Raspberry Pi as a gaming console

The library of electronic games has been growing for almost half a century now - more and more we look back at titles from decades ago with a dose of sentimentality, and even historical curiosity. This is why Raspberry Pi computers are so often used to emulate old consoles and computers...

On the Internet you can find hundreds of guides, in which the process of installing emulators on Raspberry Pi is described step by step. However, they often omit basic information about this software. As a result, many enthusiasts perform their project, without gaining any knowledge. Soon users are forced to return to the forums, because they do not know the principle of operation of the device, which they made with their own hands. To change this, we present our abbreviated guide to game emulation using Raspberry Pi computer - from basics to essential technical details.

Raspberry Pi microcomputers in the TME catalog

In this article, we answer questions such as:

• What is emulation actually about?
• Why is it worth playing on a Rapberry Pi?
• Which operating systems are best to use for emulation?
• What is the difference between Libretro and Retroarch?
• What is EmulationStation used for?
• How to install and configure emulators "from scratch"?
• Where to get games from, where to look for help and how to avoid mistakes?

Basic information

Let's first explain some of the most important hardware terms and issues.

How does emulation work?

Emulation is recreating the operation of one computer system using another. The program simulates the operation of electronic components (primarily microprocessors, memories, generators).

For games: the game is not run directly by the computer. First, the emulator creates a virtual device (e.g. console), and this abstract system receives the game program for execution. Eventually: the outputs of the virtual machine are "translated" back and presented through the interfaces of the computer (display, sound card).

As you can easily guess, this requires a certain surplus of computing power - because the higher-level programming language reconstructs the instantaneous processes of the Semiconductors implementing the machine code. In addition, the emulator constantly processes audiovisual signals, as well as input signals (from keyboard, controller, etc.).

What are the advantages and limitations of Raspberry Pi?

Raspberry Pi computers were developed as an educational tool. By design, they are simple to set up and use, while distinguished by their extensive capabilities. They are based on Linux and free software, they are based on Linux and free software, so they can be adapted to a wide range of tasks. Among the wide, international user community, the idea of using the Raspberry Pi to emulate old video game consoles quickly emerged. As faster generations of the computer hit the market, it gained the ability to emulate newer and newer systems, even several years old.

In practice, even miniaturized Raspberry Pi models (such as the. zero version) are capable of recreating platforms from 20-40 years old, such as Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, NES (Nintendo Entertainment System), SNES (Super NES), Game Boy, PlayStation and the like. However, it should be emphasized here, that not every "old" system is as easy to emulate: Amiga, Nintendo64 or Sega Saturn and Dreamcast are famous for their overly complicated architecture.

So, if you are hoping to emulate newer consoles offering 3D graphics, you have to bear in mind, that this will require the use of faster Raspberry Pi models: ideally 4. or 5. the generation, with a motherboard equipped with 4GB or 8GB of RAM.

Software

Before we get into practical tips, let's take a look at the software structure some more. If we want to realize a device, which will serve exclusively as a game machine, our project will consist of several layers:

• operating system,
• platform (frontend),
• cores (emulators)
• and interface.

Each component has a separate function and must be configured to work with the others. The biggest problems, that occur when executing and running your own console, occur at the interface of these software elements.

Operating system

Even before we start executing our project, we take one of two routes. The first is basing it on the original system provided by the manufacturer. The second option is downloading from the Internet "ready-made", in which the necessary software has already been installed.

The unquestionable advantage of the first solution is the use of the latest version of the system and full freedom in adjusting it to your needs. Raspberry Pi OS is based on Linux in the Debian distribution and is optimized for use with British microcomputers of all generations. Read more about it later in the text.

