This guide will show you how to build a MakeCode Arcade from a Raspberry Pi Zero or Pi 3A+. If you are looking for Adafruit M4 boards, try this guide.

Raspberry Pi Zero setup

• a Raspberry Pi Zero (we won't be using WiFi, but it's fine to buy the Pi Zero W if you want)
• a HDMI to mini-HDMI cable or converter
• a microUSB cable
• a micro SD card (capacity and speed don't matter much)

If you want to get all in a single kit, get the budget packet. If you don't feel like soldering, get the Pi with headers.

Raspberry Pi 3A+ setup

You can use Pi 3A+ instead of Pi Zero. It always comes with headers and you don't need a HDMI to mini-HDMI cable. On the other hand, you will need USB-A to USB-A cable.

Controls

MakeCode Arcade uses 7 buttons. There are many options for buttons:

• Adafruit Joy Bonnet and likely a plastic case for Pi Zero
• Arcade Cabinet
• random buttons and joystick that you wire up together

You can also get Joy Bonnect Pack with Pi Zero which includes many of the components.