Hardware
The hardware configurations below are based on my experiences for what I found worked well and are recommended as a starting point for building your own customized experience.
Configurations
Some notes about the choices below:
- 4GB is more than enough for what RetroPie requires; you can probably get away with 2GB
- 2.4ghz controllers / keyboards are faster and easier to use than Bluetooth, so I generally prefer those
- SSD drives are preferred over SD cards due to their available capacity and durability
- A 3.5A power supply is recommended for stable USB power needs
- 8Bitdo has the only wireless arcade stick I’ve found and supports 2.4ghz
Keep in mind that the costs below are for the entire configuration as-is. There are many areas you can cut costs, such as using different controllers or reducing the number of controllers you purchase.
The Minimalist
This represents a minimal configuration that I would be comfortable with running.
| Component | Description | Cost | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer | Raspberry Pi 4 2GB | $45 | https://www.canakit.com/raspberry-pi-4-2gb.html |
| Case | Argon ONE M.2 Case | $25 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WP8WC3V |
| TV Cable | HDMI Cable | $7 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GCGKI3O |
| Power Supply | CanaKit 3.5A Power Supply | $10 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TYQRXTK |
| Hard Drive | Samsung EVO Plus 64GB MicroSD | $14 | https://www.samsung.com/us/computing/memory-storage/memory-cards/evo-plus—adapter-microsdxc-64gb-mb-mc64ka-am/ |
This includes no controllers but gets you a running system for $100 that you can always upgrade in the future.
The Old Timer
This configuration is intended to look like an old NES.
| Component | Description | Cost | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer | Raspberry Pi 4 4GB | $55 | https://www.canakit.com/raspberry-pi-4-4gb.html |
| Case | Retroflag NESPi4 Case | $40 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CRDKX6T |
| TV Cable | CanaKit Micro HDMI Cable | $15 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TTKD38N |
| Heatsink | GeekPi Heatsink + Fan | $8 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PCMTZHF |
| Power Supply | CanaKit 3.5A Power Supply | $10 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TYQRXTK |
| Hard Drive | Western Digital 1TB 2.5” SSD | $90 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073SBQMCX |
| HD Enclosure | Retroflag SATA Enclosure | $25 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XJYR1S5 |
| USB Hub | Sabrent 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub | $7 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L2442H0 |
| Arcade Stick | 8Bitdo Arcade Stick (2) | $90 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GJC5WSS |
| Controller | 8Bitdo SN30 Pro (2) | $40 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Y9QLCKM |
| Keyboard + Mouse | Arteck 2.4ghz Keyboard + Mouse | $30 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MCTZ3LZ |
Total cost: $250 ($540 with controllers)
Important notes:
- When setting up the NESPi4 case, it’s important that you connect the USB wire for the SATA drive to a USB 2.0 port. The wires end up a little snug, but it’s easy to do. The reason to do this is to avoid the wireless interference caused by USB 3.0 when connected to the hard drive.
- The 8Bitdo Arcade Stick must be set to X-Input mode, D-Pad when using 2.4ghz
- The 8Bitdo SN30 Gamepad should be set to D-Input mode, though I don’t think it’s required
The Speed Runner
This configuration is intended to give you a modern-looking solution that will allow your Raspberry Pi to run at a cool temperature so that you can effectively overclock.
| Component | Description | Cost | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer | Raspberry Pi 4 4GB | $55 | https://www.canakit.com/raspberry-pi-4-4gb.html |
| Case | Argon ONE M.2 Case | $47 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MJ3CSW7 |
| TV Cable | HDMI Cable | $7 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GCGKI3O |
| Power Supply | CanaKit 3.5A Power Supply | $10 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TYQRXTK |
| Hard Drive | Western Digital 1TB M.2 SSD | $90 | https://www.westerndigital.com/products/internal-drives/wd-blue-sata-m-2-ssd#WDS100T2B0B |
| USB Cable | USB 2.0 Male to Male A Cable | $9 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BZ2M3WM |
| HD Enclosure | SSK M.2 Enclsoure | $13 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MKCG5ZG |
| Arcade Stick | 8Bitdo Arcade Stick (2) | $90 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GJC5WSS |
| Controller | 8Bitdo SN30 Pro (2) | $40 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Y9QLCKM |
| Keyboard + Mouse | Arteck 2.4ghz Keyboard + Mouse | $30 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MCTZ3LZ |
Total cost: $231 ($521 with controllers)
Important notes:
- The USB 2.0 Male to Male cable is needed to connect your M.2 drive to a USB 2.0 port. This is important if you have wireless controllers because USB 3.0 creates enough interference that your controllers may no longer work when the M.2 drive is connected.
