To build a retro gaming wall, pick three to six frame kits from the same range so they share a consistent scale, lay them out on the floor first in a grid, then hang starting from the centre piece outward. Working from the centre keeps the spacing even instead of drifting off to one side by the time you reach the last frame.
What you will need
- Three to six retro arcade frame kits (Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, Super Mario Bros, Atari Pong, Frogger)
- A tape measure
- A pencil for marking hanging points
- Wall fixings suited to your wall type
Step 1: Choose your set
Pick kits that share the same era rather than mixing in unrelated franchises. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, Atari Pong, and Frogger are all genuine arcade-era classics and read as a coherent set. Add Super Mario Bros if you want a slightly later console-era anchor piece in the mix.
A strong centre-piece choice, since the barrel scene reads clearly at a distance.
Step 2: Lay the grid out on the floor first
Before any wall fixings go in, lay every frame on the floor in the arrangement you are considering. This is the point to swap positions around, since it costs nothing to change your mind on the floor compared to after the first hole is drilled.
Step 3: Mark hanging points from the centre outward
Measure and mark the centre frame position first, then work outward symmetrically. Keep a consistent gap, roughly half a frame width, between each piece. Working outward from the centre is what keeps the final spacing even on both sides.
Step 4: Hang and level each frame
Hang the centre piece first, check it is level, then work outward one frame at a time, checking level again after each addition rather than waiting until the whole wall is up.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mixing eras. A genuine arcade classic next to a modern franchise piece breaks the retro feel of the wall.
- Skipping the floor layout. This is the cheapest place to fix a spacing mistake.
- Hanging from one edge instead of the centre. Spacing drifts by the time you reach the last frame.
Frequently asked questions
How many frame kits make a good wall display?
Three to six works well. Fewer than three can look sparse, and more than six starts to need careful grid planning rather than a simple row.
Do all the retro frame kits hang the same way?
Yes, each is built to a similar wall-ready scale, which is what makes them easy to arrange as a matching set.
Should the frames be evenly spaced or staggered?
Evenly spaced, at a single consistent height. A retro arcade wall reads best as a clean lineup rather than a staggered gallery layout.
Start your retro wall
Six arcade-era frame kits, made to order in the UK.
Shop Retro Gaming Frame Kits →