The ULTIMATE Quarantine Gaming PC

The Modifications Begin

I’m a big fan of the Elgato StreamDeck, it’s such a cool bit of kit. I’ve already reviewed the StreamDeck Mini here, and the monster-sized Stream Deck XL here. It seemed like the ultimate thing to have in the front panel of the arcade. So, that’s what we’re going to do.

The stock arcade button in the middle looks good, but it’s limited in what it can do.

So we removed it and cut a new slot for the Elgato. A few holes with the drill and a small fight with the jigsaw got the basic shape in there.

Once it was recessed, it was marked off and some filler was applied. The rest of the buttons were removed, and it was put to one side ready for paint. It pains me that was only two small paragraphs when realistically, it was a few hours fine-tuning what a rasp and sandpaper.

Next up was the control panel, which looks great on the MDF alone. But we didn’t want this one painted. I instead opted for some carbon fibre vinyl wrap. I did a pre-fit of the stick, as I needed those plotted out, and recess cutting for those bolts to lock in securely before I apply the vinyl.

I wish I had more pictures of the process, but let me tell ya, it wasn’t an easy one. The contrast it provides looks fantastic though, and it’s more durable against scratching than simply painting it would be.

Plus, we fitted some lovely bolts through the top rather than screwing the sticks to the base. This was more secure and more in line with the look that we wanted. Then we finished it with a strip of T-mold on the front edge. I’m not building an arcade no one can touch, I want this thing to withstand some abuse.

A complete ready to game set of the controllers, all that’s left now is everything else! I’ll detail the parts and where to buy them on the last page, don’t worry.

Naturally, we couldn’t resist plugging it in for a test light-up, ooof! I could hang that on my wall for decor.