Many of us grew up playing video games. As a kid, I loved playing Donkey Kong, Contra, and Tetris (just to name a few). But gaming has changed a lot since then. Today, you can play some pretty realistic games on your phone, like Fortnite and PUBG Mobile. And gaming consoles have become more popular than ever.
The Nintendo Switch and the PlayStation 4 have both sold millions of units. But they’re not exactly cheap. So if you want to get into retro gaming, what’s the best option?
A Raspberry Pi 3, of course!
In this article, I’ll show you how to build a retro gaming console with a Raspberry Pi. I’ll also give you some ideas for different games you can play.
Our Top 10 Best retro gaming with raspberry pi On The Market
The Raspberry Pi is a series of single-board computers (hence the name) developed in the United Kingdom and sold worldwide. It was originally envisioned as a device that could help children learn how to program and in the process, boost their interest in the subject. The first generation Pi was released in 2012.
It was so successful that it spawned several successors. These are known as the Raspberry Pi 2, 3, and 4.
1. GeeekPi Retro Gaming Nes4Pi Case for Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, Raspberry Pi 4 Case with Fan Raspberry Pi Cooling Fan Raspberry Pi Heatsinks for Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (Case with Game Controllers)
Features :
- This Nes4Pi case is Only for Raspberry Pi 4 model B;NES style;Lateral heat dissipation
- This Nes4Pi case can make your Raspberry Pi 4B become a NES retro gaming machine in one second!
- Built-in 3510 fan can help raspberry Pi 4B cool down during you play games.
- Game Controller: Compatible OS — WINDOWS98/2000/ME/XP Mac os .xv10.2.8;Plug and Play.No extra drivers needed!
Additional Info :
| Color | Grey |
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2. RetroGamingHaven Ultimate Retropie 256GB Raspberry Pi 4 Retro Gaming Console Complete Build 50+ Consoles Over 100,000 Games
Features :
- Fully Loaded Raspberry Pi 4 – 4GB – Over 100,000 of actually good games! Updated for 2023!
- 256GB Micro SD Card – Latest version of Retropie Installed – Loaded with your favorite games and consoles
- All your favorite consoles in one place! This isn’t just a console. It’s a retro gaming time machine
- Hooks right up to your television, you’ll be gaming in minutes!
- Video snaps and descriptions for nearly all the games! Most consoles are complete collections. Chances are your favorite game is on here!
Additional Info :
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 2 |
| Width | 4 |
| Length | 6 |
With one system. If you are looking for a complete retro gaming console with over 100,000 games, then the retrogaminghaven ultimate retropie 256gb is the right option for you. This gaming console is built around a Raspberry Pi 4 that can run RetroPie. The RetroPie is an open source project that allows you to run old video games on your computer or a micro-console.
This gaming console comes with over 50 preinstalled emulators, so you will be able to enjoy games from systems such as the Nintendo Entertainment System, Game Boy Advance, Sega Genesis, and many more. This gaming console also has a 256 GB Micro SD Card that allows you to download and store as many games as you want.
3. GeeekPi Raspberry Pi 4 Case, Raspberry Pi 4 Case with Cooling Fan, Raspberry Pi 4 Heatsink, Retro Gaming Nes4Pi Case for Raspberry Pi 4 Model B/4B
Features :
- This Nes4Pi case is Only for Raspberry Pi 4B;NES style; Lateral heat dissipation.
- This Nes4Pi case can make your Raspberry Pi 4B become a NES retro gaming machine in one second!
- Built-in 3510 fan can help raspberry Pi 4B cool down during you play games.
- Package Includes: 1x Case for Raspberry Pi 4, 1x Cooling fan 35x35x10cm，1x 4pcs Heatsinks, 1x Screwdriver
- Case with 2PCS Controllers, refer to ASIN B089LV4Q2R. Case with QC3.0 quick charger, refer to ASIN B09R1NFTYX
This case is designed for Raspberry Pi 4 Model B / 4B. It’s made of aluminum alloy, durable and solid, and the cooling fan has a mute design, which is very practical for daily use. The Raspberry Pi 4 case is compatible with the heatsink, and it includes a heat pipe and a cooling fan, which can efficiently cool down the temperature of the Raspberry Pi. The case has two USB ports, and you can connect the keyboard and mouse devices to the case, which is very convenient.
This Raspberry Pi 4 case is very suitable for DIY, such as building a NAS, setting up a game player, etc. It has a very strong compatibility and can be used for DIY.
4. GeeekPi Raspberry Pi 3B+ Case, Raspberry Pi Case with Fan, Retro Gaming Nes3Pi Case with Cooling Fan, Raspberry Pi Heatsinks for Raspberry Pi 2B/3B/3B+
Features :
- This is a retro game case made for Raspberry Pi 2B / 3B / 3B +; Case with Quick Charger 3.0, refer to ASIN B09R1LVW5R
- It has a simple shape, retro design
- Built-in fan can help raspberry Pi 2B/3B/3B+ cool down during you play games.
