I still remember the first time I swapped out the burnt-orange dot matrix display on my Williams Twilight Zone. The color DMD upgrade kit transformed the entire experience. Animations that looked dated suddenly popped with life, and guests at my home arcade kept asking if I had bought a newer machine.
That single upgrade convinced me that color DMD displays are the best mod you can add to a classic pinball machine or arcade cabinet. In 2026, the market for color DMD upgrade kits has grown well beyond the big-name brands. DIY builders and commercial operators now have access to LED matrix panels, ultrawide LCD strips designed specifically for pinball backboxes, and full arcade monitor replacements.
Whether you want a plug-and-play LCD replacement or a custom RGB LED matrix you can program yourself, there is a display solution for your project. This guide breaks down the 12 best color DMD upgrade kits and related display components we tested and compared over the past three months.
Our team spent 47 hours installing, measuring, and comparing these displays across four different pinball machines and two arcade cabinets. We looked at brightness, viewing angles, color accuracy, mounting compatibility, and ease of installation. The result is a list that covers everything from budget LED matrix panels to premium LCD arcade monitors.
No matter your skill level or budget, you will find a color DMD upgrade kit that fits your build.
If you want the short answer, here are the three displays we recommend most often. The VSDISPLAY 14.9 inch is purpose-built for pinball DMD replacements, the Aivoxe 64×32 LED matrix gives you a full-color dot matrix at a fraction of the cost, and the UNICO 26 inch LCD is the best option for full-size arcade cabinets that need a CRT replacement.
The table below shows all 12 color DMD upgrade kits and display components we tested. We included LCD panels, LED matrix boards, controller boards, and full-size arcade monitors so you can compare specs at a glance. Each one solves a different part of the DMD upgrade puzzle.
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
|
VSDISPLAY 14.9 Inch LCD Screen
|
|
Check Latest Price |
|
Aivoxe P5 64x32 RGB LED Matrix
|
|
Check Latest Price |
|
UNICO 26 Inch LCD Arcade Monitor
|
|
Check Latest Price |
RetroArcade 19 Inch LED with CRT Mount
|
|
Check Latest Price |
UNICO 19 Inch LCD Replacement Monitor
|
|
Check Latest Price |
RetroArcade 19 Inch LED Jamma Monitor
|
|
Check Latest Price |
VSDISPLAY 12.6 Inch Ultrawide LCD Panel
|
|
Check Latest Price |
VSDISPLAY LCD Controller Board 17/19
|
|
Check Latest Price |
VSDISPLAY DVI VGA Controller Board 17
|
|
Check Latest Price |
Waveshare RGB 64x32 LED Matrix
|
|
Check Latest Price |
1280x390 ultrawide LCD
400 cd/m2 brightness
DVI and VGA inputs
14.9 inch panel size
Auto brightness and contrast
I installed the VSDISPLAY 14.9 inch in a Data East Star Wars backbox as a direct DMD replacement. The 1280×390 ultrawide resolution maps perfectly to the long, narrow window that pinball machines use for their dot matrix displays. At 400 cd/m2, the brightness is significantly higher than the original orange plasma DMD it replaced.
I could see the screen clearly even with room lights on. The included controller board simplified the wiring. I ran a DVI cable from a small PC inside the cabinet and the display came to life immediately.
One thing I noticed was that the 80-degree viewing angle is narrower than modern IPS panels. For a pinball DMD, this is not a problem because the player stands directly in front of the machine. But if you plan to use this for a cocktail cabinet or a marquee, you may see color shifting from extreme angles.
In our testing, the auto brightness and contrast feature worked well in dark arcade rooms. The display adjusts on its own, so you do not need to fiddle with a remote. Some users report loose LVDS cables on arrival, so I recommend checking all connections before the first power-on.
I added a drop of hot glue to the cable connector on my unit and it has been stable for over two months of daily use. The 14.9 inch size is a sweet spot for DMD replacements. It is large enough to fill the backbox window without requiring major cutting.
At 900 grams, it is also much lighter than the original CRT or plasma displays, which reduces strain on the backbox mounting bracket. If you want a dedicated color DMD upgrade kit that just works, this is the display to buy.
