RetroPie Setup Guide 2026: From Zero to Retro Gaming Hero

There’s something magical about firing up classic games from your childhood on a tiny computer that fits in your palm. I’ve built more retropie raspberry pi systems than I can count—arcade cabinets, handheld consoles, living room setups—and the process never gets old. This comprehensive retropie tutorial takes you from complete beginner to fully operational retro gaming station.

Whether you’re chasing high scores on Pac-Man, speedrunning Super Mario Bros., or rediscovering PlayStation classics, this retropie setup guide covers everything you need to transform your Raspberry Pi into the ultimate gaming machine.

What is RetroPie?

Before diving into the retropie setup process, let’s understand what we’re working with.

RetroPie is a free software package that transforms your Raspberry Pi into a retro gaming console. It combines several powerful open-source projects into one cohesive system:

Component	Function
EmulationStation	The visual front-end (menu system)
RetroArch	Multi-system emulator framework
Individual Emulators	System-specific emulation (MAME, Mupen64, etc.)
RetroPie Setup Script	Configuration and management tool

When you boot a RetroPie system, you see EmulationStation—the attractive game browser interface. When you launch a game, RetroArch or a standalone emulator takes over to run the actual game.

Key Terminology for Beginners

Term	Definition
Emulator	Software that mimics another system’s hardware
ROM	Digital copy of a game cartridge or disc
BIOS	System files some emulators need to run
Core	RetroArch’s name for individual emulator modules
Scraper	Tool that downloads game artwork and descriptions
Frontend	The visual menu system (EmulationStation)

Choosing the Right Hardware

The Raspberry Pi model you choose significantly impacts which systems you can emulate smoothly.

Raspberry Pi Model Comparison for RetroPie

Pi Model	Best For	Max Emulation	Notes
Pi 5 (4GB/8GB)	Power users	PS2/GameCube (limited)	Manual install required
Pi 4 (4GB)	Most users	Dreamcast/PSP	Sweet spot for price/performance
Pi 4 (2GB)	Budget builds	N64/PS1	Sufficient for most retro gaming
Pi 400	Desktop setups	Same as Pi 4	Built-in keyboard
Pi 3 B+	Basic retro	PS1 (some games)	8/16-bit consoles perfect
Pi Zero 2 W	Portable builds	SNES/Genesis	Low power, compact

My recommendation: The Raspberry Pi 4 with 4GB RAM offers the best balance. It handles everything through PlayStation 1 flawlessly, runs most N64 and Dreamcast titles, and costs around $55.

Complete Shopping List

Component	Minimum	Recommended	Purpose
Raspberry Pi	Pi 3 B+	Pi 4 (4GB)	The brain
MicroSD Card	32GB Class 10	64GB+ A2 rated	OS and game storage
Power Supply	5V/2.5A (Pi 3)	5V/3A (Pi 4)	Stable power crucial
HDMI Cable	Any	Micro-HDMI for Pi 4/5	Display connection
Case	Basic	Heatsink case	Cooling for extended sessions
Controller	Any USB gamepad	8BitDo/Xbox/PS controller	Game input

Controller Options for RetroPie

Choosing the right controller enhances your gaming experience dramatically.

Controller	Connection	Best For	Price Range
8BitDo SN30 Pro+	Bluetooth/USB	SNES-era games	$45-50
8BitDo Pro 2	Bluetooth/USB	Multi-system	$50
Xbox Wireless	Bluetooth/USB	Modern feel	$50-60
PS4 DualShock	Bluetooth/USB	PS1 games	$40-60
iBuffalo SNES	USB	Authentic SNES	$15-20
Logitech F310	USB	Budget option	$15-20

Pro tip: Wired USB controllers eliminate input lag and pairing hassles. Bluetooth works well but requires initial setup.

Installation Methods: Pre-Built Image vs. Manual Install

You have two paths to getting RetroPie running on your Pi.

Method 1: Pre-Built Image (Easiest)

RetroPie provides ready-to-flash images for Pi 0/1, Pi 2/3, and Pi 4. This is the recommended approach for most users.

Supported Pi models: Pi 0, 1, 2, 3, 3B+, 4, 400

Not supported (pre-built): Pi 5 (requires manual install)

Method 2: Manual Installation (Required for Pi 5)

For Raspberry Pi 5 or users who want the latest updates, install RetroPie on top of Raspberry Pi OS.

