What are the mandatory steps I need to do after installing Retropie?

Red_Trev

@fretman hi there ! One thing I would recommend is applying graphics shaders to take the jagged edges off analogue games displaying on modern TVs. You can experiment with different types & combinations of shaders (https://retropie.org.uk/docs/Shaders-and-Smoothing/) but 2xsal.glslp on its own works very well for most arcade games & 16 bit console games.

To apply a shader on a system by system basis, please go through the following steps:

To apply a shader on a game by game basis, do the following:

rmbell34

@fretman Hi there! Not sure if this is helpful, but here are things I like to do on a fresh install:

sudo raspi-config
1a. set local options (keyboard type, timezone, wifi region)
1b. set screen resolution and overscan (disable overscan if needed and set resolution to desired size)
1c. enable ssh
1d. expand sd card (I notice sometimes on a fresh image it doesn't always expand)
1e. reboot
sudo apt update
sudo apt full-upgrade
reboot
sudo ./RetroPie-Setup/retropie_setup.sh
5a. update RetroPie Script
5b. Update packages (hit Y for all packages when prompted)
5c. reboot

*Optional Step for Pi4 Overclock (only use if you have good active cooling like Argon One Case)
6. sudo nano /boot/config.txt
6a. add the following at the bottom of the config file for overclocking:

over_voltage=6
arm_freq=2000
gpu_freq=750

6b. Also make sure you set CPU to performance in the Retropie Setup menu (located under run command)
6c. reboot

Now you should have an up to date install ready to do your thing!

fretman

@dankcushions , thank you for the advice. I am tweaking the unit using my monitor right now but do plan on using it on my 4K tv once I'm happy with the final product.

fretman

@red_trev , thank you. I haven't started looking at the Shaders info just yet. The images look quite pixelated on my monitor right now. Will most likely need to use Shaders as I prefer a cleaner look on the video.

fretman

@rmbell34 , thanks for the great info. These are some recommendations that I will definitely look into.

fretman

I do see comments in regards to enabling SSH. Is this just so that you're able to transfer files from your PC to the SD card in your PI over a Network? Because I'm able to do that without touching the SSH option.

Red_Trev

@fretman I would only turn on SSH if you absolutely need to, as it is a security risk. The only time I have ever enabled it was to tweak the actual Retropie operating system folders (by uploading modified files via Filezilla) so as to add new functionality that wasnt available via the Configuration menu.

If you are only going to upload a few ROMs then I would stick to using a RJ45 cable and drag/drop on your laptop. SSH would be used for advance Retropie modification that you can explore in the future when you are more comfortable with how everything works.

fretman

@red_trev , thanks for clarifying. Right now I'm transferring roms over a Network share using Wifi. I'll keep the SSH option turned off.

Red_Trev

@fretman you are more than welcome ! as regards Playstation / PSP games, I have bilinear filtering active instead of applying a shader (although I cannot remember where exactly the option is in the Configuration menu ...), please see the link below for more info:

https://retroresolution.com/2016/01/07/playstation-emulation-on-the-pi-enhancing-the-experience-with-the-options-menu-part-two-graphics/

rmbell34

@fretman I enable ssh so I can putty into my Pi from my laptop. I find it easier for myself to manage the device. You don't have to. While it is true enabling ssh can be considered less secure, there are 2 things that can help; 1. change default pi password and 2. I only use it on my home network. Its up to you whether you turn it on or not.

Also lets not kid ourselves. Its a game emulation machine. If someone "hacks" it what is the worst thing that could happen? You have to re-image the device :P

Genos98

All I can say is don't be afraid to update everything at least this once. For me it fixed a lot of issues like screen tearing, input delay, sound stutter, and such.

mitu

@rmbell34 said in What are the mandatory steps I need to do after installing Retropie?:

If someone "hacks" it what is the worst thing that could happen? You have to re-image the device :P

You could be part of a DDOS botnet and unwittingly bring other sites offline, send SPAM/Phishing emails to unsuspecting users, mount an attack on your devices in your network/internet and hack them, etc.

rmbell34

@mitu Fair enough. Again IMO if you change the default password I think you should be ok, I like ssh because I can do everything from putty. You will have other devices on your network that could also be compromised. Its better than the people out there that don't change the default login and password for their home routers!

fretman

Thanks everyone for your help and responses. I think I have enough now to get my Pi set up the way it should. Most of the suggestions have already been done. I'll look into the other updates as well.

BenMcLean

@fretman