Best 2 Player Bartop Arcade Kit for Home Cabinets
Discover top 2 player bartop arcade kits designed to fit 19″ to 23″ screens. This guide highlights kits offering authentic joystick and button options (HAPP or SANWA), easy DIY assembly, and reliable components for dual players. Whether you’re retro gaming or building a compact arcade cabinet, these kits provide a solid foundation for a durable, arcade-grade experience at home.
style=”display:none”>Summary Table: 5 Selected Products
| Product | Brand | Type |
|---|---|---|
| LVL23 2 Player Bartop Arcade Cabinet Kit (HAPP or SANWA) | LEP1 Customs, LLC | Bartop Cabinet Kit |
| LVL23 2 Player Bartop Arcade Cabinet Kit (HAPP) | LEP1 Customs, LLC | Bartop Cabinet Kit |
| LVL23 2 Player Bartop Arcade Cabinet Kit (Sanwa) | LEP1 Customs, LLC | Bartop Cabinet Kit |
| Audio Kit for Arcade Game, MAME Cabinet, or Virtual Pinball Machine | Arcade Renovations | Audio Upgrade |
| Hikig 2 Player LED Arcade Buttons and Joysticks DIY Kit | Hikig | DIY Controller Kit |
LVL23 Bartop Arcade Cabinet Kit With HAPP or SANWA
This LVL23 bartop kit is engineered for 19″ to 23″ screens, offering flexible control options with either HAPP or SANWA components. Dimensions provide a snug interior width around 20.75 inches and an exterior footprint of about 21.75 by 21 by 18 inches, making it a compact centerpiece for a home arcade. Users can select HAPP joysticks and 28mm buttons for a classic feel or switch to SANWA style joysticks and 30mm action buttons for a more modern tactile response. The Sanwa variant also includes 24mm start/coin buttons for a complete control panel. This kit emphasizes ease of assembly and compatibility with standard arcade parts, allowing for straightforward upgrades or customization. Reading the product specs helps ensure the right joystick and button layout for your play style.
LVL23 Bartop Cabinet Kit — HAPP Focus
This variation emphasizes HAPP components with 28mm buttons and HAPP joysticks, maintaining the same compact dimensions as the primary kit. It’s positioned for builders who prefer traditional, crisp button action and a familiar joystick feel. The exterior dimensions and interior width mirror the standard LVL23 measurements, ensuring compatibility with the same screen sizes. The emphasis is on reliability and an authentic arcade experience, with straightforward wiring suitable for hobbyists and first-time DIYers alike.
LVL23 Bartop Cabinet Kit — SANWA Style
The SANWA-equipped variant includes SANWA-style joysticks and 24mm start/coin plus 30mm action buttons for a premium control experience. Like the other LVL23 kits, it supports 19″ to 23″ displays and offers a compact footprint suitable for home bars or gaming nooks. The SANWA controls are known for precise, responsive feedback, which can be a key factor for players who crave arcade-grade input. Ensure compatibility with your monitor mount and cabling when planning a DIY build.
Audio Kit For Arcade Game, MAME Cabinet, or Virtual Pinball
This audio kit adds a stereo upgrade to bartop arcades, featuring an 18W per channel amplifier with bass and treble adjustments, plus two 4″ dual-cone speakers and matching grills. The package enhances immersion for coin-operated-style cabinets, providing a fuller soundstage without external speakers. It is particularly suitable for dimly lit home entertainment setups where sound clarity complements action-packed gameplay. Consider cabinet depth and speaker clearance when integrating into a compact bartop layout.
Hikig 2 Player LED Arcade Buttons and Joysticks DIY Kit
This DIY kit delivers a 2-player arcade experience with LED-lit buttons and joysticks designed for MAME and Raspberry Pi projects. It features a zero-delay encoder and plug-and-play USB compatibility for Windows systems, simplifying setup for hobbyists and tinkerers. The kit’s LED components add visual appeal and can be customized to fit a themed cab, such as retro or neon arcade aesthetics. Ensure your control panel layout matches your cabinet design for a clean installation.
Arcade Kits 2 Player Classic DIY USB Encoder Bundle
This bundle focuses on a classic 2-player DIY USB encoder solution with 5-pin rocker buttons and 16x 30mm 5V LEDs. It suits Raspberry Pi and PC setups, providing a straightforward path to a functional MAME or arcade project. The included parts emphasize reliability for two-player fighting and side-scrolling games alike. Builders should verify compatibility with their selected cabinet dimensions and ensure adequate space behind the control panel for wiring and the encoder board.
Buying Guide
- Joystick and button compatibility: Choose between HAPP and SANWA based on feel, durability, and availability. SANWA parts often offer crisper action and higher precision, while HAPP is widely used and reliable for classic feels.
- Monitor compatibility: Confirm the kit supports 19″ to 23″ screens and verify mounting options. Interior width around 20.75″ typically aligns with common bartop shells.
- Button and control layout: Decide on 24mm, 28mm, or 30mm buttons and whether you prefer a start/coin setup. Ensure the layout fits your cabinet design and your preferred games.
- Wiring and encoders: Look for zero-delay encoders and clearly labeled wiring to simplify assembly. USB encoders are widely compatible with Windows, Linux, and Raspberry Pi.
- Audiovisual integration: If adding an audio kit, ensure speaker depth and amplifier power fit within the cabinet without interfering with the screen or cabinet internals.
- Upgrade path: Consider kits that offer upgrade options (joystick type, button colors, LED options) so you can customize over time without starting over.
- Build difficulty: Some kits are plug-and-play, others require more wiring and woodworking. Assess your DIY skill level and plan for enclosure panels, wiring harnesses, and mounting.
- Support and documentation: Favor products with clear assembly guides, community forums, or seller support to assist during setup and troubleshooting.
- Aesthetics and theme: LED-equipped kits and color variants help you match a retro or modern arcade theme. Budget for cosmetic touches like bezel art, marquee, and side decals to complete the look.
- Safety and compliance: Ensure power supplies and wiring meet safety standards, especially in compact cabinets where heat can build up.