To be honest.. I am a RPi noob as well.. (seriously)...
Arduino based stuff.. I have a MUCH better handle on... but RPi.. I just follow along on the posts made in forums..
Its actually quite easy..
quick and dirty summary:
Get an RPi
Download the RetroPi 'image' to the SD card
Download the game ROMS of your choice
Transfer (upload/drag-n-drop) ROMS to the RPi folders (there are specific folders for specific game types, MEME, Arcade, NES..etc)
plug into TV
plug in controller
RE-LIVE YOUR CHILDHOOD! LOL
Seriously.. its not much more difficult than that to get started.
When you want to map out certain buttons for certain games.. or add support for 2 players...etc you need to go in an edit a config (text) file...
The guys here at work have done it.. (and they are not techy at all).. they havent went the full ARCADE cabinet route with joystick/screen....
They just did the above.. plugged in a USB NES controller and used their HDMI tvs in the living rooms! LOL
The laser cutter aspect I understand.. However.. there are MANY MANY members here with one or access to one..
-AND-... most areas (in the US) have a Makerspace fairly close they can use if need be.
I dont mind helping a few people out!
I have no doubt you'd be able to set up a system like this! Its pretty much already been mapped out.. and they even have a whole FORUM dedicated to just RetroPi based stuff..
Been around for a few years now.. and they have only made it easier!