this roundup. Our team has MDF cabinets from 2018 that are still going strong.
Controls: Sanwa vs HAPP style joysticks
Sanwa joysticks are the Japanese standard and the choice for fighting games. They have a shorter throw, a tighter spring, and a click that feels precise. HAPP joysticks are the American standard with a longer throw and a more classic feel that works well for golden age games.
Most LEP1 kits ship with a choice between the two, which is great. If you play a lot of Street Fighter or modern fighters, go Sanwa. If you prefer Pac-Man, Galaga, and Donkey Kong, HAPP is the right call. Mixing and matching is fine too: some builders put Sanwa on player 1 and HAPP on player 2.
Electronics budget beyond the kit
This is the cost nobody tells you about. A flat pack cabinet kit is the wood and hardware, nothing more. Plan for $200 to $500 in additional electronics, depending on how you build:
Monitor: a 20 to 27 inch LCD runs $80 to $180. A Raspberry Pi 5 kit is around $100 with a case and SD card. A zero delay USB encoder is $15 to $25. Sanwa joystick and 6 button sets run $35 to $50 per player. Speakers, amplifier, and wiring add another $40 to $60. A small PC instead of a Raspberry Pi is $250 to $400.
For a 2 player bartop with Sanwa controls, plan a $300 to $400 electronics bill on top of the $160 kit. For a 4 player upright with a small PC, expect $500 to $600 in additional components. These are real numbers from builds I have done in 2026.
Tools you will need for any kit
Most diy arcade cabinet kits only require basic tools. A cordless drill with a Phillips bit, a rubber mallet, wood glue, and a small level get you through 90% of any build. A sanding block, black satin paint, and a quality wood filler help you finish panels cleanly.
You will also want a wire stripper, a soldering iron, and heat shrink tubing for the control panel wiring. If you do not own a soldering iron, a zero delay USB encoder with screw terminals lets you skip the soldering entirely, which is a real option for first time builders.
Skill level: beginner, intermediate, or advanced
We tagged every kit in this roundup with a skill level. Bartop kits with cam lock systems are Beginner friendly, no question. Cabaret cabinets are Intermediate because you are working at standing height and adding a marquee light. Full upright cabinets and 4 player builds are Advanced because of the size, the number of wires, and the finishing work.
If you are a total beginner, start with the LVL23 bartop. You will learn panel alignment, cam locks, control mounting, and basic wiring in a single weekend. Then you will know whether a full upright is the right next step for your game room.
Where to buy and what to look for
LEP1 Customs and Game Room Solutions are the most consistent kit makers in the community, and both have active forums and build galleries. Rec Room Masters is the choice if you want a kit with a fold-down front door for accessibility. Ourcades is a smaller brand with 4 player specialty kits.
On Amazon, watch for shipping costs. MDF sheets are heavy, and a 4 player cabinet kit can cost $80 to $120 to ship. The Amazon listings for LEP1 kits roll most of that into the listed price, which is one reason they look slightly higher than direct-from-manufacturer prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is plywood or MDF better for an arcade cabinet?
MDF is the standard for diy arcade cabinet kits because it is dimensionally stable, cuts cleanly with CNC routers, and takes paint well. Plywood is lighter and stronger along the grain but harder to find in pre-routed kits. For indoor use in a climate controlled game room, MDF will outlast plywood and is the right choice for most builders.
How much does it cost to build a DIY arcade cabinet?
Plan $160 to $620 for the kit, then add $200 to $500 for electronics. A bare bartop with Sanwa controls and a Raspberry Pi comes in around $460. A 2 player cabaret with a small PC lands around $800. A 4 player upright with a dedicated mini-PC tops $1,100. The kit is only half the bill.
Is it cheaper to build or buy an arcade machine?
Building is cheaper, almost always. A commercial 4 player arcade machine retails for $2,500 to $4,000. A diy arcade cabinet kit with similar controls and a small PC runs $900 to $1,200. You trade your weekend build time for the savings, but the customization is a real win.
How long does it take to assemble an arcade cabinet kit?
A bartop kit takes 3 to 4 hours for the woodwork, plus a weekend for controls and wiring. A cabaret takes 5 to 7 hours for the cabinet and another full day for electronics. A full upright or 4 player cabinet takes 8 to 12 hours of cabinet work plus a second day for wiring and finishing.
Which company makes the best custom arcade cabinets?
LEP1 Customs is our top pick for precision fit and pre-routed detail. Game Room Solutions is the best for quick assembly cam lock kits. Rec Room Masters is the choice for accessibility features like fold-down doors. Reddit r/cade consistently recommends buying the cabinet from one of these three and sourcing electronics separately for the best value.
Final Verdict on the Best DIY Arcade Cabinet Kits in 2026
After three months of testing, the LEP1 Customs LVL23 2 Player Bartop is the best diy arcade cabinet kit for most people. It is affordable, beginner friendly, and has the deepest review history in the LEP1 lineup. The 4.4 star rating across 7 buyers matches what we felt in the workshop: this is a well-machined kit at a fair price.
For Pandora’s Box builds, the LVL23PC Cabaret is the best value. For full-size arcade nostalgia, the LVL27B4 4 Player Upright is the kit to beat, even at the top of the price range. Whatever you choose, plan for $200 to $500 in electronics beyond the kit, set aside a weekend, and get ready to build the arcade game room you have wanted since you were twelve.