How To Build A Raspberry Retro Pie Gaming Set

By Walter Hall


Many years after computers were invented, manufacturing companies keep releasing new high performance models year in year out. While it is no secret that many corporate entities opt for high end machines to meet their communication and growth needs, there are but few options for computer hobbyists. If you fall in the latter bracket, you would undoubtedly be pleased to know that Raspberry Pi computers offer no limitations as to what one can do with his machine. If you desire to try out all the old fashioned arcade games that were a hit a few decades ago, you might want to learn how to make a Raspberry Retro Pie gaming set.

To begin with, make sure all the hardware required for the exercise is present. The first item you should get is a Raspberry Pi. A decent one should cost you nothing more than thirty five dollars. Once bought, ensure its network interface is correctly configured for internet connectivity.

Old models come without preconfigured wireless network interfaces. You must purchase the network adapter and install it personally. In a way, this will help you build on your hardware skills besides enhancing your knowledge on computers. In addition, buy a plastic case to cover the integrated circuit with. 50 dollars should be sufficient to cover the cost of all the aforementioned hardware.

With the network finally functional, shift your focus to the software part. For gaming purposes, you will have to download the Retro Pie image on an alternate machine, presumably one that is Windows based. Raspberry Pi computers do not come with internal hard drives.

As an alternative, you may insert a micro SD card from where the image will load. The image will enable you to run various vintage games as it comes with lots of preinstalled tools and utilities to facilitate that. When downloading it, be sure to select the version that best suits the model of your computer.

For your SD card to be compatible with your Pi computer, you have got to format it. Select FAT32 as the desired file format. This is best accomplished using Windows machines. Once formatted, leave the card attached to its slot.

You still have to install the image you downloaded inside it. To turn your SD card into a booting platform, download a highly reviewed imaging program from the internet. Good imaging programs are those that come with a graphical user interface that gives you an easy time selecting the destination for the image to be installed, in this case the attached SD card.

Thereafter, unplug the configured card and insert it into your Pi. Gather your gaming peripherals and insert them in their rightful ports. Restart the machine then choose the game you want to play from the user interface that Retro Pie brings up. Next, follow the displayed instructions step by step.

Do not forget that many vintage games are guarded by copyright laws. However, the image has got preinstalled games for users to try. During the set up, choose the controls that you will use. It could be a keyboard or gamepad.




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