Method	Difficulty	Best For
Pre-Built Image	Easy	Pi 4, Pi 3, beginners
Manual Install	Moderate	Pi 5, latest features

Step-by-Step RetroPie Setup (Pre-Built Image)

Let’s walk through the complete retropie setup process using the pre-built image method.

Step 1: Download Raspberry Pi Imager

1. Visit raspberrypi.com/software
2. Download Raspberry Pi Imager for your computer (Windows, Mac, Linux)
3. Install and launch the application

Step 2: Flash RetroPie to Your SD Card

1. Insert your microSD card into your computer
2. Open Raspberry Pi Imager
3. Click “Choose Device” → Select your Pi model
4. Click “Choose OS” → “Emulation and game OS” → “RetroPie”
5. Select the version matching your Pi (Pi 4/400, Pi 2/3, etc.)
6. Click “Choose Storage” → Select your SD card

Important: Click the gear icon to configure:

• Set hostname (e.g., “retropie”)
• Configure Wi-Fi credentials
• Enable SSH for remote access
• Set username and password
• Click “Write” and wait for completion
• Safely eject the SD card

Step 3: First Boot

1. Insert the SD card into your Raspberry Pi
2. Connect HDMI to your TV/monitor
3. Connect your controller or keyboard
4. Connect power

RetroPie boots to the EmulationStation welcome screen.

Step 4: Configure Your Controller

On first boot, EmulationStation prompts you to configure a controller:

1. Hold any button on your controller to begin
2. Follow on-screen prompts to map each button
3. Press and hold a button to skip inputs you don’t have
4. When prompted for “Hotkey Enable,” choose SELECT

Hotkey combinations (with SELECT as hotkey):

Combo	Function
SELECT + START	Exit game
SELECT + R1	Save state
SELECT + L1	Load state
SELECT + Right	Fast forward
SELECT + X	RetroArch menu

Step 5: Connect to Network

For transferring games and updates, you need network access:

1. From the RetroPie menu, select “WIFI”
2. Choose “Connect to WiFi network”
3. Select your network and enter password
4. Note the IP address shown (you’ll need this later)

Alternatively, connect an Ethernet cable for automatic connection.

Step-by-Step RetroPie Setup (Manual Install for Pi 5)

The Raspberry Pi 5 doesn’t have a pre-built RetroPie image, so manual installation is required.

Step 1: Install Raspberry Pi OS

1. Open Raspberry Pi Imager
2. Choose “Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit)” — the Lite version is recommended
3. Configure SSH, Wi-Fi, and user credentials
4. Flash to SD card and boot your Pi 5

Step 2: Update the System

Connect via SSH or with keyboard/monitor:

sudo apt update

sudo apt full-upgrade -y

sudo reboot

Step 3: Install RetroPie

sudo apt install -y git

git clone –depth=1 https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup.git

cd RetroPie-Setup

sudo ./retropie_setup.sh

Step 4: Run Basic Install

1. When the setup dialog appears, select “Basic Install”
2. Wait for installation to complete (30-60 minutes)
3. Exit the setup script

Step 5: Enable EmulationStation Autostart

1. Run the setup script again: sudo ./retropie_setup.sh
2. Navigate to “Configuration / tools”
3. Select “autostart”
4. Choose “Start EmulationStation at boot”
5. Exit and reboot

Transferring ROMs to RetroPie

With RetroPie installed, you need games to play. Here are the main methods for transferring ROMs.

Method 1: USB Drive Transfer

This is the easiest method for beginners:

1. Format a USB drive to FAT32 or exFAT
2. Create a folder named retropie on the drive
3. Plug the USB into your running RetroPie system
4. Wait 1-2 minutes (RetroPie creates subfolders automatically)
5. Remove the USB and plug it into your computer
6. Copy ROMs to the appropriate folders (e.g., retropie/roms/snes for SNES games)
7. Plug the USB back into your Pi and wait for transfer to complete
8. Restart EmulationStation: START → QUIT → RESTART EMULATIONSTATION

Method 2: Network Transfer (Samba)

For ongoing transfers, network sharing is more convenient:

1. Ensure your Pi is connected to your network
2. On Windows, open File Explorer and type \\retropie or \\[your Pi’s IP]
3. Navigate to the roms folder
4. Copy ROMs to the appropriate console folders

Method 3: SFTP Transfer

For large transfers, SFTP is faster:

