Among the many functions attributed to the Raspberry Pi, Thank you to your various operating systems, we also find that it is a versatile emulator.
Gaming in low-cost terminals is a difficult matter, since most titles today require a high-capacity computer, and the Raspberry Pi definitely does not fall into that category.
However, what it lacks in power It makes up for it in versatility and diversity of consoles and titles that you can emulate using its dedicated operating systems., turning it into an arcade machine with which you will have hours of entertainment.
What do I need to create an arcade machine with Raspberry Pi?
Speaking very generally, the Raspberry Pi needs certain peripherals to function properly. These change depending on the function to which we want to adapt our Pi.
In the event that you decide to adapt your mini computer as a recreational console, you are going to need a few key elements:
- Raspberry Pi (any model is supported, but the older ones have less emulation power, we recommend the Raspberry Pi 4).
- System of refrigeration.
- Feeder current.
- Micro HDMI cable (with HDMI adapter if necessary).
- MicroSD card, class 10.
- Command console.
- Internet connection (LAN or Wifi).
As an option, you can buy a case for Raspberry Pi adapted for arcade Or, if you have the knowledge and the tools, make your own cabinet to adapt the knobs and buttons to give your retro console a more polished and eye-catching look.
Learn step by step how to create a micro arcade machine with RecalBox on a Raspberry Pi from scratch
This operating system focused on playing games is one of the most popular options for retro gamers with a Raspberry Pi. It is an OS that contains a wide variety of emulators that will allow you to take your Pi to a new retro level.
Let’s see next:
Download the RecalBox files
On the official page of RecalBox.com you can get the ZIP file with the official file of the operating systemMake sure you select the correct version for your Raspberry Pi model. As soon as the file is downloaded, extract files until you only have the image file (ISO).
Format your Micro SD and Install
Download and install the writing assistant Balena Etcher or Win32 to be able to write the RecalBox image to your MicroSD card. Once the files are on your computer, all you have to do is open the tool, select the RecalBox file, select the MicroSD and press the button “To write” for the OS to be installed on the card.
Download Balena Etcher for Windows
Download Balena Etcher for Linux
Download Balena Etcher for MacOS
Start your Raspberry Pi
As soon as the OS is written to the SD card, You just have to insert it into your Raspberry Pi, connect the controller, the microHDMI cable and the power supply. As soon as it starts, wait for the automatic settings to complete before adjusting the controls on your controller. Open the options by pressing the button “TO” and follow the instructions to set up the controller.
Transfer your games
Through the system of remote transfer from local network, you can transfer all your files from your computer to your Raspberry Pi. To do it correctly, you must make sure that your PI is connected to the same network as your PC.
Press “Windows + R” on your computer and type your IP address like this:
\direccionIP
So you can access shared folders on your Raspberry Pi and transfer all your files.
We show you how to create a micro arcade machine with Retropie on a Raspberry Pi fast and easy
Retropie is a Linux-based operating system for the Raspberry Pi that It contains a large number of emulators and will allow us to turn our Pi into a retro one console. Now we will explain step by step how to download, install and configure Retropie on your mini device.
Let’s see:
Download Retropie
Only download and install required “Raspberry PI Imager” from the official website of the manufacturer. When it’s fully downloaded, you need to run the app. Later, instead of selecting Raspberry PI OS, you must select Retropie as the default operating system.
Download and run Balena Etcher
Etcher is an installation wizard that will help you host the Retropie operating system on your MicroSD card. It’s as simple as running it and following the instructions. Select Retropie file, select the MicroSD on your computer and click “Flash”. With that, the program will write the operating system on the MicroSD on its own. Now, connect your Raspberry Pi.
Once the SD is flashed and the operating system installed, insert the card into your Raspberry Pi, connect the controller (it must be a cable for the first configurations), connect the micro HDMI cable to your screen, and connect the Raspberry Pi to the power. Immediately, the configuration starts automatically, and then the main menu of Retropie in which a configuration window will appear that will ask us to calibrate the remote by pressing the indicated buttons.
Set the WLAN connection region
If you have one Raspberry 3B +, You must have the region configured to be able to use the Wi-Fi functions. If this is the case, select the option “And it is” to open settings, select “Localization Options” and set the option “WLAN country” in which you must choose the country in which you are located to define the Wi-Fi network channel. Once done, Retropie reboots automatically.
