Hardware: Light Guns
Background
Light guns have been a popular accessory for playing arcade shooting games for many years. However, the availability and compatibility of light guns can vary depending on the arcade machine and the specific game you want to play.
Below are some options to consider, with links for some of the most popular light guns further down.
- GunCon: The GunCon (or G-Con) series of light guns from Namco was popular for games like "Time Crisis." These guns worked with CRT TV sensors to detect the gun's position on the screen. While they may not work with modern displays, they have maintained popularity as they can be modified with new components to work with PC and Raspberry Pi systems.
- USB Light Guns: There are USB light gun options available for use with MAME (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator) on a PC. These guns typically use a sensor bar or camera to detect the gun's position on the screen. Some popular options include the AimTrak Light Gun/Ultimarc AimTrak Light Gun.
- Wireless Light Guns: Some newer light guns are wireless and use Bluetooth or other wireless technologies to communicate with your gaming system. These can be more compatible with modern gaming consoles/PC's but often lack forced feedback (as they are powered by batteries).
Aimtrak
The Aimtrack has support from AtGames but can be configured to work with most PC and console systems.
Aimtrak
Blamcon
Blamcon is a 3D printable light gun system you can build yourself, or purchase kits and completed lightguns. Firmware is free and all functions are set are in gun so plug and play!
Blamcon
Fusion
An open-source option with community input, which includes 3D Printed Shells, PCBs, LED housings, DIY instructions & conversions of Retro Guns. Their guns are designed by gamers for gamers with 7 Buttons and a 4-way Joystick.
Fusion
GOB Custom
The Nobunaga is a custom-painted wireless IR lightgun with a rechargeable battery that features a pump action style rifle with rumble and blowback recoil. As the only smart lightun currently available, GOB has installed an OLED display with voice control and Alexa compatibility!
GOB Custom
Gun4IR
For those of you that like a project, you can build your own light gun with Gun4IR. Otherwise, purchase a new or modified one from their distributors.
Gun4IR
RetroShooter
This "new kid on the block" is gaining a lot of popularity in the light gun community using Pandora's box hardware. They have also released a MX24 sub-machine gun with 24v kickback/recoil.
Retroshooter
Sinden
The Sinden Lightgun software adds a thin border around your screen to calculate your aiming position.
Sinden
Wii
Here's some Youtube videos that cover using Wii remotes with Dolphin Bar sensors as your shooter.
Wii Remote/Gun
DIY Light Gun Resources
If you're tech-savvy, you can build your own Light Guns using Arduino or other microcontroller-based systems (some of which are above). This allows for customisation and can be a fun project for arcade enthusiasts, so we've added some links below to 3D-Printing sites and other resources.
So if you want to impress your mates, build one yourself and getting shooting with the rest of us lunatics!.
diylightgun.com
This is a handy site with a few options to build your own light guns using Samco firmware. While some of the pages are incomplete, it includes how-to guides with parts lists, 3d printing files and images. Some conversions are also covered.
diylightgun.com
Gun4IR Build Guide
This page covers some background information on the light gun scene with a detailed step-by-step guide for a Gun4IR GunCon build.
There's a detailed parts list and the guide also covers software setup and calibration.
Gun4IR Build Guide
Thingiverse
MakerBot's Thingiverse is the go-to site where the design community can discover, making and share their 3D printable things. This link will search for Gun4IR but try some other searches when you're on the site.
Thingiverse
Yeggi
Yeggi is the Google for 3d printing! It can be used to search all the popular locations (including Thingiverse) for Light Gun related content and accessories.
Yeggi
Warning:
Before purchasing or building a light gun, make sure it's compatible with the specific game or emulator you want to use. Compatibility can vary widely, so research is essential. Remember that the availability of light guns and their compatibility with specific games or systems can change over time, so always check for the latest information and user reviews before making a purchase. Additionally, consider your budget and whether you're looking for an authentic arcade experience or a more modern gaming setup when choosing a light gun option.
Light guns often require calibration to ensure accurate aiming so be prepared to spend some time setting up and fine-tuning your light gun for the best gaming experience!