r/RetroPie • u/Timely_Pomelo_2177 • 3d ago

Question Controller and memory suggestions

Looking to make a retro pie device that will plug into my tv like a console. Can someone point me in the direction with what’s the best memory storage solution (games can add up in size) and also a good wireless controller?

Sorry in advance if this is dumb. This is my first raspberry pi project

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u/rael_gc 3d ago

For storage: a lot of emulator cores have support to compressed files (.zip for single ROMs, .chd for ISO or BIN/CUE images).

Get any 8bitdo controler (nice quality and battery life) that has a 2.4Hz receiver (to reduce latency).

Put your TV at game mode in 1080p (to reduce latency).

Set Retroarch > Settings > Latency to "Run Ahead" or "Preemptive Frames" (to reduce latency).

For 8 and 16-bit games, latency can ruin your experience in fast paced games. You'll not notice imediatelly, but without proper latency config, you'll start to think that you're now a worst player.

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u/Timely_Pomelo_2177 3d ago

Thank you so much! All things I wouldn’t have even thought of

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u/thready4whatever 3d ago

I have a 128gb SD card in my Raspi4 8gb, then an external HD to put my roms on. Wireless controller depends on what you like. I've played with a PS4 controller, but right now I'm using the 8bitdo Pro2 wireless controller and I love it. Very nice layout (looks like the SNES joypad mixed with the PS controller) and good battery.

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u/Timely_Pomelo_2177 3d ago

I may check out that controller! And I want to say that’s about the size SD card I have. Just didn’t know I could plug an external HD to it. This changes everything then! Thank you!

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u/02CBR600F4i 20h ago

I'm using a Pi5 with external USB hard drives and have one with M.2 Nvme. Crazy fast, can't go back to sd cards. Also using some 8BitDo controllers.