2-Player Arcade Machine

Ever wondered what it would be like to relive the excitement of classic arcade games from the comfort of your home? That's exactly what we set out to do with this project! Together with Mudit, we decided to build a 2-player arcade machine powered by a Raspberry Pi. We wanted to combine our passion for retro gaming with modern technology, and this project gave us the perfect opportunity to do so.

Why build it? Well, arcade machines hold a special place in gaming history. The fun, the nostalgia, and the challenge of playing with friends is something we wanted to bring back. But rather than using traditional, bulky hardware, we chose the Raspberry Pi for its compactness, versatility, and the ability to run countless games. By building this machine ourselves, we could design everything to our liking, from the buttons and joysticks to the custom-painted casing.

This Instructable will guide you through the process of creating your very own 2-player arcade machine. Whether you're a seasoned maker or a beginner looking for your next project, this is a great way to dive into the world of Raspberry Pi, electronics, and game emulation while reliving some of the best moments in gaming history. Let's get started and build your very own arcade machine!

To build your 2-player arcade machine powered by a Raspberry Pi, here’s a list of the necessary supplies:

1. Wood (for the arcade machine casing)
2. Monitor
3. Speakers
4. Keyboard (for configuring controls if needed)
5. 2x Zero Delay LED USB Encoder (to connect your arcade buttons and joysticks to the Raspberry Pi)
6. 2x USB Cables (to connect the USB encoders to the Raspberry Pi)
7. 2x 5Pin Wires for Joystick (for wiring the joysticks)
8. 20x 3Pin Wires for LED Push Buttons (to wire the buttons)
9. 10x Red 30mm Ring-Fixing LED Push Buttons (for fight buttons)
10. 10x Blue 30mm Ring-Fixing LED Push Buttons (for fight buttons)
11. 2x 5Pin 8-Way Joystick (1 Red, 1 Blue)
12. Raspberry Pi (for powering the arcade system and running the games)

Recommended Products:

Raspberry Pi Starter Kit:

Raspberry Pi Starter Kit on Amazon

Arcade Buttons and Joysticks Kit:

Arcade Buttons and Joysticks Kit on Amazon

This should provide all the components needed for the build! Let me know if you need help with any other details!

This process involves installing RetroPie on your Raspberry Pi, which turns it into an emulator for retro games. Here's how you can set it up:

What You’ll Need:

1. Raspberry Pi: Make sure you have a Raspberry Pi (Raspberry Pi 3/4) with Raspbian installed.
2. MicroSD Card: Minimum of 8GB (Class 10 recommended for speed).
3. Computer with SD card reader: This is to write the RetroPie image onto the MicroSD card.
4. HDMI cable: To connect your Raspberry Pi to a monitor or TV.
5. Keyboard and Mouse: For initial setup and navigation.
6. Internet Connection: To download and set up RetroPie, either via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Download the RetroPie Image

1. Go to the RetroPie website:
2. Navigate to the official RetroPie website: https://retropie.org.uk/download/.
3. Choose the correct version for your Raspberry Pi:
4. You’ll need to select the correct image based on the model of your Raspberry Pi. For instance:
5. Raspberry Pi 4: Select the appropriate image for Raspberry Pi 4.
6. Raspberry Pi 3: Choose the image for Raspberry Pi 3.
7. Download the image file:
8. Click on the correct download link to get the image file. This will typically be a .img.gz file, which is a compressed disk image of RetroPie.

Step 2: Write the RetroPie Image to the MicroSD Card

You’ll now need to write the RetroPie image onto your MicroSD card so the Raspberry Pi can boot from it.

1. Download and Install balenaEtcher:
2. BalenaEtcher is a free tool that writes disk images to SD cards. You can download it from here: balenaEtcher. It's available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
3. Insert the MicroSD Card into your computer:
4. Use an SD card reader to connect the MicroSD card to your computer.
5. Launch balenaEtcher:
6. Open the balenaEtcher application.
7. Select the RetroPie image:
8. In balenaEtcher, click "Flash from File," and select the RetroPie .img.gz file you downloaded earlier.
9. Choose the SD card as the target:
10. Click on "Select Target" and choose your MicroSD card. Be very careful to select the correct drive as it will erase any existing data on the card.
11. Write the image:
12. Click "Flash!" to begin writing the RetroPie image to the MicroSD card. This process will take a few minutes.
13. Eject the MicroSD card:
14. Once the writing process is complete, safely eject the MicroSD card from your computer.

