Best arcade & table games according to redditors

Okay, listen, /r/boardgames, we need to have a heart-to-heart. Every time this comes up you bitch and moan about how you'd loooove to try Crokinole but just can't briiiing yourself to pay so much for a fancy board.

And y'know what, I get it. I feel your pain. Crokinole is an awesome game. It's extremely intuitive yet difficult to master, frustrating yet exhilarating, timelessly fast and simple, good for families and competitive gamers alike, and compulsively replayable. It is one of the three board games I have ever gotten my ADD-yet-ruthlessly-practical mother to admit enjoying, and it is one of only two games that my frighteningly competitive wife will ask to play without any prompting and still love me after we are finished playing. But you don't have to drop 200 bucks on a schmancy board just to see if it's something you might like (even though you will like it).

Those dinky little multi-game boards that you can find on the internet and in your grandfather's attic and the local thrift store work just fine, and will give you hours and hours of perfectly good play, at a cost that's way less than what you'd pay for a greased-up carved-wood board.

And what's more, if you do like it (and you will), then you can always upgrade to the fancy board and give the old one to your four-year-old nephew or something, without any regrets. Which leads into my second point, which is that speaking of regrets, I know that you routinely spend 200 dollars and more on those big-box CMON games that you never have a chance to play, just for the privilege of seeing those crappy little injection-molded plastic bits languish forever poised for battle yet never satisfied on your top shelf.

You will play Crokinole. You will like Crokinole. When you pull Crokinole down off of the shelf, all of your friends will smile instead of cringing and girding their loins. Don't you need a game like that? You do. Search your feelings. You know it to be true. Come back to the light side. Nobody wants to play Malifaux with you. Buying Blood Rage will only make you happy for a moment, and that moment will slowly turn sour the longer you try to find someone to play with you. You will pass Crokinole on to your grandchildren someday.

Carrom

http://www.amazon.com/Carrom-2850XXXX-Game-Board-Large/dp/B00003G4JR

Chess, checkers, carrom, crokinole, billiards

How far along are you?

It's going to be a tight fit, since the Pac-Man cabinet comes down to the sides of the control panel, and it isn't as wide as some dedicated two-player games. One joystick with a six button setup will fit pretty easily, though.

The control panel is metal. If you don't mind drilling the holes yourself, you can get a replacement blank for about $25. You might be able to build something from MDF, but metal is going to fit better and look nicer. You can also get replacement vinyl overlays for the control panel when you're done to give it a clean look.

When I redid my Street Fighter III cabinet last year, I used this kit from Amazon. It has two bat joysticks and 14 buttons, in standard SF colors. If you'd rather keep the red ball-top joysticks for authenticity, I think they have a kit with them as well.

Pac-Man isn't a JAMMA cabinet, so you're going to need an adapter before you can put a Multicade board on it.

If you don't have a board for it yet, Pandora's Box is a pretty good JAMMA Multicade with about a thousand games on it.

Of course, if you decide to scrap the whole thing and build a new cabinet out of MDF that has all the bells and whistles you want, I'd be happy to pick your cabinet up and turn it back into a Pac-Man... :)

Remember with the 12 in 1 he will also need the interface board (which adds another $12 to the cost) if he only plans to replace the spinner. I bought the 12 in 1 mostly for Tempest as well and the Thunderstick was well worth the money spent. I've replaced the buttons, trackball, and spinner and the spinner is easily my favorite addition.

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Interface board: https://www.amazon.com/Arcade1Up-12-1-Interface-Board/dp/B07NKJ3SKH/ref=pd_bxgy_21_img_2/131-7375327-1557203?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07NKJ3SKH&pd_rd_r=864b1078-78be-490f-a7da-9a55baf08296&pd_rd_w=np6ua&pd_rd_wg=HrFZE&pf_rd_p=479b6a22-70ae-47a0-9700-731033f96ce8&pf_rd_r=S9WMSCG96QF23NPQ9HZ9&psc=1&refRID=S9WMSCG96QF23NPQ9HZ9

Cokinole was what sent me on my research into dexterity games. The price point is a factor though as I've seen most boards start at $150.