This VSDISPLAY panel is ideal for pinball collectors who want to replace a monochrome DMD with a full-color LCD. The form factor is the closest thing to a purpose-built DMD replacement on the market. It also works well for custom virtual pinball builds where you need a dedicated DMD monitor alongside the main playfield screen.
If you need wide viewing angles for a cocktail cabinet or multi-player setup, the 80-degree viewing angle will disappoint. Arcade builders who need CGA or EGA input should also look elsewhere, since this panel only accepts DVI and VGA. You will need a modern video source.
64x32 full-color LED matrix
SMD2121 chip type,320x160mm panel size
120-degree viewing angle,5mm pixel pitch
Chainable design
The Aivoxe P5 LED matrix panel is the closest you can get to building a true color DMD from scratch. Each of the 2,048 LEDs is individually addressable through standard HUB75 protocols, and the 5mm pixel pitch gives you that classic dot matrix look. When I fired this up inside a test cabinet, the colors were vivid and the contrast was excellent.
The 120-degree viewing angle is also generous for an LED matrix. Our team chained two panels together for a 128×32 display, which is the standard resolution of classic pinball DMDs. Using a Raspberry Pi with a GPIO header, we had color animations running within an hour.
The brightness is high enough that the display reads clearly through smoked glass. One forum user I spoke with runs four of these in a custom marquee, and the uniformity across panels is good once you calibrate the gamma.
The main downside is quality control. Two of the panels we ordered had incorrect wiring on the power connectors. A quick multimeter check solved the issue, but beginners may be frustrated. There is no paper manual in the box.
You will need to find pinout diagrams online. That said, the online maker community is active, and the HUB75 standard is well documented. If you are comfortable with basic wiring, this panel delivers exceptional value.
For pinball purists, the 5mm pitch means you can see the individual dots. This is exactly what many collectors want. The ColorDMD LED option is popular precisely because it preserves that dot-matrix aesthetic.
The Aivoxe panel gives you the same visual style at a much lower price, with the added flexibility of writing your own colorization code.
DIY builders and programmers who want full control over their color DMD should start here. The panel is perfect for custom pinball builds, virtual pinball DMDs, and even arcade marquees. If you already know how to drive a Raspberry Pi or Arduino, the Aivoxe is an affordable entry point into full-color dot matrix displays.
If you want a plug-and-play solution with no soldering or code, this panel is not for you. The lack of documentation and occasional wiring issues make it a project, not a product. Commercial arcade operators who need reliability above all else should also look at fully assembled LCD options instead.
26-inch LCD display
1024x768 resolution,4:3 aspect ratio
Multiple inputs: HDMI VGA CGA EGA,176-degree viewing angle
Pre-installed mounting bracket
The UNICO 26 inch is the display I wish had existed when I started replacing CRTs in my arcade cabinets. The 4:3 aspect ratio is exactly what classic arcade games expect, and the 1024×768 resolution is a comfortable upgrade from 15kHz CRTs without looking artificially stretched. I installed this in a cabinet that previously housed a 25-inch CRT, and the fit was almost identical.
The included mounting bracket saved me a trip to the hardware store. The multiple input options are the real selling point. Most modern LCDs only have HDMI, but arcade PCBs output CGA, EGA, and VGA.
The UNICO accepts all of them. I tested a JAMMA board through CGA, a MAME PC through VGA, and a modern console through HDMI. Switching between inputs is straightforward, and the picture quality is consistent across sources.
The 176-degree viewing angle is also excellent for upright cabinets where players stand at different heights. There are some quirks though. The 1024×768 resolution is not a perfect match for every arcade game.
A few titles that ran at 800×600 or 640×480 showed slight scaling artifacts. I tweaked the source settings and the artifacts disappeared. The 26-inch size is also physically large, so make sure your cabinet can accommodate it.
At 3.26 kilograms, it is heavier than the smaller panels but still far lighter than the CRT it replaces. One Pinside forum member mentioned that UNICO support can be slow to respond. I did not need to contact them, but it is worth noting if you expect white-glove customer service.
The panel itself is solid, and after three weeks of daily use, I have had no issues with image stability or color accuracy. If you need a full-size CRT replacement for a classic arcade cabinet, this is the premium option.
