What tweaks do you make to your RetroPie setup?

[Floob]

I've actually started to build a RetroPie setup for my own use, rather than just playing around with settings and making videos like I usually do :)

As I've been putting this together (last time I made one properly was 12 months ago!), I've been wondering what tweaks to the setup you make.
My changes so far are along these lines

• Apply overlays (with scanlines) to all most systems
• Set custom resolution for systems so the aspect ratio looks good, either that or use integer scaling.
• Configure up my controllers, so iBuffalo and 8bitdo pads
• Split out Neo Geo roms from fba-next to get a subset
• Get distracted for several hours by some games I've never tried before
• Scrape the systems
• Make a backup!

I could have sworn there was more to it than that! :)

[mattrixk]

@Floob:

• I'm using @Zigurana's child-friendly version of ES so I can make use of favourites. You could also try @jacobfk20's GridView Mod of ES if that floats your boat.
• I rearranged the button layout for ScummVM so I could use my ps3 controller properly. I'm now having some issues with the pointer jumping, which is annoying and I haven't found a fix yet.
• I set it up so my roms run from my NAS as my 16GB microsd card isn't large enough for even a couple of psx games.
• You could try making your own theme to suit your needs/tastes. I really liked the Pixel theme, but it was missing most of the metadata so I created MetaPixel (I used Pixel as a base and most of the artwork from it, but added my own touches). I made a How-To on the wiki if you want to check it out.

[suprjami]

On my "good" setup, nothing. Flash image, configure controller, copy ROMs, done. I use two of the same controller: Logitech F710.

I don't care about themes or scraping or anything else, I want a low-maintenance "just works" setup which I can update easily when a new image comes out.

I have a USB drive with all the ROMs I want already on it, which makes copying them over very easy.

However I spend more time messing around with other sdcards trying all sorts of things for other people, fixing problems or testing and documenting new stuff.

[caver01]

@Floob Tweaks I always make include:

• Splash Screens
• set display_rotate=2 in boot/config.txt to rotate my screen 180 degrees in boot/config.txt (my LCD sits flat in a cocktail style cabinet. LCD contrast makes visibility best when viewed from above at a down angle, so upside-down orientation in the cabinet is best for my build)
• set disable_audio_dither=1 in boot/config.txt to get rid of hiss on analog audio jack
• Set console=tty3 in boot/cmdline.txt (hide boot commands scrolling)
• Set logo.nologo in boot/cmdline.txt (hide raspberry pi logo at boot)
• set usbhid.mousepoll=2 in boot/cmdline.txt to increase mouse polling speed for better accuracy on spinners.
• Setup script for Mausberry power circuit (and whatever equivalent GPIO-triggered commands are desired (work in progress here, but I have dedicated buttons for Volume UP, Down, and Power)
• adjust localization to US Keyboard, etc.
• maybe enable F-keys to function when pressed while not using the FN key (need to update a config file for my old Apple aluminum USB that I use on the arcade occasionally.

[obsidianspider]

@Floob

My tweaks have been divided into two parts: pre-build and now that I'm working on my Super Famicom build

Pre-build:

• Join to Wifi network
• Force HDMI audio
• Adjust overscan
• Overclock
• Adjust memory split
• Stretch to 16:9
• Configure controllers
• Scrape games
• Manually add game info and art for games that won't scrape
• Reorder systems so they display in the order I want
• Enable game art for game splash screen
• Set time zone
• Disable that yucky blurry default shader (I forget how I did that in RetroArch, but now I have sharp pixels)

Now that I'm working on the Pi in a Super Famicom:

• script to detect reset button presses to toggle backlight on secondary screen
• script to detect Mausberry circuit
• script to display default image during boot and EmulationStation, game art during game, system stats, all on secondary screen
• make artwork for games for secondary screen (box art doesn't always look great stretched to 320x240)

That's all that I can think of, and I'm still working through the Super Famicom build, so I'm sure more tweaks will come up. One thing I'd love to know is how the Pi will handle switching between USB and Bluetooth controllers. I never got an answer on that one. I don't know that I'll order 8bitdo controllers if I can't easily switch between Bluetooth or hardwired Super Famicom controllers. (Interfacing via USB. My Raphnet adapter is on its way.)

[Edit] I added @caver01's tweaks so now I have a cleaner boot process.

• Set console=tty3 in boot/cmdline.txt (hide boot commands scrolling)
• Set logo.nologo in boot/cmdline.txt (hide raspberry pi logo at boot)

[GetKeyOpenDoor]

@mattrixk

I'm now having some issues with the pointer jumping, which is annoying and I haven't found a fix yet.

I've noticed this as well, I'm using a wired 360pad. I've also noticed that it only happens when you go straight in one direction, if you swirl/wiggle in the direction you want the pointer movement is fluid (not laggy). Same for you?

[mattrixk]

@GetKeyOpenDoor said in What tweaks do you make to your RetroPie setup?:

it only happens when you go straight in one direction, if you swirl/wiggle in the direction you want the pointer movement is fluid (not laggy)

Unfortunately, I haven't really had much chance to test it out. I have a Kodi/RetroPie dual boot, used mainly as a media center, with RetroPie only used occasionally.

I got ScummVM working with the new buttons, tested Day of the Tentacle, found it was a bit jumpy and then haven't touched it since. As much as I'd love to get back into the old point and click games of my youth, I just don't have time at the moment. I can play a few minutes of a platformer here and there, or a couple rounds of a fighter, but I find there isn't much point playing a Scumm game if you can't devote at least a few hours to it at a time.

