You’ve installed RetroPie on your Raspberry Pi, and tried out a few classic games. But something’s not right—it’s not how you remember. Perhaps the game is slow or jerky; maybe the controller isn’t working quite as you expect.
The truth is, while setting up RetroPie is straightforward, there’s more you can do to get the most authentic retro gaming experience. Use these five tips to get the more out of your Raspberry Pi’s retro gaming suite.
Here’s a walkthrough to make the best RetroPie build. Okay, obviously that is a subjective statement. There are thousands of different options available to those wanting an all inclusive retro gaming system. From full blown arcade cabinets powered by gaming PCs running “Hyperspin”, to tiny adorable Raspberry Pis running RetroPie. Connect a wired USB controller (or keyboard) You'll need to use a wired device to navigate the RetroPie UI and update the Raspberry Pi's configuration to accept your new bluetooth controller. Connect a wired gamepad or keyboard. Then, connect your Pi to your display and boot it up.
No Raspberry Pi Retro Gaming System Is Perfect
If you’re looking for a way to run retro games on your Raspberry Pi, you have several options.
First, you could employ individual emulators. Second, you could use special builds of Raspbian that focus on a specific platform. For instance, you can run the Amiga-based Amibian on the 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.
However, if you’re looking for a more in-depth experience, perhaps a retro gaming suite will suit you better.
Several of these are available:
- RetroPie
- RecalBox
- PiPlay (formerly known as PiMAME)
- Lakka
- Pi Entertainment System (PES)
You can use each of these to manage the emulation of multiple retro platforms, from the classic Atari 2600 to the Sony PlayStation. Our look at everything you need to know about retro gaming on the Raspberry Pi explains more.
While the following tips are intended mainly for use with RetroPie, they should also work for the alternatives.
1. Are You Using the Right Raspberry Pi Model?
The first element to check is whether your Raspberry Pi device is up to the task.
Specifically, consider these two points:
- Can the emulator run reliably on your Raspberry Pi?
- Is the platform you’re attempting to emulate within the capabilities of the Pi?
For example, the original Raspberry Pi can emulate MAME and other 16-bit platforms with ease. The same goes for 8-bit systems. But it can’t emulate later devices, limiting the choice of games you might want to revisit.
![Usb Usb](/uploads/1/2/3/8/123832088/265912402.jpg)
Conversely, the Raspberry Pi 2 and later can emulate the Sega DreamcastHow to Play Dreamcast Games on Raspberry Pi With RetroPieHow to Play Dreamcast Games on Raspberry Pi With RetroPieIf you want to emulate Dreamcast games on Raspberry Pi, you can't use RecalBox. Here's what you need to do instead.Read More thanks to the Reicast emulator, while the Raspberry Pi 3B+ can run the Nintendo 64 and Sony PSP, albeit with some performance issues.
The takeaway here is that you shouldn’t expect too much from the Raspberry Pi when it comes to emulation. Stay within the computer’s hardware limit: currently emulators for platforms released before 2000.
Be sure your Raspberry Pi computer is up to the job of emulating the games you want to play.
2. Use the Right Emulator
Sometimes, games that you believe should run (even if checking online confirms this) simply won’t. Various issues can cause this. The game ROM might be unstable, or created with additional software (or requirements) that the emulator cannot handle.
While many emulators are included, you don’t have to stick to the default option for a particular platform.
Most emulation suites will give you the option to switch to a different emulator. For example, in RetroPie, you can open RetroPie Setup > (P) Manage Packages > Manage optional packages, and browse the list of alternative emulators. Use the Install from Source option when you find the emulator you want to try.
Running multiple emulators for the same platform shouldn’t cause you any problems. It will, however, give you an additional option if software refuses to boot.
3. Find an Authentic Controller
Enjoying classic games doesn’t just mean loading them up with an emulator. You wouldn’t play a Nintendo Wii game with a keyboard, would you? No, you would want a Wii Remote to relive that console’s gaming experience.
