RetroPie

Raspberry Pi-focused distribution that turns a single-board computer into a retro gaming machine.

FreeProprietaryLinux

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About RetroPie

RetroPie turns a Raspberry Pi or similar single-board computer into a dedicated retro gaming machine. It bundles many emulators behind a single interface, so games from a range of older consoles and computers can be played on a television with a controller.

It suits people building a home retro console from inexpensive hardware who want an installable system rather than configuring each emulator by hand.

Strengths

  • Many emulators in one installable system
  • Runs on inexpensive single-board computers
  • Designed for use on a TV with a controller

Limitations

  • Focused on Raspberry Pi hardware
  • Homepage blocks automated requests, so details here are limited

Details

Pricing
FreeFree to download and install.
License
Proprietary
Developer
The RetroPie contributors
Platforms
Linux
How it runs
Operating system
Account
Not required
Works offline
Yes
Best suited for
Building a home retro console on a Raspberry Pi
Last verified
Added
Provenance
Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.

Alternatives to RetroPie

Compare all

Software that can replace RetroPie for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.

  • Batocera.linux

    A free, open-source retro gaming Linux distribution that boots from a USB stick or SD card.

    Batocera.linux boots from a USB stick or SD card without changing the installed system, supports more than 250 systems and includes RetroAchievements, shaders, bezels and rewind.

  • Recalbox

    A retro gaming operating system that turns a Raspberry Pi or other hardware into a multi-system console.

    FreeProprietaryLinux

    Recalbox supports more than 100 systems, installs through the official Raspberry Pi Imager and adds instant save, rewind, scraping, shaders and overlays behind a beginner-friendly interface.

  • Lakka

    A lightweight Linux distribution built on RetroArch that turns small computers into retro gaming consoles.

    Lakka is an open-source minimal system built entirely on RetroArch, so you get netplay, rewind and shaders but are tied to RetroArch's interface and cores.

  • RetroDECK

    An all-in-one retro gaming Flatpak for Linux that bundles emulators with the ES-DE frontend.

    RetroDECK runs as a sandboxed Flatpak on an existing Linux desktop instead of a dedicated system, with emulators and the ES-DE frontend preconfigured together.

  • Ubuntu GamePack

    An Ubuntu-based Linux distribution preloaded with Steam, Wine and other gaming tools.

    FreeProprietaryLinux

    Ubuntu GamePack is a full Ubuntu-based desktop for 64-bit systems that bundles Steam, Wine and DXVK alongside emulation for older consoles and computers.

Similar software

Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.

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