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A retro terminal bartop arcade topper is a swappable control panel that turns one bartop cabinet into either an arcade machine or a retro-styled computer terminal. The example covered here is valkyrie0528’s “Retro Terminal Control Panel for Bartop Arcade Cab,” documented on Hackaday.io and written up by Hackaday on October 8, 2026 as part of the 2026 Retrocomputing Challenge. The arcade controls handle play. The terminal panel swaps in a full keyboard, a touchpad, and USB access so the cabinet can be used like an early-1980s home computer.
How the swappable panel works
The cabinet has a standard arcade-control unit. The terminal panel is built to take its place, so the same cavity serves two roles. With the arcade panel removed, the creator found that a keyboard placed in the cavity made the machine feel like an 8-bit home computer, and the swappable panel grew out of that observation.
What the terminal panel contains
The terminal panel, as documented by its creator, holds three input components:
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- A touchpad module. It replaces a separate mouse, so the setup can remain self-contained on the cabinet.
- A two-port USB breakout. It provides access for thumb drives or controllers without opening the cabinet’s rear panel.
The keyboard, touchpad, and breakout all connect to a USB hub that stays inside the control-panel cavity. Only the breakout is meant to be reached from outside, which is what keeps everyday use of the ports convenient.
#1 Best Overall
- Dimensions (approx.): Interior Width: 20.75", Exterior Width: 21.75”, Exterior Height: 21”, Exterior Depth: 18”
- Available in HAPP (HAPP joysticks and 28mm buttons) or Sanwa (Sanwa Style joystick and 24mm start/coin and 30mm action buttons) Style
Arcade panel versus terminal panel
The two panels differ in what they expose and what they require from the cabinet. The table below uses only what the project documentation states.
| Feature | Arcade control panel | Retro terminal panel |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Playing arcade games | Terminal and computer emulation |
| Input devices | Arcade controls | 86-key mechanical keyboard and touchpad |
| External USB access | Not stated | Two-port USB breakout reachable without opening the rear panel |
| USB hub location | Not stated | Inside the control-panel cavity |
| Construction | Standard cabinet unit; materials not stated | Scrap 12 mm plywood with woodgrain vinyl laminate and PVC edge trim |
| Fastening | Not stated | Simple wooden straps screwed underneath to hold components |
Software: CoolRetroTerm for the look, separate tools for real hardware
In terminal mode the machine runs CoolRetroTerm, which the owner configured to show simulated scanlines and green or amber text. The project page does not identify the host computer model or a software version.
Rank #2
- Retro Arcade Game console Machine with 20,000+ Games – All-in-one tabletop arcade console video gaming featuring a massive built-in game library with action, adventure, racing, puzzle, and classic arcade-style games.
- Plug & Play Bartop Game Consoles Setup – Ready to use out of the box with no downloads, subscriptions, or internet required—just power on and play instantly games for adults and teens.
- 🖥️ 22-Inch bartop video game console with High Quality Display – Large, vibrant screen delivers clear visuals and an immersive retro arcade games experience from any angle.
- Dual Joystick Arcade Controls – Responsive table top games arcade-style buttons and joysticks designed for smooth single-player or multiplayer gaming.
- Compact Tabletop Design indoor games – Arcade Cabinet Space-saving and portable; ideal for game rooms, living spaces, offices, or shared environments
CoolRetroTerm is a GUI terminal emulator that simulates the appearance of a CRT screen, with adjustable effects and profiles. It supplies the display styling only. Hackaday’s explainer on the software, which dates to 2023, states that a serial-terminal program such as Minicom must run inside it to talk to physical vintage hardware. If you plan to connect a real legacy machine, treat CoolRetroTerm as the screen and the serial program as the link, and confirm current package availability and compatibility before you install, since the explainer is three years old.
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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 errorsThe creator also provides a downloadable 16:9 PNG named teac_bk_1c.png. It shows dual vertical TEAC 5.25-inch floppy drives inside a bezel and is meant as a CoolRetroTerm wallpaper. It is not hardware, and the build does not include floppy drives.