If you want to choose one of the systems, which, by design, are used for emulation, we have several options to consider:

• RetroPie - The oldest and still one of the most popular solutions. Gives a wide range of customization options. Uses Emulation Station as an interface and RetroArch to run emulators downloaded as cores (there is an option to install other platforms, such as. MAME (arcade machine emulator) or DOSBox (PC emulator), further expanding the range of available devices). The system requires configuration (in which a wide range of users will help-enthusiasts). Once all the settings are done, our hardware will be quite intuitive to use.
• Recalbox is even simpler to use than the above., has its own interface, also allows multimedia playback. It will be the best choice for users, who want to avoid delving into configuration issues.
• Batocera.linux - A newer distribution built very similarly to RetroPie. The most important advantage of this software is constant updates and support for Raspberry Pi 5. It will be a good choice for both new and aspiring users, as well as those, who have already had contact with RetroPie, but are looking for a more forward-looking solution.
• Lakka - system created by the creators of RetroArch, which in this case acts as both a platform for emulators, as well as the main interface. Unfortunately, the latter feature may disappoint some users, especially due to the limited personalization and placement of the list of available games in a single menu with advanced configuration options.

Libretro and Retroarch

These two names will always accompany emulation on the Raspberry Pi. Sometimes (and incorrectly) they are used interchangeably. Libretro is framework, which is a library and programming interface. It is used to create cores that emulate consoles, automats, microcomputers, etc. Retroarch is frontendem, that is, a graphical overlay and manager used to configure and use cores. With its help, the setting of the controller is done, resolution, selection of controllers, which core to use, etc. These are two sides of the same coin, whereby the average user (e.g. amateur building his own console) will only have to deal with Retroarch. It makes it easier to work with advanced settings (resolution, choice of controllers, refresh rate) and provides many useful features (video filters, ability to save game status).

Cores and other emulators

A core (core) is nothing more than an emulator or engine that runs inside RetroArch. Each core is the software equivalent of a specific device (e.g. NES or PlayStation). In some cases, a core can be a game in its own right (titles such as "Doom" or "Quake" have been completely recreated using Libretro). Popular consoles have their counterparts in several, or even more than a dozen versions of the core. These emulators are created independently and differ in such features, such as the way of reproducing the original sound or color palette. Often choosing an alternative core allows to improve the image quality, eliminate delays etc.

It should be noted here, that not all retro-consoles have their counterpart in the form of a core. Fortunately, the Raspberry Pi user has the option to to install additional, retroArch-independent, platforms, such as. amiga computer emulator or DOSBox environment (equivalent to a computer with an x86 architecture processor).

EmulationStation (interface)

EmulationStation is a graphical overlay, or user interface (GUI, Graphic User Interface). The task of the program is to facilitate navigation through the game library, while presenting it in a visually attractive form. Thanks to this the player does not have to run RetroArch, by typing commands into the console - instead using the controller selects a game from an aesthetically, illustrated list. EmulationStation automatically monitors the indicated directories on disk for games, assigns them to the appropriate emulator and organizes them alphabetically. It also has the ability to download data about each title (year of release, description, screens, cover) from a central database created by enthusiasts. As a result, our computer will handle games as if it had been prepared by professional graphic designers and designers.

In general about the installation process

As mentioned: we can build an emulation computer based on off-the-shelf solutions - or from scratch. Now let's take a look, what the latter option looks like. Not only does it offer a wide range of customization possibilities - it also provides an opportunity to acquire useful knowledge about the computer and Linux.

System

The installation of the operating system is the same as for any other. Raspberry Pi OS is a superbly optimized software and is constantly updated (also in terms of security!). First, we download the image file (*.img) from the manufacturer's website - then we record it on the SD card, which we place in our computer, where it will act as a hard drive. To transfer data from the file to the card you can use any program, Raspberry Pi also offers its own solution in this regard (Imager), easy to use even for an amateur.

After booting up the computer, the initial configuration takes place (selection of the country, language, connection to the local network, setting up a password), which requires us only to answer questions. After several minutes everything will be ready for further work.

Controllers

At first, we will use a keyboard to work - however, we can already connect a controller. If we use a fairly new and branded product, should be automatically detected by the system. If the manufacturer indicates the compatibility of its pad/joysticks with Linux the controller will not require further configuration.