Step 3: Insert the MicroSD Card into the Raspberry Pi

1. Insert the MicroSD card:
2. Take the MicroSD card that now has RetroPie installed and insert it into the Raspberry Pi’s MicroSD card slot.

Step 4: Connect the Raspberry Pi to the Monitor, Keyboard, and Mouse

1. Connect the Raspberry Pi to a Monitor:
2. Use an HDMI cable to connect your Raspberry Pi to a monitor or TV.
3. Attach a Keyboard and Mouse:
4. Connect a USB keyboard and mouse to the Raspberry Pi. You will use them for initial setup.
5. Connect to the Internet:
6. You can either connect to the internet via Ethernet (for faster setup) or Wi-Fi. If you’re using Wi-Fi, you'll need to configure it during the first boot.

Step 5: Power Up the Raspberry Pi

1. Plug in the Power Supply:
2. Connect the Raspberry Pi to its power supply to turn it on. Once powered on, RetroPie will begin booting up. It will take a few moments for the first boot, as it may automatically expand the file system to fit the full size of the SD card.
3. Wait for the RetroPie Setup:
4. After the Raspberry Pi boots up, the EmulationStation interface will load. This is the RetroPie menu where you can select games, configure controls, and manage settings.

Step 6: Initial Setup of RetroPie

1. Language and System Settings:
2. The first time you boot RetroPie, you'll be asked to configure the system’s language and locale settings. You can follow the on-screen instructions to set up your preferred language and region.
3. Controller Configuration:
4. RetroPie will prompt you to configure your controller. If you’re using a keyboard for now, simply press any key to map it. If you have arcade buttons and joysticks connected, you can skip this part for now and configure them later.
5. Internet Setup (Optional):
6. If you haven’t already connected your Raspberry Pi to the internet, you can set up Wi-Fi by pressing the Start button on the menu, going to Wi-Fi, and selecting your network. Enter the password if required.

Next Steps:

Now that RetroPie is installed and running on your Raspberry Pi, you can:

1. Add ROMs (games) to your RetroPie system.
2. Configure your arcade controls (joysticks and buttons).
3. Install additional emulators if desired.

1. Power Up the Raspberry Pi

1. If you haven’t done so already, power up your Raspberry Pi by plugging it into the power supply.
2. Wait for RetroPie to boot. The EmulationStation interface should appear on your screen.

2. Initial Test of the RetroPie Interface

1. You should see the EmulationStation menu after the system boots up.
2. If you have the keyboard connected, use the arrow keys to navigate through the options.

3. Check the Wi-Fi Connection (Optional)

1. If you skipped the Wi-Fi configuration during the initial setup, now would be a good time to connect to the internet.
2. From the main menu, press Start, go to Wi-Fi, and select your Wi-Fi network. Enter your password if necessary.

4. Test the Controller Configuration (Keyboard/USB Controller)

1. RetroPie will usually prompt you to configure your controller when it first boots. If you missed that step, you can still configure the controller by:
2. Pressing the Start button, then selecting Configure Input.
3. Press the buttons on your keyboard (or USB controller) to map them to the corresponding actions.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to map each button, like Up, Down, Left, Right, A, B, etc.
5. Once done, press Start again to save the configuration.

5. Test the RetroPie Interface Navigation

1. After configuring the controller, test if you can navigate the EmulationStation menu using the controls (keyboard or USB game controller).
2. Try selecting options, changing settings, and checking out the various emulators available.

6. Test the System Information and Game Compatibility

1. Navigate to Start > System Settings and check the system information to ensure RetroPie is running properly. Look for:
2. RetroPie version: Make sure it’s up to date.
3. Available storage: Ensure there’s enough space for games and configurations.

What Should Be Working:

1. RetroPie Menu: The main menu should load with a list of different gaming systems (e.g., NES, Sega Genesis, etc.).
2. Controller Navigation: You should be able to use your keyboard or controller to navigate the menu smoothly.
3. Wi-Fi (Optional): Your Raspberry Pi should connect to the internet if configured correctly.
4. System Information: The system settings should show RetroPie’s version and available storage.

Now that you have RetroPie set up on your Raspberry Pi and have confirmed it's working, it's time to prototype the arcade machine. Using cardboard as a temporary prototype is a great idea because it allows you to experiment with the layout of the buttons, joysticks, and overall design before committing to the final materials.

