
If you’ve got the time and dedication, here’s one clever way to recycle your old analog TV monitor!
Niconico user gomafuomo is a lover of classic arcade games. He recently decided to put an old 25-inch (63.5-centimeter) cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor, which had been just lying in the corner of his room since the switch to digital TV, to good use by converting it into his very own retro arcade game cabinet.
The final product is truly impressive for a home-constructed labor of love, as it includes a monitor, drawers, joysticks, buttons, and a speaker unit. To top it off, it’s capable of playing Sega Saturn, PlayStation 2, and Windows XP games!
Check out a video of the construction process directly below, or scroll down for our own brief summary.
Note: You may need to log in with a Niconico account to view the video.
Gomafuomo began by creating blueprints of the cabinet. He noted that all of the materials used in its construction could be easily bought at home centers or 100-yen shops, making it a manageable project for anyone with the motivation.
▼ He even added casters to the bottom!
▼ The cabinet is finally starting to come together after assembling the individual wooden pieces and installing the monitor.
▼ Check out the custom-designed drawer and bottom storage space.
▼ The addition of joysticks and buttons really make it look like an arcade game.
▼ Voila! The finished product with its sound system and spiffy outer decorations.
Now all that’s left is to sit back, relax, and indulge in some classic games of yesteryear:
Japanese net users were undeniably envious of gomafuomo’s creative mind and carpentry skills:
“It looks totally legit.”
“I really want this!!”
“His building skills are super impressive.”
“CRTs are really awesome after all.”
“It’s amazing you can actually play games with it!”
Perhaps building an arcade cabinet can be our next project during downtime in the office.
Source: Narinari
Images: Niconico/gomafuomo











Cardboard arcade cabinets could be the next must-have home furnishing for gamers
Hands down, this is the most fun you can have at a video game arcade
Retro game arcade severely damaged in fire in Japan【Video】
One last visit to Japan’s craziest, scariest video game arcade: Warehouse Kawasaki【Photos】
Japanese video arcade introduces free punching service for sore versus game losers
Kyoto receives more foreign tourists than ever before, but fewer visitors say they’ll return
Starbucks Japan unveils exclusive new Frappuccinos limited to three regional areas
Pokémon Card Stores requiring facial recognition scans for entry in Japan in latest anti-scalper move
Japanese Shinkansen welcomes overnight guests for one night during summer festival
Tokyo Pokémon Center announces reopening after months-long closure following stabbing death
A roadside hair salon stall in China made us Norway’s Haaland for US$1, and warmed out hearts too
McDonald’s Japan goes viral for Samurai Mac burger hack
Japan’s expensive “phantom” melon is so exquisite it sells out in just 12 hours
Pachinko industry rebounds on convenience and innovation, but smaller parlors struggle to keep up
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
Face lettuce appears in Japan, with the face of Death Note’s Light Yagami, but why?
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
Brand new Shinkansen bullet train unveiled in Japan… but it won’t carry passengers
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
New One Piece video game requires you to throw real punches to win
Game over as 33-year-old landmark arcade closes in Tokyo’s Akihabara district【Photos, video】
Sega leaves arcade management like retiring idol singer, confuses, upsets Japanese Internet users
Tokyo Video Gamers, a new bar with free-to-play arcade games, opens in Akihabara
Japanese dance gamer finds wife who’s “too understanding” of his hobby, awesome video shows
Wear samurai armor while playing video games? That’s an option at this Japanese inn【Video】