The same is true of titles from the 20th century. MAME arcade games will play better with a joystick and six buttons; a Commodore 64 title is best with a standard one-button joystick.
While some classic gaming platforms have been graced with USB versions of their classic controllers, others have not. Your best bet is to check online for a suitable converter, enabling classic joysticks and joypads to connect to the Raspberry Pi via USB.
Or you could just build your own classic style joypad, using a kit like this one from SJJX.
SJJX DIY Arcade Game Button and Joystick Controller Kit for Rapsberry Pi and Windows,5 Pin Joystick and 10 Push Buttons 822a mix blackSJJX DIY Arcade Game Button and Joystick Controller Kit for Rapsberry Pi and Windows,5 Pin Joystick and 10 Push Buttons 822a mix black Buy Now On Amazon
It’s best to rely on USB controllers too, especially on older versions of the Raspberry Pi. If you must use a Bluetooth controller, ensure your Pi has Bluetooth built-in (such as the Raspberry Pi 2 and later).
4. Is Your Pi’s Power Supply Up to the Job?
So many people suffer from overall poor performance on their Raspberry Pi due to a poor power supply. Forget about grabbing the nearest mobile phone charger and hoping for the best. Emulation often requires a lot of power, which means connecting your Raspberry Pi to a reliable AC adapter.
Many alternatives are available, but you’ll get the best results with the official power supply from the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
Distributed By MCM Official Raspberry Pi Foundation 5V 2.5A Power Supply WhiteDistributed By MCM Official Raspberry Pi Foundation 5V 2.5A Power Supply White Buy Now On Amazon $14.14
Power issues can cause hangs, forcing you to manually reboot and unintentionally corrupt the SD card. Avoid this with a reliable 5V supply.
5. Overclock Your Raspberry Pi
Finally, if you want really good performance, and perhaps a boost to the frame rate, your best option is to overclock your Raspberry Pi.
Unlike other computers, overclocking is built into the Raspberry Pi as a feature. All you need to do is upgrade to the latest version, then edit the config.txt file in the boot directory. Amend this with new values for the computer’s clock speed, save and reboot, and you’re done.
Once overclocked, however, you might well encounter further performance issues. This is why cooling is so important. You have several options available for cooling a Raspberry Pi5 Cool Ways to Keep Your Overclocked Raspberry Pi 3 Chilled5 Cool Ways to Keep Your Overclocked Raspberry Pi 3 ChilledWith all the cool stuff you can do with a Raspberry Pi, it's no surprise they can get a bit hot. Here are the best ways to cool them down.Read More, from heatsinks and fans to liquid cooling.
RetroPie Performance Issues Checklist
As long as you’re using an emulation platform that is supported by the Raspberry Pi, these tips should help you to get the best out of RetroPie (or whichever suite you’re using).
Keep the following as a handy checklist when you run into trouble retro gaming on your Raspberry Pi:
- Use the best Raspberry Pi model for your emulator
- Switch emulators if a game doesn’t work
- Choose an authentic joystick or controller
- Give your Pi a reliable power supply
- Overclock for enhanced performance
Once you get these problems ironed out, you’ll be ready to install your Raspberry Pi into your retro gaming center build. Not sure where to start? Our look at arcade machine builds for RetroPie will help you out.
Remember, you’re not limited to retro gaming. It’s possible for you to even play almost any video game on your Raspberry PiHow to Play Almost Any Video Game on a Raspberry PiHow to Play Almost Any Video Game on a Raspberry PiWhat if you could play a massive selection of games---past and present---using a Raspberry Pi? Here's everything you need to know about it.Read More! Take a look at how to build an 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 for one cool idea.
Explore more about: Performance Tweaks, Raspberry Pi, Retro Gaming, RetroPie.
- Wow!!!
Thanks for the review, this tool is cool!!!
