Traditional arcade cabinets deliver tactile controls and local multiplayer, but they also consume a lot of floor space. Reddit maker No_Beautiful_8981 solved that problem with a folding, two-player arcade machine built into an MDF briefcase: an LCD screen sits in the lid, joysticks and buttons fill the control panel, speakers sit beside the controls, and a Raspberry Pi 5 runs the emulators.
The result is compact and easy to store, but it is important to define “portable” accurately. This is a transportable, plug-in home arcade—not a battery-powered handheld.
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What the briefcase arcade actually is
The project, featured by Hackster News and Raspberry Pi Magazine, is a custom arcade cabinet that folds into a small suitcase-style enclosure.
- Enclosure: an MDF briefcase sourced from Etsy.
- Display: an LCD screen mounted in the lid.
- Controls: two arcade joystick-and-button kits, one for each player.
- Audio: speakers mounted beside the controls.
- Computer: a Raspberry Pi 5.
- Power: an external cord connection rather than an onboard battery.
The maker’s motivation was practical: limited apartment space and limited confidence with woodworking. Buying the basic briefcase and fabricating custom panels for the screen bezel and control areas made it possible to create a two-player machine without committing to a full-size cabinet.
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- 【22-inch HD screen】 The 22-inch IPS full-view screen ensures no errors at different angles, with a 1920x1080P resolution and clearer RGB color display enjoy arcade-quality sound with integrated dual speakers.At the same time, by inputting HD signal, it can be connected to PC, TVBOX, GAMEBOX, monitoring host, and used as a display screen
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- 【Mini computers body and multi-function】 The size (21*15*13 inch) allows for Folding the screen makes it easy to carry and perfect for collecting It can also be connected to a large screen or controller for home use via a DC 12V adapter, and features a built-in speaker and 3.5mm headphone jack
- 【Free modification permissions】 In some games, you can switch emulator kernels, adjust screen orientation and aspect ratio, and apply screen filters. It also supports Wi Fi connection to download games and play with two or 4P players
Why put an arcade in a briefcase?
A conventional cabinet is furniture. Even a bartop cabinet generally needs a permanent shelf, table, or counter. A folding enclosure changes the storage problem: the machine can be closed and placed in a closet or under a bed when it is not being used.
It also preserves something a handheld or ordinary gamepad does not: two people can stand or sit around one shared control panel, using full-size arcade-style joysticks and buttons. That makes the format especially appealing for apartment dwellers who want local multiplayer without dedicating an entire room to an arcade.
There are limits. The case is easier to move than a cabinet, but it still needs a wall outlet. It should not be treated as a self-contained outdoor console, and it should be transported with the lid closed, power disconnected, and the screen and controls protected.
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Hardware inside the machine
The confirmed hardware list is deliberately short. The original coverage identifies the major components, but it does not publish a complete bill of materials or a wiring diagram.
Confirmed components
- Raspberry Pi 5
- LCD display
- Two arcade joystick-and-button kits
- Speakers
- MDF briefcase enclosure
- Custom-cut bezel and control panels
- Power-cord connection
Details that are not specified
The available project coverage does not establish the LCD’s size, resolution, model, or driver board. It also does not identify the joystick brand, switch type, exact button count, encoder boards, amplifier, power-distribution hardware, cooling arrangement, storage capacity, operating-system image, emulator frontend, or total cost.
Those omissions matter if you want to reproduce the build. A reader can copy the concept, but not order a verified, identical parts list from the published information.
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Why the Raspberry Pi 5 is a sensible choice
The Pi 5 provides more than enough connectivity for this kind of compact arcade computer: a quad-core 2.4 GHz Arm Cortex-A76 processor, VideoCore VII graphics, dual 4Kp60 HDMI output, USB 3 and USB 2 ports, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a microSD-card slot, and the standard 40-pin GPIO header. Its official specifications are available on the Raspberry Pi 5 product page.
