RetroArch on Raspberry Pi – Complete Installation & Configuration Guide
Flash Raspberry Pi OS:
-
-
Use Raspberry Pi Imager to install Raspberry Pi OS.
-
Enable SSH and Wi-Fi in advanced settings (optional but useful).
-
First Boot:
-
-
Insert the microSD, power up your Pi, and complete the OS setup.
-
Update your system:
Install RetroArch
There are two main options to install RetroArch:
Option A: Install via RetroPie (Recommended for Ease + Full Emulation Suite)
RetroPie bundles RetroArch + EmulationStation and makes configuration easier.
-
Install Git:
-
Clone and install RetroPie:
-
Choose:
-
Basic Install
– installs RetroArch, EmulationStation, and core scripts.
-
-
After install, reboot:
Option B: Install RetroArch Standalone from Source
If you want only RetroArch:
-
Install dependencies:
-
Clone RetroArch:
-
Launch RetroArch:
You’ll need to install and manage cores and frontends manually if you choose Option B.
Step 3: Install Emulator Cores
From within RetroArch:
-
Launch RetroArch:
-
Navigate to:
-
Main Menu > Online Updater > Core Downloader
-
Select and download cores (emulators) such as:
-
NES: FCEUmm, Nestopia
-
SNES: SNES9x
-
GBA: mGBA
-
PS1: PCSX ReARMed (best for Raspberry Pi)
-
-
Step 4: Add ROMs
-
Create ROM folders:
-
Transfer ROMs:
-
Use SFTP (via FileZilla) or USB stick.
-
File path:
~/RetroPie/roms/[system]
-
Legal Note: Only use ROMs you legally own.
Step 5: Configure Controllers
Auto-Configuration:
-
On first launch, RetroArch will detect most gamepads.
-
Follow the on-screen prompts to map buttons.
Manual Configuration:
-
Main Menu > Settings > Input > Port 1 Binds
-
Save autoconfig:
-
Input > Save Autoconfig
-
Step 6: Enable Video and Shaders
-
Settings > Video:
-
Enable Threaded Video
-
Set Scaling > Aspect Ratio to
Core Provided
or4:3
-
-
Shaders (for CRT filters):
-
Settings > Shaders > Load Shader Preset
-
Try
crt-pi.glslp
orcrt-geom.glslp
-
Step 7: Save Configurations
Make sure to save settings:
Or save per-core config:
Step 8: Autostart RetroArch
To launch RetroArch on boot:
Add at the end:
Or use EmulationStation (from RetroPie) as the frontend.
Optional Enhancements
Add Hotkeys
-
Assign a “Hotkey Enable” button (e.g., Select)
-
Combine with:
-
Hotkey + Start = Exit
-
Hotkey + R = Reset
-
RetroAchievements
-
Enable in Settings > Achievements if you’re logged into RetroAchievements.org
Overclock (Advanced)
-
Use
raspi-config
> Overclock -
Improves performance but watch temps.