Pimoroni’s Picade MAX is a self-build, 19-inch bartop arcade cabinet kit designed around Raspberry Pi 5. It includes the cabinet, screen, controls and audio electronics, but not the Raspberry Pi or microSD card. Buyers can choose a one- or two-player control-panel layout; the kit includes both console options.
What comes in the Picade MAX kit?
Pimoroni lists black powder-coated, pre-cut MDF cabinet panels and the parts needed to build the arcade controls and display. The listed contents are:
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PIMORONI PICADE Fight Stick Arcade KIT - UNASSEMBLED | $199.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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- Both one-player and two-player console options, with artwork
- Two joysticks and arcade buttons
- A 19-inch IPS display, HDMI driver board and screen-control keypad
- Picade MAX Power HAT, USB controller board and USB audio board
- Two 3-inch speakers, a volume control and an illuminated power button
- A 12V power supply
These are the contents described on Pimoroni’s Picade MAX product listing; check that live listing for the final bill of materials before ordering.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsDoes Picade MAX include a Raspberry Pi?
No. You must supply a Raspberry Pi and microSD card separately. Pimoroni designs the kit for Raspberry Pi 5, but says other Raspberry Pi models with a 40-pin header can work. The Raspberry Pi 5 Active Cooler is recommended by Pimoroni, but it is not listed as a core kit component. The kit is also compatible with Pimoroni’s NVMe Base for Pi 5, an optional expansion rather than a requirement.
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- PIMORONI PICADE FIGHT STICK ARCADE KIT - UNASSEMBLED
How large is the screen and cabinet?
The display is a 19-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 1280 × 1024 and a 5:4 aspect ratio. Pimoroni says it chose this format for retro gaming. The seller lists assembled dimensions of 51 × 44 × 39 cm. Those dimensions and specifications are from the product listing, not independent measurements.
Is Picade MAX one-player or two-player?
Buyers can assemble it with either the one-player or two-player console option; Pimoroni says both options are included. The kit’s listing describes its RP2040-based controller as presenting controls to the host like a conventional keyboard or gamepad, so emulator control mapping should be familiar. Pimoroni describes up to 24 inputs in one section of the listing and up to 30 arcade buttons plus two joystick inputs in another, so those figures should not be treated as one definitive input count.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What software works with Picade MAX?
Pimoroni says the hardware is designed to work with a range of emulators. Its Picade MAX setup guide covers Recalbox and RetroPie. For Recalbox, the guide says controls should be preconfigured on first launch when the buttons and joystick are connected as shown in its diagrams. You still need to provide your own game files: the kit does not include a game library, and Pimoroni advises obtaining ROMs and BIOS files through legitimate means.
How difficult is assembly?
Pimoroni estimates assembly at two to four hours and says basic screwdrivers are all that is needed. That is the seller’s estimate, not an independently timed build. The finished cabinet is a substantial desktop unit, so check the listed 51 × 44 × 39 cm footprint against your available space before buying.
Price and availability
Stock and price depend on the regional storefront and can change. When checked in 2026, Pimoroni’s UK storefront displayed the kit as out of stock at £412.50, while the EU storefront displayed it as out of stock at €488.95. These are regional listing observations, not guaranteed current prices; check the official product page for your market before making plans to buy.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