I did come across this on Amazon though. While it's not a dedicated and proper Crokinole board, it seems to be a great entry level one to test the waters.

I had one when I was a kid and we used to play it all the time. The only time I ever see them any more is in antique stores, but you can get a new one from Amazon that's very inexpensive:

http://www.amazon.com/Carrom-2850XXXX-Game-Board-Large/dp/B00003G4JR

Seems high, right? Amazon Link - PacMan

Any ideas how to go about finding someone to build a custom hyperspin setup? I found this website: https://www.homearcadesystems.com/

That looks like a modification of the cheap generic arcade stick case on Amazon. And there's no way in hell that thing is packing Sanwa buttons.

But hey, even if the parts are shit, that's still a cheap hitbox case. 38$ for a case, 50$ for a PCB, 35$ for buttons, 20$ in wiring, that's pretty cheap for a hitbox.

I'd rather have pacman on a tabletop machine. For pizza.

And it's cheaper.

Edit: On reading the reviews, that particular item seems like it's fragile. But tabletop pacman is the best.

Yeah they are going to be a constant item being sold, they just keep selling out really fast. They've been selling them on Amazon in batches of 500 and they're selling out in an hour or two so just keep checking.

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Spinner:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P5WJ7BC

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Interface Board for 12-in-1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NKJ3SKH/?coliid=I2COG8BI2O4M9I

you mean this:

https://www.amazon.com/SANWA-GT-Y-Octagonal-Restrictor-Joysticks/dp/B06VVG936T

Because who doesn't want to play [darts] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003VZV7VC/ref=pd_aw_fbt_79_img_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=H3VY9WTM8SDMQVZP2YF7) while drunk?!
AND THEN GET MORE DRUNK EVERY TIME YOU MISS? It's perfect! :D

Also, happy 21st! <3

THe 12 in 1 addon board for the GRS spinner would work - You plug in the trackball/spinner and it converts it to be used as a USB device for PC/RPI ( https://www.amazon.com/Arcade1Up-12-1-Interface-Board/dp/B07NKJ3SKH/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=GQ3C5NHMD4359VXSC8JN)

I purchased a converter board from Amazon. You can hook up to 3 spinners/trackballs to this board.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NKJ3SKH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I really got hooked on building something like this. I've some experience in woodworking, so that shouldn't be a problem, apart from being precise (any tips?). Since I'm from Denmark, I won't be able to use the US amazon, so I tried to find some of the parts on the UK Amazon + Gallando's website.

Will these parts work out:

Rods

Bearings

Men

And possibly, Handles

I'm not going for high-end/tournament build. I couldn't find any other bearings beside Tornado which were really expensive and Gallando's own, which weren't that cheap either.

What kind of surface are you using and is it working out well?

Thanks in regards!

Four zero-delay usb encoders.

A 4:3 1280x960 LCD controller board

It's got stereo speakers which I intend to use, changing that is personal preference.

I'm in the process of modding my Marvel cab, waiting for the LCD controller to get here from China. 9 days till the lower limit of the ship time...

I've tested the zero-delay encoders with a Hori Hayabusa joystick and Hori Hayabusa buttons I pulled out of my fightstick when I replaced them with a Sanwa stick and Paradise Cherry MX switch buttons. Once all the parts are in I'll be posting my build when it's set up.

Very cool tattoo! Not entering since the closest thing to a Super Hero item on my WL is Super Dungeon Explore but it's just there for me to remember it for a birthday/Christmas, much too expensive for RAOA :P Just wanted to add my admiration for the awesome tattoo! Fun contest!

>https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NKJ3SKH/

Thanks for the link! It isn't showing up here but I grabbed it from your comment history. Thank you!

You need this so you can be that cool fun guy at the party.

here or this

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00003G4JR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_O-eTDbW0M4DYC

Carrom

Namco Pacman Arcade Party Cabaret Arcade Game Machine https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DJ4GXXC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_QTdTzbF0JAJXB

https://www.amazon.com/Arcade1Up-12-1-Interface-Board/dp/B07NKJ3SKH

I was at my local hockey shop and this was 40% off. I asked the owner if it was on sale because of a defect and he said, "Nope, it's brand new in the box, kids today are too busy playing hockey on their Playstations and don't want it. I bought it for my six-year-old son and he loves it. He does play NHL14 as well, but he likes this better I think.

