Whether you’re building a home arcade cabinet or upgrading a retro gaming station, selecting the right joystick and button kit is essential for authentic feel and durability. This article highlights five high-quality kits that pair well with Windows, Raspberry Pi, and MAME setups. Each option emphasizes solid encoders, responsive inputs, and LED illumination for an arcade-grade experience. Use the Buying Guide below to compare features, compatibility, and long-term reliability to fit your project goals.
Summary of selected products
| Product | Brand | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| EG STARTS 2 Player Arcade Games DIY Kit Parts | EG STARTS | 2 players, ellipse joystick handles, LED lit buttons, zero-delay encoder |
| EG STARTS Arcade Buttons 1 Player DIY Kit | EG STARTS | 8-way joystick, LED buttons, USB encoder, reliable microswitches |
| Hikig 2 Player LED Arcade Kit | Hikig | 2 players, 20x LED buttons, 2 joysticks, DIY MAME |
| EG STARTS 4 Player Classic DIY Kit | EG STARTS | 4 players, 4/8-way stick, 5V LED push buttons, USB |
| EG STARTS 2 Player Arcade Games DIY Kit Parts (Oval Joysticks) | EG STARTS | Ellipse joystick handles, 20 LED buttons, zero-delay encoder |
EG STARTS 2 Player Arcade Kit With LED Buttons
The EG STARTS 2 Player Arcade Games DIY Kit features two ellipse joystick handles paired with 20 LED-lit arcade buttons in a red-and-blue color kit. Its 100% zero-delay encoder ensures compatibility across Windows systems for smooth, lag-free play. Designed as a complete 2-player MAME-style accessory, this kit provides a straightforward route to a compact, retro arcade setup. The included hardware supports quick wiring and reliable microswitch performance for long-term use.
EG STARTS 1 Player DIY Kit With LED Arcade Buttons
This EG STARTS 1 Player DIY Kit pairs a reliable 8-way joystick with 5V LED arcade buttons and a USB encoder. Built for a single-player arcade experience, it emphasizes high-quality lighting effects and robust microswitches designed to withstand up to a million cycles. The kit is ideal for a compact cabinet or control panel upgrade, offering straightforward installation and dependable performance across PC and Raspberry Pi projects.
Hikig 2 Player LED Arcade Kit
The Hikig 2 Player LED Arcade Kit provides a complete DIY package with two joysticks and twenty LED arcade buttons in red and blue. The kit targets MAME and Raspberry Pi use, delivering a “new style” arcade experience with LED illumination for enhanced visibility and aesthetics. Its zero-delay encoder guarantees responsive gameplay on Windows systems, while the included components are designed for durable, long-lasting performance in a home arcade environment.
EG STARTS 4 Player Classic DIY Arcade Kit
This four-player kit from EG STARTS includes 4/8-way sticks and 5V LED illuminated push buttons, designed for PC-based arcade builds and MAME cabinets. The USB encoder supports straightforward PC integration, enabling quick setup for multiplayer games. The product emphasizes high-quality materials and heat-resistant plastic, making it suitable for more ambitious, multi-user arcade projects in a home setting.
EG STARTS 2 Player Arcade Kit With 18 Buttons
This 2-player kit from EG STARTS includes an 8-way joystick with 18 arcade push buttons, along with a single-ply USB encoder. It supports wood or metal control panels and is rated for up to 10,000,000 micro-switch cycles, offering long-lasting reliability for arcade builds. The kit is ideal for users upgrading a classic cabinet or creating a compact two-player panel for MAME and PC gaming.
EG STARTS Arcade Kit With 8 Ways Joystick And LED Buttons
Designed for a single-player or dual setup, this EG STARTS kit includes an 8-way joystick and 10 LED backlit buttons (with coin and start options). The included USB encoder supports plug-and-play operation for Windows PC and Raspberry Pi installations. Microswitches are rated for high endurance, and the kit is suitable for arcade cabinet builders seeking a reliable core control system for retro gaming experiences.
EG STARTS 2 Player Oval Joysticks And LED Buttons Kit
This kit combines two ellipse/oval joystick handles with 20 LED-illuminated arcade buttons, designed for a 2-player MAME setup. The zero-delay USB encoder ensures low-latency response, suitable for fast-paced arcade titles. The mix of buttons and unique joystick shapes offers an alternative aesthetic for a personalized home arcade project.
Fosiya 1 Player USB Encoder Arcade Kit
The Fosiya 1 Player USB Encoder kit focuses on a compact, single-player setup featuring a red-top ball joystick and 10 LED arcade buttons. It includes a USB encoder rated for 8-way joystick operation, and the push buttons are designed for reliable 5V illumination. This kit is ideal for hobbyists building a compact, attractive one-player arcade panel that integrates smoothly with PC and Raspberry Pi projects.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Compatibility: Check encoder type (zero-delay preferred) and supported platforms (Windows, Raspberry Pi, Mac where applicable).
- Number of players: Decide how many simultaneous players you want; kits range from 1- to 4-player configurations.
- Joystick style and throw: Joysticks vary in throw, 4/8-way operation, and micro-switch quality. Elliptical/Oval handles offer a distinct aesthetic and may feel different under quick moves.
- LED lighting: LED push buttons improve visibility and style. Consider color kits and brightness levels suitable for your cabinet lighting.
- Durability: Look for high cycle counts for microswitches (millions of cycles) and heat-resistant plastics for long-term use.
- cabling and mounting: Ensure panel hole sizes match provided components (typical stems around 24mm for buttons and 24mm/30mm for buttons; joysticks vary).
- Installation complexity: Some kits are plug-and-play with USB encoders, while others require more wiring—plan based on your DIY skill level.
- Future upgrades: Consider modular kits that allow swapping buttons or sticks as your cabinet evolves.
- Aesthetic options: LED color kits (red/blue, mixed colors) let you customize the cabinet’s look to match your theme.
Across all options, buyers should assess whether they want a ready-to-assemble bundle or a modular set that’s easy to upgrade. The kits listed emphasize reliable encoders, robust switches, and LED illumination, making them suitable for hobbyists and retro gamers seeking a durable, responsive control system for MAME, PC, or Raspberry Pi projects.