Here’s how you can create a cardboard prototype for your arcade machine:

What You’ll Need for the Prototype:

1. Cardboard (preferably thick and sturdy for better durability)
2. Ruler and Measuring Tape (to ensure your dimensions are accurate)
3. Pen or Pencil (for marking the layout)
4. Scissors or Craft Knife (for cutting the cardboard)
5. Hot Glue Gun or Tape (for assembling pieces)
6. Arcade Buttons and Joysticks (to visualize and test the layout)
7. Raspberry Pi (for testing the setup with the controls connected)
8. Zero Delay USB Encoder (to connect the buttons and joysticks to the Raspberry Pi)

Step 3: Prototyping the Arcade Machine Using Cardboard

Now that you have RetroPie set up on your Raspberry Pi and have confirmed it's working, it's time to prototype the arcade machine. Using cardboard as a temporary prototype is a great idea because it allows you to experiment with the layout of the buttons, joysticks, and overall design before committing to the final materials.

Here’s how you can create a cardboard prototype for your arcade machine:

What You’ll Need for the Prototype:

1. Cardboard (preferably thick and sturdy for better durability)
2. Ruler and Measuring Tape (to ensure your dimensions are accurate)
3. Pen or Pencil (for marking the layout)
4. Scissors or Craft Knife (for cutting the cardboard)
5. Hot Glue Gun or Tape (for assembling pieces)
6. Arcade Buttons and Joysticks (to visualize and test the layout)
7. Raspberry Pi (for testing the setup with the controls connected)
8. Zero Delay USB Encoder (to connect the buttons and joysticks to the Raspberry Pi)

Instructions:

1. Plan the Arcade Layout

1. Measure the Size of the Arcade Box:
2. Decide on the dimensions of the arcade machine. A common size for an arcade control panel is around 24 inches (60 cm) wide and 10 inches (25 cm) deep, but feel free to adjust based on your preferences.
3. Sketch the Layout:
4. On a piece of paper, sketch how you want the buttons and joysticks to be arranged.
5. Typically, you would have two sets of buttons and one joystick per player. You can arrange the buttons in a 3x3 grid for each player, with the joystick beside them. Include space for start/select buttons as well.

2. Cut and Shape the Cardboard

1. Cut the Main Control Panel:
2. Using the ruler and pencil, mark the dimensions of the arcade control panel on the cardboard.
3. Carefully cut out the shape using scissors or a craft knife.
4. Cut Holes for the Buttons and Joysticks:
5. Using your sketch, mark the spots where the arcade buttons and joysticks will go.
6. Use a round object (e.g., a spool or a circular template) to trace the correct sizes for the button holes. For the joystick, you can cut a slightly larger hole for the base of the joystick.
7. Carefully cut out the marked holes with scissors or a craft knife.

3. Test the Layout with the Components

1. Position the Arcade Buttons and Joysticks:
2. Take the arcade buttons and joysticks and place them into their respective holes in the cardboard.
3. Use tape or a small amount of hot glue to secure the buttons and joysticks in place temporarily.
4. Connect the Buttons and Joysticks to the Zero Delay USB Encoder:
5. Use the 3-pin wires to connect each arcade button and joystick to the Zero Delay USB Encoder. The encoder will send signals to the Raspberry Pi to register button presses.
6. You can connect each wire to the appropriate pin on the encoder based on your layout.
7. Test the Controls:
8. Plug the USB encoder into one of the Raspberry Pi’s USB ports.
9. Power on the Raspberry Pi and check if the buttons and joystick are mapped correctly in RetroPie.
10. You can test the configuration by navigating through the EmulationStation menu and seeing if each button press is recognized.

4. Adjust and Refine the Prototype

1. Test the Button Layout:
2. If needed, adjust the placement of the buttons and joysticks by cutting new holes in the cardboard or shifting them around.
3. Ensure that each control feels comfortable and easy to use.
4. Re-test the Connections:
5. After adjusting the controls, re-test everything to make sure that all the buttons and joysticks are properly connected and working with RetroPie.

5. Assemble the Cardboard Prototype

1. Secure the Components:
2. Once you're satisfied with the layout, use hot glue or tape to firmly attach the buttons and joysticks to the cardboard control panel.
3. Add the Raspberry Pi:
4. Place the Raspberry Pi on the cardboard and ensure it’s secured and can easily connect to the Zero Delay USB Encoder and the monitor.
5. Power Everything On:
6. Power up the Raspberry Pi, connect the controller panel to the Raspberry Pi, and test the game controls once again.

