Interested but not informed on Raspberry Pi

[Tanooki]

I got to thinking after seeing this long post of marlowe's a moment ago in another thread about emulation and its quality today vs the predatory nature of old Nintendo home carts as it is now. The Retron 5 I do have, but don't really use it much, kind of would still rather use the old systems instead so it got me thinking maybe I should look at the Pi2 (or upcoming Pi3.)

I don't have the know how to make one myself, nor do I have the tools or talent to make a nice little plastic shell to house/protect such a thing. Are there any good recommendations on what to look at as far as price and general stuff (guts and case) I could look at to see if it suits my needs?

I figure it's not much of a stretch using that if I've got the R5, could even get a USB adapter to plug a SNES controller into it which would cover basically anything of interest.

[marlowe221]

I have seen Raspberry Pi 2 kits with a case on Amazon in the neighborhood of $70 or so but it does vary.

As far as setting up the software, I think RetroPi is the leading candidate there though I may be wrong about that.

[MrPopo]

If you're looking for an emulation machine I'm not sure it's worth your time over just using a USB controller on your PC. A full PC is always going to give you the best performance and fidelity in emulation.

If the price of original carts is a problem you'd be better served with a flash cart, as then you're getting the real experience on the real hardware. All the flash cart is doing is serving up the ROM data just like an actual cart. That does mean you miss out on certain enhanced chip games for the SNES, though.

[Tanooki]

Hmm interesting. Flash kits I'd consider but given what they end up going for and the fact I'm not that hung up on using the original hardware I think the Pi at least would get around the problem of special chips which the SNES has a good sized one with. I'd be more inclined to get a kit when the everdrive advance came out though.

[ElkinFencer10]

If you're just wanting straight emulation, then I agree with Popo - PC with a USB controller is your best bet. If you're wanting a more authentic controller, check this site out.

http://www.retrousb.com/index.php?cPath ... 610cd9d2aa

[marlowe221]

Hmm interesting. Flash kits I'd consider but given what they end up going for and the fact I'm not that hung up on using the original hardware I think the Pi at least would get around the problem of special chips which the SNES has a good sized one with. I'd be more inclined to get a kit when the everdrive advance came out though.

I thought about flash carts too and still might go that way, though I doubt it for the same reasons as yourself.

The most important thing to me was the controllers and that issue is mostly solved through USB adapters and a few USB reproductions (like the Buffalo SNES pad).

I have been thinking about making a RetroPi but I don't get much TV time (that's the wife's domain!). Which leaves me with my custom built PC which is more than capable of running any emulator from Dolphin (GCN/Wii) on down to Stella (Atari 2600).

[Tanooki]

I tend to not behave well with flash carts, but that was a few years back when I was on a collecting enjoyment spree before Nintendo nose dived into the toilet due to the aggression. I'd load up a power pak (had it twice) and get all ADHD and never use it much.

The Pi I think may present a similar problem, not sure. It's why I wanted to know more.

[Bucketman73]

Emulation on the Raspberry Pi is super easy - you just need to load up either RetroPie or RecalBox. Once setup you just transfer your roms across and away you go.

In terms of a cabinet there are small options such as the PiCade or the Porta-Pi - both of which can be purchased at different kit levels depending on your budget and want to build yourself.

You can also get kits to build just a controller - like an arcade control box with the Raspberry Pi inside - basically just a cabinet without the screen - gives you the arcade feel but means you don't have a large cabinet taking up space when not being used.

While the Raspberry Pi may not emulate as many systems as a PC can it does pretty much all the popular ones and with the release of the Raspberry Pi 3 is getting even better.

[Tanooki]

You're going a bit beyond what I was thinking when I wrote this.

I know you can get that new Pi3 for $35, but it's just the fully setup board, exposed. I was thinking one of those little ABS plastic snap cases that look nice that go around it, and of course you'd need a power supply (AC Plug) and since I can't run a cable a little Wifi adapter. Given I think they only have 1 USB port I imagine a 4port hub probably would ne necessary too. All that would add to the $35 price so I think a bundle package probably would be wise for anyone.


Take for instance this I found instantly on amazon doing raspberry pi 3 bundle as a search term and it's $75.

Add this to bump it to $91, a mini handheld keyboard


Though probably not necessary it would be a nice touch, and I know these things can work with a touch display so Iw ould not be surprised if there was some android tablet app to go that route as well.

[isiolia]

I know you can get that new Pi3 for $35, but it's just the fully setup board, exposed. I was thinking one of those little ABS plastic snap cases that look nice that go around it, and of course you'd need a power supply (AC Plug) and since I can't run a cable a little Wifi adapter. Given I think they only have 1 USB port I imagine a 4port hub probably would ne necessary too. All that would add to the $35 price so I think a bundle package probably would be wise for anyone.

The Pi 3 has integrated WiFi as a big selling point over the previous models. It also has 4 USB ports built in, and the AC adapter is USB power - if you have spare cell phone adapters around, you may have one that works for the purpose. Similarly, you might have a micro SD card you can put an image on that works.

I don't disagree that a bundle can be a good idea, but it does depend on what you have around already.