Raspberry Pi Gaming thread - Cheap emulation and gaming projects
- Thread starter Card Boy
- Start date
I was considering what you said earlier about controllers freezing Emulation Station, and I think the PS3 bluetooth connection is what was freezing my Pi. I had it running all day at work, running a PSX game, and it gave me no trouble, not a single freeze. When I got home, and connected the PS3 controller wirelessly, it freezes the pi after about 15 minutes, every time. Sometimes in game (any game, not just PSX), sometimes at the menu. Then I removed PS3 controller configuration from the Retropie setup menu and it stopped the frequent freezing altogether.
Kind of a bummer, I want to have an arcade machine that you can pick up a PS3 controller and use if you want. I hope they fix this.
Here is a reddit thread of a few people experiencing the same issue:
https://www.reddit.com/r/RetroPie/comments/4b6wmw/psx_games_freeze/
Psycho Echidna
Member
yes I hear you ... glad you found the root cause though.
However as long as I have a wireless controller ( NES30 ) and can switch to my Saturn pads I am fine ... the BT pairing was frustrating !!
However as long as I have a wireless controller ( NES30 ) and can switch to my Saturn pads I am fine ... the BT pairing was frustrating !!
My whole bluetooth submenu in Retropie is broken now. My PS3 controller can still connect but I can't register any other bluetooth devices.
Edit: apparently Sixad (the service that runs the PS3 controller connectivity) disables the default bluetooth services.
I uninstalled sixad (sudo apt-get remove sixad), rebooted and the default bluetooth thingie worked again.
Linux is hard.
Edit: apparently Sixad (the service that runs the PS3 controller connectivity) disables the default bluetooth services.
I uninstalled sixad (sudo apt-get remove sixad), rebooted and the default bluetooth thingie worked again.
Linux is hard.
Psycho Echidna
Member
yes it's a pain specially with all those emul layers on top ( Retropie, ES and add Sixad on top )
Having troublem with Retroarch, everytime I go into the RGUI and try to use the online updater to update cores, it completely ruins the ability to use controllers in games.
I'll be working on figuring that out this week.
Cool build, the Gamecube will finally be good for something.
I'll be working on figuring that out this week.
Cool build, the Gamecube will finally be good for something.
I'd like hook my Pi2 up to CRT display but I'm not sure of what the discrepancy between PAL and NTSC displays (I'm in the UK).
I think more recent CRTs sold in the UK probably support 60hz but I wasn't sure. Is there a good way of identifying this when shopping around in most likely, second-hand shops?
I also remembered that a lot of later CRT displays were flat instead of curved, I'd think this would be personal preference for a lot of people but is there a consensus on what looks better? I'm leaning towards a 4:3 curved display hopefully, 21 inches.
I think more recent CRTs sold in the UK probably support 60hz but I wasn't sure. Is there a good way of identifying this when shopping around in most likely, second-hand shops?
I also remembered that a lot of later CRT displays were flat instead of curved, I'd think this would be personal preference for a lot of people but is there a consensus on what looks better? I'm leaning towards a 4:3 curved display hopefully, 21 inches.
I will do, thanks!
MiketheBSG
Member
I must comment on this.
So updated my Retropie from V3.0 beta 3 to 3.6. I had done a lot of work to get my Pi running the way I wanted, so I didn't feel the need to have to update.
Raspberry Pi 3 came out, and in order to run Retropie on it I had to update, so I was compelled to go ahead with the update. I mentioned earlier that I followed directions, updating the script, then doing a binary install, but this led to the white screen of death. Fortunately, I backed up my work (or I would have been really upset).
Anyway, I decided to do a fresh install, then just load my content back from USB, and man, there are soooooo many welcome changes:
-Setting up Wi-Fi through Retropie instead of needing to use command lines (though I do appreciate doing this to learn some coding).
-Configuring the controllers in Retropie automatically configures controls in all emulators....this has been huge, particularly with the N64 as I have had problems in getting my N64 pad to work. I haven't configured my PS3 controller yet but I've heard wonderful things about getting these to work now.