- The 8Bitdo Arcade Stick must be set to X-Input mode, D-Pad when using 2.4ghz
- The 8Bitdo SN30 Gamepad should be set to D-Input mode
Additional benefits:
- Case comes with IR for TV Remote control and full-size HDMI ports
The Monster
This represents a more powerful system that supports Playstation 2 / Wii gamging.
| Component | Description | Cost | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer | Beelink SER5 Mini PC | $319 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CF1Y4Z8T |
| Hard Drive | Western Digital 1TB M.2 SSD | $90 | https://www.westerndigital.com/products/internal-drives/wd-blue-sata-m-2-ssd#WDS100T2B0B |
| TV Cable | HDMI Cable | $7 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GCGKI3O |
| Keyboard + Mouse | Arteck 2.4ghz Keyboard + Mouse | $30 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MCTZ3LZ |
Total cost: $436 ($726 with controllers)
References:
The Traveler
This represents a portable handheld configuration that you can take anywhere.
| Component | Description | Cost | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer | Raspberry Pi CM4 Lite 4GB, Wireless | $80 | https://www.pishop.us/product/raspberry-pi-compute-module-4-wireless-4gb-lite-cm4104000/ |
| Case | Retroflag GPi Case 2 w/ Dock | $90 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DPM2GSF |
| TV Cable | HDMI Cable | $7 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GCGKI3O |
| Power Supply | CanaKit 3.5A Power Supply | $10 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TYQRXTK |
| Hard Drive | Samsung EVO Plus+ 512GB microSDXC | $65 | https://www.samsung.com/us/computing/memory-storage/memory-cards/evo-plus—adapter-microsdxc-512gb-mb-mc512ka-am/ |
| Keyboard + Mouse | Arteck 2.4ghz Keyboard + Mouse | $30 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MCTZ3LZ |
| Heatsink | Aluminum Heatsink for CM4 | $9 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B093FSS6XX |
Total cost: $261 ($291 with keyboard)
Important notes:
- You must get the CM4 Lite (no eMMC) in order to use an SD card
- Strongly recommend getting a CM4 with wireless to simplify setup and configuration
- To install the heatsink, follow these instructions
The Adventurer
This is a build based on the Adventure Pi and represents a portable full system configuration that you can take anywhere.
| Component | Description | Cost | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer | Raspberry Pi 4 4GB | $55 | https://www.canakit.com/raspberry-pi-4-4gb.html |
| Case | Argon ONE V2 Case | $25 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WP8WC3V |
| Carrying Case | Nanuk 910 Case | $65 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BP8UTWK |
| Monitor | SunFounder 13.3in IPS Display | $130 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NNXH2SS |
| TV HDMI Cable | Slim HDMI FPV Cable (30cm) | $17 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079DQJC9Z |
| TV Power Cable | Slim USB-C / USB-A FPV Cable (30cm) | $17 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DJ8HKKG |
| Power Bank | PD Pioneer 26800mAh Power Bank | $70 | https://www.ravpower.com/products/rp-pb058-usb-c-power-bank |
| Wall Charger | Anker Nano II 30W | $30 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B091DS2M8X |
| Hard Drive | Western Digital 1TB M.2 SSD | $90 | https://www.westerndigital.com/products/internal-drives/wd-blue-sata-m-2-ssd#WDS100T2B0B |
| USB Cable | USB-C to USB-A Cable | $8 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012V56D2A |
| HD Enclosure | SSK M.2 Enclsoure | $13 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MKCG5ZG |
| Velcro | Strenco 2 Inch Velcro | $13 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H3R9S1K |
| Controller | 8Bitdo SN30 Pro USB | $28 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Y9RC49N |
Total cost: $561
Important notes:
- The power bank size is kept under 27,000 to remain within FAA limits
Upgrades
There are a lot of upgrades you can consider that I’ve used and am happy with.
Additional Controllers
The system configurations above cover basics like arcade sticks and controllers. However, there are additional controller types for arcade systems that will provide a much better experience. Those controllers are covered below and I’ve confirmed work with retrokit.
| Component | Description | Cost | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arcade Trackball | Kensington Orbit Wireless Trackball | $53 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DGMYVPP |
| Lightgun | Sinden Lightgun | $103 | https://www.sindenlightgun.com/ |
| Lightgun cap | Sinden lightgun cap | $5 | https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4898072 |
For even more controllers, I strongly suggest any of the wired or bluetooth controllers from 8Bitdo, particularly either of these:
Some notes:
- The Sinden Lightgun can also come with recoil for an additional $60
- I used Treatstock to print the lightgun cap from thingiverse
Better Bluetooth
The Raspbery Pi 4B has decent Bluetooth performance / range. However, you can get even better performance by using an external adapter.