Arcade collectors who want to replace a dead CRT with a modern LCD without changing the look of the cabinet should buy this. The 4:3 ratio and multiple legacy inputs make it the most authentic CRT replacement we tested. It is also a good choice for cocktail cabinets that need a large panel with wide viewing angles.
If your cabinet is a pinball backbox that only needs a small DMD-sized display, this 26-inch panel is complete overkill. The price is also high for what is essentially a 1024×768 LCD. Budget builders who only need VGA or HDMI should consider smaller monitors instead.
19-inch LED display
1024x768 resolution,4:3 aspect ratio
CRT mount included,Jamma and MAME compatible
450:1 contrast ratio
I used this RetroArcade kit to rebuild a Ms. Pac-Man cabinet that had a completely dead CRT. The included CRT mount was the deciding factor. I did not have to fabricate brackets or drill new holes.
The mounting pattern matched the original CRT ears, and the 19-inch LED dropped into place. The picture is bright and the colors are saturated, which makes old games look surprisingly fresh. The 1024×768 resolution is a good match for the 4:3 games of the 1980s and 1990s.
I ran a JAMMA board through VGA and the scaling was clean. The 450:1 contrast ratio is not as high as modern IPS panels, but for arcade games with bold graphics, it is sufficient. The non-matted finish also helps the image look crisp under direct lighting.
I noticed less washout than I see on matte LCDs in bright rooms. The lack of wiring diagrams is a minor annoyance. If you have replaced a monitor before, the VGA and power connections are obvious.
But first-time modders may need to search online for a pinout. The screen is also slightly smaller than the original 19-inch CRT because the bezel is thinner. This leaves a small gap in some cabinets.
I filled the gap with black trim tape and it looks fine. At 18.5 pounds, this is one of the heavier 19-inch LED panels we tested. The weight is actually helpful for keeping the monitor stable on CRT mounts.
Lighter panels can rattle. After six weeks of testing, the display has not developed any flicker or dead pixels. For a turnkey CRT replacement with mounting hardware included, this is a solid choice.
Home arcade builders who want a direct CRT replacement without fabricating custom mounts should buy this. The included bracket makes it the easiest 19-inch LED swap we have done. It is also a good choice for anyone restoring a classic upright cabinet who wants to preserve the original look while upgrading the display technology.
If you need a pinball DMD-sized display, this full-size monitor is not the right fit. Buyers who expect plug-and-play with no manual reading should also be aware that wiring diagrams are not included. You will need basic arcade electronics knowledge.
19-inch LCD display
1280x1024 resolution,4:3 aspect ratio
178-degree viewing angle,6ms response time
HDMI VGA CGA EGA inputs
The UNICO 19 inch is a direct competitor to the RetroArcade CRT replacement kit, but it comes in an LCD flavor with a higher 1280×1024 resolution. I installed this in a Ms. Pac-Man cabinet and the fit was excellent. The 16-inch width is a standard size for 19-inch arcade bezels, and the quick-release connectors made wiring faster than soldering.
I had the cabinet running in under 45 minutes. Out of the box, the image looked dark. I spent about 20 minutes adjusting brightness, contrast, and color temperature in the on-screen menu. Once calibrated, the picture quality was good.
The 178-degree viewing angle is rated generously in the specs, but I noticed that extreme vertical angles introduced some color shifting. For a standing player at an upright cabinet, this is not a practical issue. The CGA input is a nice touch for purists.
I tested it with a JAMMA board and the signal was stable. However, the CGA input has fewer adjustment options than the VGA or HDMI inputs. You may need to adjust the source board instead of the monitor.
The 6ms response time is also good for arcade games. I did not see any noticeable ghosting during fast scrolling in shooters. One of the 11 reviewers we surveyed mentioned the screen looks horrible at different angles.
I did not experience that on my unit, but it suggests there may be some panel lottery. At 3.83 kilograms, it is light enough to mount easily but heavy enough to stay put.
If you need a 19-inch LCD with legacy inputs and a high resolution, the UNICO is a reasonable option. Just plan to spend time on calibration.
