Mini Arcade Enclosure - Printable STL for Retro Gaming Cabinet

If you're looking for a printable mini arcade enclosure, this is a complete tabletop cabinet design built around Raspberry Pi hardware. It captures the classic upright arcade silhouette—angled marquee, recessed screen bezel, forward-angled control deck, and kick panel—but scaled down to roughly 1/4 size and engineered to fit real components. Every part is functional and designed to house a 5-inch display, joystick, arcade buttons, speaker, cooling fan, and all the wiring needed for a working retro gaming build.

What Makes This Model Stand Out

This mini arcade enclosure is built for makers who want an authentic arcade look without compromise on functionality. The design splits into separate printable parts, each sized to fit standard 220 x 220 x 250mm print beds, so you can print it on most consumer FDM printers.

• Hardware-ready mounting: Dedicated standoffs for Raspberry Pi 4 or Pi 5, recessed bezel with clips for a 5-inch HDMI display, and precision holes for a 24mm joystick and six 30mm arcade buttons in authentic 2-row layout.
• Removable control deck: The button and joystick panel hinges or unscrews for easy wiring access without disassembly.
• Integrated cooling and power: 30mm fan mount on the rear, vent pattern for airflow, panel-mount USB-C cutout, and a 12mm power switch hole.
• Cable management: Internal routing channels and zip-tie anchors keep wiring organized between the control deck, display, Pi, and speaker.
• Modular marquee: Separate top section with a slot for a translucent diffuser panel and an internal channel for LED strip lighting.
• Parametric design: Key variables exposed—screen size, button count, Pi model, wall thickness, and tolerances—so you can customize the enclosure to your exact hardware.
• Print-ready orientation: Each part is positioned to minimize or eliminate supports, with guidance on recommended print orientation.

Recommended Print Settings

This mini arcade enclosure benefits from careful attention to tolerances and structural integrity. Since it houses real hardware and must support a display and controls, print with these principles in mind:

• Layer height: 0.2mm for precision on mounting holes and mating surfaces; 0.3mm is acceptable for larger panels if speed is a priority.
• Infill: 15–20% for panels and decorative parts; 25–30% for load-bearing sections like the base and control deck.
• Supports: Most parts are oriented to print without supports. Check the recommended orientation for each component; if overhangs exceed 45°, supports may be needed on the marquee or bezel.
• Print speed: Keep speeds moderate (40–50 mm/s) to maintain dimensional accuracy on screw holes and alignment pins.
• Wall thickness: Minimum 2.4mm for panels, 3mm for load-bearing parts—your slicer should respect these as designed.

Use Cases

• Tabletop retro gaming cabinet for Raspberry Pi emulation systems.
• Desk display piece that doubles as a functional arcade machine.
• Custom build for arcade enthusiasts who want an authentic scaled-down cabinet.
• Educational project combining 3D printing, electronics, and retro gaming.
• Gift for retro gaming fans or makers interested in Raspberry Pi projects.
• Base design for further customization—modify button layouts, add additional controls, or adapt for different display sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does this mini arcade enclosure need supports? Most parts are oriented to print without supports. The marquee and bezel may require light supports depending on your printer and orientation; check the recommended print orientation for each component.
• What hardware do I need besides the printed parts? You'll need M3 heat-set inserts, M3 and M2.5 screws, a Raspberry Pi 4 or Pi 5, a 5-inch HDMI display, a 24mm joystick, six 30mm arcade buttons, two 24mm buttons, a 40mm speaker, a 30mm cooling fan, panel-mount USB extensions, and a power switch. A full parts list is included with the model.
• Can I customize the screen size or button layout? Yes—the model is fully parametric. You can adjust the display size, button count, Pi model, wall thickness, and tolerances to match your exact hardware before printing.
• How long does it take to print? Print time depends on part size and your printer settings. Expect 20–40 hours total for all components at moderate speeds and standard infill.
• How do I assemble the mini arcade enclosure? Parts join with M3 screws into heat-set inserts and alignment pins between panels. The control deck is removable for wiring. Detailed assembly guidance is included with the model files.
• What filament should I use? PLA or PETG work well for this project. PLA is easier to print and sufficient for a tabletop cabinet; PETG offers slightly better durability if the enclosure will see heavy use.

Building a mini arcade enclosure is a rewarding project that combines 3D printing with real hardware integration. Whether you're a retro gaming enthusiast or a maker looking for a functional display piece, this printable STL gives you all the mounting points and structural details you need. You can find this model and thousands of other print-ready designs on SliceFoundry, where makers share and download functional 3D prints for projects just like this.

Pair This Model With a Slicer Profile

Getting a clean print starts with the right slicer settings. This model pairs well with a PLA slicer profile on SliceFoundry - tuned by AI for reliability, surface quality, and consistent results straight out of the slicer.