[meleu]

OK. That's what I do after install RetroPie:

• apt-get install vim tmux htop
• upload classic consoles ROMs (I like to deal with arcade ROMs patiently later).
• use sselph scraper
• configure my wired controllers
• configure my bluetooth controllers: 8Bitdo Zero (needs 8bitdo hack), NES30 (doesn't need the hack).
• update RetroArch from source in order to get the latest fixes.
• edit the ...all/retroarch-joypads/GAMEPAD.cfg files:
  • disable the hotkeys select+start (quit retroarch) and select+B (reset), to avoid unpleasant surprises. (Uhmmm... this post made me think in a way to automate this step...)
  • set input_hold_fast_forward_btn to the right on right analog directional (for the joysticks that have this directional).
• edit retroarch.cfg:
  • change video_font_size to 32 or more
  • configure RetroAchievements (hardcore mode enabled, of course!).
  • set auto_screenshot_filename and screenshot_directory to use the "Take and Scrape Your Own Screenshots" trick (I use the method 2).
  • set all_users_control_menu to true.
• install the RetroPie-joystick-selection tool.
• remap buttons for NES using the core input remapping in RGUI, Y to make Mega Man shoot, B to make Mega Man jump. :)
• get distracted for several hours/days earning achievements. :)
• time to look to the arcade games (I'm very selective with them):
  • update pifba from source (I'm raspi1 owner so I like to use pifba. Some new features aren't in the binary version yet).
  • put Metal Slug and SNK fighting games in the neogeo roms folder.
  • CPS1 and CPS2 games in fba roms folder
  • real old arcade games (elevator action, pacman, new rally X, etc.) in arcade roms folder.
  • create some custom fba2x.cfg files for neogeo and capcom fighting games to use like I detailed in this post.
• time for cosmetics:
  • install the ES Pixel theme (my top favorite).
  • configure the splashscreen to randomize.
  • get the amazing @Rookervik and @lilbud NES inspired splashscreens.
• time for runcommand.sh tweaks
  • make it get the joy2key device from runcommand.cfg, just like I did with this non-merged PR.
  • currently I'm playing with what @Rookervik proposed here using the image that @lilbud put here. (it's already implemented on the "official" runcommand)
  • download the runcommand launching images from Rookervik's post here

[Floob]

Thanks very much for the feedback so far, some great ideas I may use.
Especially the force HDMI audio - I remember I was in a hotel room struggling to get audio out of the Pi and that was it - had to go and buy a keyboard! :)

[cyperghost]

@Floob Talked with meleu about annother thing but also read this thread today. You made my day - because I want RetroPie to be installed only with joypads. So I've started this thread.
https://retropie.org.uk/forum/topic/3938/feature-request-xecute-boot-sh-in-future-retropie-releases-via-retropiemenu/

[ADS]

I know not everyone is sensitive to input delay, but I find the default configuration to have unbearable input lag on my rpi3 when playing NES platformers, so most of my immediate tweaks are centered around lowering input delay:

video_driver = "dispmanx"

Lowers input delay noticeably, measured as 1 frame but feels like more. Unfortunately it also disables shaders/overlay, but I care about input lag more so I can live with that.

video_threaded = "false"

Also lowers input lag.

video_frame_delay = "5"

The final tweak, the actual value is core dependent and requires a bit of tuning, the above is for NES games (which is mostly what I play). After all this I generally only have 4 to 5 frames input delay, which isn't perfect but totally playable.

Other than remapping my iBuffalo SNES controller and setting up the proper overscan in config.txt, I don't really do much else.

Anyone have any other tips for reducing input lag? I'd love to get that real console feel. :)

[UDb23]

@Floob Here are some more:

• Customize Advmame config to make vector based games look best
• get a trackball; just bought an inexpensive kensington pc one and it works fine
• use specific custom icons for Mame based emulators

[meleu]

I'm happy @Floob started this thread. It gave me the idea to make an post-install.sh script to automate many steps (those which doesn't require interaction). One more great use for inifuncs.sh... :-)

And the other fellows' tweaks were inspiring.

Thanks.

[UDb23]

@meleu Having a script implementing these "tweaks" is a great idea !!
Ideally having a menu to select what specific tweak/option should be activated would be fantastic.
Of course we all do backups but this script would help also in case some of these tweaks already implemented, for whatever reason, get overwritten or deleted.

[meleu]

@UDb23 I'll let you know when I do something useful. ;-)

[cyperghost]

@meleu Please don't forget the mass of Windows users :D :D :D

[robertybob]

I add a delay to the boot in order for my external HD to have enough time to power up - surprised this isn't an option in the RetroPie setup menu :(

[BuZz]

@robertybob why are you surprised by that ? did you submit a PR ? (not that I think it's needed anyway - there is an option to manually edit the autostart script, so just a matter of putting a sleep in there - which can be documented on the wiki if it isn't already)

[robertybob]

@BuZz I'd be surprised if I wasn't the only person using an external HD where this is an issue. Of course, if I had the expertise to do a PR for this then I would do so - I think I'll just add a wiki entry.

[BuZz]

Well, true, but that doesn't mean it should be expected that there is a GUI for it. We can't do GUIs to cover every admin task for every use case - Something like this also differs depending on drive etc. Its best just added by the user if they need it imho, but if I ever do a GUI for using USB drives/sticks for storage I may consider it.