Game On! Playing Your Favorite Retro and Modern Classics on Your Raspberry Pi 4

Learn how to install games on your Raspberry Pi 4, from classic arcade titles to modern day hits. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy playing your favorite retro and modern classics on this tiny ye …


Updated October 6, 2023

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Learn how to install games on your Raspberry Pi 4, from classic arcade titles to modern day hits. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy playing your favorite retro and modern classics on this tiny yet powerful computer.

Raspberry Pi is a popular choice for retro gaming enthusiasts and nostalgic tech lovers alike. The Raspberry Pi 4 has more than enough power to run various games, old and new. In this article, we will cover how to install games on your Raspberry Pi 4, both classic arcade titles and modern day hits.

Retro Gaming

There are many emulators available for the Raspberry Pi that allow you to play vintage games from the past. Here are some popular choices:

  1. RetroPie RetroPie is a free and open-source emulator package that supports over 350 different systems, including Atari, Nintendo, Sega, SNES, PlayStation, and more. To install RetroPie on your Raspberry Pi, follow these steps:

    1. Update your system by running sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade.
    2. Install RetroPie by running curl -sL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/master/retropie_setup.sh | bash.
    3. Once the installation is complete, you can start playing games by selecting the system you want to emulate from the main menu.

  2. EmulationStation EmulationStation is another popular emulator frontend for the Raspberry Pi. It supports a wide range of systems and comes with a clean interface. To install it, follow these steps:

    1. Update your system by running sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade.
    2. Install EmulationStation using the command sudo apt install emulationstation.
    3. Configure the emulator settings and ROMs location in the ~/.emulationstation/es_systems.cfg file.
    4. Start EmulationStation by running emulationstation.

Both RetroPie and EmulationStation are great options for playing classic games on your Raspberry Pi, but they may not be suitable for all titles. If you have specific game console or arcade system in mind, you can search for an emulator dedicated to that system.

Modern Gaming

While emulators allow you to play a wide range of older games, some newer titles may require more modern hardware and software. Luckily, Raspberry Pi 4 has the power to run these games as well, with the help of a few tools:

  1. Steam Link Steam Link is an app available on both your Raspberry Pi and a connected computer or TV. It allows you to stream games from your PC to your Raspberry Pi over WiFi or Bluetooth. To set it up, follow these steps:

    1. Install the Steam client on your Raspberry Pi by following the instructions at https://steamcommunity.com/apps/259780/discussions/0/4936495307846564950/.
    2. Download and install Steam Link on your computer from http://store.steampowered.com/app/3533790/.
    3. Follow the on-screen instructions to pair your Raspberry Pi with your computer or TV.

  2. Kodi Kodi is a media center software that supports various add-ons, including games. To install Kodi and play games on your Raspberry Pi, follow these steps:

    1. Update your system by running sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade.
    2. Install Kodi using the command sudo apt install kodi.
    3. Add a gaming add-on from the Kodi add-on repository (e.g., Game Collection).
    4. Download and install games from within Kodi or use a USB drive to transfer them.

These are just two examples of how you can play modern games on your Raspberry Pi 4. With a little bit of tinkering, you can find the right combination of tools and configurations for your specific needs. The sky’s the limit when it comes to gaming on this tiny yet powerful computer!

Remember that playing games on a Raspberry Pi requires some technical know-how and patience. It may not be as easy or straightforward as simply installing software on other devices, but with a bit of research and persistence, you can make your Raspberry Pi a gaming powerhouse.