{"product_id":"eg-starts-4-player-classic-diy-arcade-joystick-kit-led-buttons-usb","title":"EG Starts 4 Player Classic DIY Arcade Joystick Kit - LED Buttons \u0026 USB","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the EG Starts 4 Player Classic DIY Arcade Joystick Kit we look at whether it is the right choice for a budget MAME or Raspberry Pi arcade build. The kit's single biggest strength is that it bundles complete controls for four players with \u003cstrong\u003ezero delay USB encoders\u003c\/strong\u003e and illuminated buttons, making initial setup fast and visually satisfying. For hobbyists who want mostly plug-and-play compatibility with PC and common emulation boards, this kit delivers a straightforward parts package without the need to source components separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eComplete 4 player set:\u003c\/strong\u003e The kit supplies joysticks and all necessary controls so a builder can equip a four player panel without mixing parts from different sources.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZero delay USB encoders:\u003c\/strong\u003e Encoders are provided to interface directly with a PC or Raspberry Pi and are designed for immediate recognition by Windows systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLED illuminated buttons:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5V LED push buttons add clear visual feedback and a polished arcade look for JAMMA and MAME projects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeat resistant plastic:\u003c\/strong\u003e Buttons and housings are made from durable materials intended to withstand regular play and resist discoloration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMultiple stick modes:\u003c\/strong\u003e The kit offers 4\/8 way stick options so the controls can be tuned for fighters, shmups, and classic arcade titles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCustomer support note:\u003c\/strong\u003e The seller asks that buyers contact them if there are questions when the package arrives, which can speed resolution of issues.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis kit is aimed at DIY arcade builders who want a cost-effective, mostly complete control solution for a four player cabinet or tabletop build using MAME, JAMMA-compatible systems, or a Raspberry Pi. It suits enthusiasts who prefer to avoid sourcing individual buttons, encoders, and joystick parts from multiple vendors.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is less suitable for professional tournament cabinets or builders who require premium Sanwa-style parts or who need detailed technical documentation beyond basic compatibility. Those needing a guaranteed long-term industrial warranty or metal-bodied components should look elsewhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood value by including joysticks, buttons, and \u003cstrong\u003eUSB encoders\u003c\/strong\u003e for four players in one package.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLED illuminated buttons improve aesthetics and visibility during play.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEasy installation and configuration reported by many customers, which is ideal for first-time builders.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDurable plastic construction and heat resistant materials for regular use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome customers reported mixed functionality with certain encoders or setups, so occasional troubleshooting may be required.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJoystick durability concerns were mentioned by a few users compared with premium arcade levers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4 player arcade joystick kit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePC, Raspberry Pi, MAME, JAMMA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEncoders\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100% Zero Delay USB encoders\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eButtons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5V LED illuminated push buttons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJoystick modes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4 way and 8 way options\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterials\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeat resistant plastic components\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe EG Starts 4 Player Classic DIY Arcade Joystick Kit is a practical, budget-friendly option for hobbyists building a four player MAME or Raspberry Pi cabinet who want \u003cstrong\u003eeasy installation\u003c\/strong\u003e and an attractive LED look without buying individual parts. It offers clear value, though builders seeking top-tier joystick longevity or guaranteed flawless operation may need to upgrade specific parts after initial testing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo the USB encoders work with Windows out of the box?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the kit includes zero delay USB encoders intended to work with Windows systems, though a small number of users reported needing to troubleshoot particular setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre the buttons bright enough for cabinet use?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the 5V LED illuminated push buttons provide good visibility and a classic arcade appearance in most cabinet environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan the kit support four simultaneous players?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the kit is designed as a four player control set and includes the necessary joysticks and buttons for four players.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"EG Starts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48189138927835,"sku":"B071WC7TGK","price":83.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/81qOCNhGI4L._SL1500.jpg?v=1769611747","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/eg-starts-4-player-classic-diy-arcade-joystick-kit-led-buttons-usb","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}