One look at the Raspberry Pi shows you that miniaturisation affects all facets of life — even retro gaming! With the Raspberry Pi 3, almost every retro gaming platform can be emulated, so why not build a dedicated, retro-themed game station to house it in?
“RetroPie”? What’s That?
Jan 11, 2019 - RetroPie is a great project and an asset to retro gaming enthusiasts like me. Setting up RetroPie is very easy, and if you've ever set up a.
If you want to play retro games on your Raspberry Pi, you have several options. The first is to install a single, standalone emulator, load up the ROMs, and play.
Another is to play games that actually run on the Raspberry Pi10+ Classic Games You Can Run on Raspberry Pi Without Emulators10+ Classic Games You Can Run on Raspberry Pi Without EmulatorsWant to play some classic games on your Raspberry Pi? These ten titles are available without using emulation. Grab them and you'll be playing in minutes!Read More, games that have been ported from Windows, for example. Classic FPS Doom can be run in this way.
The third possibility is to install an emulation suite, a collection of emulators available as a disk image. Several retro gaming platforms are available for the Raspberry PiRetro Gaming on the Raspberry Pi: Everything You Need to KnowRetro Gaming on the Raspberry Pi: Everything You Need to KnowThe Raspberry Pi has plenty of uses, but perhaps the most fun is playing classic video games. Here's everything you need to know about retro gaming on your Raspberry Pi.Read More. Among the most popular are RetroPie, RecalBox, and PiPlay (a Raspberry Pi-based version of MAME).
Below we’re going to show you a collection of retro game stations that mainly use RetroPie to load classic games. However, most of these examples will run just the same with RecalBoxInstall RecalBox on Your Raspberry Pi for Retro Gaming With StyleInstall RecalBox on Your Raspberry Pi for Retro Gaming With StyleWe'll show you how to set up RecalBox on a Raspberry Pi 3 and why you should bother, even if you already have a RetroPie setup.Read More, PiPlay, or any other emulation suite you care to mention.
Note: Downloading ROMs you don’t already own in physical form is illegal, got it?
Before we continue, check out how to build your own NES or SNES Mini with RetroPieHow to Build a Custom Raspberry Pi NES or SNES Classic Emulator With RetroPieHow to Build a Custom Raspberry Pi NES or SNES Classic Emulator With RetroPieLove retro gaming but can't afford the habit? Save cash on special editions---use a Raspberry Pi to play classic Nintendo games!Read More.
1. RetroPie Bartop Arcade Cabinet
We’ll start with this more traditional build. While all of the projects in this list are fantastic, you’ll probably want to at least consider a traditional-style arcade cabinet.
Essentially a half-height arcade cabinet with a Raspberry Pi inside, this build is perhaps the most polished we’ve seen. The use of a trim router to cut insertion slot for some T-Trim is particularly pleasing. And if you don’t want a bartop cabinet, this build can be easily adapted into a full size, standing cab.
Find the full guide at TheGeekPub.com. Meanwhile, MakeUseOf has produced a similar RetroPie bartop buildWeekend Project: Build a RetroPie Arcade Cabinet with Removable ScreenWeekend Project: Build a RetroPie Arcade Cabinet with Removable ScreenRead More.
2. Retrobox All in One Arcade Joystick
What if you don’t want a static game station? You might not have the skills, or the materials, to build something so big. You have plenty of alternatives, including this, the Retrobox. Essentially, this is a Raspberry Pi in a box with an arcade machine-style controller and buttons attached.
The idea is simple — you connect it to a HD TV, power up the Retrobox, and start playing! It doesn’t end there, as the box affords access to the Pi’s USB ports. Add some USB game controllers to the mix and you’ve got a multiplayer gaming system in your hands! And if would like to use the controller on other games, you can. The Retrobox has its own USB cable, and can be plugged into other consoles.
Find the full steps at Howchoo, including a link to the parts and the very useful drilling templates.
3. MintyPi: Mobile Gaming in a Tin!
A portable Raspberry Pi gaming machine in an Altoids tin! This build really has everything, including a rechargeable battery. You’ll need a Raspberry Pi Zero W for the best results (it should work fine with the none-wireless version of the Pi Zero, however).
This is a long build, requiring some custom-built pieces that can be ordered online (see the link below). You’ll also need a few 3D printed components, the 2.4-inch LCD, and the all-important Altoids tin. The result is a fantastic little retro gaming portable console that is small enough to slip into your pocket. I mean, what’s not to like?
Don’t miss the full set of instructions to build your own MintyPi.