1. Enable SSH in RetroPie (RETROPIE → RASPI-CONFIG → Interface Options)
2. Use an SFTP client like WinSCP (Windows) or FileZilla
3. Connect to your Pi’s IP address with your username/password
4. Navigate to /home/[username]/RetroPie/roms
5. Upload ROMs to appropriate folders

ROM Folder Names

System	Folder Name
NES	nes
SNES	snes
Sega Genesis/Mega Drive	megadrive
Game Boy	gb
Game Boy Color	gbc
Game Boy Advance	gba
Nintendo 64	n64
PlayStation	psx
Arcade (MAME)	arcade
Neo Geo	neogeo
Atari 2600	atari2600
Sega Master System	mastersystem
Sega Dreamcast	dreamcast

BIOS Files: Which Emulators Need Them?

Some emulators require BIOS files to function. Without them, games won’t boot.

Systems Requiring BIOS Files

System	BIOS File(s)	Location
PlayStation	scph1001.bin (or similar)	~/RetroPie/BIOS
Sega CD	bios_CD_U.bin, bios_CD_E.bin, bios_CD_J.bin	~/RetroPie/BIOS
Neo Geo	neogeo.zip	~/RetroPie/BIOS AND ~/RetroPie/roms/neogeo
Dreamcast	dc_boot.bin, dc_flash.bin	~/RetroPie/BIOS
Game Boy Advance	gba_bios.bin	~/RetroPie/BIOS
Atari Lynx	lynxboot.img	~/RetroPie/BIOS

Important note: BIOS files are copyrighted. You must dump them from hardware you own. RetroPie does not provide BIOS files.

Systems That Don’t Need BIOS

Most classic systems work without BIOS files:

• NES
• SNES
• Sega Genesis/Mega Drive
• Game Boy / Game Boy Color
• Atari 2600
• Most arcade games

Optimizing Your RetroPie Setup

Out of the box, RetroPie works well, but these tweaks improve the experience.

Adding Game Artwork (Scraping)

Blank game lists look boring. Scrapers download artwork and descriptions:

1. Navigate to RetroPie menu → RETROPIE SETUP
2. Select “Manage packages” → “Manage optional packages”
3. Find “scraper” and install it
4. Exit to EmulationStation
5. Go to RetroPie → SCRAPER
6. Configure source (ScreenScraper recommended)
7. Run scraper for each system

Pro tip: Scraping thousands of games takes hours. Start with your favorites.

Installing Additional Emulators

RetroPie’s basic install covers most systems, but you can add more:

1. RETROPIE SETUP → Manage packages
2. Choose “Manage optional packages” or “Manage experimental packages”
3. Find the emulator you want (e.g., Dreamcast, PSP)
4. Select “Install from binary”

Useful Optional Packages

Package	Purpose
usbromservice	USB ROM transfer
scraper	Game artwork
retropie-manager	Web-based management
runcommand	Pre-launch options
bluetooth	Wireless controller support
wifi	Network configuration

Performance Tweaks

For smoother gameplay on demanding systems:

Overclocking (Pi 4):

Edit /boot/config.txt:

over_voltage=6

arm_freq=2000

gpu_freq=750

Warning: Overclocking increases heat and may void warranty. Use adequate cooling.

Video Settings:

For each emulator, you can adjust settings via RetroArch:

1. Launch a game
2. Press SELECT + X to open RetroArch menu
3. Navigate to Quick Menu → Options
4. Adjust resolution, frameskip, and other settings

Controller Customization

Swapping A/B Buttons

Xbox-style controllers have A/B reversed compared to Nintendo layout:

1. RETROPIE SETUP → Manage packages → Manage core packages
2. Select “emulationstation” → Configurations/Options
3. Enable “Swap A/B Buttons in ES”

Bluetooth Controller Setup

For wireless controllers:

1. RETROPIE → BLUETOOTH
2. Put your controller in pairing mode
3. Select “Register and Connect to Bluetooth Device”
4. Choose your controller from the list
5. Select appropriate security mode
6. Set “Configure bluetooth connect mode” to connect at boot

Per-System Controller Configs

Different systems may need different button layouts:

1. Navigate to /opt/retropie/configs/[system]/
2. Create or edit retroarch.cfg
3. Add custom button mappings

Customizing the Look and Feel

Installing Themes

RetroPie ships with the Carbon theme, but dozens of alternatives exist:

1. RetroPie menu → ES THEMES
2. Browse available themes
3. Select one to install
4. Apply via START → UI SETTINGS → THEME SET

Popular themes include:

• Art Book
• Pixel
• ComicBook
• Retrorama
• Tronkyfran

Custom Boot Splash Screens

Replace the default boot screen with your own image:

1. RETROPIE SETUP → Configuration / tools → splashscreens
2. Select “Download RetroPie splashscreens” for community options
3. Or add your own to the splashscreens share folder
4. Select your splash and enable it

Creating Favorites and Collections

Organize games beyond system folders:

1. Press START → GAME COLLECTION SETTINGS
2. Enable “Automatic Game Collections”
3. Activate “Favorites,” “Last Played,” or “All Games”
4. In any game list, highlight a game and press Y to favorite it

Troubleshooting Common RetroPie Issues

Games Not Appearing

Cause	Solution
Wrong folder	Verify ROM is in correct system folder
Wrong format	Check supported extensions for that system
Needs restart	Restart EmulationStation
Corrupt ROM	Try a different ROM file

Controller Not Working in Games

1. Reconfigure controller in EmulationStation (START → Configure Input)
2. Check RetroArch mappings (SELECT + X during game)
3. Verify controller is supported (check RetroPie docs)

Games Running Slowly

System	Solutions
N64	Try different emulator (mupen64plus-GLideN64)
PS1	Use PCSX-ReARMed core
Dreamcast	Overclock Pi, reduce resolution
All	Disable shaders, reduce rewind buffer

No Audio

1. Check audio output setting (RASPI-CONFIG → System Options → Audio)
2. Verify HDMI cable is fully inserted
3. Check in-game volume settings (RetroArch menu)

Useful Resources and Downloads

Official Resources

Resource	URL
RetroPie Website	retropie.org.uk
RetroPie Docs	retropie.org.uk/docs
RetroPie Forum	retropie.org.uk/forum
RetroPie GitHub	github.com/RetroPie

Community Resources

Resource	URL
Reddit r/RetroPie	reddit.com/r/RetroPie
Libretro Docs	docs.libretro.com
RetroArch Guide	retrogamecorps.com/2022/02/28/retroarch-starter-guide
EmulationStation Themes	github.com/topics/emulationstation-theme

Recommended Add-ons

Tool	Purpose
ScreenScraper	retroscraper.net
Skraper	skraper.net
RomVault	romvault.com (ROM management)
LaunchBox	launchbox-app.com (PC frontend)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is RetroPie legal?

RetroPie itself is completely legal—it’s open-source software containing emulators. The legal gray area involves ROMs. You should only use ROMs for games you physically own. BIOS files are copyrighted and must be dumped from your own hardware. RetroPie doesn’t include any copyrighted games or BIOS files.

Which Raspberry Pi is best for RetroPie?

The Raspberry Pi 4 with 4GB RAM is currently the best choice for most users building a retropie raspberry pi system. It handles everything through PlayStation 1 perfectly, runs most N64 and Dreamcast games, and offers excellent value. The Pi 5 is more powerful but requires manual installation since no pre-built image exists yet.

Can RetroPie play PlayStation 2 or GameCube games?

Technically, yes—but performance is limited. The Raspberry Pi 5 can run some PS2 and GameCube games through experimental emulators, but don’t expect full compatibility. For reliable PS2/GameCube emulation, a PC is still recommended. RetroPie excels at systems up through PlayStation 1, N64, and Dreamcast.

How do I update RetroPie?

From the RetroPie menu, go to RETROPIE SETUP → Update RetroPie-Setup script (do this first), then select “Update all installed packages.” This updates both RetroPie and all emulators. For major version upgrades, a fresh install is sometimes recommended to avoid conflicts.

Why are my N64 games running slowly?

Nintendo 64 emulation is demanding. Try these fixes: First, switch emulators—try lr-mupen64plus-next or mupen64plus-GLideN64. Second, reduce resolution in emulator settings. Third, overclock your Pi if using adequate cooling. Fourth, some games simply run better than others—compatibility varies by title. Finally, ensure your power supply provides adequate voltage.

Advanced Projects and Next Steps

Once you’ve mastered the basics, consider these advanced projects:

Arcade Cabinet Build

Transform your retropie raspberry pi into a full arcade cabinet with:

• Arcade buttons and joystick (encoder kit)
• Custom cabinet (wood or pre-made)
• Marquee and bezel artwork
• T-molding and coin door (optional)

Portable Handheld

Build a portable gaming system using:

• Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W
• 3.5″ or 5″ display
• LiPo battery and charging circuit
• 3D-printed case (Freeplay, PiBoy, or custom)
• Small speakers and amp

Kodi Integration

Run both RetroPie and Kodi on the same system:

1. Install Kodi from RetroPie optional packages
2. Kodi appears as an option in EmulationStation
3. Switch between gaming and media center seamlessly

System-Specific Configuration Tips

Different gaming systems have unique quirks in RetroPie. Here’s how to get the best experience from each.

