Arcade1Up recently released a series of mini plug-and-play consoles, and they appear to be solid emulation devices (granted their controllers could be better). I felt the console itself could be a bit more fun so I redesigned it to look like an Insert Coin slot from an arcade machine.
I just turned their console on its side and moved the power button, everything is still aligned to a single PCB board. The only major addition is an internal LED light.
I own a few of these Tiny Arcade toys made by Super Impulse, and they live up to their name. However they are still too big to function as a keychain, one of their intended features (see more here), so I made this redesign of sorts. This version is smaller, and has a rounded shape so it will be easier to pocket.
A new feature I added was a key that plugs in and activates the video game, eliminating the need for a power switch. This feature mimics the “insert coin” function from original arcade machines.
This “sit down” arcade cabinet design was inspired by the Atari Star Wars arcade game. The Power Loader features controls on the arm rests, just like in the film. For this mockup the monitor is in a plain cargo container, but it could be turned into the Alien queen with some good side art.
Continue reading ➞ Aliens Power Loader Arcade Cabinet
In Toy Story 2 there was a display case seen in the Buzz Lightyear aisle that would make for a neat arcade cabinet in my opinion. Unfortunately the illuminated moon and rocket would make this tough to produce for even the most-skilled custom arcade cabinet makers.
If I could spare no expense I would get this made, but only after I have a Last Starfighter cab in my possession.
This is a console design for those who like to play classic Arcade games like Pac-Man or Galaga. It’s about the same size as other consoles like the PS2 or Xbox One. You power it on and the marquee lights up, just like an Arcade Cabinet.
Continue reading ➞ Raspberry Pi Arcade Console
Standing desks have been rising in popularity these past few years, so I thought I’d design one that is truly geeky: a standing desk that looks like an arcade cabinet. It’s the perfect standing desk for work and play.
Continue reading ➞ Arcade Cabinet Standing Desk
I thought I’d address the complete lack of geeky car stereo decks with this Spy Hunter design. For the most part it would be your standard stereo, save for a neat cosmetic touch: the back-lit weapons dash that adorned the original arcade cabinet.
These five icons would randomly illuminate (at a slow non-distracting rate) for a bit of a light show. Other touches include 3 buttons found on the steering wheel of the arcade cabinet: the ‘Source’ button disguised as the Weapons Van button, and the play/stop buttons use the same red push-buttons used to fire weapons.
Not only would this deck help recreate the feel of playing the arcade game while behind the wheel of your car, but also grant you delusions of being a badass spy (even if you’re driving a station wagon).
Notes:
You can check out the arcade cabinet in-depth here. This design was based on this Alpine model. The icons would not allow for a CD slot on the face, so if you want CD functionality you would need to pop the face down to load discs. I suppose you could program this sucker to play the Peter Gun Theme upon start-up. Sound effects from the game could be enlisted for button presses.
Dave's Geeky Ideas 