Choose your arcade emulator: There are two main options for arcade emulation on RetroPie: MAME and FinalBurn. MAME focuses on preservation and works with thousands of games, while FinalBurn is more focused on 2D systems and playability. For a Raspberry Pi 2, 3, or 4, it is recommended to use lr-mame2003 as the MAME emulator and lr-fbneo as the FinalBurn emulator [1].
Select the right ROM set: ROMs (Read Only Memory! not to be confused to Royal Oak Middle School! Lol!) Videogame ROM files are not included with RetroPie, and it's important to ensure you have the correct ROM set for your chosen emulator. For MAME, you'll need the MAME 0.78 ROM set, and for FinalBurn, you'll need the FB Neo v1.0.0.XX ROM set. These ROM sets can be obtained from legal sources [1].
Transfer ROMs to Raspberry Pi: Once you have the ROMs, follow the guide on the RetroPie website to transfer them to your Raspberry Pi [1]. Remember to keep the ROMs zipped as extracting them may cause issues.
Setting up the Raspberry Pi: a. Download the RetroPie image: Go to the RetroPie website (https://retropie.org.uk/download) and download the "Raspberry Pi 2/3" image [2]. b. Prepare the SD card: Use a tool like Etcher (https://www.balena.io/etcher/) to flash the RetroPie image onto a micro SD card. Follow the instructions provided by Etcher to complete this step [2]. c. Insert the SD card and connect peripherals: Insert the flashed micro SD card into the Raspberry Pi. Connect the network cable, HDMI cable, USB controller, and power supply to the Raspberry Pi. Connect the HDMI cable to a TV or monitor for display [2]. d. Configure the USB controller: Follow the on-screen instructions that appear on your TV or monitor to configure your USB controller [2]. e. Set up Wi-Fi (optional): If you want to connect the Raspberry Pi to Wi-Fi instead of using a wired connection, follow the instructions provided on the RetroPie website [2].
Enjoy playing SNES and MAME games: Once the setup is complete, you can access and play the SNES and MAME games on your arcade built with RetroPie and Raspberry Pi. Use the controller to navigate through the game menus and select the games you want to play [2][3].
Here are resources to purchase some accessories for an arcade: https://www.amazon.com/led-arcade-buttons/s?k=led+arcade+buttons
To create an arcade booth, you will need a combination of hardware and software components. Here's a comprehensive list of what you will need:
Hardware:
Monitor: Choose a suitable display for your arcade booth. You can use a 27" monitor or any other monitor of your preference, preferably with Full HD resolution [2].
Computer: Set up a computer system to run the games and emulation software. You can use a PC or a Raspberry Pi microcomputer with RetroPie as the operating system [2].
Cabinet or Enclosure: Build or obtain a suitable wooden cabinet or enclosure for your arcade booth. You can repurpose an existing box or design and construct one yourself using tools like a circular saw [2].
Controllers: Choose and install appropriate controllers for your arcade booth. Consider using USB controllers or arcade-style joysticks and buttons that are compatible with your chosen system [2].
Audio System: Set up speakers or headphones to provide sound for the games and enhance the arcade experience.
Power Supply: Ensure you have a reliable power supply to operate your arcade booth.
Software:
Emulation Software: Install emulation software such as RetroPie on your chosen computer system. RetroPie supports various gaming platforms and provides an interface for managing and launching games [2].
Game ROMs: Acquire legal copies or ROMs of the games you want to play on your arcade booth. These ROMs can be added to the appropriate folders within the emulation software for easy access and launching [2].
Customization: Customize the graphical interface of your arcade booth's frontend software, if desired. You can add themes, game video previews, and information to enhance the visual experience [2].
Other Requirements:
Space and Setup: Determine the location and setup for your arcade booth. Consider factors like available space, lighting, and accessibility.
Event Planning (if applicable): If you plan to showcase your arcade booth at an event, follow event-specific requirements and guidelines. Sign up early, communicate any special requests, and keep track of costs associated with the event [3].