4. Raspberry Pi Arcade Table
Back in the day, there were several types of arcade machine housing. While the stand-up variety has endured for decades (predating the digital era), sit-down machines — essentially tables — were popular for a time. These are basically tables with glass surfaces and an up-facing monitor, with a joystick at each side for two-player action.
Some great original “cocktail arcade” machines have been built for RetroPie use (working originals sell for thousands on eBay), such as this example from Instructables.
Cocktail arcade tables are a great way to have a machine in your home without arousing suspicion. There are many ways to build these, from grabbing decrepit originals from eBay to repurposing an existing table!
5. Arcade in a Briefcase
Sadly, there’s no instructions for this one, but we’re confident you’ll be able to make your own version. After all, there’s not much building required — all you need is a display, and a suitcase!
It’s unlikely you’d be able to power this with a battery, sadly, due to the size of the screen. However, if a power supply is available, opening and handing out controllers will make a great portable gaming party.
You’ll probably find that some internal structure is needed for this, so you’ll need to make some detailed plans.
6. The Cupcade: A Micro Arcade Machine
If you want to go small, then the Cupcade is the way to go. This is a micro arcade machine, sold in kit form, which you can find online at Adafruit (unavailable at the time of writing). But even if you can’t get hold of one of these kits, there’s enough here to prove that a RetroPie gaming station doesn’t have to be a six-foot cabinet!
BONUS!
Think the Cupcade is small? Think again! The World’s Smallest MAME Arcade Cabinet was the result of a hacking session, and is incredibly small… about the size of a Pi Zero.
While it’s not available to buy, it should give you plenty to think about. In short, the possibilities for Raspberry Pi retro gaming machines are endless!
7. RetroPie in a Portable DVD Player!
Another awesome portable Raspberry Pi arcade gaming project! This game station is basically a Raspberry Pi squeezed into an old portable DVD player. After all, building an arcade game station with RetroPie shouldn’t just mean using wood. Repurposing existing devices is just part of the fun!
The portable DVD player form factor is compact and lightweight, making this fantastic build resemble a laptop computer. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a battery, so you’ll need to plug in to enjoy some gaming action.
This project is a challenge, and isn’t recommended for amateur builders. Following the example in the video will need a good electronics knowledge. However, the results speak for themselves. If you don’t want to go through the build process, you can still emulate the Amiga on your Raspberry PiHow to Emulate the Commodore Amiga on a Raspberry Pi Using AmibianHow to Emulate the Commodore Amiga on a Raspberry Pi Using AmibianWant to relive the days of Amiga video games? Here's how to get started with a Raspberry Pi and the Amibian operating system.Read More.
And just like you can kit out your RetroPie device, you can kit out the software itself. Using RetroPie’s alternative themesHow to Install New Themes on RetroPie for an Awesome New LookHow to Install New Themes on RetroPie for an Awesome New LookBored with the default look of your RetroPie gaming system? Apply one of these awesome RetroPie themes to give it new life.Read More, you can also give the software itself a new awesome look.
Feeling inspired by these builds? Or did you build your own Raspberry Pi-based gaming station? Share your own RetroPie (or PiPlay, RecalBox, etc!) game station in the comments.
Image Credits: Roger Braunstein Via Flickr
Explore more about: Arcade Game, Raspberry Pi, Retro Gaming.
- Try Instructables.com or arcadecab.com
Considering their inability to meet consumer demands, one might think that Nintendo uses ground unicorn horn in the manufacturing of their hardware. Perhaps you were unable to get your mitts on a SNES or NES classic. Or maybe you are just thinking the price tag is too high for paltry 20-some-odd games. Well, there IS another option.
For less than the cost of a Nintendo classic system, you can build a Raspberry Pi system that'll play all the retro games your heart could possibly desire. I built my own and slapped that puppy in an old NES case and it's everything I hoped it would be and more. I have it loaded with every NES, SNES, Master System, and TurboGrafx game ever released. Quite simply, I love this handcrafted retro gaming powerhouse and you can have one as well.
The following article hopes to help guide you down the path to your first Raspberry Pi retro emulation system.
Note: There a myriad of ways to get your system up and running. This is simply the method that most reliably and repeatedly works for me.
What you need
- A Raspberry Pi: Either the Raspberry Pi 2-B or the Raspberry Pi 3-B.. The biggest difference between the two is that the 3-B has built-in Wi-Fi and the 2-B does not.
- A Micro SD card: I use a 32GB SanDisk which affords me all the space I need. If you order from Amazon, it's suggested that you choose an SD which is listed as 'Ships from and sold by Amazon.com' to avoid inferior counterfeit cards.