Why Use Cardboard for the Prototype?

1. Flexibility: Cardboard is easy to cut and shape, so you can quickly try different layouts.
2. Cost-Effective: You don’t need to commit to expensive materials until you’re sure of the design.
3. Quick Testing: You can test the arcade controls in real-time with RetroPie before you build the final machine.

Now that you've prototyped your arcade machine using cardboard, it's time to transition to the final, more durable version using wood. This step will allow you to create a solid, long-lasting arcade control panel that houses your Raspberry Pi, buttons, and joysticks.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to create the final wooden arcade machine:

What You’ll Need:

1. Wood (MDF, plywood, or any durable wood of your choice)
2. Ruler/Measuring Tape (for precise measurements)
3. Pen or Pencil (for marking measurements)
4. Jigsaw or Circular Saw (for cutting the wood)
5. Drill with Hole Saw Bits (for cutting holes for buttons and joysticks)
6. Screws, Wood Glue, or Nails (to assemble the pieces)
7. Sandpaper (for smoothing rough edges)
8. Paint or Wood Finish (optional, for aesthetics)
9. Arcade Buttons and Joysticks (same ones used in the prototype)
10. Zero Delay USB Encoder (to connect the controls to the Raspberry Pi)
11. Raspberry Pi and Cables

Instructions:

1. Finalize Your Arcade Machine Design

Before you begin cutting wood, finalize your design and dimensions.

1. Decide on the Dimensions:
2. Based on your cardboard prototype, decide the dimensions for your arcade cabinet. For a basic control panel, a typical size might be around 24 inches (60 cm) wide and 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) deep. This allows room for two players with their respective buttons and joysticks.
3. Create a Design Sketch:
4. Sketch out the layout of the arcade controls (buttons, joysticks, and other components) on paper or in a design software.
5. This will guide you when marking the cuts for buttons and joysticks.

2. Cut the Wooden Panels

1. Cut the Top Panel:
2. Using the measuring tape and a pencil, mark the dimensions for the top control panel of your arcade machine on the wood.
3. Cut the top piece using a jigsaw or circular saw. This is the main panel where you’ll place the buttons and joysticks.
4. Cut the Side Panels (if you want an enclosed box):
5. Measure and cut two side panels for your arcade machine.
6. The height and depth of these panels will depend on how deep you want the arcade machine to be. A common depth is about 10 inches (25 cm), and height around 6 inches (15 cm).
7. Cut the Front and Back Panels:
8. If you’re building a full arcade box, measure and cut the front and back panels to fit between the side panels.

3. Drill Holes for Buttons and Joysticks

1. Mark the Button and Joystick Positions:
2. Using your prototype layout or design sketch, mark where each button and joystick will go on the top panel.
3. For buttons, use a round object or template to trace the correct hole sizes for your 30mm buttons.
4. For joysticks, mark the position and size of the hole required for the joystick base.
5. Drill Holes for Buttons:
6. Using a hole saw drill bit, carefully cut out the holes for the arcade buttons.
7. Ensure the holes are the correct size (typically 30mm) for the LED push buttons to fit snugly.
8. Drill Holes for Joystick:
9. Using a larger hole saw bit (around 28mm), cut the hole for the joystick base.
10. Make sure the hole is centered in the correct spot on the control panel.

4. Assemble the Wooden Pieces

1. Assemble the Box (if applicable):
2. If you're building an enclosed arcade machine, attach the side, front, and back panels to the top panel using screws, wood glue, or nails.
3. Ensure all pieces are aligned and square before securing them.
4. Reinforce and Secure:
5. Add any internal supports if necessary to make the box sturdy.
6. If you want a slanted or ergonomic design, you can angle the front of the arcade control panel.

5. Sand and Finish the Wood

1. Sand the Edges:
2. Sand all rough edges of the wood with sandpaper to smooth them out. This will make your arcade machine feel more polished and professional.
3. Optional: Paint or Stain:
4. You can paint or stain the wood for a more finished look. Choose a paint color that matches your theme, or use wood stain to highlight the natural grain.
5. Apply multiple coats of paint or stain if desired, and let each coat dry completely.

6. Install the Buttons and Joysticks

1. Insert the Arcade Buttons and Joysticks:
2. Insert the LED push buttons and joysticks into their respective holes on the control panel.
3. Secure them in place using screws or by snapping them into the panel, depending on the button design.
4. Connect the Buttons and Joysticks to the USB Encoder:
5. Connect the 3-pin wires from the arcade buttons and joysticks to the Zero Delay USB Encoder.
6. Ensure each button and joystick is connected to the correct pin on the encoder, matching your layout.
7. Connect the USB Encoder to the Raspberry Pi.