For a current build, power and cooling deserve particular attention. Raspberry Pi recommends a high-quality 5 V/5 A USB-C power supply for Pi 5 and advises active cooling for best performance under demanding workloads. Older Raspberry Pi OS releases that predate Bookworm are not supported on Pi 5, so an up-to-date software image should be selected rather than assuming that any older arcade image will work.
The original project does not identify which memory variant it used. Raspberry Pi’s December 2025 pricing announcement listed the following U.S. prices:
| Pi 5 model | Announced U.S. price |
|---|---|
| 1GB | $45 |
| 2GB | $55 |
| 4GB | $70 |
| 8GB | $95 |
| 16GB | $145 |
These are announced list prices, not a guarantee of what a buyer will pay. Reseller pricing, tax, shipping, regional availability, and supply can change the final cost. More importantly, the Pi’s RAM capacity is only one part of the system: the display, controls, case, storage, cooling, audio, power hardware, and fabrication can make up a substantial share of a finished build.
How the two-player controls work
The controls ultimately have to become input events that the Raspberry Pi and emulator understand. The general signal path is:
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- The controls connect to the Pi through an encoder board or GPIO-based interface.
- The operating system detects the inputs.
- The emulator or frontend maps them to Player 1 and Player 2.
- The Pi sends video to the LCD and audio to the speakers.
The project confirms two joystick-and-button kits, but not the encoder boards, GPIO pin mapping, wiring scheme, or software configuration. Those are reconstruction decisions rather than documented facts about the original machine.
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- Overall Dimensions and Weight: Machine size when closed in box is 25.6 inches by 15.7 inches by 2.75 inches with weight of 26 pounds. Machine size when open is 25.6 inches by 15.7 inches by 17.7 inches with weight of 26 pounds. Packaging size is 28.3 inches by 21.25 inches by 8.66 inches with weight of 33 pounds
A reliable setup should test every control separately, confirm that the chosen encoder is recognized, and then configure each emulator’s player assignments. Two-player games may also require separate coin, start, and simultaneous-play mappings. A control working in the operating system does not guarantee that it is correctly assigned inside every emulator.
Building a similar machine
This is a practical reconstruction plan, not a claim that it reproduces the original exactly.
- Choose the enclosure first. Check its interior depth, hinge position, latch strength, and usable flat areas before buying the display or controls.
- Measure the open case. Make sure two players have enough elbow and hand room. A layout that technically fits may still be uncomfortable.
- Select the screen before cutting panels. Account for the panel, bezel, mounting points, cable clearance, and the space needed when the lid closes.
- Plan the control layout around the games. A layout suited to fighting games may not be ideal for four-way maze games or shooters. Trackballs and spinners require additional space and hardware.
- Choose the input interface. USB encoders simplify wiring in many builds; GPIO can provide flexibility but requires careful pin planning and configuration.
- Mount and protect the display. Add strain relief to the display cable and verify that joysticks, buttons, and wiring cannot press against the panel when the case is shut.
- Install the Pi with cooling. The exact solution depends on the enclosure, but the Pi 5 should not be sealed into a cramped, unventilated compartment without considering heat.
- Design the audio path. Confirm whether the speakers need a separate amplifier and leave room for volume adjustment and cable routing.
- Use enclosed power hardware. Keep mains-voltage connections protected and avoid exposed AC wiring inside a wooden case. A physical switch should not be assumed to perform a safe software shutdown.
- Configure software legally. Install a Pi 5-compatible operating system and emulator setup, then use game files obtained through lawful means. The original coverage does not specify a frontend, emulator image, or game collection.
- Test before final assembly. Check both players, video, audio, cooling, charging or power behavior, and the closing clearances before permanently fixing panels and cables.
Games, emulation, and licensing
The machine reportedly uses emulators to play classic arcade games, but no verified game list or number of included titles is published. That means it is not accurate to describe the project as including “thousands of games,” and it would be misleading to imply that every technically emulatable game is automatically available or legally usable.