- A micro USB power supply to power your Raspberry Pi. You can even pick one up with a built-in power button for easy on and off.
- An HDMI cable to hook up to your TV or monitor.
- A USB Keyboard for use during setup.
- A USB game controller: You don't have to, but it just doesn't feel real unless you have the right controller. Of all the USB controllers I have tried the Buffalo Classic has the best feel I have encountered thus far.
- A case to house your Raspberry Pi: I actually modified an old NES case to serve as mine but you can use something as simple and as low profile as this. If you're looking for something with a bit more retro flair but you're not ready to mod an original case you could pick an awesome retro-styled case from Amazon. You can get the NESPi Retroflag case for only $25, which features a functional power button and USB ports where the original case had controller ports. If you like the look of the SuperNES, then you can get yourself a Kintaro SNES case for a mere $15.
On your computer: Setting up the image on the SD card
- Go to https://retropie.org.uk/download/ and download the 'Raspberry Pi 2/3' image. Make sure to remember where you save it!
- Go to https://etcher.io/ and download the correct version for your system, then install. I prefer Etcher for its simple interface and compatibility with Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- Open up Etcher and click Select image.
- Navigate to where you saved your RetroPie image and select it.
- Next click Select drive.
- Choose your SD card (Make sure you select the correct drive letter. You don't want to write your OS drive with an image of Retropie!) Then click continue.
- Click the flash button.
It will take a few moments but once it's done writing you will have an SD card that's ready to roll!
On the Raspberry Pi: Initial setup for your RetroPie
- Insert your newly flashed micro SD card into your Raspberry Pi.
- Connect the network cable to your Raspberry Pi.
- Plug an HDMI cable to your Raspberry Pi and then to a TV or monitor.
- Plug your USB controller into your Raspberry Pi.
- Finally, plug your micro USB power supply into a wall outlet and to your Raspberry Pi. Your Raspberry by will now begin its first boot.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to configure your USB controller.
On the Raspberry Pi: Setting up your Wi-Fi connection
If you are not going to hardwire your system to the internet, now is the time to set up your WiFi. You are going to need a USB keyboard to do that so go ahead and plug your keyboard into your Raspberry Pi.
- Navigate to the Retro Pie configuration page.
- Scroll all the way down to the bottom and select the Wi-Fi option.
- Next select Connect to Wi-Fi Network.
- Now select the network you wish to connect to.
- You will then be prompted to enter your Wi-Fi password. This is where you will need that USB keyboard.
- Once you have connected to your network, be sure to take note of your IP address.
Adding the games
Your new Raspberry Pi/RetroPie system comes with all the emulators you could need pre-installed. Emulators use things called ROMs in order to boot and play games. Think of ROMs as the modern-day equivalent of a game cartridge. No cartridge, no games, so you are going to have to load up your system with all the ROMs you want to play. Now, I can't tell you exactly where to pick up ROMs but if you have at least marginal google-fu skills you should have no problem finding a resource that'll fulfill all your needs.
There are a few different methods of moving ROMs onto your system. My favorite method is to use RetroPie Manager. It allows you to move ROMs from the computer you downloaded them with directly onto to your Raspberry Pi using your computer's browser.
On the Raspberry Pi: Enabling RetroPie Manager
The first thing you are going to need to do is to enable RetroPie Manager on your Raspberry Pi.
- Navigate to your settings menu on your Raspberry Pi and select Retropie Setup.
- Select Manage Packages.
- Select Manage experimental packages.
- Scroll almost to the bottom and select Retropie manager.
- Select Install from source. Your system will now run a script which will download and install Retropie manager for you.
- Once it has completed select Configuration/Options.
- Select Enable Retropie Manager on boot.
- Finally, reboot your system.
Back on your computer: Moving the ROMs
The computer you are going to be using needs to have all your ROMs and it needs to be on the same network as your Raspberry Pi.
- Open the internet browser of your choice. In the address bar, enter the IP address of the Raspberry Pi which you noted earlier followed by ':8000'. The address should look something like; 192.168.X.XXX:8000. This will take you to the RetroPie Manager page. There is all sorts of interesting and helpful data here, but for now, all you need to do is…
- Click on Manage Rom files for emulated systems.
- Here you will find all the emulated systems on your Raspberry Pi. Select the system you would like to add ROMs for and click on it.
- Now all you have to do is drag and drop your ROMs into this window. Easy Breezy!
- Once you have all your ROMs loaded onto your system, give your Raspberry Pi a reboot and you're all ready for a retro gaming party to beat the band.
Any questions?
Let us know in the comments below!
Updated August 2018: Added some awesome retro-styled cases for your RetroPie!.
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