Upgrade Your Centipede Arcade1Up with LED Control Deck Kit

Home arcade setups are all about combining classic gameplay with modern convenience. If you own a Centipede Arcade1Up, upgrading the control deck can elevate both the look and the feel of every session. The LED Control Deck Upgrade Kit from DIY Retro Arcade is a complete, plug‑and‑play solution that refreshes the control panel with bright, color‑ready lighting while staying compatible with the existing game board.

The kit centers on six 12V LED buttons and all the wiring you need to bring a bold new aesthetic to your cabinet. With color options like red, blue, yellow, white, green, orange, and purple, you can craft a unique lighting profile that fits your setup and your game atmosphere. The upgrade is designed to be simple to install, with a wiring harness, LED jumper wires, and a power splitter that help you get from box to gameplay fast.

Why LED upgrades matter for arcade cabinets

LED buttons aren’t just eye-catching; they improve visibility in dim gaming rooms and under lighting conditions where old mechanical buttons can look washed out. For a Centipede Arcade1Up, a 6‑button LED deck can bring a vibrant, modern touch to a classic cabinet. The kit is designed to work with the installed game board, so you don’t have to worry about complicated configurings—the hardware and the board are already aligned for a straightforward upgrade. If you’re chasing a retro‑meets‑modern vibe, this kit helps you achieve it with minimal effort.

In addition to the lighting flair, you gain the benefit of color‑coded input cues. Whether you’re playing classic Centipede or other two‑player titles that benefit from clear button separation, bright LEDs help you react faster and recognize inputs at a glance. The 12V lighting system keeps the glow consistent, even after long gaming sessions.

What’s included and how it fits your setup

Inside the kit you’ll find 6 x 12V LED buttons, a dedicated LED wiring harness, 6 x LED jumper wires, and 1 x power splitter cable.

If you want the option to turn the LEDs off without unplugging power, there’s an inline switch available separately and an installation video to guide you through the process. The kit is tailored for Centipede Arcade1Up and is compatible with the cabinet’s existing control board, ensuring a clean, reliable upgrade path.

Color options allow you to customize the look of your deck to match other hardware or artwork. The kit’s colors include red, blue, yellow, white, green, orange, and purple, making it easy to coordinate with your artwork or to set up color‑coded controls for easier play. This is especially appealing if you’re aiming for a cohesive visuals with any control panel graphics you may be using.

For players who want to extend their setup beyond a two‑player cabinet, it’s helpful to note how this kit fits into broader arcade projects. The LED deck upgrade is designed for a standard two‑player Centipede layout, but you can pair it with additional components if you’re building out a larger control panel or a multi‑cabinet display. If you’re planning a four‑player game session, you would typically need either an additional LED kit or a separate control deck kit that covers more inputs. This is a common path for hobbyists who are expanding beyond the stock Arcade1Up configuration.

Practical setup considerations

When you’re wiring a control panel upgrade, the big advantages are simplicity and reliability. The LED deck kit uses a 12V supply, which is familiar to most arcade builds and reduces compatibility concerns with the existing power setup. You’ll still rely on the cabinet’s board for signal input, while the LEDs handle illumination. This means the upgrade is a great companion for a wide range of home arcade configurations, including those that blend modern hardware with classic titles.

If you’re wondering about compatibility with other control features, here are a few notes that come up in common setups. For example, you might have an arcade control panel with a trackball in addition to standard buttons. The LED kit is designed to upgrade the buttons themselves and lighting, but a trackball generally requires separate mounting and wiring considerations. It’s a great addition for games that benefit from precise cursor or aim control, but you’ll want to plan its placement and mounting alongside the button upgrade to keep the control panel clean and functional.

Another frequent scenario is integrating a Raspberry Pi into an arcade setup. While the Raspberry Pi can run retro firmware or emulators, the LED control deck kit operates with the cabinet’s installed game board and lighting system. You can still pair a Raspberry Pi for the game logic while enjoying the LED‑lit controls—the two elements serve different roles: one for game processing, the other for tactile and visual feedback. Just remember to properly wire and isolate the LED supply to avoid interference with the Pi’s power or inputs.

Stand compatibility is another practical angle. Most Arcade1Up stands and cabinets share common top panels and mounting points, so upgrading with a new deck typically doesn’t require a full cabinet rework. If you’re upgrading an existing unit, plan for a clean surface and secure mounting for the new buttons and harness. It’s also a good moment to refresh the look with new control panel graphics or overlays if you’re aiming for a cohesive, refreshed aesthetic across the entire cabinet.

Speaking of graphics, the ability to customize your control panel visuals is an appealing part of this upgrade. The LED colors don’t just light up; they can complement or contrast with your artwork to create striking visuals. If you’re considering graphics changes, choose overlays that ensure label readability with bright backgrounds and ensure the color palette you select for the LEDs provides good contrast for the labels.

What about 4 players or more?

The kit is designed primarily for a two‑player Centipede layout with six buttons. If you’re aiming for a four‑player experience, you’ll likely need multiple kits or a different upgrade solution that expands the button count. This is a common route for enthusiasts who want to turn a single cabinet into a larger multiplayer machine. Plan your upgrade with an eye toward future expansion so you don’t outgrow your initial purchase.

Installation basics and care

The installation video and clear wiring harness make this a DIY project that doesn’t require advanced electronics expertise. After mounting the buttons and connecting the harness, you’ll be able to enjoy brighter, more responsive inputs in a fraction of the time it would take to source and wire a custom setup. To help keep things looking sharp, wipe down the panels regularly and avoid harsh chemical cleaners on the plastic buttons.

Maintenance tips and final thoughts

With LED lighting, you’ll want to keep an eye on the brightness and color consistency over time. If you notice any dimming or color shifts, consult the included guide or reach out to support for troubleshooting. A well‑maintained LED deck not only looks better but lasts longer, keeping your center stage arcade ready for nights of retro gaming.

Conclusion

Upgrading your Centipede Arcade1Up with the LED Control Deck Upgrade Kit is a straightforward way to refresh the feel of your cabinet while boosting visibility and playability. The kit’s 12V LED buttons, bundled wiring, and color options let you tailor the look to match your room and your games. It’s a smart choice for DIY retro enthusiasts who want a brighter, more modern control experience without changing the core game board.