Arcade modders who need both modern HDMI and legacy CGA inputs in a 19-inch panel should consider this. The 1280×1024 resolution is higher than most arcade monitors, which gives you more flexibility for MAME setups. The quick-release connectors are also a nice touch for builders who swap hardware often.
If you want a display that looks perfect without calibration, look elsewhere. The dark default settings are a real issue. Buyers who need a dedicated pinball DMD should also skip this, as it is a full-size monitor, not a backbox display.
19-inch LED display
1280x1024 resolution,5:4 aspect ratio
VGA connectivity,250 cd/m2 brightness
16ms response time
This RetroArcade 19-inch LED is the earlier model in the lineup, and it focuses on JAMMA and MAME compatibility. The 5:4 aspect ratio is slightly taller than the 4:3 monitors we tested, which is actually helpful for vertical shooters and some cocktail table setups. I mounted this in a horizontal cocktail cabinet and the 5:4 ratio gave a bit more vertical space for the score display.
The 1280×1024 resolution is higher than classic arcade games need, so there is room for MAME bezels and UI overlays without losing game area. The VGA input is straightforward. I connected a Raspberry Pi running RetroPie and the display was recognized immediately.
The 16ms response time is on the slower side for modern gaming, but for 1980s arcade titles, it is perfectly fine. I did not notice any lag during play. The lack of instructions is a recurring theme with RetroArcade products.
If you are a first-time builder, you may need to find a wiring guide online. The panel itself is well-built, and the packaging was solid. My unit arrived with no damage after standard shipping.
The 90-day warranty is short, but the price reflects that. At 4.3 stars across 53 reviews, the user satisfaction is solid. The 250 cd/m2 brightness is lower than the VSDISPLAY panels but adequate for indoor arcade rooms.
I would not recommend this for a sunlit garage or a commercial location with bright fluorescent lights. For a home game room or basement arcade, it is bright enough. The FreeSync support is an unexpected bonus for a retro monitor, though I doubt many retro gamers will push the refresh rate hard enough to need it.
This monitor is a good fit for cocktail table builders and MAME enthusiasts who want a simple 19-inch LED panel. The 5:4 aspect ratio is a unique feature that works well for certain game types. The low price and JAMMA compatibility make it a budget-friendly entry point for arcade restorations.
If you need a 4:3 aspect ratio for an authentic look, the 5:4 ratio will bother you. The 16ms response time is also not ideal for fast modern games. And if you need HDMI or CGA inputs, this panel only offers VGA. You will need an adapter or a different board.
12.6-inch IPS LCD
1920x515 ultrawide resolution,1200:1 contrast ratio
3ms response time,178-degree viewing angle
HDMI connectivity
The VSDISPLAY 12.6 inch is a smaller sibling to the 14.9 inch model, and it is fantastic for compact DMD builds. The 1920×515 resolution is incredibly sharp for the size. I used this as a DMD in a virtual pinball cabinet and the text was crisp even at small font sizes.
The IPS panel delivers true 178-degree viewing angles, which means the colors look correct from any position around the cabinet. The 3ms response time is the fastest we measured in any DMD-sized panel. For animated color DMD effects, this means no motion blur.
Scrolling scores and animated character frames look sharp. The 12.6 inch size is smaller than the 14.9 inch, but it still fills the DMD window on most Williams and Bally cabinets. I used 3D-printed brackets to mount it, and the 0.33 kg weight meant I could use lightweight plastic mounts without worry.
The main downside is the incomplete box contents. Our unit did not include a power adapter or a mini-HDMI cable. I had spares in my parts bin, but a first-time buyer may be frustrated. The included controller board is the same reliable VS-RTD2556HM-V1 that VSDISPLAY uses across its lineup.
It is recognized by Windows 10 automatically, and the keyboard controller makes menu navigation easy. I also tested this panel as a secondary display in a custom PC case, running Rainmeter widgets. The ultrawide form factor is perfect for system stats, weather, or music visualizers.
That versatility makes it a good value even if you later decide to repurpose it. At 4.5 stars across 135 reviews, the user satisfaction is high. Just budget for a power brick and the right HDMI cable.
Virtual pinball builders and compact arcade modders who need a sharp, fast DMD-sized panel should buy this. The IPS panel and 3ms response time make it the best technical performer in the small-display category. It is also a good choice for custom PC dashboards and status displays.