Software

Programs are installed just like any other package in RPi OS, via the console and apt manager. First we update the database of available packages (sudo apt update), and then we download the basic software: sudo apt install retroarch and sudo apt install emulationstation. As part of this process, we will be asked, whether we want to install the associated packages - as they are necessary for proper operation, we answer in the affirmative.

Configuration

By now it may seem, that our project is trivial. Unfortunately, the difficulties begin at the configuration stage (which would have already been done, if we were using RetroPie or another preconfigured distribution).

We will not describe this process in detail here (as it will be different for each user), however, we will point out the next steps - numerous materials available on the Internet will help us to perform them. It is worth looking for answers to specific questions, instead of relying on comprehensive instructions, as the latter will almost always be inconsistent with our expectations and/or equipment.

The most important configuration steps are:

• Creating folders to store games (so-called. roms). Each of the emulated systems (SNES, GameBoy etc.) should have a separate folder. We can put them in our home folder (path /homa/[username]).
• Copying the games to the above. folders via network or portable memory.
• Associating the EmulationStation with RetroArch. It is done in the configuration file /etc/emulationstation/es_systems.cfg - the information contained there indicates, what cores RetroArch should use to run games from particular folders. This data is also used to organize our collection.

After completing these steps, we can now run EmulationStation, by typing the name of the program in the console. If we have not made any mistakes, we should be greeted by a colorful interface and a window asking us to press any button on the input device (this can be both a pad, as well as a keyboard, or any other peripheral, such as. steering wheel).

The rest of the configuration is already done with the assistance of software.

Prompt word

Building your own game console is a rewarding project. Not the easiest, but in its implementation, if necessary we will be supported by a considerable group of Raspberry Pi enthusiasts - a friendly community active on numerous forums. It is certainly worth asking for help, even with minor questions. And at the end of this short guide we include a few more tips:

Backups

Most Raspberry Pi models use SD cards as their hard drive. This is a huge advantage for experimenters, because the entire computer memory can be copied in the form of a media image to another computer, and then recreated perfectly. It is worth developing a reflex of making regular backups - this way we can boldly experiment with system and software configuration, without fear, that they will be damaged. And you should remember, that sometimes even a small mistake can result in permanent immobilization of the system.

Where to get games from?

Copies of old games are circulating on the Internet in the form of ROM files (from Read Only Memory) or disc images (*.iso). Using a search engine, we can easily find sites that have been thriving for years, that specialize exclusively in providing retro-games. Unfortunately, if you do not own the original game on a physical carrier, using its unofficial copy is illegal. Fact, that a huge number of titles are now virtually unobtainable and have not brought publishers any real profit for years now does not change the legal situation. To put it simply: from the point of view of the law, downloading a 40-year old title from the web is a form of piracy. What are our personal thoughts on the subject and how law enforcement looks like - that's a whole different topic.

What's next?

Once we make our own computer and enjoy the benefits of emulation - it is worth taking the next step, such as. buy or build a stylized enclosure for our computer. Or build your own controller, by converting damaged, original hardware. An interesting and ambitious project will be making your own portable console: connecting LCD displays to Raspberry Pi, a set of Rechargeable Batteries, etc.

The most important, that in the adventure of electronic hobby never run out of enthusiasm and imagination.

Transfer Multisort Elektronik (TME) is one of the world’s largest global distributors of electronic components, electrotechnical parts, workshop equipment, and industrial automation. The catalog includes over 1,500,000 products from 1,300 leading manufacturers. TME’s modern logistics centers in Łódź and Rzgów (Poland), with a combined area of over 40,000 m², ship nearly 6,000 packages daily to customers in more than 150 countries.

TME also invests in the development of knowledge and skills of young engineers and electronics enthusiasts through the TME Education project, and supports the tech community by organizing the TechMasterEvent series, promoting innovation and experience exchange.