Ultimate 4K Virtual Pinball Guide: Build or Buy?

This hobby is one of my favorites and the community is bursting at the seams with helpful people and talented creators. I created this video as a labor of love to help steer you in the right direction. There's more to come so Tenderly Tap the Like button and subscribe to stay up to date on this growing segment of our channel!

📽️ Video Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction
1:34 - What is Virtual Pinball?
2:44 - Virtual Pinball: Common Terms
2:54 - Surround Sound Feedback (SSF)
4:06 - Direct Output Framework (DOF)
4:34 - DOF HD vs SD Side by Side Comparison
4:44 - Refresh Rate
5:06 - Resolution
5:30 - CPU / GPU Requirements
6:23 - Building vs Buying Overview
7:01 - Buying Options: AtGames and Arcade1up
7:32 - Buying Options: Cabinet Builders
9:23 - Building a Cabinet: Flat Pack Kits and more
11:19 - Building a Cabinet: Electronics
11:46 - Building a Cabinet: Programming
12:10 - Building a Cabinet: Wrap up
12:45 - Building a Cabinet: Tips
13:42 - Resources

🔗 Useful Links and Resources:
Visit TheCraftyCatsman: DIY Basement Speakeasy Arcade Bar
Virtual Pinball Machine Guide: Tips When Deciding to Build or Buy

💸 Pinball Discounts (I receive a small commission if you use any of these discount codes):

VirtuaPin: VirtuaPin - Paul at VirtuaPin is creating some exciting discounts and new bundle deals just for this release. More deals to come!

$30 off Flatpack: CraftyCatsman2024
$50 off Fully Trimmed Cabinet: CraftyCatsmanTrimmed2024

📺 Recommended Channels and Creators:

🙏 Pinball Table Creators:
VPW (Virtual Pinball Workshop), JP Salas, TerryRed, Rothbauerw, Ninuzzu, Bord, Knorr, Loserman76, 32assassin, Javier, Flupper, UnclePaulie, TastyWasps, Joe Picasso, Apophis, Tomate, Sixtoe, Fleep, nFozzy, Xenonph, Hauntfreaks, ClarkKent, EBisLit, BorgDog, Herweh, Mussinger, Rascal, Solters, Ahr1man, Franck Hollinger, Antonio Ortuno Nicolas

🙏 Special Thanks:
John Thomsen: VirtuaPin Flat Pack Kit Video
Joe Marsello: VirtuaPin Cabinet Video
Emil: For the invaluable insights and for allowing us to feature his content.
Speedyballs: For showcasing the LED Matrix upgrade.
ChatGPT: Credit my future AI overlord for some of the pop-ups.

👥 Join the Community:

Note: I may receive a small commission from any of the Amazon Affiliate links below. This helps support the channel.

🔌💻 Electronics:

🎵🔊SSF Setup

🎱Other Components:
DOF LED Strips: BTF-LIGHTING RGB LED Strip

🎮Miscellaneous:

📱 Follow Us:

📺 YouTube
📸 Instagram

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest content. Let us know in the comments what part of the arcade you'd like to see next. Thanks for watching, and catch you on the next one!

[digitalvictory]

Holy crap!! This is the very best video I have ever seen on this hobby!!! Very well done, man!!!

Are you OK if I link to you on my Channel?

My viewers often ask about many different aspects of virtual pinball and you pretty much nail 'em all here!!

Bro - your channel is about to BLOW THE *&^% UP!!!!


GREAT video!

[locked]

Humble and nice. It felt like a friend was giving me advice. The way of the wrench guy did an amazing job too with those pinball videos. I watched them for fun and for tips and improvements on my machine, although my approach was completely different than his.

[Michael-kn]

Great video. Really appreciate this and all the links.

My wife and I well into our 50s downsized to a historic apartment in the city where we work and live.

That equated to downsizing our electromechanical arcade and video game collection that included several pinball machines.

The remodel is almost complete and house will be listed soon.

Although I was never interested in in virtual pins before. This would be the perfect project to complement the limited amount of video arcades I have remaining.

Grew up at the end of EM and the golden age of arcade. Once it’s in your blood…it’s hard to let it go.

I have been going back and forth on buying a solid state pin but this video maybe pushing me into virtual since I have restored and refurbished many EMs and electronic arcades.

There’s just something about creating or repairing something that always gives me a sense of accomplishment.

Thanks again for posting and beautiful job on the Virtual Pin!

[SidebandSamurai]

Great video. I have been watching Way of the Wrench for years. His videos are the best. Thanks for mentioning him. He has done lots to contribute to this hobby. Oh and I did subscribe

[brianconnolly]

How is this the first time I’ve heard of you? This was so good on so many levels. I really appreciate your respect for the community at large, and specifically the creators of the tables (and to Stern and other manufacturers who have agreed to let this continue). Subscribed. Looking forward to seeing more!

[dieguiberdu]

Listen to this guy, is pure gold, I just found this vídeo and I fully agree with absolutely everything, I been planing my Virtual Pinball machine for around 3 months, I design my own cabinet in CNC, just cut it with real solid wood, 3 days ago bough everything less the 3 screens and computer, I think am going for a 4K 60hz playflield because my Budget is not enough for a OLED one, but this can upgrade in Future. I hope en other 3-4 months it will be ready. SSF sound and DOF lighting is a must have for an incredible Setup . Really worth it I think

[BobBacheler]

Terrific Video. I am finishing up my Arcade Cabinet thanks to ArcadeOne, Rec Room Masters, & Pixelcade. I want to add a virtual pinball but may look for something pre-assembled.

[FraktalPriest]

Thanks for the free game at the end of the vid 😉
God I love that sound!

[sclawrenc]

Great video with very helpful resources! Thanks! Subscribed and liked!

[dhutchison]

Excellent video. Very detailed and clear. Thanks.

[The_Phoenix_Saga]

I've always wanted to make a custom full scale, proper pinball machine. Got the concept and layout in my head but not a clue how to do it.

I get the cash, im commissioning the creation of Devil's Advocate.

[eldenringer]

love led but could you combine aspects of your build with a buy? so an ATGAMES 4k but with added led and a pc attached etc ? that be a cool guide...:)
E.g. could you add a hd matrix to an atgames4k?

[bradehirsch]

This is such a helpful video, thank you! Subscribed

[michaeliverson]

#VisualPinballAddicts thank you for creating this video. I am new to the hobby and have been loving it.

[baiamontes]

Amazing video, many thanks if may I ask since I watched I m trying to find more information about the hd matrix like wiring diagram controller board and how to interface with visual pinball but can’t find a tutorial please any information will be very appreciated
Matthew

[RussellThatsMe]

Wow! This is amazing😂! This really helped😊🙌.

[dfwturfpros]

Great video. I am not handy at all. I have looked around and think I found the best seller for a plug and play VP.

[Noneevo]

Where can i buy one of those iron maiden in Portugal? Many thanks

[adieltoro]

Great video. Thanks fors sharing the knowledge

[BPacking]

Hello Jeremy. Thanks for your video.

I am new to this VPin. I own a custom designed gaming pedestal. Can I ask why you don’t recommend MDF cabinet material. Seems like people have used MDF to build cabinets.

Otherwise what material do you recommend to have used.

Lastly I will not be able to build my own or even use a kit. What would you say is the best place to get a custom build. Thanks