10 Best Arcade Controllers For Raspberry Pi In 2026: DIY Kits And USB Options For Retro Gaming

Choosing the right arcade controller for Raspberry Pi can make or break a retro gaming build. The best options balance low input lag, reliable wiring, and the right mix of buttons and joysticks for your setup.

Whether you are building a full two-player cabinet, a compact fight stick, or a simple single-player panel, this roundup focuses on kits that are practical, beginner-friendly, and easy to pair with RetroPie-style systems.

Best 10 Arcade Controller for Raspberry Pi Picks for 2026

2-Player LED DIY Kit – Hikig 2-Player Red/Blue Arcade Build

If you’re shopping for an arcade controller for raspberry pi and want a full two-player build kit, this Hikig set gives you the core parts to assemble a classic MAME-style control panel. It includes two joysticks, 20 LED arcade buttons, and zero-delay USB encoders, so it’s aimed at DIY cabinet projects rather than a ready-made gamepad.

Best For: Builders who want a complete 2-player LED arcade control set for a Raspberry Pi or MAME project.

Pros:

• Includes 2 joysticks and 20 LED arcade buttons for a full 2-player layout.
• Zero-delay USB encoder design is made for DIY arcade machine builds.
• Works with Windows systems and is listed for Raspberry Pi use.
• High-temperature-resistant plastic construction and easy-install positioning.

Cons:

• It is a parts kit, so you still need to do the build work yourself.
• LED buttons and USB encoder make it more cabinet-focused than portable.

This is a practical pick if you want an illuminated 2-player setup and are comfortable wiring a custom arcade panel. The included encoder and button count make it well matched to retro gaming builds that prioritize authenticity over simplicity.

Zero-Delay Encoder Pick – Reyann USB Arcade Encoder Board

For anyone building an arcade controller for raspberry pi, this Reyann encoder is the small core piece that turns joystick and button inputs into USB controls. It’s designed for DIY arcade machines, supports Raspberry Pi 1/2/3, and works with standard joystick and push-button types that use 4.8mm terminals.

Best For: Builders who need a basic zero-delay USB encoder for a Raspberry Pi arcade cabinet.

Pros:

• Supports PC and Raspberry Pi 1/2/3 use.
• Zero-delay USB encoder design suits fighting games and MAME builds.
• Supports TURBO, AUTO, MODE, and CLEAR functions.
• Compatible with joystick and push-button types using 4.8mm terminals.

Cons:

• It’s just the encoder board, so you must supply joysticks and buttons separately.
• No LED button set or cabinet hardware is included.

This is a straightforward control-board choice when you only need the USB interface for a custom build. It makes the most sense as part of a larger Raspberry Pi arcade project where you already have the physical controls picked out.

Plug-and-Play Pad – Retro-Bit BIG6 Genesis-Style USB Controller

If you want an arcade controller for raspberry pi without building a panel, this Retro-Bit BIG6 is a plug-and-play USB pad with a six-button arcade-style layout. It’s officially licensed for the Sega Genesis Mini and listed for RetroPie, Raspberry Pi, PC, Mac, Steam, and Switch, making it a simple way to get retro controls on multiple systems.

Best For: Players who want a comfortable USB retro controller instead of a DIY arcade panel.

Pros:

• Plug-and-play USB controller for Raspberry Pi and RetroPie.
• Six-button arcade layout is well suited to fighting games and classic titles.
• Wide-body design adds palm support and a more natural grip.
• Includes a 10 ft USB cable for more flexible placement.

Cons:

• It is an arcade pad, not a full joystick-and-button cabinet kit.
• The layout is fixed, so it won’t replace a custom control panel.

This is the easiest option in the group if you want retro-style controls with minimal setup. It’s less about building a cabinet and more about getting a comfortable, responsive controller that works across several platforms.

Illuminated 2-Player Kit – Fosiya Oval LED Arcade Build Set

This Fosiya kit is another strong arcade controller for raspberry pi option if you’re building a two-player illuminated panel for MAME or other fighting games. It comes with two oval-style 8-way joysticks, two USB encoders, and 20 LED push buttons, so it covers the essentials for a complete DIY control layout.

Best For: DIY builders who want a 2-player LED arcade kit with oval-style joysticks.

Pros:

• Includes 2 joysticks, 2 USB encoders, and 20 LED buttons.
• 8-way oval-style joysticks are designed for responsive arcade control.
• LED buttons offer illuminated feedback for a retro cabinet look.
• Listed for Windows PC, MAME, and Raspberry Pi use.

Cons:

• Like other kits, it requires assembly and wiring.
• It’s a full DIY set, so it may be more than you need for a simple controller setup.

