GROUP TEST ARCADE CABINETSWhat’s the story?
The Picade takes a different
approach from the three other
cabs in this test. Rather than
aiming for authenticity, it lets
you take whatever you like from
gaming’s past by adding apps
and games to a Raspberry Pi
that you install inside.
That’s after you first put the
thing together, because the
Picade comes in kit form. And
the build is quite involved,
although a set of online videosdeftly takes you from unboxing
to finished unit.
There’s a grey area regarding
what you actually put on the Pi
(ensure you have the rights to
run the games you load up, etc),
but this setup is hugely versatile.
Fancy switching from arcade to
Amiga to ZX Spectrum? Go for it.Is it any good?
Once you’ve got the software
up and running, the Picade is a
retro-gamer’s dream. The 10inscreen is bright and clear, the
speaker packs a wallop, and the
controls are great.
Because there’s a Pi inside,
you have the option of branching
out from arcade controls as well,
connecting up keyboards and
gamepads for titles that play
better with alternative inputs.
This freedom does come with
a downside, though: a distinct
‘homebrew’ feel throughout.
The cabinet is robust but dull
compared to its rivals, and witha printed card marquee and
control-panel background
that feel cheap. Still, there’s
nothing to stop you working
up something better – assuming
you can spare a few minutes
away from being fully ensconced
in your happy place exploring
gaming’s history.Price £195 / stuff.tv/Picade
O 10in display O Internal speaker
OPi or SD card OMains power
O 350x245x210mm, 1.75kgPimoroni Picade
STUFF SAYS Aimed at tinkerers, this is an ideal compact home cabinet for retro-gaming freedom +++++
Mini mame
Vintage arcade cabinets are bulky, pricey and tricky to maintain. Whereas this lot...
BUTTON UP
The Picade has six
full-size face buttons
and four more on the
sides – more than
enough for most
classic games.[^ W
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