-N64 emulation....while still not perfect, they added a video plugin that makes text readable now. I was obsessed about that latest N64 plugin and wanted to know if it would ever come to Retropie, or if there was a way to get it working on it. While whatever Retropie did isn't the plug-in I hoped for, they did update the plug-ins and emulators to make it easier to pick and choose, and I was able to play some games and see the text now, or even run better. Hopefully we aren't too much farther away from decent N64 emulation, as tough as it is.
So updated my Retropie from V3.0 beta 3 to 3.6. I had done a lot of work to get my Pi running the way I wanted, so I didn't feel the need to have to update.
Raspberry Pi 3 came out, and in order to run Retropie on it I had to update, so I was compelled to go ahead with the update. I mentioned earlier that I followed directions, updating the script, then doing a binary install, but this led to the white screen of death. Fortunately, I backed up my work (or I would have been really upset).
Anyway, I decided to do a fresh install, then just load my content back from USB, and man, there are soooooo many welcome changes:
-Setting up Wi-Fi through Retropie instead of needing to use command lines (though I do appreciate doing this to learn some coding).
-Configuring the controllers in Retropie automatically configures controls in all emulators....this has been huge, particularly with the N64 as I have had problems in getting my N64 pad to work. I haven't configured my PS3 controller yet but I've heard wonderful things about getting these to work now.
-N64 emulation....while still not perfect, they added a video plugin that makes text readable now. I was obsessed about that latest N64 plugin and wanted to know if it would ever come to Retropie, or if there was a way to get it working on it. While whatever Retropie did isn't the plug-in I hoped for, they did update the plug-ins and emulators to make it easier to pick and choose, and I was able to play some games and see the text now, or even run better. Hopefully we aren't too much farther away from decent N64 emulation, as tough as it is.
i'm sure I'm missing something pretty simple here but this is my first time with a Raspberry Pi. I just got the 3 and was able to muddle my way through the NOOBS install and then the RetroPie install. I'm in the Retropie main screen and configured my controller (an 8BitDo) Unfortunately, I didn't setup the bluetooth on the Pi so I can only use the 8BitDo with the usb cable. Is there an easy way to configure the Bluetooth and the controller while it's plugged in or do I have to find some other way?
Psycho Echidna
Member
BT has to be configured wirelessly ... no easy way around. Good luck it's a journey.
I'd also question why you used NOOBS ? Are you going to use the RPI for anything else ? If its just for emulationstation, imho you woudl be better to download the full retropie image, rather than NOOBS ..
Try going to the Retropie menu, going to Retropie Setup, and Updating the Retropie Setup Script, this will let you pair bluetooth while retropie is installed. The 8Bitdo controller requires a lot of extra work to get running, but if you need to enter commands at a console, just press F4 to close Emulationstation. You can relaunch it by typing "emulationstation" into the console and pressing enter.
Are there instructions for that?
Yes, I was unaware that emulationstation and NOOBS were two different OS's and needed to be their own thing.
Thanks
MiketheBSG
Member
So, after and upgrading to the Raspberry Pi 3, I'm starting to get some pretty solid N64 performance.
First off, it appears the reason why N64 games run crappy is because the Retropie defaults the frame buffer resolution to 640x480. The N64's native resolution is 320x240. By simply going to options before a game loads and changing the buffer resolution to 320x240 made a DRASTIC improvement in performance of N64 games. I had Goldeneye working pretty good for the most part (there were some graphical glitches later in the game, but it ran pretty good). Donkey Kong 64 ran flawless.
Also, I FINALLY figured out how to get my N64 controller to work with the Mupen64 emulator. Even though Retropie's Emulation Station GUI's controller configuration automatically maps the controllers of all emulators, for some reason, Mupen64 switched some of the buttons around. Going into the controller configuration and manually changing the buttons corrected the issue. Thanks TechTipsta of YouTube!
