Raspberry Pi is an incredibly versatile mini-computer that can be used in many ways. One interesting project is to turn it into a retro game console. Thanks to special operating systems such as Recalbox or RetroPie, we can run classic games from the ’80s and ’90s, enjoying cool gameplay on modern hardware. In this article, I will walk you through the entire process of setting up your Raspberry Pi as a retro console.
1. Choosing the Right Hardware
Before we start installing the software, we need to prepare the necessary hardware. Here’s a list of things you might need:
- Raspberry Pi – I used a Raspberry Pi 3 and it’s perfectly adequate for emulating retro games, but if you have a newer model, it’ll work too.
- Fast microSD card
- Power supply
- Case – you can use a standard case, I printed a new case on a 3D printer.
- Cooling – a radiator and/or fan help cool the Raspberry Pi.
- Controllers – these can be wired controllers via USB or wireless via Bluetooth.
- Monitor or TV – with an HDMI input.
- HDMI cable – to connect the Raspberry Pi to the screen.
- Keyboard and mouse are not necessary but may be useful – the entire configuration process can be done using the controller

2. Downloading and installing the operating system
Raspberry Pi does not have a built-in operating system, so we need to upload it to the SD card. The most popular systems for emulating retro games are:
RetroPie – RetroPie – Retro-gaming on the Raspberry Pi
Recalbox – Recalbox Home | recalbox.com
I’ve added links above so you can learn more about them and choose something that’s right for you. I chose Recalbox, but the installation process for RetroPie is very similar.
Install Recalbox:
- Download Raspberry Pi Imager from the Raspberry Pi website: https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/.
- Insert the microSD card into your computer.
- Run Raspberry Pi Imager and select Choose OS > Emulation and game OS > Recalbox.
- Select your SD card and click Write.
- Once done, remove the SD card and insert it into your Raspberry Pi.
3. First boot and setup
- Connect the Raspberry Pi to your TV or monitor via HDMI.
- Connect the controllers.
- Connect the power supply – the system should start automatically.
- After a moment, you will see the Recalbox start screen and you may be asked to configure it controller.

Controller configuration:
- After connecting the controller, the button configuration window will appear.
- Press the appropriate buttons according to the instructions on the screen.
- If you are using a Bluetooth controller, turn it on in Recalbox settings and pair.
4. Testing
Now the most enjoyable part – choose a game and play! You can check if everything works correctly, adjust the settings and enjoy the game like in the old days. If you have more games, you can easily add them at any time by copying them to the appropriate directories.

If you want to learn more about adding games, I recommend reading the articles on Where to find 100% legal roms | Recalbox Wiki and Transferring Roms – RetroPie Docs.
5. Summary
Playing classic games on Raspberry Pi is a great way to revisit the past and discover games that shaped gaming history. With Recalbox or RertoPie and the right accessories, you can quickly and easily create your own retro console.
On my YouTube channel, you can find a 5-minute tutorial that shows you step by step how I created such a retro gaming console.