Reviving Arcade Culture for STEM Education with DIY Artcades
This episode of 'To The Edge and Beyond' explores the DIY Artcade project, a build-it-yourself arcade cabinet kit developed by Strange Outfit and powered by Intel's Mini Compute Module. The project is designed to teach students coding, electronics, and entrepreneurship through hands-on, nostalgic gameplay experiences. Intel and Strange Outfit aim to make STEM education more engaging and accessible by connecting retro arcade culture with modern technology.
This story was produced through MarketScale. See how Education Technology teams put it to work with Executive Thought Leadership.
Promoted content from Intel on MarketScale.
Key takeaways
The DIY Artcade kit lets students build their own arcade cabinets, learning programming, electronics, and business skills in the process.
Intel's Mini Compute Module powers the units, enabling reliable, server-free operation at an accessible price point.
The project incorporates entrepreneurial learning — students can place their arcades in local businesses and generate real revenue.
Get featured
Want to get featured in MarketScale Education Technology?
Create a free MarketScale workspace and get your company's expertise featured across our Education Technology coverage. No credit card, no demo required.
In this episode of The Edge and Beyond, host Michelle Dawn Mooney dives into the intersection of retro gaming and advanced technology with Brent Bushnell, Executive Producer at Strange Outfit, and Morgan Andersen, Vertical Segment Manager at Intel Corporation. Together, they discuss the DIY Artcade project, a build-it-yourself arcade kit that is inspiring students and hobbyists alike with its unique blend of arcade nostalgia and cutting-edge tech.
Bushnell introduces the DIY Artcade as a project designed to give students a hands-on approach to learning. "Our goal is to make tech education fun and accessible. With open-source tools and an affordable price point, students can build their own arcade cabinets, develop programming and electronics skills, and even start entrepreneurial ventures," he explains. "Imagine a high school student placing their arcade in a local coffee shop and splitting revenue with the owner—it's learning by doing in the best way."
Our goal is to make tech education fun and accessible. With open-source tools and an affordable price point, students can build their own arcade cabinets, develop programming and electronics skills, and even start entrepreneurial ventures.
— Brent Bushnell, Executive Producer at Strange Outfit
The DIY Artcade project is powered by Intel's Mini Compute Module, which provides the necessary processing power for a seamless arcade experience without requiring a separate server. Andersen shares, "Intel's technology allows these DIY units to operate efficiently and reliably, which is essential for making the experience smooth and accessible. We're thrilled to support projects that inspire the next generation of STEM students."
Intel's technology allows these DIY units to operate efficiently and reliably, which is essential for making the experience smooth and accessible.
— Morgan Andersen, Vertical Segment Manager at Intel Corporation
In addition to technical skills, the DIY Artcade kit promotes entrepreneurship by offering students a tangible way to learn about business models through real-world applications. Bushnell adds, "From coding to configuring payment systems, these students gain a full spectrum of skills that prepare them for careers in tech and beyond."
The DIY Artcade is more than just a gaming project; it's a gateway to technology, creativity, and business learning for students. With support from Intel, Strange Outfit is bringing the spirit of the arcade back to life, empowering students to build, innovate, and imagine.
Subscribe to To The Edge and Beyond on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for more insights from Intel's Internet of Things Group.
Part of this channel
Intel
Silicon and AI platforms powering enterprise and edge compute.
Your experts belong here
Every story in MarketScale Education Technology starts with a company putting its implementation leads, instructional designers, and district partners on the record. Buyers are already reading this topic. The only question is whose experts they find.
Procurement teams read long before they ever call, and your implementers get to answer their questions first.
About the author
Michelle Dawn Mooney is a media professional and host known for her work in broadcast journalism and B2B content.