First off, it appears the reason why N64 games run crappy is because the Retropie defaults the frame buffer resolution to 640x480. The N64's native resolution is 320x240. By simply going to options before a game loads and changing the buffer resolution to 320x240 made a DRASTIC improvement in performance of N64 games. I had Goldeneye working pretty good for the most part (there were some graphical glitches later in the game, but it ran pretty good). Donkey Kong 64 ran flawless.
Also, I FINALLY figured out how to get my N64 controller to work with the Mupen64 emulator. Even though Retropie's Emulation Station GUI's controller configuration automatically maps the controllers of all emulators, for some reason, Mupen64 switched some of the buttons around. Going into the controller configuration and manually changing the buttons corrected the issue. Thanks TechTipsta of YouTube!
Kinda new to this, trying to FTP into my Pi to add some bios files in for Neo Geo and GBA. But the server keeps refusing connection.
Got the ip from the pi and did Ui and P: raspberry.
Are there any other steps I am missing?
Try the instructions here, use WinSCP and try SFTP (secure ftp)
https://github.com/retropie/retropie-setup/wiki/First-Installation
In my opinion an easier way is to simply browse on your network from Windows or Mac and you should see the retropie on the network, it runs SMB so the shared folders should be available, essentially you don't even need an ftp client.
Wow I didn't even think to check the shared folder. Im on a mac and there it is right in the finder. All the vids I found on youtube were using filezila ftp. Thanks a lot!
MiketheBSG
Member
FileZilla is a neat app though.
Oh yeah, and last night I FINALLY got some CPS2 games (Capcom's finest) to load and work properly. Using FBA, which is awesome.
Trying to get Killer Instinct to work now. That's been giving me issues.
Also, one year later, I still can't get TurboGraphx-CD games to loan on my Pi.
Again, N64 emulation IS working on the Pi 3. I saw a post earlier stating there were much if any improvements, but I have observed clear improvements. I think part of the problem is them at for some reason the Pi makes the crappiest N64 emulator the default emulator when you first use it. You just gotta change it.
Oh yeah, and last night I FINALLY got some CPS2 games (Capcom's finest) to load and work properly. Using FBA, which is awesome.
Trying to get Killer Instinct to work now. That's been giving me issues.
Also, one year later, I still can't get TurboGraphx-CD games to loan on my Pi.
Again, N64 emulation IS working on the Pi 3. I saw a post earlier stating there were much if any improvements, but I have observed clear improvements. I think part of the problem is them at for some reason the Pi makes the crappiest N64 emulator the default emulator when you first use it. You just gotta change it.
You're welcome ;-)
Which emulator do you suggest to switch to, I can never make my mind up !!
MiketheBSG
Member
I have been using Mupen64plus-GlideN64 and Mupen64plus-rice. They both work the best.
I have been getting great results for multiple games.
I honestly don't know why the Retropie/EmulationStation devs opted to have the lr-mupen64 emulator the stock one. It just makes people think the Pi can't handle N64. I guess due to the Retroarch interface.
Well, after my initial excietment of seeing the Pi in the finder, I tried connecting and that failed. Now the Pi has disappeared from the finder.
I have file sharing active on my mac, do I need to do anything on the Pi end?
Should work automatically to be honest.
Try rebooting the Pi and login into OSX again - Ethernet also highly recommended.
Optional but tricky:
If you can SSH into it and give it a fixed IP that would be helpful.
Or just use your router to give it a fixed IP address.
Blergmeister
Member
I have my Pi 3 setup and running pretty good. I've ripped my own PSX games and have been running them. I named my Final Fantasy games Final Fantasy VII (Disc 1), etc. The problem is that the scraper won't pick this up. Its easy with Resident Evil, but with multi disc games like FFVII and MGS what do I name each disc such that the scraper will pick them up?
Thanks!
Thanks!
MiketheBSG
Member
I do have a question for you guys.
I see that Netplay (online multiplayer) is an option on the Retropie where you can directly connect to another player. Has anyone actually tried to see how well this works? Are there any videos online of t? (I can't find any).
