In this chapter, we will build a mini retro-style arcade cabinet, which runs a selection of emulators that can play games from a wide variety of game consoles and arcade machines. This will be done using an operating system called PiPlay (formally known as PiMAME).

An arcade cabinet is essentially a standard computer and monitor in a custom-built cabinet used to mimic the style and shape of retro arcade machines.

This project will also be the first that involves a significant amount of woodwork and carpentry in the making of the cabinet for the arcade system. Although it seems like a daunting task for anyone who has not undertaken a project like this in the past, the construction is relatively simple and can be done with common household tools.

To control the games, we will use a selection of arcade controls that are readily available online. We will interface them to the Pi using the GPIO port and some software written by Adafruit.

This project is based...