OS - Windows

RetroArch on Raspberry Pi – Complete Installation & Configuration Guide

• Data 07/08/2025
• Autor Daniel Ionica
• 7
• 137

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.

1. Install Git:

   bash

   CopyEdit

   sudo apt install git -y


2. Clone and install RetroPie:

   bash

   CopyEdit

   git clone --depth=1 https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup.git
cd RetroPie-Setup
chmod +x retropie_setup.sh
sudo ./retropie_setup.sh


3. Choose:

   • Basic Install – installs RetroArch, EmulationStation, and core scripts.

4. After install, reboot:

   bash

   CopyEdit

   sudo reboot


Option B: Install RetroArch Standalone from Source

If you want only RetroArch:

1. Install dependencies:

   bash

   CopyEdit

   sudo apt install build-essential git libasound2-dev libudev-dev libsdl2-dev libv4l-dev \
libxkbcommon-dev libdrm-dev libgbm-dev libpulse-dev libx11-dev libegl1-mesa-dev \
libxrandr-dev libxi-dev libgl1-mesa-dev -y


2. Clone RetroArch:

   bash

   CopyEdit

   git clone https://github.com/libretro/RetroArch.git
cd RetroArch
./configure
make -j$(nproc)
sudo make install


3. Launch RetroArch:

   bash

   CopyEdit

   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:

1. Launch RetroArch:

   bash

   CopyEdit

   retroarch


2. 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

1. Create ROM folders:

   bash

   CopyEdit

   mkdir -p ~/RetroPie/roms/nes
mkdir -p ~/RetroPie/roms/snes
mkdir -p ~/RetroPie/roms/psx


2. 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

1. Settings > Video:

   • Enable Threaded Video

   • Set Scaling > Aspect Ratio to Core Provided or 4:3

2. Shaders (for CRT filters):

   • Settings > Shaders > Load Shader Preset

   • Try crt-pi.glslp or crt-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.