If you want lighting effects and a complete two-player parts bundle, this kit is built for that kind of project. The included encoders and button count make it a practical way to start a custom Raspberry Pi arcade control panel.

Zero-Delay 2P Starter Kit – SJ@JX 1121 SANWA-Style DIY Encoder Set

If you want an arcade controller for raspberry pi with a simple two-player layout, this SJ@JX kit focuses on the essentials: a zero-delay USB encoder, joystick wiring, and button cables for a RetroPie or PC build. The SANWA-style wiring support and colorful plugs make it a practical pick for a straightforward DIY cabinet or fight stick project.

Best For: Builders who want a basic 2-player Raspberry Pi or PC arcade setup with included encoder and wiring.

Pros:

• Includes 1 USB encoder, 2 joystick cables, 20 button cables, and 1 USB cable
• Color-coded plugs help simplify installation
• Compatible with Retro Pie, Raspberry Pi, and PC use
• Compact encoder size and corded USB power keep the setup simple

Cons:

• Does not include joysticks or buttons
• SANWA and HAPP style wiring differences may require checking your parts before installation

This is a clean, no-frills kit for users who already have or plan to source their own arcade controls. It is best suited to a basic 2-player build where included wiring and zero-delay USB support matter more than extras.

LED Two-Player Kit – Fosiya Oval Joystick Button Set

This arcade controller for raspberry pi is aimed at builders who want a more colorful two-player setup, with LED buttons and oval-style joysticks bundled together. The kit includes USB encoders and illuminated parts for a DIY MAME, Jamma, or fighting game project, so it works well when presentation matters as much as playability.

Best For: DIY arcade builds that want illuminated buttons and a two-player layout for Raspberry Pi or PC use.

Pros:

• Includes 2 joysticks, 2 USB encoders, and 20 LED arcade buttons
• 5V illuminated buttons add visible lighting effects
• Built for 2-player arcade, MAME, and fighting game projects
• Listed with long-life testing up to 3,000,000 cycles

Cons:

• Heavier kit than basic non-LED sets
• Designed around a DIY build, so it is not a plug-and-play finished controller

For builders who want their Raspberry Pi arcade setup to stand out, this kit adds lighting without leaving the DIY category. The included encoders and broad PC-focused compatibility make it a solid choice for a themed two-player cabinet.

Multi-Platform LED DIY Kit – Qenker Blue and Red Arcade Set

If you’re shopping for an arcade controller for raspberry pi with broad compatibility, this Qenker DIY kit is built around zero-delay USB encoders and LED controls for a two-player setup. It supports Raspberry Pi along with Linux, Mac, Android, and PC, making it a flexible option for mixed-platform arcade projects.

Best For: DIY users who want a multi-platform LED arcade kit with Raspberry Pi support.

Pros:

• Compatible with Raspberry Pi, Linux, Mac, Android, and PC
• Includes 2 joysticks, 20 LED buttons, and 2 zero-delay USB encoders
• LED lighting adds a more polished arcade look
• Designed for easy installation in 2-player DIY projects

Cons:

• Power source is listed as battery powered, which may not match every cabinet plan
• Like other DIY kits, it does not include a finished enclosure

This is a strong all-around pick when you want one kit that can work across several systems, not just a Raspberry Pi build. The mix of zero-delay encoders and LED parts makes it especially appealing for custom arcade projects that need both flexibility and style.

2-Player Zero-Delay Starter Kit – 2-Player Classic American Style Kit

If you want an arcade controller for raspberry pi-style MAME or emulator builds and need a full two-player control set, this EG STARTS kit covers the basics in one package. It includes two joysticks, 16 push buttons, and two USB encoder boards, so it’s aimed at straightforward DIY cabinet or control panel projects with simple plug-and-play wiring.

Best For: Two-player Raspberry Pi arcade cabinet builds that need a complete zero-delay control kit with standard buttons and joysticks.

Pros:

• Includes 2 joysticks, 16 arcade buttons, and dedicated 1P/2P start buttons.
• Zero-delay USB encoder boards are designed for responsive input.
• Built for standard 1-1/8 inch mounting holes and works with wood or metal panels.
• Microswitches are rated for long-lasting use and tested to 10,000,000 cycles.

Cons:

• Only supports 2-player layouts, so it may not fit larger cabinets.
• Notes mention Windows plug-and-play support, so Raspberry Pi setup may require additional configuration.

This is a practical pick if you want a complete, hardware-first starter kit for a classic two-player control panel. The included parts and zero-delay design make it a solid base for a compact emulator build.

