This guide will show you how to set up RetroPie on a Raspberry Pi 3. It’s worth noting that the same instructions will also apply to the Raspberry Pi 1 and Raspberry Pi 2.

RetroPie is a versatile software that can be installed on a variety of project computers. These include the Raspberry Pi, ODroid C1/C2, and even a PC. It essentially turns your device into a robust retro-gaming machine, primed for countless hours of entertainment.

What’s impressive about RetroPie is its support for a whopping 52 different gaming systems. This means you have a centralized hub for all your retro gaming needs, eliminating the hassle of installing separate emulators for each system. Just power up your Raspberry Pi 3, and dive into a world of classic games. All within a user-friendly interface.

Setting up and configuring RetroPie is a straightforward process, especially when you adhere to the comprehensive guide provided below. The platform also offers a wide array of configurations, which cater to the needs of advanced users.

For a more in-depth understanding, TROYPOINT recommends watching the video tutorial below in its entirety. It provides crucial details that the written instructions might not fully capture.

How To Setup RetroPie On Raspberry Pi 3

Step 1 – Gather the Necessary Components To Build Your RetroPie Raspberry Pi 3

Raspberry Pi 3
Raspberry Pi 3 NES Case
Raspberry Pi 3 Power Adapter
Samsung 32 GB Micro SD Card
Buffalo Classic USB Gamepads
Micro SD Card USB Adapter
HDMI Cable

Step 2 – Download & Install the Necessary Free Software

The RetroPie installation file is downloaded as a compressed archive. To extract the image, you’ll need to have 7-Zip installed. Additionally, you’ll need a program to write the RetroPie image as a bootable file to your Micro SD Card. Windows users can opt for Win32 Disk Imager, while Mac users can utilize Apple Pi Baker. For those using Linux, Etcher is a suitable choice. 

Step 3 – Download RetroPie & Write the File To Your Micro SD Card

Head over to the Download page for RetroPie. There, you can download the installation file that’s compatible with your device. After downloading the .gz installation file, remember to extract it using 7-Zip, which you should’ve installed in Step #1. Format your Micro SD card if needed. The next step is to write the RetroPie .img file to the Micro SD Card. This can be done with Win32 Disk Imager for Windows users, Apple Pi Baker for Mac users, or Etcher for Linux users.

Step 4 – Create a RetroPie Folder On Your USB Drive

Insert your USB drive into your computer. Format it if necessary. Then, create a new folder on the USB drive and name it “retropie”.

Step 5 – Assemble Your Raspberry Pi

Start by inserting the Micro SD Card into your Raspberry Pi 3. Then, place the Raspberry Pi inside the NES case. Secure it with screws if your case requires them. Next, connect the USB dongle for your keyboard. Connect the power cord, followed by the HDMI cable. Lastly, connect your gamepad(s).

Step 6 – Connect Your RetroPie Raspberry Pie To Your Television & Power It On

Connect the HDMI cord from your Raspberry Pi 3 to the corresponding port on your television. Plug the power adapter into an outlet, and your device will start booting up.

Step 7 – Configure Your Attached Controllers

When prompted by RetroPie, map the buttons on your controllers according to your preferences.

Step 8 – Connect Your RetroPie Raspberry Pi 3 To Your WiFi

Access the RetroPie configuration screen. Use your keyboard to connect to your WiFi network. You’ll need the keyboard to enter your SSID password when requested.

Step 9 – Insert Your USB Drive into Your Raspberry Pi 3 For Formatting

Insert your USB drive into the Raspberry Pi and wait. You’ll see a green light blinking rapidly. Wait for it to stop, which should take around 30 to 60 seconds. Once it stops, you can remove the USB drive.

Step 10 – Transfer Your Game ROMs

To Your USB Drive

Plug your USB drive back into your computer. You should see new folders that RetroPie created. Place your ROMs into their designated folders. For instance, NES games should go in the NES folder, PlayStation games in the PSX folder, and so on.

Step 11 – Transfer Game ROMs To Your RetroPie Raspberry Pi 3

Unplug the USB drive from your computer and plug it into your Raspberry Pi. Restart EmulationStation, and when the system reboots, your emulators and games should appear. You might need to restart your system a few times for all games to fully load onto the device.

In-Depth Video Tutorial

How To Save Your Game Progress In RetroPie

Saving your progress in RetroPie is a breeze with the Save State feature.  To get started, simply select a Save State Slot by pressing Select + D-Pad Left or D-Pad Right.  You’ll know you’ve picked a slot when its number pops up in the bottom left corner of the screen.  To load from a Save State, first load the state and then hit Select + Left Shoulder.

Select + D-Pad Left = Move to the Previous Save State Slot

Select + D-Pad Right = Move to the Next Save State Slot

Select + Left Shoulder = Load from the Current Save Slot

Select + Right Shoulder = Save to the Current Save Slot

Select + Start = Go Back to the Game Menu

Transferring ROMs To Your RetroPie Raspberry Pi 3

This guide focuses on transferring ROMs using a USB drive, but there are a couple of other ways to do it. You can also use SFTP or a network transfer for this purpose. For more details on these alternative methods, check out this resource.

Finding ROMs For Your RetroPie Emulators

If you’re looking to back up your game cartridges legally, you might consider a ROM Dumper device. One example is the Kazzo Cartridge ROM Dumper.

For a wider selection of ROMs, retro gamers often turn to websites like Emuparadise. It’s a treasure trove of ROMs for many popular gaming systems. However, it’s crucial to be aware that downloading ROMs from such sites is generally considered illegal in most countries due to copyright restrictions. There’s a common misconception that it’s okay as long as you own a physical copy of the game, but this isn’t accurate.

At TROYPOINT, we believe that if you own a game, you should have the freedom to play it on any system, regardless of how you acquire the ROM file.

If you decide to download ROMs from sources like Emuparadise or torrent websites, protecting your identity with a VPN is paramount. A VPN masks your IP address and establishes an encrypted connection. This prevents your ISP, the government, and others from tracking your downloads.

For optimal performance and ease of use, TROYPOINT recommends IPVanish VPN. It boasts fast download speeds and a user-friendly interface. Moreover, it offers apps for a wide range of devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

To get started, simply install the IPVanish app on your computer and connect to a server. Then, you can download your ROMs with peace of mind, knowing that your identity is fully protected.

For a limited time, use the coupon code SAVE20NOW at checkout to snag a 20% discount on any IPVanish VPN plan. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

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We’re constantly updating this page with new information and resources. If you have any questions about this project, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. We’ll do our best to assist you.