Keep the distinction clear:
- The Raspberry Pi is the computer.
- The emulator is the software that imitates another platform.
- The game files or ROMs are separate from both.
- The legality and licensing of those files depends on how they were obtained and the applicable jurisdiction.
A well-configured system can offer a flexible library, but performance varies by platform and emulator. The Pi 5 should not be described as a machine that can emulate everything.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Mechanical, electrical, and thermal compromises
MDF
MDF keeps the enclosure accessible to makers and provides a smooth surface for painting, but it is not especially tolerant of moisture or repeated abuse. As Raspberry Pi Magazine notes, MDF can swell or deform when exposed to liquid. Seal or paint exposed edges, reinforce hinge and latch areas, and expect the case to be heavier and less repair-friendly than some alternatives.
Closing clearances
The most dangerous mechanical assumption is that everything fits simply because it fits while open. The closed lid can crush joysticks, buttons, cables, speakers, or the screen bezel. The display also needs padding or a rigid clearance zone during transport.
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- ADVANCED FEATURES: Includes pause menu, game timer, customizable gamepad settings, and the ability to save/load game progress for convenience
- PORTABLE DESIGN: Compact dimensions of 19.5x 10x 3 inches make it easy to transport, while 32GB storage capacity holds thousands of classic games
Power
The Pi 5’s recommended USB-C supply is only part of the power design. The LCD and audio hardware need their own compatible power path, and an internal mains connection introduces shock and fire hazards. For a beginner-friendly build, use certified external power hardware wherever possible and keep high-voltage connections enclosed.
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Heat
A compact MDF case can trap heat from the Pi, display electronics, and audio hardware. The original project’s cooling arrangement is not documented, so it should not be inferred. Plan airflow and active cooling around the actual components, while considering dust, fan noise, and whether vents interfere with the lid or control panel.
DIY briefcase build versus buying an arcade
| Option | Best for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Raspberry Pi briefcase | Makers who want compact storage and customization | Fabrication, wiring, software setup, and repair are the owner’s responsibility |
| Pimoroni Picade | Users wanting a more packaged Raspberry Pi arcade experience | Desk-oriented and generally not a foldable two-player briefcase |
| Arcade1Up | Buyers seeking a finished, branded cabinet | Less customizable and less storage-friendly; prices vary by product |
| Generic preloaded briefcase console | Casual buyers prioritizing convenience | Game libraries, menus, support, controls, and power claims can vary substantially |
| Two-player arcade stick plus television | Players who already own a display and want minimal fabrication | Less visually self-contained than a cabinet |
Be cautious with commercial products advertising huge game counts. Category coverage has reported duplicate entries, awkward navigation, generic controls, and products marketed as portable even though they still require mains power. Treat the headline number of games as less important than library quality, licensing, control feel, repairability, and whether the system works reliably from a wall outlet.
What about replacing the Pi with a Nintendo Switch?
The maker mentioned a possible future change to a Nintendo Switch, but that was a plan rather than a completed version of the machine. Such a conversion would alter the project’s scope: it would require solving video output, docking, power delivery, controller interfaces, physical clearance, and software access. It would also replace the Pi’s general-purpose emulation flexibility with the Switch’s own hardware and software ecosystem.
That idea should therefore be treated as a possible redesign, not as a feature of the completed briefcase arcade.
Verdict
This project’s real innovation is its form factor. It turns a two-player arcade layout into something that can be folded away, making local multiplayer practical in a small home. The Raspberry Pi 5 supplies a flexible computer, while the physical controls and lid-mounted screen preserve the feel of an arcade machine.
It is a strong fit for a maker who values customization, storage efficiency, and hands-on fabrication. It is a poor fit for anyone expecting battery operation, instant plug-and-play setup, a warranty, or a guaranteed licensed game library. Think of it as a compact home arcade that travels between outlets—not a handheld console in a briefcase.
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