Raspberry Pi Gaming thread - Cheap emulation and gaming projects

Rimshot said:
I'm thinking of trying to build something fun for my bonus 4 year old son, using the raspberry pi 3 that I have doing nothing at the moment. Thinking of either creating a table with a built in screen / controllers so that he can play games, or something else fun that allows him to watch cartoons or play somehow. I was therefore looking at some screens, and I see that there's an official raspberry pi 7" screen. I have a hard time trying to build a mental image of the size, and wonder if it won't be a tad on the small side?

And just out of curiosity, do you know any cool projects made with it? :)
Click to expand...

Reddit is a good place to look, also check OP:


Card Boy said:
What cool projects can I make with this?

Gaffer MRORANGE makes an RetroPie arcade cabinet
Gaffer MRORANGE also makes a RetroPie Cube
Some random guy puts a Raspberry Pi Zero in a McDonalds Gameboy toy
Same random guy puts a Raspberry Pi Zero in a Gameboy Advance
Raspberry Pi Zero in a original Gameboy
Gaffer Phawx makes a Raspberry Pi two Player Bar top
Raspberry Pi Zero in a SNES controller (Page 18 onwards)
Gaffer Jake from State Farm makes a Raspberry Pi powered Arcade machine
Gaffer suikodan turns an iCade into a Raspberry Pi arcade machine
Gaffers Rich! and anx10us turn Super Nintendo's into Raspberry Pi gaming machines.
Gaffer ankor77 makes a Raspberry Pi two player Bar top
Le Colonel makes a Popeye themed bartop arcade machine
.
Click to expand...
 
So I was scraping in emulation station.. Not only does it take an eternity, but there are enough errors that it makes the automatic process pointless unless you want mystery roms.

This wouldn't be much of a problem but for two things:

- After scrape, actual rom name is not shown, in favor of the name of whatever it thinks the game is

- You can't move forward or backward during a scrape.. So you can't just scrape separately a few that you doubt to be correct, and you can't just have it scrape for perfect matches or matches within 90 percent certainty, then do the rest manually or skip roms that don't seem to match.

Is it possible to scrape from PC before even putting roms onto pi? And if so, does that mean scraped info is stored with roms in rom folders?
 
Polioliolio said:
Is it possible to scrape from PC before even putting roms onto pi? And if so, does that mean scraped info is stored with roms in rom folders?
Click to expand...
Just looked at emulation station website, data is apparently stored into an XML files (waiting for an update that will use a SQLite database).

All details about the XML files (locations and structure) there:
https://github.com/Aloshi/EmulationStation/blob/master/GAMELISTS.md

Yes, you can do a scraping pass on a PC, and transfer it to the raspi (at any time)

You can also retrieve the file to correct it on your PC and move it back.

You can directly edit the file via ssh.

You can even use a PC to scrape the data while storing the results directly on the raspi (sshfs is a great tool)
 
Polioliolio said:
- After scrape, actual rom name is not shown, in favor of the name of whatever it thinks the game is

Is it possible to scrape from PC before even putting roms onto pi? And if so, does that mean scraped info is stored with roms in rom folders?
Click to expand...

You should be able to see the filename if you edit the metadata of the ROM. Should be at the top of the edit window above the current game title.

If you are using retropie, you can go into setup and add the scraper tool. Much quicker and a lot more reliable than the GUI scraper. I use the auto scraper and then use the GUI to finish up the handful that were missed.
 
derFeef said:
Hello all! I will join this party soon :)
Got my RaspberryPi and I plan to built it into a MadCatz Tournament stick (360/pc).
I read that there might be troubles and you need specific drivers, but other posts seem to suggest it should work out of the gate. Also conflicting results in 64gb sdcard support?
I also ordered two 8bitdos controllers. I had the chance to hold one today and wow they are amazing!

Anyway, so my first steps are:
Install RetroPi
Check if stick works
Check if it works with other controllers together
Then begin the huge part of modifying the stick (cables internally, give it usb ports and so on.)

edit: last post on page :(
Click to expand...