I see that Netplay (online multiplayer) is an option on the Retropie where you can directly connect to another player. Has anyone actually tried to see how well this works? Are there any videos online of t? (I can't find any).
MiketheBSG
Member
So no one has tried peer-to-peer online multiplayer on the Pi?
Also, with the Raspberry Pi Zero out, I wonder if we will start finding kits and solutions to build even more portable Retropie handheld systems.
Also, with the Raspberry Pi Zero out, I wonder if we will start finding kits and solutions to build even more portable Retropie handheld systems.
Diablohead
Member
I think that will happen more if a zero 2 comes out, right now the zero has performance issues with snes games and anything above that, it's only really good for GBA, MD and the lower 8-bit systems and handhealds.
This is one of the best Retropie handheld projects I've seen so far. Really looking forward to him posting build notes and hopefully step-by-step instructions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMhTMgDHGaM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMhTMgDHGaM
Diablohead
Member
that is really great, no way I have the tools or skill to make my own though.
MicroByter
Member
That one is really cool. I wish I had something the size of the zero when I did mine. I have a build log for mine if anyone is interested:
https://superpiboy.wordpress.com/
I actually have been messing with it again and added a potentiometer for volume control. I wanted to put one in when I first built it, but never got around to doing it.
MiketheBSG
Member
I saw this video. That it way too cool. I want a handheld Pi soooo bad.
Diablohead
Member
My zero lives in the cupboard when i'm not using it so yes, but I shut down the emulation station in software first otherwise it will forget any changes I may have made if I just yank the usb power.
MiketheBSG
Member
O.......M.........G.........
Indeed, I have an old Gameboy but cant get a zero anywhere for love nor money ;-(
MiketheBSG
Member
I'm very lucky where I live. We have a Micro Center that sells them. They know what's going on though...they limit the $5 price to one per customer per visit. If you want two, you have to pay $10.
The Zeros always sell out, but there's a lot that comes with a Zero that it seems no one realizes it comes with a Zero, so it never sells.
MiketheBSG
Member
Oh my gosh. I was finishing up my Retropie project, just had a few systems of games I needed to scrape, then as I was scraping, it kept not finding any game data. I went to the Twitter page for TheGamesDB and they have apparently been down for nearly a week now with no signs of coming back online. Why, why now?
I hope the Retropie folks are coming out with an alternative.
I hope the Retropie folks are coming out with an alternative.
blast processed
Member
I always shut it down. Most of the time I shutdown from in the software, if I'm rushing I just flip the switch.
MiketheBSG
Member
I think it's just personal preference.
Honestly, last night, I watched a demonstration of Recalbox for the first time, and it literally had the exact same interface as Retropie. You wouldn't have been able to tell the difference between the two unless you saw little key differences.
One thing I think Recalbox has ahead of Retropie right now is the option for background music, so when you are on a system, you could maybe make it play music specific for that platform. I thought that was pretty cool.
BTW, TheGamesDB is still down.....argh!!!!! Can it just be up for like 5 minutes? I'll be happy.
floatstarpx
Member
Camelthepope
Member
This is neat! Looking to get into it when I get back from my current deployment.
MiketheBSG
Member
Yeah, it went back up shortly after I posted that. I also found an alternative. I'm good to go. Thanks!
For those still waiting to grab a RPi Zero:
https://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=63&t=144165&p=951137#p951076
https://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=63&t=144165&p=951137#p951076
A quick update.
Raspberry PI Zero production is restarting in Wales next Monday after a hiatus to allow us to focus on Raspberry Pi 3 (a million units built and counting). We have placed 250ku of new orders, and are aiming to produce at least 50ku/month for the rest of this year. Distribution will continue to be via Pimoroni, Pi Hut, Adafruit and Micro Center for now.
To thank you for your patience, we've taken advantage of the hiatus to add a (much requested) new feature. I'll leave you all to guess what it is (it's not WiFi).
blast processed
Member
What is this alternative you speak of?