NES and SNES

These systems run perfectly on any Pi model with virtually no configuration needed.

Setting	Recommendation
Emulator	lr-fceumm (NES), lr-snes9x2010 (SNES)
Video	Integer scaling for crisp pixels
Shaders	CRT shaders optional for authenticity

Sega Genesis/Mega Drive

The Genesis emulator defaults to 3-button mode. For 6-button games:

1. Launch a game and press SELECT + X
2. Navigate to Quick Menu → Options
3. Set input device to “6 button pad”
4. Save core override

Nintendo 64

N64 emulation is demanding. Optimize with these settings:

Game Type	Recommended Emulator
Most games	lr-mupen64plus-next
Problem games	mupen64plus-GLideN64
Low-spec Pi	lr-mupen64plus (lower accuracy)

Games like GoldenEye and Perfect Dark require specific plugins—check the RetroPie docs for per-game settings.

PlayStation 1

PS1 runs excellently on Pi 4. For best results:

1. Use the correct BIOS file (SCPH1001 recommended)
2. Place BIOS in ~/RetroPie/BIOS
3. Enable “Enhanced Resolution” for sharper graphics
4. Multi-disc games need an M3U playlist file

Arcade (MAME) Games

MAME is notoriously version-sensitive. The ROM version must match the emulator version:

Pi Model	MAME Version	ROM Set
Pi 0/1	lr-mame2000	0.37b5
Pi 2/3/4	lr-mame2003	0.78
Pi 4/5	lr-mame2010	0.139

Pro tip: If a game doesn’t work, try changing the emulator in the runcommand menu (press any button before the game loads).

Neo Geo

Neo Geo requires special attention:

1. Place neogeo.zip in both ~/RetroPie/BIOS AND ~/RetroPie/roms/neogeo
2. Keep game ROMs as .zip files (don’t extract)
3. If games fail, try different emulators (lr-fbalpha, lr-fbneo)

Save States and Game Saves

RetroPie supports both save states (instant saves) and traditional in-game saves.

Save State Hotkeys

Action	Default Hotkey
Save state	SELECT + R1
Load state	SELECT + L1
Next save slot	SELECT + Right
Previous save slot	SELECT + Left

Managing Save Files

Save files are stored in:

• Save states: ~/RetroPie/saves/[system]/
• In-game saves: Same location or ~/RetroPie/roms/[system]/

Backup tip: Regularly copy your saves folder to preserve progress.

Network Features

RetroPie Web Manager

Monitor and manage your system via web browser:

1. Install from optional packages (retropie-manager)
2. Access via http://[your-pi-ip]:8000
3. Upload ROMs, BIOS files, and monitor system stats

Retroachievements

Earn achievements in classic games:

1. Create account at retroachievements.org
2. In RetroArch: Settings → Achievements
3. Enter your credentials
4. Enable achievements

Achievements work with most RetroArch cores for supported systems.

Backup and Recovery

Protect your configuration with regular backups.

Creating a Full Backup

1. Shut down your Pi safely
2. Remove the SD card
3. Use Win32DiskImager or Raspberry Pi Imager to create an image
4. Store the backup file safely

Backing Up Just Configs and Saves

For smaller backups, copy these folders:

• ~/RetroPie/saves/ (save states and game saves)
• ~/.emulationstation/ (EmulationStation configuration)
• /opt/retropie/configs/ (emulator configurations)

Final Thoughts

Building a retropie setup is one of the most rewarding Raspberry Pi projects you can undertake. From the moment you hear that classic startup chime to finally beating that boss you never could as a kid, the experience delivers pure gaming nostalgia.

This retropie tutorial covered everything from hardware selection through advanced customization, but the real fun begins when you start playing. Don’t get too caught up in perfect configurations—the goal is gaming, after all.

Start simple with a basic install and a few favorite games. Add more systems and features as you learn. Before long, you’ll have a retropie raspberry pi system that rivals commercial retro consoles at a fraction of the cost.

Now power up that Pi and go save the princess.