A table saw would be optimal but you can definitely make do with a jigsaw.

You can use a 2x4 or similar to cut a straight line with a jigsaw, a couple wood clamps would do well to hold it in place to keep your cuts true enough.

If you want the nice smooth plastic edging like on a professional machine, you'll want a router with a slot cutter and some T-Molding. Otherwise, sandpaper and some time can give a very nice finish.

The last machine I built was just sanded, primed, and painted black, we printed on some regular printer paper and then glued it to acrylic to make a nice marquee for the top, letting the paper diffuse the light.

Think about ventilation, we had 4 120mm computer fans on the back pulling air in, and slots in the top panel to let the heat out. Worked well to keep the aging Phenom II we used cool enough.

Better price plus prime shipping. Thanks again!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06VVG936T/ref=sspa_mw_detail_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Not sure what make the table is, but I also have 5/8 " diameter rods and a 1" thick wall. The first set of bearings I ordered had a bevel on the end, which would have required that I make one end of each hole larger on the outside to allow for the bevel. Image for reference <- Don't get these.

The second ones I ordered were the right diameter, but are only 1-sided and require screws for mounting and would look like crap from one side. Link for reference

I just want plain old double sided 5/8" bearings without a bevel. I thought it would be super easy to find these, but a year later I'm still looking.

Yeah I figured they were just tactile switches, I was more interested because they nailed the look.

I know tiny arcade sticks are made somewhere, I got one of these and it has a tiny arcade stick (though I am pretty sure it is just 4 tactile switches somehow). I need to order a 2nd one for me to take apart. I was just hopeful that you found a source where they sell them. How did you engineer yours?

This seems to be the USB interface you're looking for:

http://www.ultimarc.com/rotary.html

It is designed for use with this, I believe:

https://www.amazon.com/Happ-Red-Ultimate-Joystick-Switches/dp/B0090838JS

This has no wires with it. The 8Bitdo has wires soldered to the stock stick.

This is it. My mom got it for my dad as a present.

Also, I'm quickly realizing I know very little about foosball.

I am go as far to say 90% of the chance that Reyann Easy board is faulty. I had 2 of those before, 2nd one as the replacement of the first. These boards break pretty easy in general but that brand is BAD. If you got it from Amy-Happy-Mall do youself a favor and return it.

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I bought myself a pair, 1 for backup in case the first one fries - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CKN59L9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I just built a mame cabinet from scratch and my friend it is awesome. I got these...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00GBC075Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1418445116&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX200_QL40

And interfaced it with...

http://www.ultimarc.com/ipac1.html

I used the ipac4 board usb and am using an old laptop with no graphics. I have an hdmi out to a 55" projection tv and it is awesome. No problem running games

Checkout the emulator mameuifx also the way to go is torrent files to get the games. I could give you more information if you wish and pictures of my setup just let me know

https://www.amazon.com/Suzo-Happ-Ultimate-Joystick-Switches/dp/B0090838JS/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=happ+sticks&qid=1556574594&s=gateway&sr=8-2-spell

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Suzo branded sticks, free shipping.

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I've actually purchased quite a lot through Ali-Express and haven't really had much bad luck yet. The 2 sanwas I ordered were name brand. And as they had free shipping as well, it was about $10 cheaper for a pair than amazon. I was willing to wait.

I really like Super Dungeon Explore but it runs around $80.00.

Here are some tutorials about the game and even some game play.

More information

This is a table arcade Galaga/Ms. Pacman.

Available on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Pac-Man-Classic-Cocktail-19-Inch-Monitor/dp/B000CMFMTK

Wow, cool. That's just about the most complex toy pinball machine I've ever seen. 4 flippers, two playfields, multiple working kickers, that big spiral thing however it works.

Even the crap they sell at Walmart now is just a bunch of random bumpers, which is how I remember nearly all of these things from the 90s.

Something like this? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00003G4JR/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Desktop bowling?

May edit to add some more...

Edit: Labyrinth seems puzzling.

How about a Mini Retro Arcade Machine?