4-Player LED Control Set – 4 Player Arcade Buttons & Stick Kit

For a larger arcade controller for raspberry pi projects, this 4-player EG STARTS kit is built around a full DIY control layout with joysticks, buttons, and zero-delay USB encoders. It’s geared toward MAME and Raspberry Pi cabinet builds where you want enough parts for a four-player panel and illuminated controls.

Best For: Four-player Raspberry Pi arcade builds that need LED buttons and a full DIY control set.

Pros:

• Includes parts for a 4-player MAME DIY project.
• Uses 100% zero-delay USB encoders for responsive control.
• LED push buttons add a more visible arcade-style look.
• Compatible with Raspberry Pi and listed for MAME and console-style projects.

Cons:

• The kit is bulkier and heavier than a smaller 1- or 2-player setup.
• Details are more focused on general DIY compatibility than on Raspberry Pi-specific setup steps.

If you’re planning a bigger multiplayer cabinet, this kit gives you the hardware foundation in one box. The LED buttons and zero-delay encoders make it a strong fit for a showier retro gaming build.

1-Player LED DIY Kit – 1 Player LED Arcade Button Kit

If you need a compact arcade controller for raspberry pi emulator setups, this 1-player EG STARTS kit is a simple way to build a small control panel. It includes one joystick, ten LED arcade buttons, and a zero-delay USB encoder, making it a focused option for a single-player RetroPie or MAME project.

Best For: Solo Raspberry Pi retro gaming builds that need an illuminated, compact DIY control kit.

Pros:

• Compact 1-player layout is easier to fit into smaller builds.
• Includes LED buttons for illuminated arcade-style presentation.
• Comes with a zero-delay USB encoder, joystick, and wiring for the full kit.
• Listed for Raspberry Pi, RetroPie, MAME, and PC-style DIY projects.

Cons:

• Only includes 10 buttons, so it is not suited for multiplayer control panels.
• Mounting requires specific hole sizes, so panel prep matters.

This kit makes sense when you want a smaller, self-contained controller rather than a large cabinet layout. The included LED buttons and encoder keep it practical for a clean single-player build.

How We Picked the Best Arcade Controller for Raspberry Pi

We focused on compatibility with Raspberry Pi arcade builds, especially kits that support common retro gaming software and standard USB connections. Priority went to products with complete parts bundles, clear two-player or single-player layouts, and components suitable for MAME-style and console-style setups.

We also looked for usability factors that matter in a real build: button count, joystick type, LED support, wiring simplicity, and whether a kit is better suited to a custom cabinet or a standalone desktop controller.

Quick Comparison: Which Type Fits Your Build?

If you want the simplest path, a complete DIY kit with encoders, joysticks, and buttons is usually the fastest way to finish an Arcade Controller for Raspberry Pi. If you already have controls or are building a compact stick, a standalone joystick, encoder board, or button set may be the better buy.

Two-player kits are ideal for family setups and fighting games. Single-player kits work well for tight spaces, bartop cabinets, and portable builds. USB encoder-based kits are especially useful because they make the controller behave like a standard gamepad input device.

Key Buying Factors for an Arcade Controller for Raspberry Pi

Compatibility

Check that the kit supports your Raspberry Pi gaming stack, including RetroPie-like front ends and MAME emulation. USB encoder boards are generally the safest choice for broad compatibility.

Button Layout and Player Count

Match the kit to your games. Fighters usually need six action buttons per player, while classic arcade and platform games may need fewer. A 2-player layout is the sweet spot for most home cabinets.

Joystick Style

American-style and standard 4/8-way joysticks suit different genres. If you play mostly fighters, a responsive 8-way stick is common. If you mix in classics, consider whether the kit lets you swap or configure direction modes.

Wiring and Build Difficulty

Pre-crimped wires, labeled encoder inputs, and bundled mounting hardware can save a lot of time. For first-time builders, complete kits are easier than sourcing every part separately.

Lighting and Power

LED buttons look great, but they also add wiring and sometimes power planning. Make sure your case or cabinet has room for the additional leads and that your power setup is tidy.

Who Should Buy Which Arcade Controller for Raspberry Pi?

If you want a full cabinet build, choose a two-player DIY kit with encoders, buttons, and joysticks. If you want a simpler desk setup, a compact controller pad or single-player kit may be enough. Builders who already have parts should look for targeted add-ons like encoders, joysticks, or LED buttons rather than buying another full bundle.

For most buyers, the best Arcade Controller for Raspberry Pi is the one that matches your game library, cabinet size, and comfort with DIY wiring. Start with your player count, then narrow by button layout and connection type.