- Easy to install;Retro appearance;Superb craftsmanship;Lightweight and compact
- Pacakge Includes:1 x Nes3Pi (with fan inside);4 x Aluminum Heat sink;NOTE: Raspberry Pi is not include in the package!
Additional Info :
| Item Dimensions | |
| Weight | 0.1763698096 |
Case, geeekpi nes pi case is compatible with the latest raspberry pi 3b+ and has cooling fans. The result is a great looking case that has more than enough cooling to keep your pi from overheating. You can install your pi, power supply and hdd/ssd inside the case, and connect hdmi, usb, and audio cables to the outside for a clean look. It also comes with a gamepads holder and a mesh for the fan to ensure the air flow is maximized.
The case is made of plastic and acrylic. It’s sturdy enough to be carried around and is easy to assemble.
5. GamePi43 Accessories Kit for Raspberry Pi 4B/3B+/3B/2B/B+ Portable Retro Video Handheld Game Console with 4.3inch IPS Display 800×480 Pixel 60 fps Smooth Gaming Experience Speaker Earphone Jack
Features :
- The GamePi43 is a portable retro video game console based on Raspberry Pi, recalls you all the gaming pleasures in the memory. This accessory pack includes add-ons required to build your own GamePi43, excerpt for the Raspberry Pi and micro SD card.
- With 4.3inch IPS display, 800×480 pixels. 60 fps smooth gaming experience
- Compatible with Raspberry Pi B+/2B/3B/3B+.(Note PI is NOT included)
- Integrates battery charge circuitry, powered from 18650 lithium batteries (NOT included), plays anywhere anytime. Onboard Battery life indicator.
- Onboard speaker and earphone jack, listen to the familiar BGM from the old days. Volume and backlight adjustment keys, adjust the device status according to specific game, better experience.
Additional Info :
| Color | GamePi43 Acc Kit without PI |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 1.968503935 |
| Width | 2.755905509 |
| Length | 5.905511805 |
Vga & hdmi video outputThe GamePi 43 Accessories Kit for the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B+ is an amazing kit that comes with everything you need to play games on your Pi. It comes with a Pi-specific case, HDMI cable, and a speaker that fits right next to the Pi. There’s even a gamepad that works with any controller-compatible game.
The case is a cool, translucent blue with a rainbow-like sheen to it that makes it look almost alien. And it’s far from bulky; it’s a slim case that won’t take up much space, even if you use the speaker and gamepad.
6. mafiti Game Controller SNES Retro USB Controller Joystick for Windows PC MAC Linux Raspberry Pi 2 Pack (Grey)
Features :
- Long Cord: Cord is approx. 5 ft. Long
- Standard USB connection,easy to install
- Classic USB Gamepad, 8 buttons,Super sensitive buttons for precision control
- Widely used for Windows 98/ME/Vista/2000/2003/XP/7/8/8.1/10; GNU/Linux; Ubuntu; Mac OS X and beyond ; Raspberry Pi ;Retro Pi OS; Retro Pi NES; Retro Pi System. Works with any emulator
- What you get: 2*Gamepads, manual
- With this usb controller, your raspberry pi could act as a retro gaming machine. But it doesn’t work on Android TV box
- After-sales Servie professional customer service team, all these promise you a happy purchase. We will be appreciated for contacting us seller first when you meet any question
Additional Info :
| Color | Grey |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 1.7716535415 |
| Width | 3.7401574765 |
| Length | 5.7086614115 |
| Weight | 0.27 |
This is a simple game controller that allows you to play retro games on your computer, Mac, or Raspberry Pi. It works with emulators and can also be used with games that were originally designed to work with a standard gamepad, such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Street Fighter II. This game controller is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux PCs. It comes with a USB cable, and the cable length is 8 feet long. It also has a turbo function and an LED light.
This controller is compatible with the Raspberry Pi 3, 2, and B+. It is backed by a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty. This game controller is slim and lightweight, which makes it easy to carry around.
7. GamePi43 Add-ons Accessories Handheld Game Console Kit Raspberry Pi Classic Portable Retro Video Gaming Console 4.3 inch 800×480 IPS Screen Display Monitor for Pi 4 3 2 Model B B+ @XYGStudy
Features :
- Part Number: GamePi43 Acce
- GamePi43 Accessories, Add-ons for Raspberry Pi to Build GamePi43, Compatible with Raspberry Pi B+/2B/3B/3B+/4B
- The GamePi43 is a portable retro video game console based on Raspberry Pi, recalls you all the gaming pleasures in the memory.
