Creating a Retrogaming console on Raspberry Pi

Turning your Raspberry Pi into a retrogaming console is a fun and nostalgic project. Thanks to software like Recalbox or RetroPie, you can play classic games on a single machine. Here's a detailed guide to help you get started.

Contents

1. Introduction
2. Equipment required
3. Preparing the Raspberry Pi
4. Installing Recalbox or RetroPie
5. Console configuration
6. Add Retro Games
7. Joystick configuration
8. Customization and Themes
9. Testing and adjustment
10. Conclusion

1. Introduction

A retrogaming console lets you relive classic games on a single machine. Using a Raspberry Pi and dedicated software, you can create a retro console capable of playing hundreds of classic games.

2. Materials required

• Raspberry Pi (model 3 or higher), we recommend this one: Raspberry Pi 4 Model B 2GB
• Card microSD (minimum 32 GB)
• Power supply for Raspberry Pi
• HDMI cable
• USB joysticks
• USB keyboard (for initial configuration)
• Internet connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)

3. Preparing the Raspberry Pi

1. Download Recalbox or RetroPie :
   • Download the Recalbox or RetroPie image from their official website.
   • Use a tool like balenaEtcher to burn the image onto the microSD card.
2. Insert microSD card :
   • Insert the microSD card into the Raspberry Pi and connect the keyboard, joysticks and HDMI cable to a display.
3. Starting the Raspberry Pi :
   • Connect the power supply and start the Raspberry Pi. Follow the on-screen instructions for initial configuration.

4. Installing Recalbox or RetroPie

1. Installing Recalbox :
   • Once you've started Recalbox, you'll be greeted by the EmulationStation interface. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the basic parameters.
2. Installing RetroPie :
   • After initial start-up, you'll need to configure the basic settings via EmulationStation. RetroPie offers a configuration menu for installing emulators and additional packages.

5. Console configuration

1. Configuring network parameters :
   • Connect your Raspberry Pi to the Internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet to access updates and additional packages.
2. System update :
   • Make sure your system is up to date. For RetroPie, use the "RetroPie Setup" option to update all packages.

6. Adding retro games

1. ROM transfer :
   • Connect to your Raspberry Pi via FTP or USB stick to transfer retro game ROMs. Folders for each console can be found in /home/pi/RetroPie/roms/ for RetroPie or in /recalbox/share/roms/ for Recalbox.
2. ROM formats :
   • Make sure ROMs are in a format compatible with installed emulators (eg. .nes for NES, .sfc for SNES).

7. Joystick configuration

1. Configuring game controllers :
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to configure your USB joysticks. You can also use Bluetooth controllers by pairing them via the configuration menu.
2. Adjust buttons :
   • Use the configuration menu to adjust the joystick buttons to your preferences.

8. Customization and themes

1. Customize the interface :
   • Recalbox and RetroPie let you customize the interface with different themes and skins. Download themes from the configuration menu or from dedicated websites.
2. Add ketadata :
   • Use a scraper to add cover images, descriptions and other metadata to games. This will make your interface more attractive and informative.

9. Tests and adjustments

1. Game testing :
   • Run several games to check that everything is working properly. Adjust video and audio settings if necessary.
2. Performance tuning :
   • If some games don't work properly, try adjusting the emulator settings or using another emulator for those specific games.

10. Conclusion

By following this guide, you now have a working retrogaming console with a Raspberry Pi. You can play hundreds of classic games and customize your console according to your preferences. Enjoy your retro games and feel free to explore the many customization options available!