Transfer your roms to Retropie
The most comfortable ways to transfer files to Retropie is by remote transfer via Wifi network. To do it over Wi-Fi, you must press and hold the button “TO” on the remote to access the Retropie settings, and select the option “Wifi”A panel will appear with the available Wi-Fi networks and the IP address of your Pi, which you must write down. Connect to the Wi-Fi network of your choice and enter the Wi-Fi password with a USB keyboard.
Go back to your computer and press “Windows + R” to open the window “Run”, then write the IP address of your network, for example “\IP adress” and press “Run”, which will show the shared folders of our Raspberry Pi. All you have to do is paste the ROMs in their corresponding folders, that is, the NES ROMs to the NES folder, the SEGA ROMs to the SEGA folder and so on.
For PS1 games, it is necessary to download the BIOS files and transfer them in the same way to the folder called BIOS on the Raspberry Pi. Once the games are in their respective folders, press the button “Start” on your controller, select the option “Quit” and select “Restart emulationstation”. With this, we restart Retropie, and as soon as it starts again, We will be able to see the entrances to all the emulators for the games that we have available.
These are the steps to create an arcade machine with Batocera on a Raspberry Pi mini pc
Batocera is another option available to Raspberry Pi users to turn your mini computer into a retro home console, Batocera is functional for all Raspberry Pi models, although its latest version is focused on improving the Pi4’s performance.
Go for it:
Download the file from the Batocera page
On the official website of Batocera.org you can find the operating system file. All you have to do is download it and unzip it if necessary until you have the Batocera image file.
Flash your SD card with Etcher / Win32
Insert your SD card into the computer using an adapter and use a writing tool to prepare it. Programs like Etcher or Win32 they will allow you to install Batocera on your MicroSD. After installing either tool, all you have to do is select the image file, select the Micro SD drive and hit write.
Plug in your Raspberry Pi for the first start
Insert the Micro SD card into the computer, connect the necessary peripherals, turn it on and wait automatic adjustments to be made. When you’re ready, you need to open the settings (usually by pressing “TO”) and configure the controller controls. Batocera has a few games pre-installed by default, but the next step is to fill your library of games.
Transfer games
The simplest way to perform file transfer is via local network connectionl.
If your Raspberry Pi is connected to your internet through Wifi via ethernet cable, you just have to enter the computer, open the “Run” window and write the IP address of your Raspberry Pi as follows:
\direccionIP
This will open the shared folders where you can download all the game files. You must transfer each ROM in the folder of its corresponding emulator. After transferring, restart Batocera by pressing the button “TO” to open the settings, press the option “Quit”, later “Restart system”.
List of the best Raspberry Pi Kits to create arcade machines from scratch like an expert
Now what you know how to turn your Raspberry Pi into a console for your favorite retro games, the next step is to make it look like one, and for that, in the online market you can find a wide variety of options in terms of cases and peripherals.
Now we present three options to choose from to give your console that retro look you are looking for:
Scratching SNES Classic
Is about an attractive and nostalgic set for your Raspberry Pi. Although it is beautiful, its main attraction is to appeal to the player’s nostalgia, since It’s a pretty simple set that includes the Raspberry Pi 3 and a Super Nintendo Classic themed case. It does not include a memory card, controls, or power cables, which adds to the cost of having to get these accessories separately.
LABISTS Raspberry Pi 4 Complete Starter Kit
If what you are looking for is a more powerful alternative, This kit is the right choice as it includes a Raspberry Pi 4 with a processor capable of emulating ROMs from consoles such as PS2, PSP, Sega Saturn and other demanding games.. Box includes heat sinks to help with cooling, a fan, and a 32GB Micro SD card with NOOBS installed, which will make it easy to program an operating system suitable for your purposes.
V-Kits Raspberry Pi 3 Model B + (B Plus) Retro Arcade Gaming Kit with 2 Classic USB Gamepads
This little kit is one of the best options to get your Raspberry Pi ready. Combine quality and price by offering the Raspberry Pi 3B +, two Super Nintendo-themed USB controllers for your Pi, and all the necessary accessories to put it to work. It also includes the micro HDMI cable, a 32GB Samsung MicroSD card and a Super Nintendo themed case. In summary, this kit is the perfect option if you are looking to prepare your Raspberry Pi from scratch without having to order the components separately.