What is a Bartop Arcade?
A bartop is a countertop arcade cabinet, designed to sit on a table or furniture. Unlike stand-up cabinets (full size), bartops typically measure 20-28 inches tall and can accommodate a 17 to 24 inch screen. It's the preferred format for amateur builders due to its accessibility.
Bartop Format Advantages
The bartop offers many advantages explaining its growing popularity in the DIY arcade community.
- Reduced footprint: sits on a desk or dresser
- Controlled cost: fewer materials than full cabinet
- Accessible construction: project achievable in a weekend
- Portable: easy to move for events
- Modular: can evolve into stand-up cabinet with a stand
Required Components
To build a functional bartop, you'll need several essential elements. Plan a budget of $220-450 depending on component quality chosen.
- Structure: 16-19mm MDF or plywood
- Screen: 17-24" monitor (recycled or new)
- Electronics: Raspberry Pi 4 or mini PC
- Controls: arcade joysticks and buttons
- USB encoder: to connect controls
- Power supply: for screen and system
- Graphics: marquee, side art, control panel
- Screws and wood glue
Standard Bartop Dimensions
Bartop dimensions vary by screen size and plans used. Here are typical dimensions for a 19-inch screen, the most popular format.
- Total height: 24-26 inches
- Width: 20-22 inches
- Depth: 18-20 inches
- Marquee: 20" x 6" (51 x 15 cm)
- Side art: 20.5" x 25" (52 x 63.5 cm) per side
- Control panel: 20" x 12" (51 x 30.5 cm)