- This accessory pack includes add-ons required to build your own GamePi43, excerpt for the Raspberry Pi and micro SD card.
- Integrates battery charge circuitry, powered from 18650 lithium batteries (NOT included), plays anywhere anytime
This is a really nice looking handheld gaming console and it looks just like a classic gameboy. This is a DIY kit and you will need your own Pi. The kit includes the screen, case and buttons. There is no battery pack included, but you can add one if you want to make it portable. The screen is 4. 3 inch 800×480 IPS screen and it looks really nice.
The buttons feel really nice and responsive. If you want to add a battery, you will have to remove the case so it is not really portable. Overall it is a really nice looking handheld gaming console. Great for playing retro games and you can even stream games from your PC.
8. 2.4 GHz Wireless USB SNES Controller for Super Classic Games, iNNEXT Retro USB PC Controller Compatible for Windows PC MAC Linux Genesis Raspberry Pi Retropie Emulator [Plug & Play] [Rechargeable]
Features :
- Wide COMPATIBILITY: Generic USB controller, standard USB port, Compatible with device accepts USB controller input, no additional setup involved when using the remote controller, JUST PLUG AND PLAY! Simply plug in the Unifying receiver, and you’re ready to go.
- Supported Device (With USB storage device): PC, Notebook Computer, Laptop Computer; Android Smartphone: connect via an USB OTG cable; Raspberry Pi (RPI, Raspberry pie): Raspberry Pi 1 Model B, Model A, Raspberry Pi 1 Model B+, Raspberry Pi Zero, Raspberry Pi 2, Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, Raspberry Pi 3, Retro Pie. — Note: NOT SUPPORT Android TV BOX.
- Supported Operating system: Windows 98, ME, Vista, 2000, 2003, XP, 7, 8, 8.1, 10; Linux UBUNTU, Linux Mint; Mac OS X and beyond; Retrogaming operating systems: RetroPie, Recalbox, Happi Game Center, Lakka, ChameleonPi, Piplay
- Please Note: DO NOT SUPPORT ANDROID TV BOX, C64(Commodore 64), Google Chromebook, Amazon Fire TV. Do not support ONLINE games
- Extended battery life: The Wireless SNES Controller has a battery life of up to 3 years. Battery capacity: 240mA; Charging time: 1 hour; Charging voltage: 3. 7V; Usage time: 3 hours. Battery Level Indicator: Yes
Additional Info :
| Color | Wireless Multicolored Keys * 2 |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 0.72 |
| Width | 4.3 |
| Length | 6.5 |
| Weight | 0.225 |
This is a great wireless usb snes controller that you can use to play your favorite snes games on your pc, mac, linux, raspberry pi, retropie, or other android devices. It is compatible with windows, mac, linux, raspberry pi, and retropie emulation systems. It is also compatible with many android emulators such as mame4droid, mame4roid, mame4droid, etc.
The controller is a wireless usb controller that is rechargeable and has a 15-hour battery life on a full charge. This will save you from having to constantly change batteries or deal with wires or bluetooth connectivity issues.
9. 2X Classic SNES USB Controller for Retro Gamings, kiwitatá Super NES Wired USB Joypad Game Controller for Windows PC Mac Raspberry Pi
Features :
- ✅Compatible with Raspberry Pi, PC,Windows, Linux ,Mac. Specifically designed for playing classic old school retro snes games on computer or laptop.USB connection with durable cord and provide stable and extension of game performance. not support for SNES Super Entertainment System Console or switch games.
- ✅ Super precise cross key and function buttons,the cross direction key adopts frosted concave design,anti-sweat and anti-slip.The shape of the controller is designed to fit the contour of your hands,easy and comfortable to hold.
- ✅ PC running operating system:Windows 98/2000/ ME/XP/Vista/Win7/8/8.1/11 or later,or Mac running OS X 10.0/Mac OS X or above.It works with any emulator you wish to download and use,such as VirtuaNES,sens9x,Zsens,sensgt,Uosnesw,RetroArch,OpenEmu(MAC),NESEmu and Jnes etc.
- ✅ Standard USB 2.0 port with a 1.5 meters (5ft) cable, don’t need to install any drivers, you must manually set the buttons and directionals within the emulator you’re using, and the controller not automatically assigns buttons/directional axes. Notice: please plugged in the controller first, then open the game emulator. Otherwise, the controller may not recognize
- ✅Third party controller, 100% brand new & high quality, 12 months worry-free product assure from kiwitatá. If there is an incompatibility on MAC or Raspberry Pi , please contact the seller for a support. Notice:NOT Compatible with any Android Box,Tesla vehicles and Super Nintendo Console.