Rank #3
- Pre-built bartop arcade unit in officially licensed Capcom Street Fighter design
- 6 built-in games per arcade - Compatible with all Evercade cartridges (500+)
- Includes: STREET FIGHTER II CHAMPION EDITION, SUPER STREET FIGHTER II TURBO, SUPER PUZZLE FIGHTER II TURBO, STREET FIGHTER ALPHA – WARRIORS’ DREAMS, STREET FIGHTER ALPHA 2, and STREET FIGHTER ALPHA 3
- 2 USB Controller ports for 2P local multiplayer (controllers sold separately), USB-C cable and plug included, and built-in WiFi for updates and features
- Light-up marquee bar with swappable marquees (3 included)
What the build cost, and what that figure covers
The creator reports that the entire cabinet, including both control panels, cost less than US$50. That figure belongs to this one project, as reported by its owner on the Hackaday.io page as of October 8, 2026. It is not an independently verified parts budget, and it should not be used as a current general estimate. Prices for keyboards, touchpads, USB hubs, and plywood vary by region and change over time, so price your own parts before you plan a build.
Planning a similar panel
The project page does not test retail products, so the following are practical criteria drawn from the documented design rather than tested recommendations. Before you buy parts, check each one against the cavity you actually have.
Rank #4
- 【50 Popular Retro Arcade Games】: This MVSX Arcade console integrates 50 retro arcade games series, including The King of Fighters (10 games), Metal Slug (6 games), Samurai Showdown (6 games), Fatal Fury (8 games), World Heroes (6 games), Sengoku (3 games), The Last Blade (2 games), and other classic fighting and sports games.
- 【Remake The Classic MVS Arcade】: This MVSX machine continues the classic appearance of the MVS arcade machine. It supports MVS mode (Arcade format) or AES mode(Home Console format). Recreate the golden era of classic arcades and enjoy an authentic retro-gaming nostalgia experience. Notice： This MVSX arcade machine and base will be shipped with three single packages by Amazon due to their large size.
- 【Supports Two players to Play Games Simultaneously】: Double stick design lets you simultaneously enjoy retro games with your game partner. So you can choose your favorite game from 50 preload SNK official games to perfect for two-player competitive play and game nights with friends.
- 【Applicable to Various Places】: It is suitable for homes, businesses, shopping centers, game rooms, arcades, bars, and other entertainment venues. This machine adopts standard game console size, standard joystick and button accessories， bringing you a strong retro arcade game experience.
- 【Plug and Play】:Without complicated installation or internet connection or insertion of cards and cassettes are required. Easy to install and use. You can get the MVSX arcade accessories, such as the MVSX Base, MVSX riser and MVSX stool from our store.
- Keyboard width and layout. Measure the cavity first. An 86-key board is the size the creator used, but the cavity dimensions for this cabinet are not stated, so the fit is yours to confirm.
- Pointing device. The creator considered a small trackball but did not find one they liked within the budget, so the build uses a touchpad. Decide whether a touchpad is enough for how you will use the machine.
- USB layout. Place the hub inside the cavity and the breakout where you can reach it when the panel is in place. Keep enough slack in the cables that the panel can still be removed and swapped.
- Panel materials. The documented panel uses 12 mm plywood, held with wooden straps screwed underneath, and finished with woodgrain vinyl laminate and PVC edge trim to match the cabinet. Match thickness and finish to your own cabinet rather than copying the measurements.
What the project does and does not establish
The documentation establishes the component list, the swappable design, the USB arrangement, the software setup, and the creator’s cost figure. It does not establish a wiring diagram, cabinet dimensions, the exact keyboard or touchpad model, the host-computer platform, or a tested list of compatible devices. Treat the build as a documented example of the approach, not as a kit you can order and assemble to the same result. Contest entries were still open when Hackaday published its article on October 8, 2026, so check the contest page for current rules and status.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Retro Arcade Experience & Fighting Game Setup: Compatible with Switch, Switch OLED, and Switch 2, this mini arcade machine turns your Nintendo Switch into a portable retro arcade fighting stick machine, replacing bulky traditional arcade cabinets while providing a stable base for competitive switch game play
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- Turbo Function & Game Storage: Remove Switch case for a secure dock fit and proper connection. Features Turbo function with 12 game slots included, suitable for arcade lovers
- Easy Installation & System Controls: Simple 5-step installation with clear setup instructions, built-in dedicated system controls for seamless navigation. A reset button is included for quick troubleshooting of connection issues
- Classic Arcade Design: Experience the golden age of arcade games with authentic retro gaming vibes, fully compatible with Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED and Switch 2 consoles. The classic red-black arcade design recreates the legendary gaming feel of the 80s and 90s
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