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    Please do not post a support request without first reading and following the advice in https://retropie.org.uk/forum/topic/3/read-this-first

    Raspberry Pi 4 Set Up

    Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved Help and Support
    raspberry pi 4rpi4sdl
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    • M
      macraem
      last edited by

      Hi Guys
      Im a bit of a noob, but what is the best step-by-step guide for setting up RetroPie on RPi4?
      The one I followed used Raspbian Buster with Desktop which Im sure has caused the 'Cannot create SDL Window' errors Im getting when launching EmulationStation. What is my best base image prior to downloading and setting up RetroPie.
      Thanks in advance!
      Mark

      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
      • mituM
        mitu Global Moderator
        last edited by

        RetroPie has always used the Raspbian Lite image as a base for installation, this will not change with the Pi4. Note that support for Pi4 is a work in progress and the development is using the fkms_rpi4 branch of the RetroPie Github repository.

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        • M
          macraem
          last edited by

          Thanks for the reply. I get further with a Raspian Lite base, and Retro-Pie installs fine. However I now get a black screen when I launch 'emulationstation'. Any ideas please?

          SanoS 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
          • mituM
            mitu Global Moderator
            last edited by

            An error message would be helpful, but keep in mind that this is a work in progress and some things might break during development.

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            • SanoS
              Sano @macraem
              last edited by

              @macraem Had that, without any error.
              In my case I found I just had to enable fkms through raspi-config (Advanced Options/GL Driver).
              Hope this helps.

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              • M
                macraem
                last edited by

                Thanks guys.
                If I enable the GL Drive (fkms) as @Sano suggested, I get an error when attempting to start emulationstation: lvl0: Error creating SDL window! Could not create EGL window surface lvl0: Renderer failed to initialize! lvl0: Window failed to initialize!
                If I disable it, I get the black screen (no error) and have to hard reset.

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                • M
                  macraem
                  last edited by

                  @mitu I have just registered your note about getting the rpi4 branch. I have been installing the mainstream version. I'll give that a try tonight and confirm...

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                  • M
                    macraem
                    last edited by

                    Tonight I uninstalled RetroPie and reinstalled the fkms_rpi4 branch using this info. However got the same error as above. :(

                    mituM DarksaviorD 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
                    • mituM
                      mitu Global Moderator @macraem
                      last edited by

                      @macraem No need to post all over the forum.
                      Did you start over your build and re-compiled all packages ?

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                      • DarksaviorD
                        Darksavior @macraem
                        last edited by Darksavior

                        @macraem I wrote that guide. Kinda crude but it's not meant for the average user. Use raspbian lite and not the desktop version.

                        M 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                        • M
                          macraem
                          last edited by

                          Apologies @mitu . No I just did a RetroPie uninstall, and then a clone/setup from the fkms_rpi4 branch. Would you recommend doing a clean raspian build and start over?

                          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                          • M
                            macraem @Darksavior
                            last edited by

                            @Darksavior It is still a helpful guide so thanks. Regarding your point 5, out of interest would you also install drivers after the core packages /lr emulators? This installs all manner of controllers etc

                            DarksaviorD 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                            • DarksaviorD
                              Darksavior @macraem
                              last edited by Darksavior

                              @macraem Well, yea. Any other packages you'll need. The xpad driver I believe is the "generic" one that works on a wide variety, but depending on what you use, it might require a specific pad driver. USBmount as well if you use that.

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                              • M
                                macraem
                                last edited by

                                FYI guys thanks for your help. Ive got RetroPie installed on my RPI4 now - not yet configured, but installed at least :)

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