I'm using the 360 Madcatz TE and it works perfectly with Retropie out of the box.

I'm also using a 64GB SD. This Toshiba Exceria and had no issues.
 
WAR recon zero said:
If I buy this lcd screen, will it work with Recalbox out of the box, or with some tinkering, or not at all?

I see some drivers but those are for linux

http://articulo.mercadolibre.com.co/MCO-435711747-pantalla-tactil-raspberry-pi-32bb-lcd-touch-_JM
Click to expand...

With SPI/GPIO LCD's a bit of tinkering is needed, depending on the driver board this can either be pretty easy or just plain infuriating.

I've got two working so far:

2.4" spi lcd (cheap on ebay, 2.8" versiion should also work)
3.2" waveshare lcd (ebay, scarce now but look for clones.)

both run at 60fps

UPD0MsZ.jpg


If you do get that screen please tell us if it works, at 3.5" it would be a great LCD screen and it's pretty cheap on ebay.
 
anderoo said:
I'm using the 360 Madcatz TE and it works perfectly with Retropie out of the box.

I'm also using a 64GB SD. This Toshiba Exceria and had no issues.
Click to expand...

MRORANGE said:
- If the MadCatz is just a usb stick and not wireless then it should be fine.
- Some 64GB cards may not work, haven't really tried, I stick to 32gb usually.

Here are some arcade stick/pi ideas to get you started:

http://imgur.com/gallery/hAh0e
http://bencao74.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/arcadeforgede-pijamma-project-building.html
http://lifehacker.com/this-raspberry-pi-powered-arcade-stick-is-pre-loaded-wi-1481961115
http://jh-interact.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/raspberry-pi-based-4-player-arcade.html
Click to expand...

Thanks for the replies and links! :)
I am currently thinking. Somehow it would be neat to have a sole stick as a portable retro arcade, on the other hand I want to keep the sticks functioniality. I am currently checking what cables I need to wire it internally and how I would do the USB ports on the stick. Maybe I am just putting usb cables to the outside - which would be the uglier but easier version.
 
Scrapping is the weak point of Retropie. If the name has other characters, dont work. And sometimes find the wring game. And changing that is also slow. Really needs a web interface for that. I believe the nes Classic hack is doing a better job with that, at least for cover art.
 
Hey guys, I'm turning a second Pi I got into a PSX Retropie, or trying to anyway.

What's the max size sd card the pi can take?

And, if it can't take more than 32gbs(Which is what I have in it currently), then is there a way to load all games right off the USB, and a way to stop the Pi from auto-copying the games to the sd when the usb is plugged in?
 
Dragoshi1 said:
Hey guys, I'm turning a second Pi I got into a PSX Retropie, or trying to anyway.

What's the max size sd card the pi can take?

And, if it can't take more than 32gbs(Which is what I have in it currently), then is there a way to load all games right off the USB, and a way to stop the Pi from auto-copying the games to the sd when the usb is plugged in?
Click to expand...

Official max is 32. I am using a 64gb sandisk card. A 128gb card might work as well, but it seems that above 32gb some specific card models work and some dont.

You can play roms from a usb without copying. But AFAIK it's not a menu option - you will have to mess around with mounting the USB drive at the correct location and disabling the copying script.
 
Quick question. I installed retropie on a raspberry pi a few months ago and everything is working great. My gf fell in love with it and want it one for herself, so I bought one and just did an IMG of my sd card and installed that img on another sd card for her Pi. Now my issue is that hers doesnt have sound and I have no idea why.
 
Is there any way to enter the Wifi password without a keyboard?
My pi zero doesn't have built in wifi and there's only one usb port. The keyboard doesn't work plugged into a hub so I can't have both a wifi adapter and a keyboard plugged in at once.
 
Tealmann said:
Is there any way to enter the Wifi password without a keyboard?
My pi zero doesn't have built in wifi and there's only one usb port. The keyboard doesn't work plugged into a hub so I can't have both a wifi adapter and a keyboard plugged in at once.
Click to expand...