If you're made of money, a Spinning Globe! These things are so freaking cool.

You can never go wrong with a little "Trash-it-ball" Ah? Ahh?

Alternatives would be:
Used version for $250

this for $199
or sportcraft & sportcraft pic 2 for $40. It has a couple of broken rings (where the poles go through)

My budget is under $500 and I am just a casual player.

I have done a lot of reading here and other foosball sites. It seems the sportcraft is a bad buy no matter the price. I am not sure about the brand or model or condition of the $199 one. The one I linked to seems like a good buy. It has cup holders, counter weighted players, side ball retrieve. I hope you guys can pass along some good advice!

tough im talking about those or that one

same thing different shell. have one and its pretty bad and boring. they dont even make the ball bump around!

Will the cardboard hold up overtime? Cabinets take up space and force a LED TV to be comfined.

The link below has a precut control box you can then customize with your choice of buttons and control colors. You might end up using your $50 but this should hold up over time. I lack the power tool components and skill to create a cabinet. But I know the cabinet gives arcade play that "arcade play" feel.

A+ for resourcefullness on your build and materials! Hell, cut a slot for a quarter while you're at it!

https://www.amazon.com/Arrival-Acrylic-Inclined-Joystick-Replacement/dp/B076HMCNK2?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_6

I started a DIY electronic project where I moved this https://www.amazon.com/Arcade-Machine-Handheld-Gaming-System-electronic/dp/B00S4HI1NY into an altoids tin. The ribbon cable was very brittle and snapped, so now I want to make it a plug and play. I'm wondering if anyone can figure out if I can, or how to attach AV cables to the board so it can be hooped up to a TV, or if that is even a wise idea. Thank you for helping, I don't know much yet but I hope to learn more soon.

(PS I'm aware that most of the games on that aren't good, and it probably isn't worth the trouble, but I want to do a project and this was cheap, and offered learning experience.)

Current and sucky stick

The stock "V2" A1U spinner isn't compatible with the interface board (won't output via it's usb port) according to the interface board amazon page:
https://www.amazon.com/Arcade1Up-12-1-Interface-Board/dp/B07NKJ3SKH/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=ThunderStick&qid=1563344608&s=gateway&sr=8-5

You can use Glen's 2-in-1 Interface board if it's the same connector as the V1.

https://www.amazon.com/Arcade1Up-12-1-Interface-Board/dp/B07NKJ3SKH

I realize it is not Top Corner Hockey, but they still make basically the same thing.

Really, on Monday?

I am pretty sure you will enjoy this one if you decide to drink alcohol. I gifted my friend this one and everyone thought it was the best birthday gift of the party.

You could also go for something like this Tic-Tac-Toe game.

Happy birthday dude!

EDIT: Dudette based on your username. Sorry! :P

https://www.amazon.com/Arrival-Acrylic-Inclined-Joystick-Replacement/dp/B076HMCNK2/

Here ya go!

I'd love to have a spinner too, but regrettably, the only way to go about this is to roll your own with real arcade parts, or a reasonable facsimile.

https://www.amazon.com/ThunderStick-Arcade-Spinner-for-Arcade1Up/dp/B07P5WJ7BC

https://www.amazon.com/Arcade1Up-12-1-Interface-Board/dp/B07NKJ3SKH/ref=pd_bxgy_21_img_2/137-8884558-5695913?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07NKJ3SKH&pd_rd_r=27bd6228-7203-40d4-9224-57fa99e25505&pd_rd_w=3SKaV&pd_rd_wg=ziJcR&pf_rd_p=a2006322-0bc0-4db9-a08e-d168c18ce6f0&pf_rd_r=2CKKVSS7M2FJQ73TFWBT&psc=1&refRID=2CKKVSS7M2FJQ73TFWBT

That costs over sixty dollars, plus a wooden container and whatever buttons you'll need to complete the build. It's annoying, but the MacGyver'ed solutions I've attempted have been unsatisfactory at best.

It's probably going to be the same deal with a twin stick, but that may not cost as much. I imagine two arcade sticks, a few buttons, and an encoder (along with another box) would do the trick. Maybe disassemble an old arcade stick from Hori or MadCatz, take out most of the buttons and replace them with a second stick, and wire up the action buttons (triangle, cross, square, blue diamond, purple horseshoe, et al) to the second stick for best results.