Controller Options.... Updated 12/25/16 with better bluetooth info!!! These are the best controller options that I have found: ► The highest quality USB Controller that only costs about $15 - SNES USB controller, but has a cheesy 'Buffalo Classic' logo on the front (there are plenty of others on Amazon that don’t have a logo, but have a “cheaper” feel). It is my favorite to use because of its high quality feel, but not the prettiest for sure. (These are frequently out of stock due to high demand. The next best alternative is here.) ► The Logitech F310 is another very good USB controller that can be used for pretty much any game including N64 and Playstation One, because it has analog sticks. Build quality is high on this one. • Note that you MUST have Michael's build 4.1.5 in order for this controller to work properly. Either update it on your own using the instructions here or contact Michael and he can switch memory cards with you. (Make sure that the switch on the back is set to 'X' and not 'D'. It will be set to 'X' out of the box.) • You can also buy the Logitech F710 if you want the wireless version of this controller. It is bulkier and more expensive, but you don't have to deal with the hassles of Bluetooth since it has a USB dongle. ► The best original NES USB controller I have found (but note it only has 2 buttons, so cannot be used for most emulators). Only get this one if you want an original NES controller for 'retro' sake. Otherwise buy one of the options above. ► I highly recommend buying a USB extension cable so that you can sit on your couch and still play without being to close the the system. This is a high quality 6-foot 2-pack: ► You can also use a USB keyboard. You will actually need one for navigation menus inside the “Retropie” application if you change any settings, etc. “Enter” and “Esc” work inside the retropie menus and Emulation Station inside my latest build. Spacebar is mapped to 'Start' in my build. ► NES30 Bluetooth controller that looks just like an original NES controller, but adds enough buttons to play SNES, Genesis, and all arcade games. This one will work for almost every emulator, except PSone. It works partially inside of N64. • Press the Start button for 3 seconds to power the unit on or off. ► NES30 Pro Bluetooth controller that looks similar to the original NES, but adds several buttons, analog sticks, and rounded edges (note that this controller is finicky, but it looks very cool) • Press any buttons to power this one up (do not press the small power button on the underside as described in the user manual since that doesn't work consistently for me unless the USB cable is plugged in to charge). • DO NOT press the power button on the underside for more than 8 seconds or it will wipe the memory. • Note that this controller doesn't always connect back to the RetroPie unit if it times out due to inactivity. You will need to manually reconnect it as shown below. User Manual (using Joystick Mode but ignore the power up as noted above) WARNING - Bluetooth controllers are a little finicky. Power them on before you power on the RetroPie unit. If they don't connect, then you will need to force a connect by going to the RetroPie menu, select Bluetooth, select 'Connect to all registered devices'. So, I recommend that you only use these if you have some technical skills. Otherwise, stick to USB controllers. ► Matricom Gpad XYBA Bluetooth controller that resembles a PS4 controller. Very good build quality, but the buttons are a little slow for fast action games. Connects to Bluetooth much quicker and more reliable than the 8bitDO NES30 ones. • Press the mode button (big 'M' in center) for 2 seconds to power up or 5 seconds to power down. It will also power down automatically when you turn off the RetroPie. Also note that it powers down fairly quickly if you leave it alone, but will reconnect to the RetroPie quickly if you power it up again (unlike the NES30 ones). • For initial Bluetooth pairing, hold A while powering up the unit. • NOTE- If you are adding this one manually (or using a build prior to 4.1.5) then you MUST update the Gampepad.cfg file because this controller does not work properly inside games when you add it through Emulation Station. So if it doesn't work inside of games, but it does inside the menu system (Emulation Station), then download Gamepad.cfg from here, connect your Retropie to WiFi and copy the downloaded Gamepad.cfg to this location RETROPIEconfigsallretroarch-joypads and say yes if it asks you if you want to overwrite the existing file. ► You can configure a PS3 controller to work, but it will “break” the device so that you can’t use any other Bluetooth controllers since Sony uses a proprietary Bluetooth stack. I haven't done this, but here are instructions if you want to try. |