Try this:

Code: 
sudo nano /etc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant.conf

add this info to the bottom:

Code: 
network={
        ssid="<SSID of your wifi network>"
        psk="<the password for this network>"


then either reboot and see if it works, if not do this:

Code: 
sudo wpa_action wlan0 stop

sudo ifup wlan0


... it's probaly better to buy a usb hub tbh.

Lettuce said:
So these are a thing now for the RPi.....



be nice to hook the RPi up to CRTs
Click to expand...

Nice!cant SCART provide 5v power to the Pi by any chance from the TV ?
 
darksunpr said:
Quick question. I installed retropie on a raspberry pi a few months ago and everything is working great. My gf fell in love with it and want it one for herself, so I bought one and just did an IMG of my sd card and installed that img on another sd card for her Pi. Now my issue is that hers doesnt have sound and I have no idea why.
Click to expand...

You tried a clean install? Maybe just copy the roms and scrap files (images anx XML).
 
Hey, what sort of Starter Kit would you guys recommend in regards to making a Raspberry Pi Gaming Box? Also which distro would you guys recommend for one at this point in time? I want to build one, but I have not gotten the parts I need for it yet.
 
Dragoshi1 said:
Hey guys, I'm turning a second Pi I got into a PSX Retropie, or trying to anyway.

What's the max size sd card the pi can take?

And, if it can't take more than 32gbs(Which is what I have in it currently), then is there a way to load all games right off the USB, and a way to stop the Pi from auto-copying the games to the sd when the usb is plugged in?
Click to expand...

It can handle up to at least a 256gb card. I use a 128gb
 
Harlock said:
Scrapping is the weak point of Retropie. If the name has other characters, dont work. And sometimes find the wring game. And changing that is also slow. Really needs a web interface for that. I believe the nes Classic hack is doing a better job with that, at least for cover art.
Click to expand...

Are you using the selphs scraper or the emulsion station scraper? Don't use the emulation station scraper.
 
btrboyev said:
Are you using the selphs scraper or the emulsion station scraper? Don't use the emulation station scraper.
Click to expand...

I tried install the selphs scraper, but I got nothing found or something like that when I input: sudo /home/pi/RetroPie-Setup/retropie_setup.sh in the command line, after quitting the emulationstation.

But almost all my games has cover art by now. What the regular scraper dont find is Neogeo and Arcade.
 
Can anyone give me some tips on how to configure my Fighting Stick 3 in Recalbox for Mame? I booted up Street Fighter and all the buttons are wrong. I'm assuming I want:

1 2 3
4 5 6

But I don't know how that corresponds with the button configuration in Recalbox.
 
Iced said:
Can anyone give me some tips on how to configure my Fighting Stick 3 in Recalbox for Mame? I booted up Street Fighter and all the buttons are wrong. I'm assuming I want:

1 2 3
4 5 6

But I don't know how that corresponds with the button configuration in Recalbox.
Click to expand...

Does RecalBox use FBA? if so then this link will give you an idea on how to configure it.

I had the asame issue a year ago, since emulationstation mapped buttons across all platforms - even though they were in the wrong position.
 
So I am currently putting together a list of USB/HDMI jacks to built into my arcade stick.
I am facing a few problems during the planning phase here ;) I will go with Neutrik jacks since that's what everyone recommends and I have seen it being used in many stick mods.

5727538-8539234.jpg
Click to expand...

Now there are USB and HDMI jacks available, but no micro usb ones that I could use for the power adapter. The USB jacks are USB B on the inside so there is not a good way to convert a USB jack to micro USB power. (I hope that makes sense). Any ideas from you guys how I could provide power to the raspberry pi without too much tinkering?

edit, I guess it would not really work that way. Power adapter > miro USB to USB A > USB Jack > USB B to USB A cable > USB A to micro USB adapter > Raspberry PI.
I am not sure the 2.5A can be provided then? Seems a bit much ;)

edit2: I guess a more easy way is to just fixate the USB power cable and then hide it inside the cable try the stick already has.. that's not that elegant but way more hassle-free :)
 
Iced said:
Can anyone give me some tips on how to configure my Fighting Stick 3 in Recalbox for Mame? I booted up Street Fighter and all the buttons are wrong. I'm assuming I want:

1 2 3
4 5 6

But I don't know how that corresponds with the button configuration in Recalbox.
Click to expand...