Ah, yeah I was looking at this one when I was thinking of doing a similar project: https://www.amazon.com/Arcade-Coin-Quarter-Acceptor-X-Arcade/dp/B005EN6SUY/

It's not that hard to do all by yourself if you're a bit handy. Here are some links to get you started:

Joystick and Button Kit. There are many on ebay, look for best price and type you want - be careful if you get buttons separate from encoders as they have different sized wire connectors. Also see the shipping time as many come from China and may take a month or more to get to you:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Zero-Delay-Arcade-Game-DIY-Kits-Black-LED-Button-Joystick-USB-Encoder-AC1473/232958201621

Raspberry Pi 3 B+:

https://www.amazon.com/RS-Components-Raspberry-Pi-Motherboard/dp/B07BFH96M3

You'll also need a raspberry pi power supply (micro usb), and microsd card (both easily found on Amazon).

There are a lot of monitor choices depending on what you're looking for. You can get an old LCD monitor for cheap but should check the viewing angles if you'd like to use it in portrait mode. If you go that route and the monitor is VGA you'll need a VGA to HDMI converter:

https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-CableCreation-Female-Converter-NoteBook/dp/B013G4C17G

The Raspberry Pi supports HDMI so any modern monitor would work without the converter.

Alternatively you can get a raw LCD panel by itself and drive it with a converter board:

https://www.amazon.com/Controller-HSD190MEN4-M170EN06-1280x1024-30Pins/dp/B06X9NJ2NR

though it's probably easiest to get an old or new monitor and take it apart or hide everything except the screen with a custom bezel.

In terms of speakers I like these Logitech Z213 2.1 speakers:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Logitech-Z213-2-1-Speakers-for-PC-and-Mobile-Devices-980-000941/181060190908

They are cheap and have good enough sound for the old games and with the sub-woofer it actually sounds better than the old games did. They are amplified and can just plug into a power strip inside the case so no raw wiring to do. Also they have a wired volume control that you could mount somewhere convenient. Just be sure to buy from someone that will accept returns or that is shipping you new product instead of refurbished as I've gotten a couple bad ones.

I also like this power strip as it has enough outlets and USBs to drive everything including the Raspberry Pi:

https://www.amazon.com/Protector-Charger-100-240V-Computer-Transformers/dp/B01JRXRTC2

For one of my builds I also bought USB extension cables and some USB LED lights to use behind the marquee. Using this approach the wiring for everything will be very straightforward. No special electrical stuff to deal with.

You may also want to add a coin door that you could even make work by connecting the coin mechanism to one of the inputs on the joystick controllers:

https://www.amazon.com/Arcade-Coin-Quarter-Acceptor-X-Arcade/dp/B005EN6SUY

Possible software to run:

https://retropie.org.uk/

http://blog.sheasilverman.com/pimame-raspberry-pi-os-download/

Also, there are other options that remove the need for software configuration and joystick calibration that you might want to look into if you're not very technical. Notably Jamma boards which are more ready to go:

https://retroactivearcade.ca/collections/jamma-game-boards

You'd use that rather than the Raspbery Pi and the joystick encoders but you'd still use the same joysticks and buttons. The wiring is a bit more complicated with a Jamma board than with those handy joystick encoders, but still pretty straightforward.

If you have any questions send them my way. I've done a few rebuilds, a brand new machine from scratch and am in the middle of another one from scratch.

It's very rewarding. I even bought a wide format printer so I could print my own graphics on adhesive vinyl and apply it to the cabinets instead of paint.

Also, poke around the net and you'll find PDF plans for your favorite old game cabinet which you can print out and piece together and use as a template to cut the sides of your cabinet. I don't know about you but I'm very nostalgic about the old cabinets, their unique shapes and the creative art from back then so I prefer having a specific machine than a generic one. But to each their own. :)

Good luck!

It's a carrom board.