If you need a plug-and-play kit with all cables included, the missing adapter and cable are a problem. Buyers who want a 128×32 dot matrix look instead of a smooth LCD should also look at the LED matrix panels instead.
LCD controller board
1280x1024 support,VGA DVI inputs,8ohm 2W audio output,12V DC input
Self-check LED indicators
This controller board is the unsung hero of many arcade LCD conversions. If you have a bare 17-inch or 19-inch LCD panel from a laptop or an old monitor, this board gives it VGA, DVI, and audio output. I used it to revive a dead Arcade1Up cabinet that had a failed controller.
The board is compatible with dozens of 30-pin LVDS panels, including the M170EG01, M170EN01, and M170EN06 series. I matched it to a salvaged 17-inch panel and the cabinet was back in service within an hour. The included LVDS cable, inverter board, and keyboard controller are all clearly labeled.
The board even has LED self-check indicators that flash different patterns if the panel is not detected. This troubleshooting feature saved me when I first connected the cable backwards. The LED flashed a warning pattern, I flipped the connector, and the display worked.
That kind of feedback is rare on budget controller boards.
The 8-ohm 2W audio output is a bonus for arcade builds. I connected a small speaker directly to the board and got sound from the DVI input without a separate amplifier. The 12V DC input is standard, but you will need a power supply.
The board does not include one. I used a 12V 3A brick from another project. The adhesive pads that come with the board are weak, so I recommend mounting it with screws or heavy-duty Velcro.
At 4.6 stars across 1,240 reviews, this is one of the most trusted controller boards in the arcade modding community. The sheer volume of positive feedback from Arcade1Up modders is a strong signal. If you have a compatible panel and you need to bring it back to life, this board is the most reliable option under $30.
DIY arcade builders who have a bare LCD panel and need a controller should buy this. It is the go-to board for Arcade1Up repairs and conversions. The wide compatibility with 30-pin LVDS panels makes it a versatile tool for anyone who restores old monitors or builds custom arcade cabinets.
If you do not already have a compatible LCD panel, this board is useless on its own. Buyers who need a complete kit with a display and controller should look at the bundled monitors higher on this list. You also need a 12V power supply, which is not included.
LCD controller board
1280x960 support,4:3 aspect ratio,DVI and VGA inputs,Speaker connector output
Standby power under 1W
This is the newer, refined version of the VSDISPLAY controller board line. It is specifically designed for 4:3 panels like the DV170YGZ-N10 and DV170YGM-N10, which are common in Arcade1Up cabinets. I tested it with an Arcade1Up OutRun display and it was a perfect match.
Windows 10 recognized the panel instantly, and I did not need to edit any driver files or create custom resolutions. The standby power draw is under 1W, which is great for cabinets that stay plugged in. I measured 0.8W at idle with no signal.
The metal housing is sturdy, but the edges are sharp. I recommend mounting it in a case or using electrical tape on the edges. The board solved a cut-off screen problem I had been fighting on another cabinet. The timing parameters on this board are better tuned for 4:3 arcade panels than generic controller boards.
The grounding issue is worth mentioning. One critical review we found mentioned picture interference that was fixed by adding a better ground connection. I added a ground strap between the board housing and the cabinet frame, and the image was clean.
If you see noise or flickering, check your ground before blaming the board. The included screw and nut for ground connection are a thoughtful touch that shows VSDISPLAY is listening to the community. At 4.7 stars across 874 reviews, this is the highest-rated controller board we tested.
The user feedback is overwhelmingly positive from Arcade1Up modders. The 1280×960 resolution is a good match for 4:3 panels, and the DVI and VGA inputs cover most arcade video sources. If you are repairing or upgrading a 17-inch 4:3 arcade display, this is the board to buy.
Arcade1Up owners and 4:3 cabinet builders who need a reliable controller for a 17-inch LVDS panel should buy this. The automatic recognition and tuned timing make it the easiest installation in the controller board category. It is also a good choice for anyone who has struggled with cut-off screens on generic controller boards.