Set the controls for FBA to arcade instead of Gamepad.
 
Guys i have an INCREDIBLY dumb question, can a normal pc/notebook motherboard do the same things that RPi do? I mean i see that most of the RPi projects rely on the GPIOs but i don't see GPIOs in normal MBs or did i miss them? Is there somthing else?
Sorry again for the dumb question but i know nothing about these things.
 
2+2=5 said:
Guys i have an INCREDIBLY dumb question, can a normal pc/notebook motherboard do the same things that RPi do? I mean i see that most of the RPi projects rely on the GPIOs but i don't see GPIOs in normal MBs or did i miss them? Is there somthing else?
Sorry again for the dumb question but i know nothing about these things.
Click to expand...

you will need an encoder, the I-PAC 2 is most commonly used, i think. but there are hacks for using the controller of an usb-keyboard for example
 
I''ve been interested in the RPi for a livingroom emulation box.

I see that it has no power switch, but I want a better way to power it on and off than just pulling the plug. It'd be hooked up via HDMI switch, and if it's powered on all the time, the switch won't auto-select other devices. What's the best way to be able to power on and off?

Also, for a total newbie, what's the best stuff to get for it, such as power supply, case and memory card?
 
Dezzy said:
I''ve been interested in the RPi for a livingroom emulation box.

I see that it has no power switch, but I want a better way to power it on and off than just pulling the plug. It'd be hooked up via HDMI switch, and if it's powered on all the time, the switch won't auto-select other devices. What's the best way to be able to power on and off?

Also, for a total newbie, what's the best stuff to get for it, such as power supply, case and memory card?
Click to expand...

Maybe a usb with a power switch?

https://shop.pimoroni.com/products/...t=1325260929&gclid=CP3UlvmDkdICFQ-3GwodWu0GoA
 
SweetChill said:
I've started down the rabbit hole of building a bartop. Does anyone have experience using these sanwa snap-in style buttons in a 1/2" MDF board?

9DvKChG.jpg


Are the tabs strong enough to hold the buttons firm?
Click to expand...

12mm is fine if it's mdf.

derFeef said:
So I am currently putting together a list of USB/HDMI jacks to built into my arcade stick.
I am facing a few problems during the planning phase here ;) I will go with Neutrik jacks since that's what everyone recommends and I have seen it being used in many stick mods.



Now there are USB and HDMI jacks available, but no micro usb ones that I could use for the power adapter. The USB jacks are USB B on the inside so there is not a good way to convert a USB jack to micro USB power. (I hope that makes sense). Any ideas from you guys how I could provide power to the raspberry pi without too much tinkering?

edit, I guess it would not really work that way. Power adapter > miro USB to USB A > USB Jack > USB B to USB A cable > USB A to micro USB adapter > Raspberry PI.
I am not sure the 2.5A can be provided then? Seems a bit much ;)

edit2: I guess a more easy way is to just fixate the USB power cable and then hide it inside the cable try the stick already has.. that's not that elegant but way more hassle-free :)
Click to expand...

are you looking for something like this? but a micro USB? I haven't come across one like you want. Ebay is the best bet for stuff like this.

Could you use a micro usb breakout board and then solder wires to it and power it through GPIO pins using 5v and GND?

Dezzy said:
I''ve been interested in the RPi for a livingroom emulation box.

I see that it has no power switch, but I want a better way to power it on and off than just pulling the plug. It'd be hooked up via HDMI switch, and if it's powered on all the time, the switch won't auto-select other devices. What's the best way to be able to power on and off?

