| In a recent conversation with my friend and expert | | | | components in the machine itself. |
| arcade machine builder, Emily, I discovered some | | | | Tip #2- Start with a clean system. One of the first |
| secrets that had previously kept me from building an | | | | things Emily does when programming the arcade |
| arcade machine and also from thinking that I could | | | | machine is to reformat the hard drive and install a |
| afford to do so. Emily shared with me some key tips | | | | fresh copy of Windows as the operating system. |
| for people just getting started in the process and | | | | After this you’ll want to learn how to optimize |
| busted some common myths associated with arcade | | | | Windows for maximum game play as these will be |
| machines these days. | | | | the only programs running on Windows in the arcade |
| First of all, going into the conversation, I was totally | | | | machine. Doing so will allow for a smoother operation |
| unfamiliar with what was included in the construction | | | | for all game play. Partitioning the hard drive during the |
| of a machine and, more importantly, what the | | | | reformat process can also be beneficial. |
| machines can actually do these days. So as Emily and | | | | Tip #3- Don’t fret over the controllers. One of |
| I were talking I took out my notebook and jotted | | | | the main reasons I never got started before was |
| down some notes that I’d like to share as | | | | because I really didn’t understand the anatomy |
| they may prove to be valuable to you. | | | | of the arcade machine. I assumed there would be so |
| Tip #1- When constructing the arcade machine, the | | | | many wires that I wouldn’t know where in the |
| first step comes in properly understanding what | | | | world to start. Actually, it’s quite simple to just |
| games you’re intending to play. First off, I | | | | order a pre-constructed dual-joystick control for |
| wasn’t even aware that today’s arcade | | | | around $100. If actually creating the controls is your |
| machines are capable of playing hundreds of games | | | | thing, then great. However, most people want to get |
| on the same machine. I was only concerned with | | | | the thing playing and looking decent. It’s just a |
| Street Fighter 2: Turbo and, as Emily pointed out, I | | | | lot easier to order the controls and then just install |
| could play that and several other games on the same | | | | them with everything else. |
| arcade machine. However, what powers | | | | Tip #4- Building the cabinet is easier than you may |
| today’s arcade machines that people are | | | | think. This is kind of a natural lead in from the |
| building are primarily Windows based PC’s. | | | | previous tip. With the proper dimensions and pieces |
| Games from Playstation and before can usually be | | | | outlined, you can often have these cuts done for |
| run on an old Pentium 2 with 64 Megs of RAM. Just | | | | you at the lumber store leaving only the framing to |
| about any game can be transferred to the PC but if | | | | be put together which doesn’t require you to |
| you’re going to run recent games you’ll | | | | be an expert carpenter. |
| have to consider using higher level hardware | | | | |