| Component | Description | Cost | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth Adapter | 8Bitdo Wireless USB Adapter | $18 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09M8CVMYF |
Better Arcade Stick
The 8Bitdo arcade stick comes with a SANWA-like joystick that uses a square restrictor plate. This works great for games like Street Fighter but is less than ideal for older arcade games like Pac-Man since it’s difficult to hit the correct 4-way directionals. An octagonal restrictor plate with a premium SANWA joystick provides a better experience.
| Component | Description | Cost | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joystick | SANWA JLF-TP-8YT Joystick | $25 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005BIC9QE |
| Restrictor Gate | SANWA GT-Y Octagonal Restrictor | $8 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06VVG936T |
| USB Encoder | Hikig 5-Pin USB Encoder Cable | $7 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BK12QBG |
It’s very easy to replace the components of the 8Bitdo Arcade Stick. You can see instructions for doing this here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iJi8pONMkA
Powered USB Hub
Depending on which system configuration you go with, you’ll end up with 2 or 3 spare USB ports. For general gaming and bluetooth controllers, this is good enough. However, if you’re introducing wireless trackball, lightguns, keyboards, bluetooth adapters, etc. you’re going to run out of USB ports quickly.
Additionally, you’re limited to 1.2A combined for USB usage. Since an SSD drive will consume up to 400mA typically, you have to be careful that you don’t overload the USB otherwise you risk data corruption.
To handle more controllers and limit amp usage from your Raspberry Pi, I suggest a powered USB Hub.
| Component | Description | Cost | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7-Port Hub | Anker 7-Port USB 3.0 Data Hub | $50 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014ZQ07NE |
Tool-Free Hard Drive Enclosures
| Component | Description | Cost | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.2 Enclosure | Sabrent M.2 NVMe / SATA USB | $29 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RVC6F9Y |
USB Hard Drive enclosures are notorious for being problematic on the Raspberry Pi. This is covered in great detail here:
- https://jamesachambers.com/raspberry-pi-4-usb-boot-config-guide-for-ssd-flash-drives/
- https://jamesachambers.com/fixing-storage-adapters-for-raspberry-pi-via-firmware-updates/
I really like the Sabrent enclosure, but it is critical that you update to the most recent firmware in order to avoid hard drive corruption problems (this WILL happen very quickly). The instructions I followed came from the websites above and are covered here:
- Download the latest Sabrent firmware, unzip, and keep only the SA8307.cfg config file.
- Download the latest firmware for the ICY BOX IB-1817MC-C31 or ICY BOX IB-1817MCT-C31, they are the same.
- Unzip the ICY BOX firmware, and replace the
configure/IB-1817MC-C31.cfgfile with the SabrentSA8307.cfg. - Plug in the Sabrent, open
UTHSB_MPtool_Lite.exein Windows, and you should see MPtool has picked theSA8307.cfgfile. - Click the Update Device button and enjoy the latest, fastest and most stable firmware for your Sabrent.
If you don’t want to deal with this (I don’t blame you) here are additional enclosures whose hardware appears to be compatible with the Raspberry Pi without a firmware upgrade:
| Component | Description | Cost | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.2 Enclosure | ORICO M.2 SATA USB | $14 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JV3HZ9S |
Downgrades
Some of the above configurations may be more than what you need. Below are some options for downgrading your system.
Smaller Drive
A 1TB hard drive is only necessary for the default configuration. You can easily install fewer systems or fewer games and reduce the required hard drive size. Additionally, you can switch to a simple SD card setup:
| Component | Description | Cost | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 128GB SD Card | Samsung EVO Plus 128GB MicroSD | $24 | https://www.samsung.com/us/computing/memory-storage/memory-cards/evo-plus—adapter-microsdxc-128gb-mb-mc128ka-am/ |
Samsung EVO+ is the most common, well-rounded SD card. Recommend buying direct from Samsung to avoid fake cards.
External Enclosure Only
If you’re using the Argon ONE case, you can save some money by not using the M.2 variant: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WP8WC3V
Controllers
Connections
- Wired > 2.4ghz > Bluetooth
Input Lag
Keys to reducing input lag:
- TV Game Mode
- Wired controllers
- Use NTCS version of games
- Enable runahead
Configurations
Some important configuration changes to be aware of:
- The 8Bitdo Arcade Stick in X-Input mode reports A/B and X/Y in reverse when compared to other 8Bitdo controllers (like the SN30 Pro) even though they register as the with the same device name (Microsoft X-Box 360 pad). If you want these buttons to have the same behavior across controllers, you must use the 8Bitdo Ultimate Software to reassign A/B and X/Y on the Arcade Stick.