RetroPie
RetroPie turns a Raspberry Pi or PC into a system for playing arcade, home-console, and classic PC games.
What RetroPie is
RetroPie turns a Raspberry Pi or PC into a system for playing arcade, home-console, and classic PC games. It combines RetroArch, EmulationStation, and other projects, with EmulationStation providing the graphical front end. Users can install a ready-made bootable image on Raspberry Pi or run the setup script manually. The script is designed for Raspberry Pi OS on Raspberry Pi, OSMC on Vero4K, or Ubuntu on ODroid-C1 or PC. Raspberry Pi installations can use binary or source packages, while other supported platforms use source installation. The pre-made image includes multiple emulators, and additional emulators or ports can be installed inside RetroPie. Configuration tools, controller setup, Wi-Fi, SSH, and cheat-code options are documented. Required hardware includes a Raspberry Pi, MicroSD card, display, power supply, and game controller. RetroPie is free, runs on Linux or self-hosted setups, and its setup project is available on GitHub. ROMs and BIOS files are copyrighted and are not included.
Good
- Free retro-gaming system
- Ready-made Raspberry Pi images available
- Supports multiple emulators and added ports
- Configuration tools support system customization
- First-boot menu configures controller controls
Watch out
- ROMs and BIOS files are not included
- Requires listed hardware for installation
- Other supported platforms use source installation
- Maintained primarily by a few enthusiasts
Who it suits
RetroPie suits people building a retro-gaming machine from a Raspberry Pi or supported PC environment. It is useful for users comfortable installing images or running a setup script and supplying their own game files.
Verdict
RetroPie provides a configurable Linux-based retro-gaming setup with image and manual installation paths. Plan to supply compatible hardware and legally obtain ROM and BIOS files separately.
The facts
Each one read from RetroPie's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Additional emulators
- The pre-made image includes multiple emulators, and additional emulators can be installed from within RetroPie.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Components
- RetroPie combines RetroArch, EmulationStation, and other projects.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Controller support
- The first-boot menu configures controls for EmulationStation, RetroArch emulators, and select standalone emulators.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Customization
- The project provides configuration tools for users to customize the system.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- The project points users to RetroPie Docs for component information and frequently asked questions, and invites documentation contributions through pull requests.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Emulators
- The pre-made images include emulators for common systems, and additional emulators or ports can be installed separately.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Game files
- ROMs and BIOS files are copyrighted and are not included with RetroPie.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Hardware requirements
- The installation guide lists a Raspberry Pi, MicroSD card, display, power supply, and game controller as required hardware.checked 8 Oct 2026
- How it works
- RetroPie combines RetroArch, EmulationStation, and other projects, with EmulationStation serving as the graphical front end.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Install methods
- On Raspberry Pi, the setup script supports binary or source installs; on other supported platforms, only source installs are available.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Maintenance
- The project says it is primarily maintained by a few enthusiasts in their free time.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Manual installation
- The setup script is designed for Raspberry Pi OS on Raspberry Pi, OSMC on Vero4K, or Ubuntu on ODroid-C1 or PC.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Other setup tools
- The documentation lists Wi-Fi configuration, SSH, additional controller setup, and cheat codes as setup options.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- RetroPie turns a Raspberry Pi or PC into a retro-gaming machine for arcade, home-console, and classic PC games.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Ready made images
- Bootable pre-made images are available for Raspberry Pi.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Setup options
- Users can install a ready-to-go SD image or install RetroPie manually.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Source code
- The RetroPie-Setup project is hosted on GitHub and can be downloaded by cloning its repository.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project points users to its documentation, FAQ, and community forum for help.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Supported setup environments
- The setup script is designed for Raspberry Pi OS, OSMC on Vero4K, or Ubuntu on ODroid-C1 or PC.checked 8 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- ROMs and BIOS files
- ROMs and BIOS files are copyrighted and are not included with RetroPie.checked 7 Oct 2026
Alternatives to RetroPie
- 1
Manic EMU
Free planOpen sourceiOSmacOSSelf-hosted8.2Free plan - 2
Provenance
Free planOpen sourceiOSmacOS8.2From $39.99 a year - 3
webЯcade
Free planOpen sourceAndroidiOSWebLinux7.9Free plan - 4
RetroArch
Free planAndroidiOSWebLinux7.7Free plan - 5
ares
Free planOpen sourceLinuxmacOSSelf-hostedWindows7.5Free plan - 6
OpenEmu
Free planOpen sourcemacOS7.3Free plan