Everytime I did that stuff it didn't work as planned. I mean you got the box already grab some buttons and a joystick and make it fit. There are some really nice diy plans for a single player setup. I would just hate to invest a bunch of time and energy into it and not be satisfied with what I came out with. You could try it out and if it's really bad build your own.

https://www.amazon.com/Arrival-Acrylic-Inclined-Joystick-Replacement/dp/B076HMCNK2/ref=asc_df_B076HMCNK2/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198058916348&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8490333248254220302&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9015623&hvtargid=pla-385062759502&psc=1

> The BAD ones are pac man

You got the wrong one then. All from the right company have multi colored screens.

Pac Man with cheap calculator-like screen:

https://www.amazon.com/Arcade-Classics-Pac-Man-Retro-Mini/dp/B01DK2WO1C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1537278365&sr=8-3&keywords=mini+arcade+classic


Pac Man with multi-colored one:

https://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Arcade-Pac-Man-Miniature-Game/dp/B06Y4G5GDY/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1537278365&sr=8-5&keywords=mini+arcade+classic

Here is the desktop version of your link

We use dot us these Training Swords in my medieval combat class!

They also make a Shield

This steampunk flavored Cryptex Flash Drive might be appreciated! Useful and stylish in a similar vein to this Steampunk Watch
As for board games, I recommend Shadow Hunters, Splendor, and Coup

For tabletop games, you could get him A Nice Set of Color Coded Diece

When it comes to video games, this Retro Arcade Console Desk Toy could be a great work passtime with 200 games! Alternatively if you have a fridge or a metal workspace, Magnetic Tetris! for idle hands


Hope any of these help haha

A Mechanical Keyboard. A (relatively) cheap but extremely substantial and absolutely worth it to make everything from gaming to exam writing more fun. :) Oh and [this thing] (https://smile.amazon.com/Arcade-Machine-Handheld-Gaming-System-Built/dp/B00S4HI1NY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1485564891&sr=8-2&keywords=mini+arcade+machine).

Over 100

https://www.amazon.com/Carrom-2850XXXX-Game-Board-Large/dp/B00003G4JR

if you want to get a good one, get a stiga. $100 but, worth it.

https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Hockey-Table-Detroit-Toronto/dp/B0000YQVFE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482851166&sr=8-1&keywords=stiga+nhl+hockey

That's pretty sick. Like this?

Carom/Crokinole

Whats the best way to make the cut into MDF to inset a T-molding (like this one https://www.amazon.com/Foot-Smooth-Black-T-Molding-Arcade/dp/B00KWBL8JY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1501798927&sr=8-3&keywords=t+molding). It's for an ardcade cabinet, and unfortunately I do not have a router. Thanks!

Forgive me for repeating anything you may already know.

For the buttons and joystick, you need a USB encoder. This or similar:

https://www.amazon.com/EG-STARTS-Encoder-Controller-Joystick/dp/B01L8K21CK/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=arcade+usb+encoder&qid=1574973074&sr=8-5

Connect the buttons and joystick to the encoder, connect the encoder to the pi through USB. When you set up retropie, you will be prompted to assign each button for the pi interface.

For the GRS spinner and trackball, you will also need the GRS "12-in1 board".

https://www.amazon.com/Arcade1Up-12-1-Interface-Board/dp/B07NKJ3SKH/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=grs+12-in-1&qid=1574973218&sr=8-2

The GRS spinner and trackball are both designed to plug directly into the stock Arcade1Up hardware. There is no USB connection on those devices. The 12-in-1 board gives you that USB connection. Plug the Spinner into the "P1" port on the 12-in-1 board. Plug the Trackball into the "P2 port". Use the micro USB port on the board to connect to a USB port on the pi.

The pi will recognize the spinner and trackball as a mouse - both devices will be interpreted as the same mouse input. But, that should already be set up to control left/right/up/down movements in any emulator. (Left/right only for the spinner, of course). So, you can jump right into centipede, or tempest or whatever you're using them for.

You may need to adjust the sensitivity of the trackball and/or spinner in each game individually until you get the right performance. There are threads about that on this sub. Here's one:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Arcade1Up/comments/cj1m4b/share_your_trackball_speed_settings_in_retropie/

In that thread, you can ignore where it says to change the speed. As is clarified later in the thread, the speed settings don't matter - only sensitivity.