“I got my picade kit yesterday afternoon and was excited to get it open and start building.
The video and instructions were clear. I took a bit longer than the suggested build time but I didn't want to make any stupid mistakes.
The kit all fit together perfectly. I already had a Pi2 setup with RetroPie and everything worked first time. Everything was of high quality and I can safely say if I attempted to build this from scratch, it would not be the final product I have on my desk right now.
Clive's suggestions for `boot/config.txt` are well worth having in the online steps. I had a bit issue with power and had to use a separate USB to get the screen and the picade controller module enough power to run with the Pi, until I spotted that review.
Good work!
Cheers,
Adam.”
“To quote a well known sporting goods brand, "Just do it"
This has been a little project idea I have had for quite a while and after a search, I stumbled across this. And BOY was that a good thing
Ordered it, delivered the next day, opened the box, drooled a little...
You can tell from that 1st opening it is a quality bit of kit. The fact you get a lot of the little pieces in moulded parts boxes and not just flimsy cardboard is your first clue to that. Then you feel the thickness of the wood and perspex, hear the reassuring click of the joystick and you know it is 1st class
Took my time following their video for building the cabinet, savouring it (I am such a big kid). Did not have a single problem at any stage of the construction, no screws missing like good old "flat pack" of yesteryear
The configuring of the software on the Pi was the toughest bit, but just work through it and it will come. Make sure you do the 4 steps that Clint Siebert has included in his review (thanks Clint, save a lot of my hair from being pulled out). Connect the USB, HDMI and power and drift away to a distant 8-bit land of wonderful childhood memories. The next thing you know the weekend has gone and it is time for school again.....”
“The picade's build quality in the end is amazing for the cost. Competitors sell their half baked looking cabinets for double the price ( I researched a ton until I stumbled across the Picade).
Whats amazing is how hackable the build is. I ordered a 12 inch screen to put in instead of the 8, as well as build a reset button to hide out of view under the marquee. If inclined, you can also change out all the buttons including the joystick to something else you prefer.
Note though, during the programming of the Pi I came across a couple things that needed to be done in the /boot/config.txt file to get the Picade working well, which isnt explicitly noted anywhere...
1. Uncomment hdmi_force_hotplug=1 (This forces HDMI Display for use)
2. ADD disable_audio_dither=1 (removes static at high volumes)
3. Uncomment config_hdmi_boost=4 (Provides more power to display)
4. ADD max_usb_current=1 (disables power restrictions on USB so the display can work)”
“This mini arcade machine is perfect in every-way.
The 8" Screen makes the games look excellent.
The kit took me 3 hours to build using the instructions online, once done my prepared Pi2 was installed.
I've got it powered from a Belkin USB Hub, this powered the Pi, the Screen and a 320Gb USB 2.5" HDD. - It does give a power warning when the sound is too high but I'll take the risk.
The software I use is RetroPie - I did however have to create an optimised theme for this due to the amount of systems. the 1080p theme was using too much VRAM to start with and ended up crashing the EmulationStation once a few systems were loaded.
It's already been taking to a few friends houses and once they start playing it, it's hard to get them off.
Now we just need a 2 Player Mini Cab and we will be sorted, make it so Pimoroni.”
“Almost 10 years ago I built a full sized MAME arcade cabinet with a PC inside. It was awesome but HUGE and the PC was too slow to run the best games and my wife hates how much space it takes up. So when I saw Picade I knew I had to have one. It's desktop sized, has all the proper clicky buttons and the Pi2 runs my arcade games WAY better than my old PC cabinet.
Picade is in kit form so there's a solid 2-3 hour build ahead of you but all you'll need are a couple of screwdrivers, a Pi (I recommend the Pi2) and your wits. The video instructions were clear and helpful. I even managed to build mine with 2 small helpers running around. The wiring part looks a little scary but the video took me through it clearly enough and there was no soldering. The proof is in the pudding - it worked first time.
You'll need to get your own game ROMS. Google is your friend. And there is some work to do making an SD card image and putting games on there. Videos aplenty on YouTube show how to do that part.
If you love classic arcade or console games you are going to LOVE having this thing around. It's great for showing off to visitors and is small enough to travel. I'm going to take mine to my school Code Clubs to inspire the kids. And best of all it's small enough that it doesn't annoy my wife. She even referred to it today as "our" Picade! There is no higher praise.”
