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Raspberry Pi is a great choice for retro gaming projects. Combined with software like RetroPie or Recalbox, it can emulate many old games like Super Mario, Space invaders etc.
A Retro Arcade gaming kit includes necessary items to provide the best Retro gaming experience using the Raspberry Pi.
Here’s the summary of the best Retro Arcade Raspberry Pi kit:
| Raspberry Pi Retro Kit | Link to Product |
|---|---|
| Vilros Raspberry Pi 4 Retro Gaming Kit | See details at Amazon |
| GeeekPi Retroflag NESPi 4 Case Kit | See details at Amazon |
| GeeekPi Retroflag GPi CASE | See details at Amazon |
| GamePi43 Accessories Kit for Raspberry Pi | See details at Amazon |
| Hikig 2-Player LED Arcade DIY Kit | See details at Amazon |
Before you proceed:
There are a few things, I would like you to keep in mind before purchasing any gaming kit for Raspberry Pi.
1. Some kits mentioned here are accessories kit, that doesn’t include Raspberry Pi boards or other related items. You’ll need to purchase those separately.
2. Do your research or check the manufacturer’s website for an updated list regarding the contents and number of items in the kit.
3. To enjoy the retro games, you need to set up software like RetroPie or RecalBox on your Raspberry Pi.
4. ROMs are subject to copyright laws. Downloading/Distributing them from the internet may violate copyright laws. Don’t ask or post links to ROM files in the comment section of this article. Your comments will not be approved.
5 Best Retro Arcade Raspberry Pi Gaming Kit
These kits are not in any Ranking order, purchase any kit according to your convenience.
1. Vilros Raspberry Pi 4 Retro Gaming Kit
The first on this best retro arcade Raspberry Pi kit list is the Vilros Raspberry Pi 4 Retro gaming kit. It contains all the necessary items required to get started with the retro gaming project.
Apart from all the basic components like a Raspberry Pi board, Power supply, Micro HDMI cable etc. It includes an NES Style Case, SNES Style Controllers, Heatsinks and an 8 GB flash drive that you can use to upload ROMs.
Once you set up the Raspberry Pi gaming machine, all you need to do is to connect it to a screen to enjoy retro games. The screen is not included in the kit and you have to purchase it separately.
Overall, Vilros Raspberry Pi 4 Retro Gaming Kit is the best starter kit available for retro gaming on the market.
Contents of Vilros Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Retro Gaming Kit:
- Raspberry Pi 4 Model B
- 32GB Micro SD Card
- SD card Adapter
- Vilros Pi 4 Power Supply
- Vilros HDMI-MICRO HDMI Cable
- Set of Heatsinks
- Vilros PI 4 Compatible NES Style Case
- 2 Vilros SNES style Gamepads
- Vilros 8GB Flash Drive
- Vilros Quickstart Guide for Raspberry Pi 4
- MAGPI Retro Gaming Quickstart Guide
2. GeeekPi Retroflag NESPi 4 Case Kit
GeeekPi Retroflag NESPi 4 case kit is a complete kit that includes all the necessary items that you’ll need for your retro gaming project.
This kit is specifically designed for Raspberry Pi 4 which is already included. The kit also includes an NES Cartridge style SSD case that you can use to connect 2.5in SSD Drive. Note that, the SSD drive is not included, only the case is included in the kit.
There is also a safe shutdown and reset switch on the case that will prevent damage to the files. However, you need to set up the necessary scripts for the safe shutdown and reset to work.
You’ll also find USB wired Game controllers, power supply, cooling fan, heatsinks, 32G SD card, Micro HDMI cable and Micro HDMI to HDMI adapter among other items in the kit.
Contents of GeeekPi Retroflag NESPi 4 Case Kit:
- NESPi 4 CASE
- Raspberry Pi 4 Model B
- USB (Wired) Game controllers
- NESPi 4 SSD CASE (SSD Not included)
- USB-C Power Supply
- Cooling Fan
- Heatsinks
- Instruction Manual
- Micro HDMI to Standard HDMI Adapter
- Micro HDMI cable (1.2m) 4K
- 32G SD Card kit
- Flannel bag
- Screws and Screwdriver
3. GeeekPi Retroflag GPi CASE
The GeeekPi Retroflag GPi Case is a GameBoy-inspired case that comes fully assembled with all the buttons, display, LED indicators, 3.5mm audio ports etc.
Although you don’t have to assemble much, you still need to insert the Raspberry Pi and set up the SD card with software and ROMs to start playing your favorite games.
Unlike other retro arcade Raspberry Pi kits mentioned in this list, the GeeekPi Retroflag GPi Case is only compatible with Raspberry Pi Zero / Zero W / Zero W 2 boards. The case also has a battery pocket for AA batteries.
Apart from the GPi case, you’ll also get a copper heatsink, carrying bag, 32G Class 10 Micro SD Card with adapter among other items in this package.
Note: Raspberry Pi Zero / Zero W / Zero W 2 and AA batteries are required but not included in the kit.
Contents of GeeekPi Retroflag GPi CASE:
- GPi Case
- Black Carrying Bag
- Copper Heatsink
- Flannel Bag
- Introduction Manual
- 32G Class 10 Micro SD Card
- Black Card Adapter
- Card Protector Case
- Protector Film
4. GamePi43 Accessories Kit for Raspberry Pi
The GamePi43 accessories kit includes add-ons to build your own portable retro video-game console using the Raspberry Pi. It comes with an IPS display with 800×600 resolution and 60fps for a smooth gaming experience.
GamePi43 is powered by 18650 lithium batteries and has a battery life indicator. Moreover, it has an onboard speaker, earphone-jack, volume and backlight adjustment keys for a better gaming experience.
If you want to build a portable retro video-game console with your Raspberry Pi, then you can check out this GamePi43 accessories kit.
Note: Raspberry Pi, SD card and 18650 lithium batteries are required, but not included in this kit. You’ll need to purchase them separately.
Contents of GamePi43 Accessories Kit for Raspberry Pi:
- GamePi43 board
- US Power adapter
- Acrylic case
- TF card extension board
- HDMI connector
- Keys
- Screws pack
- Phillips screwdriver 2.0
5. Hikig 2-Player LED Arcade DIY Kit
The last on the retro arcade Raspberry Pi kit is the Hikig 2-Player LED Arcade DIY Kit. It is an accessories kit for RetroPie projects.
This kit requires a MAME emulator to work which is included in the RetroPie. You can set up RetroPie on Raspberry Pi and connect it to the Hikig 2-Player LED Arcade Kit for a great arcade gaming experience.
Note that, Raspberry Pi and other related items are not included in the kit. This kit only includes Joysticks, buttons, USB Encoder boards, USB cable and Wire Harness. You need to build (or purchase) your own arcade retro games cabinet to enjoy the games.
If you want to build a 2-player USB MAME Cabinet, then this DIY kit is simply the best choice.
Note: This kit doesn’t include Raspberry Pi, SD card or other related items. You have to purchase them separately.
Contents of Hikig 2-Player LED Arcade DIY Kit:
- Joysticks
- LED Arcade Buttons
- USB Encoder boards
- USB cables
- LED Button Wire Harness
Conclusion
There are many other gaming kits available for Raspberry Pi. If you have used any other gaming kit, you can share your experience in the comments.
Raspberry Pi can be used for a variety of projects. There are other Raspberry Pi kits available (other than gaming) on the market.
Also, you can check out my other articles related to Raspberry Pi here.
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