Virtual Pinball Ultimate Buying Guide
Introduction
Welcome to the ultimate guide for building or buying your virtual pinball machine! This guide breaks down the process and costs involved, helping you make informed decisions based on your budget and technical skills. Click on any component tier to add it to your build list below.
Build vs. Buy
Deciding whether to build from scratch, use a kit, or buy a pre-built machine is the first major step. Each option has its pros and cons regarding cost, customization, and effort.
Filter Components
Cabinet Components
Browse and select components for your virtual pinball machine build.
Individual Components
| Component | Necessity | Budget Tier | Mid-Range Tier | High-End Tier | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shell Construction | Necessary | DIY / Modify Old Cab Utilize an existing cabinet or build from scratch using basic plans. | DIY / Basic Flat-Pack Kit Purchase a flat-pack kit from retailers like Game Room Solutions or VirtuaPin. | Premium Flat-Pack / Custom DIY Opt for a high-quality flat-pack with premium materials or commission a custom build. | |
| Size/Style | Necessary | Standard or Widebody Choose based on available space and desired playfield monitor size. | Widebody Recommended Offers more space for larger playfields and a more authentic feel. | Widebody Preferred Provides the most immersive experience, especially with larger monitors. | |
| Legs (Set of 4) | Necessary | Used / Budget New ($55+) Search "pinball legs" on Amazon/eBay. Check Price | Standard Chrome/Black ($60-$70) Pinball Life, Marco Specialties. | Premium Finish / Specific Style ($100+) Powder coated, specific game style from specialty retailers. | |
| Leg Brackets (x4) | Necessary | Standard ($7 each) Amazon, Pinball Life. Check Price | Standard ($7 each) Amazon, Pinball Life. | Heavy Duty / Specific Style ($10+ each) Pinball Life, Marco Specialties for reinforced or styled brackets. | |
| Leg Bolts (x8) | Necessary | Standard (<$1 each) Hardware store, Amazon. Check Price | Standard (<$1 each) Hardware store, Amazon. | Standard / Black Finish (<$1 each) Hardware store, Amazon, or specialty pinball sites for black. | |
| Leg Levelers (x4) | Necessary | Standard ($1.50 each) Amazon, Pinball Life. Check Price | Standard ($1.50 each) Amazon, Pinball Life. | Heavy Duty / Large Foot ($2+ each) Pinball Life, Marco Specialties for more robust options. | |
| Side Rails (Set of 2) | Necessary | Basic Stainless/Raw ($50+) Pinball Life. May require finishing. | WPC Stainless / Black ($50-$60) Pinball Life, Marco Specialties. Common styles. | Premium / Button Guard / Custom ($60-$100+) Specific game style, custom finish, or integrated button guards. | |
| Lockdown Bar | Necessary | Standard Width ($70) / Custom Budget Pinball Life. Custom might involve DIY solutions. | Standard / Widebody ($70-$100) Pinball Life, Marco Specialties. Ensure correct width for your cabinet. | Widebody / Fire Button / Custom ($100-$230+) Pinball Life for Williams/Stern style with fire button recess. | |
| Lockdown Bar Receiver | Necessary | Standard WPC ($80) Pinball Life. Ensure compatibility with lockdown bar. | Standard WPC ($80) Pinball Life. | WPC / Stern Fire Button ($80) Pinball Life. Check compatibility with specific fire button lockdown bars. | |
| Playfield Glass/Acrylic | Necessary | Acrylic / Used Glass Local plastics supplier for acrylic, check local classifieds for used tempered glass. | Tempered Glass Local glass shop, Pinball Life (shipping can be an issue for large glass). | Tempered Glass (Low-Iron Optional) Local glass shop for low-iron (e.g., "Starphire"), Vizio/InvisiGlass for premium anti-reflective. | |
| Backbox Hinges/Latch | Necessary | Standard Hardware Hardware store, salvage parts. Basic hinges and a simple latch. | Standard Hardware / Pinball Specific Pinball Life for standard pinball hinges and latches. | Premium / Quick Release Pinball Life, Marco Specialties. Potentially quick-release or heavy-duty options. | |
| Coin Door | Optional | Omit / Blank Door ($80) / Basic Button Panel Pinball Life for blank doors. A simple panel with start/exit buttons. | Blank / Data East ($80-$100) / Basic WPC Pinball Life, eBay for used. Functional but may not have all features. | WPC 2-Slot ($200) / Custom / SuzoHapp Pinball Life, SuzoHapp. Authentic look with dual coin slots or custom panel with integrated USB ports. | |
| Decals/Artwork | Optional | Paint Only / Simple Vinyl Local sign shop for simple vinyl cuts. Solid color paint. | Pre-Designed Set ($170+) GameOnGrafix, RetroRefurbs, ArcadeGraphix. Wide selection of themes. | Custom Artwork / Pre-Applied ($250+) Hire a graphic designer, custom print shops. Some cabinet kits offer pre-applied artwork. | |
| Ventilation/Fans | Necessary | Passive Vents / Basic Fans Drill holes for passive ventilation. Basic 80mm/120mm PC fans from Amazon. Check Price | Case Fans (120mm) Amazon, Newegg for quality PC fans (e.g., Noctua, Arctic). Strategically placed for airflow. | Multiple Fans / ARGB Fans / Fan Guards Amazon for ARGB fans. Custom 3D printed or metal fan guards for aesthetics and safety. | |
| Fasteners | Necessary | Basic Screws/Bolts Local hardware store. Ensure variety for wood, metal, and components. | Assorted Quality Fasteners Bolt Depot, McMaster-Carr. Specific types like T-nuts, wood screws, machine screws. | Specific Pinball Fasteners (Black Carriage, Lock Nuts) Pinball Life, Marco Specialties for authentic black carriage bolts, lock nuts, etc. | |
| Speaker Panel | Necessary | DIY Plywood/MDF Cut to size based on your backbox monitor and speaker choices. | DIY / Basic Pre-Cut Panel ($40+) SpeakerPanel.com, VirtuaPin. May offer standard DMD cutouts. | Pre-Cut Panel / Acrylic Cover ($40-$130+) SpeakerPanel.com. Custom configurations, potentially with an acrylic overlay for a clean look. | |
| Monitor Mounting | Necessary | DIY Wood Brackets Simple wood supports screwed into the cabinet sides for playfield and backglass monitors. | DIY / VESA Mounts / Kit Brackets Use standard VESA wall mounts adapted for cabinet use. VirtuaPin mounting kits. Check Price | Secure Custom Mount / Pivot Mount Custom fabricated metal brackets. Heavy-duty TV mounts (check VESA) for playfield serviceability. | |
| Wire Management | Recommended | Zip Ties Amazon, hardware store. Basic bundling of wires. Check Price | Cable Clips / Raceways Amazon for cable management kits. Adhesive clips and plastic raceways for cleaner routing. | Terminal Blocks / Sleeving / Raceways / Cable Combs Amazon, electronics suppliers. Braided sleeving for aesthetics, terminal blocks for organized power distribution. |
Your Build List
Select components above to build your list.
Conclusion
Building a virtual pinball machine is a rewarding project that combines woodworking, electronics, and software skills. By carefully planning and choosing components based on your budget and desired features, you can create a fantastic virtual pinball experience.