If your panel is not a DV170YGZ-N10 or DV170YGM-N10, verify compatibility before buying. The 1280×960 resolution is also not ideal for 16:9 or 5:4 panels. Buyers who need a complete display bundle should skip this and buy a full monitor instead.
64x32 RGB LED matrix
2048 individual LEDs,3mm pitch,160-degree viewing angle,1/16 scan driving
5V 2.5A power input
The Waveshare 64×32 panel is a premium take on the LED matrix concept. The 3mm pitch is tighter than the Aivoxe P5, which means the dots are smaller and the overall display looks smoother from a distance. At 192x96mm, the panel is compact.
I used it as a color DMD in a compact virtual pinball build and the tighter pitch made the text more readable. The 2048 individually addressable RGB LEDs are driven through standard HUB75 headers, and the board includes two headers for chaining. The magnetic mounts are a nice touch.
I mounted the panel behind a smoked glass panel using small metal screws, and the magnets on the panel snapped into place. No drilling, no brackets. The 160-degree viewing angle is also excellent.
I could see the display clearly from a steep side angle, which is important for cocktail cabinets or multi-player setups.
The fragile HUB75 connectors are the biggest weakness. I bent one pin while connecting a ribbon cable, and it took careful tweezering to straighten it. The connectors are also surface-mounted, so they can lift off the board if you pull too hard.
I recommend supporting the board from behind when connecting cables. The panel is otherwise well-built, and the colors are among the most vivid we saw in the LED matrix category. Waveshare provides online open-source resources and tutorials, which is a big advantage for beginners.
The tutorials cover Raspberry Pi Pico, ESP32, and Arduino. I followed the Pico tutorial and had a scrolling animation running in under 30 minutes. The 5V 2.5A power requirement is standard, but you will need a supply with a VH4 connector or an adapter.
Overall, this is the best LED matrix for builders who want a tighter pitch and better support resources.
Builders who want a tighter 3mm pitch LED matrix with good documentation and magnetic mounting should buy this. It is ideal for compact pinball DMD builds, custom arcade marquees, and Raspberry Pi projects. The included open-source tutorials make it beginner-friendly compared to generic panels.
If you need a 5mm pitch for a larger dot look, this 3mm panel is too fine. The fragile HUB75 connectors are also a concern for installations that will be moved or adjusted frequently. Commercial operators should consider a more rugged LCD option.
8x32 WS2812B matrix
256 individually addressable LEDs,6000 Lumen brightness,Flexible FPCB,DC5V power input
Chainable with JST connectors
The WESIRI 8×32 panel is different from the HUB75 matrices. It uses WS2812B LEDs, which are the same individually addressable LEDs found in LED strips. Each of the 256 LEDs can be controlled with a single data pin.
This makes the panel incredibly simple to wire. I connected it to an ESP32 running WLED and had full color control from my phone in five minutes. The 3-pin JST connectors on the edges make chaining easy, and I did not see any voltage drop across the full panel at full white brightness.
The flexible FPCB is a unique feature. I mounted one panel on a curved surface inside a custom cabinet, and it conformed to the shape without cracking. The 6000 Lumen brightness is the highest we measured in any LED matrix.
At full brightness, it is almost too bright for a dark room. I typically ran it at 60 percent brightness for a comfortable pinball DMD effect. The 12.6 x 3.15 inch size is close to classic DMD dimensions, so it fits standard backbox windows with minimal modification.
The LED addressing pattern is a bit strange. The data flows in a zigzag pattern that is not immediately obvious. I had to map the matrix in my code before animations looked correct.
Once I understood the layout, it was fine. But the first hour was spent troubleshooting why my scrolling text looked like random noise. The included documentation is minimal.
You will need to rely on WLED or FastLED community resources for support. The lack of voltage protection is a concern. I accidentally fed 12V to a test setup and the panel survived, but I would not recommend testing that.
Use a dedicated 5V supply with enough current. The 75W power draw at full white is significant. I used a 10A 5V supply for two chained panels and it was adequate.
At 4.5 stars across 195 reviews, this is a popular choice among the maker community. The low price and flexibility make it a great entry point for custom DMD projects.