7. Test the Setup

1. Power Up the Raspberry Pi:
2. Connect the Raspberry Pi, power it on, and boot into RetroPie.
3. Test the Arcade Controls:
4. Navigate through the EmulationStation menu to ensure that the buttons and joysticks are mapped correctly.
5. Test each button, joystick, and control to make sure everything functions as expected.
6. Fine-Tuning:
7. If any controls are not working properly, check the wiring or reconfigure them through RetroPie.

Optional: Add Custom Details

1. Artwork: You can add custom decals, vinyl wrap, or designs on the top of the control panel for a more personalized look.
2. Protective Covering: Consider adding a plexiglass or acrylic sheet over the top of the buttons to protect them from wear and tear.
3. Speakers: If you want sound in your arcade machine, you can also add small speakers and connect them to the Raspberry Pi.

Step 5: Circuit Diagram for the 2-Player Arcade Machine

To connect your arcade buttons, joysticks, and Raspberry Pi, you'll need a clear understanding of the wiring layout. Here's a simple guide for creating the circuit diagram for your arcade machine.

What You’ll Need:

1. Zero Delay USB Encoder: This device will connect your buttons and joysticks to the Raspberry Pi via USB.
2. Raspberry Pi: The heart of your arcade system, which will run RetroPie.
3. Arcade Buttons: 30mm LED push buttons for each player.
4. Joysticks: 8-way joysticks for player 1 and player 2.
5. Wires: 3-pin wires for the buttons and 5-pin wires for the joysticks.

Circuit Diagram Explanation

1. Zero Delay USB Encoder

1. The Zero Delay USB Encoder acts as a bridge between the buttons/joysticks and the Raspberry Pi. It translates the button presses and joystick movements into signals that the Raspberry Pi can interpret.
2. Button Connections:
3. Each arcade button will be connected to the encoder using 3-pin wires.
4. The encoder has labeled pins (e.g., Button 1, Button 2, Button 3, etc.), where each pin corresponds to a specific arcade button.
5. Joystick Connections:
6. Each joystick has 5 pins (for Up, Down, Left, Right, Ground). You'll connect these to the encoder using 5-pin wires.
7. The encoder will have labeled pins for Joystick 1 and Joystick 2, which correspond to the directions for each joystick.

2. Wiring Layout for the Buttons and Joysticks

1. Player 1:
2. For Player 1's joystick, the 5 pins from the joystick will connect to Joystick 1 pins on the encoder. You’ll have connections for Up, Down, Left, Right, and Ground.
3. For Player 1's buttons, each button (e.g., Button 1, Button 2, etc.) will be connected to the corresponding pin on the encoder using 3-pin wires.
4. Player 2:
5. Player 2's joystick will also connect to the encoder through the Joystick 2 pins, with the 5-pin wires for Up, Down, Left, Right, and Ground.
6. Similarly, each of Player 2's buttons will be connected to the encoder using 3-pin wires.

3. Connecting the USB Encoder to the Raspberry Pi

1. The encoder has a USB output that you will plug into one of the Raspberry Pi’s USB ports. Once connected, the Raspberry Pi will recognize the inputs from the buttons and joysticks.

Circuit Diagram

Below is a simplified circuit diagram for wiring up the arcade buttons and joysticks to the Zero Delay USB Encoder

Wiring Details:

1. Buttons:
2. Button 1, 2, 3, etc.: Connect the 3-pin wires to the corresponding button terminals on the Zero Delay USB Encoder.
3. Ensure the ground of each button connects to the encoder’s ground pin.
4. Joysticks:
5. For each joystick, connect the 5-pin wires to the joystick terminals.
6. Up, Down, Left, Right, Ground: Each direction (Up, Down, Left, Right) should be connected to the appropriate joystick pins on the encoder.
7. USB Encoder:
8. The encoder’s USB output will go directly into the USB port of your Raspberry Pi, allowing RetroPie to recognize and configure your controls automatically.

Next Step:

Once you’ve connected all the components based on this circuit diagram, plug the USB encoder into the Raspberry Pi and test your setup. RetroPie will prompt you to configure the buttons and joysticks for both players. Once everything is set up, you'll be ready to start playing!