Also, for a total newbie, what's the best stuff to get for it, such as power supply, case and memory card?
Click to expand...
kafiend said:
Maybe a usb with a power switch?

https://shop.pimoroni.com/products/...t=1325260929&gclid=CP3UlvmDkdICFQ-3GwodWu0GoA
Click to expand...

^^^ good option, bear in mind you should never turn off your pi directly with a switch as it will corupt the micro SD card over time and can cause damage to the Pi. There are Power switchres that use GPIO pins to send a shutdown signal that turns off the pi for you.
 
Yeah I thought about a breakout board, that may work for sure!
But I found out that the Tournament Edition stick has really tight space. WIthout heavy modding and removing almost all of the plastic inside it's going to be tough to fit everything in. Currently there is no chance of fitting the jacks and cables.
 
derFeef said:
Yeah I thought about a breakout board, that may work for sure!
But I found out that the Tournament Edition stick has really tight space. WIthout heavy modding and removing almost all of the plastic inside it's going to be tough to fit everything in. Currently there is no chance of fitting the jacks and cables.
Click to expand...

Hmm that's a tire it one, if you can't even fit breakout board I would honestly gut the stick and make me own enclosure out of wood or something.

Xater said:
Is it possible to edit the metadata for ROMs through that as well?
Click to expand...

Not yet.
 
I've been following this thread for a while now, and I think I'm interested in using this (or something similar) as the basis of a 2-player bartop arcade machine. I'm not really interested (nor do I have the space or tools) in cutting wood, though - are there any recommendations for a nice kit for a 2-player machine? It doesn't need to have a giant/heavy screen...just 2 players, and able to make use of a RPi3 or even similar small Android or Windows boxes.
 
captmcblack said:
I've been following this thread for a while now, and I think I'm interested in using this (or something similar) as the basis of a 2-player bartop arcade machine. I'm not really interested (nor do I have the space or tools) in cutting wood, though - are there any recommendations for a nice kit for a 2-player machine? It doesn't need to have a giant/heavy screen...just 2 players, and able to make use of a RPi3 or even similar small Android or Windows boxes.
Click to expand...

eBay: arcade cabinet raspberry pi

Will usually do the trick if you're just looking for a pre cut cabinet.
 
Is it possible to have Retropie / Recalbox write your saves to a dropbox or other online repository to create "cloud saves" between different pi's?

My girlfriend and I play a lot of old games together, and it would be awesome to be able to pick up our progress when we switch from her place to mine.
 
Are there any rumors on Pi 4 release? Thinking about getting one to tool around but figure might as well wait if 4 is around the corner.

Also, does anyone have a recommendation for a good case with a fan for cooling? Most that I saw off Amazon or couple other places were not great.
 
stangend77 said:
Is it possible to have Retropie / Recalbox write your saves to a dropbox or other online repository to create "cloud saves" between different pi's?

My girlfriend and I play a lot of old games together, and it would be awesome to be able to pick up our progress when we switch from her place to mine.
Click to expand...


Do t think there's is one for Dropbox yet, but there is one for google drive:
https://www.reddit.com/r/raspberry_...omate_nightly_backups_of_your_retropie_saves/
 
Got the Waveshare 3.5 ...... I would not bother getting it, cannot get 30fps stable without gltichign the device and the colour pallet just goes to fucking shit and back:

zpoUvzc.jpg

jIt67SW.jpg

TEVQmQu.jpg

uSSdTym.jpg
Click to expand...

It also seems really stretched for a 4:3 device, I am pretty sure the panel is a 16:10 aspect ratio.

Waveshare 3.2 is the best bet for portable screens then unfortunately.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

"Only in gaming" thread
2
65
2K
JustaStupidBoulder replied
PC gaming on the Cheap!
27
2K
Itchy Tickles replied
Useless recommendations for gaming thread
0
256
Ainem Enamas replied
Update on the two Far Cry projects - (Insider Gaming)
35
2K
Magic Carpet replied
People with atypical and limited gaming palettes
2
62
3K
m14 replied
Top Bottom