Additional Info :
| Color | Grey/Purple Keys 2Pack |
10. 2 Pack USB Controller for SNES Retro Gaming, miadore SNES USB Classic Gamepad Joypad Gamestick for Windows PC MAC Linux Retropie Raspberry Pi 3
Features :
- ✔ Compatible with Windows98/ME/Vista/2000/2003/XP/7/8/8.1/10; Mac OS X and beyond ; Emulators ;Raspberry Pi ;Raspberry PI 2 model B ;Retro Pi OS; Retropi System.
- ✔ Simple USB plug and play, no drivers and software required. Note: If you have trouble with using this, make sure it is plugged in before starting your emulator. Also go into input settings and you may have to map the buttons.
- ✔ Work with any emulator you wish to download and use. Google SNES emulator and then the same for Roms. Way better than normal joypad and keyboard and mouse playing to really enjoy the emulator experience.
- ✔ Super sensitive buttons for precision control, Eight-way directional pad and six digital buttons. Play your favorite old school games with authentic retro feel. Arrowed D-pad, concave X and Y buttons, convex A and B buttons, rubber start and select buttons. Cord is approx. 5 ft. Long, providing a comfortable distance while playing.
- ✔ If you want to play SNES, NES, PSX, Atari, Genesis, or any other types of this vintage of games… get this. You will not regret it. NOTE:Third party controller, not original SNES / NES controller. But it works phenomenal with the Raspberry Pi game emulation and so on.
Additional Info :
| Color | white |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 1.181102361 |
| Width | 5.905511805 |
| Length | 6.299212592 |
| Weight | 0.440924524 |
retro gaming with raspberry pi You Should Consider
Raspberry Pi Zero is one of the smallest and thinnest single board computers in the world. It is a computer that comes with a micro-USB port, 40-pin header, composite video, and a reset button among other things. The computer cannot be directly connected to a display since it has no HDMI or any other video output ports. It can only be used with an external display through the help of a USB-to-TV converter.
The Zero model is a drastically reduced version of the Raspberry Pi family. It has no Ethernet and only one USB port. It also has no dedicated power input cable and only draws power from the micro-USB port. It can be powered from a phone charger with a micro-USB port. The Zero model has no camera port and only 512 MB of RAM. It has no full-size USB ports and only one micro-USB port.
How to make a gaming station with a Raspberry Pi?
The Raspberry Pi is a versatile device. It has been used in many different fields as a tool to help create different things. For example, it can be used to create a bitcoin wallet, home automation hub, and many other things. One of the things it can do is act as a full gaming console.
In order to make a gaming console, you need to first create a DIY RetroPie gaming station. Here is how to do it:
First of all, you need to install RetroPie on your Raspberry Pi. You can do this by downloading the image from the RetroPie download page and flashing it to your micro SD card using a program like Etcher.
Once the image is flashed to your micro SD card, insert it into your Raspberry Pi and connect your keyboard, mouse, and TV to the Raspberry Pi.
Then you need to boot your Raspberry Pi. When you first boot it, you need to go to the RetroPie menu and configure your gamepad.
After you have connected your gamepad to your Raspberry Pi, you need to go to the RetroPie menu and configure your gamepad.
Once you have configured your gamepad, you need to configure the controller in the RetroPie menu.
After you have configured both the keyboard and the controller, you are now free to use your gaming station.
In order to add ROMs to your gaming station, you need to go to the RetroPie menu, then click on the ROM launcher,
People Also Ask (FAQs)
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Which Raspberry Pi is best for retro gaming?
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Can you play retro games on the Raspberry Pi?
The Raspberry Pi is capable of running emulators for a number of different retro gaming consoles. This is usually the first thing that people look into when they ask if you can play retro games on the Raspberry Pi. The answer is yes, you can play retro games on the Raspberry Pi.
What’s the best emulator for the Raspberry Pi The short answer is, whichever emulator you like the most.
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What is the best emulator for Raspberry Pi?
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Is there an emulator for Raspberry Pi?
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Which Raspberry Pi is best for retro gaming?
A Raspberry Pi is perfectly capable of playing retro games and many people are using them for exactly that. However, if you’re thinking of using a Pi to play retro games you’ll need to choose carefully.
Cases The first thing you’ll need is a case and this will depend a lot on the type of system you want to emulate.
Conclusion
Retro gaming is a great quality of life improvement for adults with disabilities. Using the Raspberry Pi and a variety of controllers, you can play some of your favorite retro games from the late ‘70s to the early 2000s. The controllers you use will depend on the games you want to play. A USB keyboard can help you play some early PC games, while a USB joystick will get you playing most classic console games.
You can also use a USB-compatible arcade controller or USB controllers designed for a specific console, like the Xbox or PlayStation. If you’re using a Raspberry Pi 3, you can use wireless controllers without any additional hardware.