If you are going to start at the beginning, you have to start with the arcade games.
I'm going to start with Space Invaders. Created in 1978 it's really the one that stared the whole thing. There were video games before this, but none were both as popular and crucially they don't work using software that can be emulated but instead work by using discrete circuit chips or even simple analog components.
MAME is the emulator of choice for this while It can be a pain to setup, once done it runs pretty much anything with great emulation.
I've been wanting to setup a system like this ever since I saw the X-Arcade Tankstick years ago, but could never figure out where and how to put it. After getting the idea to use a standing desk the pieces and parts feel in line.
09-13-2025