Best way to make an "Arcane Trickster"

[The Pale King]

So yes Arcane Trickster is a prestige class that exists, but with the huge amount of options in Pathfinder I am wondering if there is a better way of making the concept of a magical rogue.

Or do you think the prestige class is the best way to go?

[Imbicatus]

A Telekinectist. TK has all of the defining Arcane Trickster tricks, and TK damage is about equal to a sneak attack, but it is actually useable at range.

[Ventnor]

The Archaeologist Bard archetype could also work. You're missing sneak attack, but its got all of the rogue utility abilities on top of illusion and charm spells which work thematically well with the whole Arcane Trickster idea.

[Dragonchess Player]

It depends on what you want out of a "magical rogue."

Alchemist (vivisectionist) can fill in handily; add the beastmorph archetype as well and you're even better in combat.

Various bard archetypes (archaeologist, archivist, detective, sandman) can all work, also.

Inquisitor can act as a divine version.

Investigator (especially the psychic detective archetype in Occult Adventures, which switches out alchemist extracts for psychic spells) is another option.

Slayer (stygian slayer archetype) can work as a combat focused "rogue" without actual spells, but with some spell-like abilities.

If you want the most powerful spellcasting, then brawler (snakebite striker) 1/rogue (or vivisectionist alchemist) 1/wizard 4/arcane trickster 6/arcane archer 2/arcane trickster +4/arcane archer +2 can get you spells as a 17th level wizard (9th-level spells), as well as +12 BAB, at 20th level. Also, with Imbue Arrow and Surprise Spells, you can pull off a Quickened true strike + Imbued Intensified Maximized detonate in the first round of combat: vs. flat-footed opponents, if you've been investing in Dex and initiative, to gain +7d6 Sneak Attack on the arrow and +7d6 Sneak Attack on the spell damage.

[ohako]

How about the counterfeit mage archetype? Or there's always the underground chemist for your 'sciency rogue' needs.

[The Pale King]

I hadn't even considered the telekineticist but that is a cool idea. They do lack in the skills department though.

Archaeologist Bard seems like a really good option, has everything you'd expect an Arcane Trickster to have.

What about the new Mesmerist class? Seems like it should be good for this.

[My Self]

Less arcane, but you could use an Unchained Rogue with the Bookish Rogue feat and the Major and Minor Magic Rogue Talents. Remember to pick up a 1st level wizard spellbook and Arcane Strike somewhere.

[avr]

Magical rogue can be any of a hundred things, even druid (plains druid + monkey domain) or barbarian (various rage powers). Seeker oracle or sorcerer can do it, there's a wizard school made for it, a couple of prestige classes, rangers are a bit light on magic but could fill the role ... it's a really common concept. What do you want exactly out of your magical rogue?

[Imbicatus]

My Self wrote:

Less arcane, but you could use an Unchained Rogue with the Bookish Rogue feat and the Major and Minor Magic Rogue Talents. Remember to pick up a 1st level wizard spellbook and Arcane Strike somewhere.

Minor Magic does not qualify you for arcane strike anymore, sadly.