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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsPimoroni’s Picade MAX is a self-build desktop arcade cabinet with a 19-inch IPS screen, arcade controls, speakers and the electronics needed to connect to a Raspberry Pi. It is designed around Raspberry Pi 5, but the Pi computer and microSD card are not included, so they must be purchased separately. You can assemble it as either a one-player or two-player cabinet.
The official product listing is Pimoroni’s Picade MAX page; software instructions are in Pimoroni’s Picade MAX setup guide.
What the Picade MAX kit includes
Picade MAX is a large bartop cabinet rather than a complete, ready-to-play computer. Pimoroni supplies the cabinet, display, controls, audio hardware and power electronics, while you provide the Raspberry Pi and storage.
| Component | What is supplied |
|---|---|
| Cabinet | Black powder-coated, pre-cut MDF panels |
| Controls | Two joysticks, arcade buttons, and both one-player and two-player console artwork/layout options |
| Display | 19-inch IPS panel, 1280 × 1024 resolution, with HDMI driver board and screen-control keypad |
| Control electronics | Picade MAX Power HAT and an RP2040-based USB controller board |
| Audio | USB stereo audio board, two 3-inch speakers listed as 5 W, 4 Ω units, and a volume control |
| Power and controls | Illuminated power button and 12 V power supply |
Confirm the live bill of materials before ordering because the contents above come from Pimoroni’s product listing and listings can change.
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Is Picade MAX one-player or two-player?
Both layouts are supported. The kit includes one-player and two-player control-panel options, so you choose the arrangement during the build rather than buying a different electronics package. The two-player version uses the supplied second joystick and additional arcade controls.
Pimoroni describes the controller in two slightly different ways on its listing: one feature section mentions up to 24 inputs, while another mentions up to 30 arcade buttons plus two joystick inputs. Those descriptions should not be treated as one definitive, independently verified input count. The practical point is that the controller exposes the cabinet controls to the Raspberry Pi as ordinary USB keyboard/gamepad-style inputs.
Screen size, resolution and cabinet footprint
The retro-oriented display
The built-in screen is a 19-inch IPS panel running at 1280 × 1024. That is a 5:4 aspect ratio, which Pimoroni selected for older arcade and computer games rather than modern widescreen content. Games designed for 4:3 or other classic ratios may still show borders or require emulator-specific scaling, depending on the title and software configuration.
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- include: 1x 5Pin Joystick + 1x USB Encoder + 10x Chrome LED Buttons (1Player + Coin Buttons)
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How much space it needs
Pimoroni lists the assembled cabinet at 51 × 44 × 39 cm. These are seller-provided dimensions, so allow additional room for cables, ventilation and access to the rear when choosing a desk or counter.
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- Raspberry Pi: Picade MAX is designed for Raspberry Pi 5. Pimoroni also says that other Raspberry Pi models with a 40-pin header can work, although compatibility and performance depend on the model and software.
- microSD card: The operating system and emulator software need storage, and no card is included.
Pimoroni recommends the Raspberry Pi 5 Active Cooler. It is an optional accessory, not part of the core kit. The company also lists compatibility with its NVMe Base for Pi 5, which is an expansion option for users who want NVMe storage; neither the base nor an M.2 SSD is bundled.
Assembly and physical build
The MAX is a self-build project. Pimoroni estimates two to four hours for assembly and says basic screwdrivers are sufficient. The estimate is the seller’s guidance, not an independently timed build, and the two-player control-panel wiring may take longer than the simplest one-player configuration.
Rank #3
- 🕹 Officially Licensed: This is an officially licensed Bandai Namco title, ensuring an authentic gaming experience.
- 🎮 Iconic Characters: Guide the beloved yellow PAC-MAN character through mazes, eating dots and power-ups. Features artwork inspired by the original PAC-MAN arcade cabinet.
- High Resolution: This collectible game features a high-resolution 2.75-inch full-color display, allowing you to immerse yourself in the classic gameplay.
- Headphone Jack: 3.5mm headphone jack lets you enjoy PAC-MAN on the go on your own privately.
- 🔋 Portable Gameplay: Powered by 4 AA batteries (not included) or by a USB-C cable (not included)
- Sort the MDF panels, control parts, display hardware and wiring before starting.
- Build the cabinet shell and fit the screen and HDMI driver.
- Install the selected one-player or two-player control panel, joysticks and buttons.
- Connect the Power HAT, USB controller, audio board, speakers, volume control and illuminated power button according to the supplied diagrams.
- Mount the Raspberry Pi, connect HDMI and USB, and route power and audio cables so they do not interfere with controls or ventilation.
Check every connector before applying power. The cabinet contains mains-adjacent power-conversion hardware supplied through the 12 V adapter, so use the included supply and keep the assembly dry and properly ventilated.
Software: Recalbox and RetroPie
Recalbox
Pimoroni says it has been using Recalbox with Picade MAX. Its setup guide explains that controls should be preconfigured on first launch when the buttons and joysticks are wired as shown in the diagrams at the official guide. You still need to install Recalbox on your own microSD card and supply legally obtained game files.
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RetroPie and other emulators
The same guide documents RetroPie, and Pimoroni says the hardware is intended to work with a range of emulators. Because the controller presents itself as a conventional keyboard or gamepad, mapping should be familiar in emulator configuration menus. Exact menu names and performance vary by Raspberry Pi model, operating-system release and emulator.
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No games, ROM collection or BIOS files are included. Obtain ROMs and BIOS files through legitimate means, and follow the licensing rules for the software and games you use.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Power, audio and controller behavior
The USB audio board is described as stereo with dual-channel 3 W amplification, driving the two included 3-inch speakers. A physical volume control is built into the cabinet. The RP2040 controller communicates over USB and is intended to appear to the host as a standard keyboard or gamepad, which avoids requiring a proprietary emulator driver.
There is no independent latency, frame-rate or emulator-performance measurement established for this kit. Results will depend on the Pi model, emulator settings, game and display configuration.
Best Value
- Officially Licensed: This is an officially licensed Bandai Namco Arcade, ensuring an authentic gaming experience.
- 🕹️ Includes PAC-MAN (classic), PAC-MAN (speed-up), PAC-MAN PLUS, SUPER PAC-MAN & PAC & PAL.
- High Resolution: This collectible game features a high-resolution 3.5-inch full-color display, allowing you to immerse yourself in the classic gameplay.
- 🎯Arcade Cabinet: Classic wood construction and an Illuminated marquee.
- Headphone Jack: 3.5mm headphone jack lets you enjoy PAC-MAN on the go on your own privately.
Price and stock depend on your region
When the official listing was checked in 2026, Picade MAX (product code PIM708) showed as out of stock in the regional storefront results available for this article. The UK storefront displayed £412.50 and the EU storefront displayed €488.95. Those are time- and market-specific listing observations, not guaranteed current prices. Check the live regional product page for stock, currency, taxes and shipping before purchasing.
Who should buy Picade MAX?
- Choose it if you want a substantial bartop cabinet with a real 19-inch screen, integrated controls and audio, and you enjoy assembling the hardware yourself.
- Budget for it if you do not already own a compatible Raspberry Pi, microSD card and any optional cooling or storage accessories.
- Look elsewhere if you need a ready-to-play system, a compact portable cabinet, a modern widescreen display or independently verified emulator-performance figures.
Compared with a custom cabinet, MAX reduces the design and wiring work by supplying the panels, display and controller/audio electronics. Compared with a smaller Picade-family kit, it takes more desk space but provides a larger 19-inch display and a two-player option. A like-for-like independent performance or value comparison is not established by Pimoroni’s product documentation.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