1. Initial Test and Basic Troubleshooting

1. Power On the Raspberry Pi:
2. Make sure everything is powered up correctly. The Raspberry Pi should boot into RetroPie with the EmulationStation interface on the screen.
3. If the screen remains black, ensure that the Raspberry Pi is properly connected to the monitor and that the HDMI cable is working.
4. Check USB Encoder Connection:
5. If the arcade controls are not responding, first check that the USB encoder is securely plugged into one of the Raspberry Pi’s USB ports.
6. If the encoder isn’t detected, try unplugging and re-plugging it in. Also, try using a different USB port on the Raspberry Pi.
7. Verify Button Mappings:
8. Navigate through the EmulationStation menu using your keyboard or controller.
9. If you’re not able to navigate, it’s likely that the buttons or joysticks are not mapped correctly. You’ll need to configure them.

2. Button and Joystick Configuration

1. Configure Controls in RetroPie:
2. If you haven’t already configured your buttons, go to the EmulationStation menu and press Start > Configure Input.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to map each button and joystick direction.
4. Press each button and move the joystick when prompted.
5. If the buttons or joystick do not respond, double-check the connections to the Zero Delay USB Encoder.
6. Test Each Button:
7. After configuring the buttons, test each one to ensure that they work properly. If a button doesn’t register, check the wiring to the encoder to ensure each button is securely connected.
8. Test the Joysticks:
9. Test each joystick by moving it in all directions (Up, Down, Left, Right) and pressing any associated buttons.
10. If the joystick doesn’t respond, ensure that the wiring for the joystick is correct and securely connected to the encoder.

3. Check for Common Wiring Issues

1. Wires Not Connected Properly:
2. Sometimes, the most common issue is that a wire isn’t connected properly. Double-check the 3-pin wires for the buttons and the 5-pin wires for the joysticks. Ensure they are securely attached to both the Zero Delay USB Encoder and the buttons/joysticks.
3. Pin Mapping on Encoder:
4. Ensure that the correct pins on the encoder are being used for each button and joystick. The encoder should have clear labels for each button and joystick direction. Mis-wiring could cause buttons or joysticks to be misidentified or unresponsive.

4. Test the Encoder’s USB Output

1. Verify Raspberry Pi Recognition:
2. After connecting the encoder to the Raspberry Pi, check if it is recognized. Open the Terminal on RetroPie and run the following command to check the connected USB devices:

1. This command will list all the connected USB devices. You should see the Zero Delay USB Encoder listed as one of the devices.
2. Test in EmulationStation:
3. If the USB encoder is listed but the controls are still not functioning, go back into EmulationStation, press Start > Configure Input, and reconfigure the inputs for each controller.
4. If the encoder is not recognized, try reconnecting it to a different USB port or restarting the Raspberry Pi.

5. Advanced Troubleshooting

1. Check RetroPie Configuration Files:
2. If the buttons and joysticks still aren’t working correctly, you can manually check the configuration files in RetroPie. You can access the config files via the Terminal on RetroPie.
3. Navigate to the /opt/retropie/configs/all/retroarch-joypads directory to see the joystick configuration files.
4. If necessary, you can edit these files manually to map the buttons and joysticks correctly.
5. Check Power Supply:
6. Ensure that the Raspberry Pi is getting sufficient power. If your power supply is too weak, it might cause the USB ports or the encoder to not function properly.
7. If you're using many peripherals, make sure the power supply is rated for at least 5V, 3A for a stable performance.

6. Testing in RetroPie Games

1. Load a Game:
2. Once the buttons and joysticks are working in the menu, try loading a classic game to test if everything works in action.
3. For example, try starting a game like Super Mario Bros. or Street Fighter II.
4. Test both players' controls to make sure all buttons and joysticks are working during gameplay.
5. Adjust Configurations if Needed:
6. If any buttons or controls are still not working as expected, revisit the configuration settings in RetroPie and re-test.

Final Tips:

1. Reboot the Raspberry Pi: Sometimes, simply rebooting the Raspberry Pi can resolve issues with new hardware connections.
2. Inspect Wiring: Ensure that each wire is securely connected, and there is no loose connection.
3. Use RetroPie’s Controller Configuration Tool: RetroPie has built-in tools for configuring controllers. If you're having issues, make use of the RetroPie Setup menu for controller configuration.

Please refer to these files when making the arcade out of wood or cardboard and credits to https://www.instructables.com/2-Player-Bartop-Arcade-Machine-Powered-by-Pi/