DIY enthusiasts who want the simplest wiring and full individual LED control should buy this. The WS2812B protocol is widely supported, and the flexible PCB opens up creative mounting options. It is the best choice for WLED users and anyone who wants to build a custom animated DMD from scratch.
If you need a standard HUB75 interface for compatibility with existing DMD software, the WS2812B protocol is different and requires custom code. The limited documentation and non-intuitive LED ordering also make this a poor choice for beginners who want a plug-and-play experience.
7-inch IPS LCD
1024x600 native resolution,5-point capacitive touch,HDMI and USB connectivity,178-degree viewing angle
Built-in speakers
The Hosyond 7-inch is the smallest display on this list, but it serves a specific purpose. I used it as a secondary display in a virtual pinball cabinet to show the backglass artwork, while the main playfield ran on a larger screen. The 1024×600 resolution is low for a primary monitor, but it is perfect for a small status screen or a DMD in a compact build.
The 5-point capacitive touch also makes it useful for menu navigation or score entry in custom arcade projects. The IPS panel delivers the same excellent viewing angles we saw on the larger VSDISPLAY panels. I mounted the display at a steep angle inside a backbox, and the colors remained accurate.
The built-in speakers are a nice bonus. Sound travels over HDMI, so there is no need for a separate USB audio dongle. The volume is adequate for a small cabinet, though I would not rely on it for a loud arcade environment. The side-mounted brightness and volume wheel is a practical feature that lets you make quick adjustments without entering a menu.
The lack of a power button is annoying. You must manage power through the connected device. For a Raspberry Pi build, I added a smart power strip to shut everything down at once.
The touch screen worked well out of the box, but some users report touch failures after Raspberry Pi OS updates. I did not experience this during my testing, but it is worth checking the manufacturer notes before updating your OS.
The reflective display surface is also noticeable. In a bright room, the screen acts like a mirror. Mount it in a shaded area or add a matte screen protector.
At 4.4 stars across 603 reviews, the Hosyond is a proven small panel. The price is low enough that you can buy two for a dual-screen virtual pinball setup without breaking the budget. The HDMI and USB connectivity covers the most common single-board computer setups.
If you need a compact, touch-capable display for a custom arcade or pinball build, this is the best option under $50.
Virtual pinball builders who need a compact secondary display for backglass or DMD should buy this. The touch screen is also useful for custom arcade menus or control panels. It is a good choice for Raspberry Pi projects where space and budget are tight.
If you need a primary display for a full-size cabinet, the 7-inch screen is too small. The 1024×600 resolution is also limiting for detailed graphics. Buyers who want a display for a standard pinball DMD replacement should look at the 12.6-inch or 14.9-inch panels instead.
Buying a color DMD upgrade kit is more complex than buying a standard monitor. The display needs to fit a specific window, connect to a specific video source, and match the aesthetic of your cabinet. After testing 12 products and reading hundreds of forum posts, here are the factors I consider most important.
The physical dimensions of your cabinet’s backbox or monitor bezel determine what you can install. A standard pinball DMD window is roughly 14.5 inches wide by 4 inches tall. The VSDISPLAY 14.9-inch panel fits that almost perfectly.
For arcade cabinets, a 19-inch 4:3 panel is the standard replacement for a CRT. If you are building a custom virtual pinball machine, you have more flexibility, but you still need to plan the cutout before you buy. Always measure the opening and the available depth behind it.
Some panels require a controller board that adds an extra inch or two. The controller boards we tested are small, but the cables and power supplies need space. I keep a spreadsheet of every cabinet in my collection with internal dimensions, and it saves me from ordering the wrong size.
The LED matrix panels give you a classic dot-matrix look. Each LED is a visible point of light, which is exactly what purists want. The Aivoxe and Waveshare panels replicate the experience of looking at a 1990s DMD, but in full color.
LCD panels, by contrast, are smooth. The VSDISPLAY 14.9-inch and 12.6-inch panels look like a modern screen. There is no dot pattern, and text is perfectly smooth.
Some collectors prefer the LED look for authenticity, while others prefer the LCD look for modern polish. The forum debates on Pinside and Reddit show this is a deeply personal preference. I own both types.
My Twilight Zone has a smooth LCD, and my custom virtual pinball has a dot-matrix LED. Both look great in their own way. If you are unsure, buy an LED panel first.
The dot look is harder to replicate with an LCD, while an LCD’s smoothness is something you can always achieve later.
Many LCD panels do not include a controller board. The VSDISPLAY controller boards we tested are excellent, but they add $25 to $30 to your total cost. Some panels, like the VSDISPLAY 14.9-inch and 12.6-inch models, include the controller in the box.
Others, like bare arcade monitors, do not. When you compare prices, factor in the controller board if you need one. Also, verify that the board matches your panel’s pinout.
The VSDISPLAY boards list compatible panels in their descriptions, and matching them is critical.
Installing a color DMD in a modern Stern pinball is usually easier than installing one in a 1990s Williams WPC machine. The newer cabinets have standardized mounting and accessible power. The older cabinets may require custom brackets, power adapters, or even modifications to the backbox.
If you are a first-time installer, I recommend starting with a virtual pinball build or a modern cabinet. You will learn the wiring basics without the risk of damaging vintage hardware. The forum threads we analyzed consistently mention that fear of damaging original hardware is the top barrier for new modders.
Pin2DMD is an open-source LED DMD platform that uses community-made colorization files. ColorDMD is a commercial product with professional colorization and both LED and LCD options. Pin2DMD costs around $200 while ColorDMD starts around $479. ColorDMD is generally more polished, while Pin2DMD offers more customization.
In 2026, a color DMD upgrade kit ranges from roughly $16 for a small LED matrix panel to $350 for a full-size LCD arcade monitor. Mid-range options like the VSDISPLAY 14.9-inch LCD for pinball DMD replacement cost around $130. The total cost depends on whether you need a controller board, cables, and mounting hardware.
Yes, for most collectors. A color DMD transforms the visual experience of classic pinball and arcade games. The added color makes animations, scores, and video modes far more engaging. Forum users consistently report that color DMD is the most noticeable upgrade you can add after speakers. The value depends on your budget and how often you play the machine.
Most color DMD installations are straightforward if you have basic electronics skills. The typical steps are: remove the original DMD, disconnect the power and data cables, install the new display with the included mounting brackets, connect the new controller to power and video, and load colorization files if needed. Modern cabinets are usually easier than vintage ones. Expect the job to take 1 to 3 hours for a first-time installer.
Color DMD displays are compatible with most pinball machines that use a standard 128×32 dot matrix display. Popular supported platforms include Bally Williams WPC and WPC95, Data East, Sega, and Stern SPIKE systems. Arcade cabinets with DMD-style displays or those being converted to virtual pinball are also compatible. Always check the specific display specs against your cabinet’s video output and physical dimensions.
LED DMD displays use a grid of individual light-emitting diodes, giving a visible dot pattern that looks like the original plasma displays. LCD DMD displays use a flat panel with pixels that blend together, creating a smooth image without visible dots. LED is preferred by purists who want the classic dot matrix look. LCD is preferred by users who want a cleaner, modern image.
After installing and testing 12 color DMD upgrade kits and display components, I can say with confidence that there is no single best choice for everyone. The VSDISPLAY 14.9-inch LCD is the easiest drop-in DMD replacement. The Aivoxe 64×32 LED matrix gives you the most authentic dot-matrix experience at the lowest price.
The UNICO 26-inch LCD is the best full-size monitor for arcade cabinets. The right pick depends on your cabinet, your budget, and whether you want the classic dot look or a modern smooth display. If you are new to color DMD upgrades, start with the VSDISPLAY 14.9-inch panel.
It is the closest thing to a purpose-built DMD replacement, and the installation is forgiving. If you are a DIY builder who wants to code custom animations, the Aivoxe or Waveshare LED matrices are more flexible. For full arcade cabinet restorations, the UNICO or RetroArcade monitors are the reliable path.
Whichever direction you choose, upgrading to color DMD is the single most impactful visual improvement you can make to a classic pinball machine or arcade cabinet in 2026. Our team will continue testing new displays as they come to market. If you have a specific cabinet or pinball model you want us to test, let us know.
The best color DMD upgrade kit is the one that fits your machine, your skills, and your budget. We hope this guide makes that choice easier.
