When I start ROMs, I get the prompt "Launching (whatever)" then it cycles back to my library

montanafury

Disclaimer: I have zero experience with Linux so I'm trying as best I can but I feel like I'm in over my head.

Problem: Whenever I attempt to launch a ROM through RetroPie, it changes to a black screen with a window saying "Launching this game, press a button to configure, logs will be dumped here," then goes back to displaying what games I have in my library. I have tried with 5 games. Majora's Mask, WWE No Mercy, NFL Blitz, and Rogue Squadron for the N64, as well as Yoshi's Island for the GBA. I launched these games without error on my desktop. I went into the RetroPie setup area and updated all installed packages.

I have looked through the 4 folders I have access to through my network (bios/configs/roms/splashscreens). I have attempted to enter commands into the prompt I have access to via Putty. I used the basic tutorials via Lifehacker and the RetroPie website for initial setup, which didn't really lead me to believe I would need to learn Linux. I also pressed a button while the ROMs were launching and changed the emulator that's used, with identical results.

I read through this thread but was not able to find anything that can break down exactly how to get into the error logs for somebody new to Linux
https://retropie.org.uk/forum/topic/2991/roms-won-t-load

Pi 3 Model B
Cana Kit 2.5A PSU
RetroPie version 4.1.8
Built from RetroPie 4.1 image downloaded from the RetroPie tutorial
USB Connected: Gamestop XB360 Gamepad
No error messages received, it goes directly from the "Launching this game" back to my library
I don't know how to pull logs or config codes, so if the solution is "learn Linux" then ignore this post and I'll wipe everything from my SD, start over from the basics, and figure it out the long way. I was just hoping there might be an easy to identify fix.

columboscoat

@montanafury have you only tried these 5 ROMs? Are they in a format that is acceptable for the emulators used? ie the correct file extension? Try something else like a NES/SNES rom. Keep it zipped and launch. Report back.

columboscoat

I can't ask and please don't say how you obtained these ROMS. But... perhaps try elsewhere...

montanafury

Well, I tried another ROM I have from my SNES and it worked fine. I didn't realize they couldn't be unzipped. I guess that narrows the problem down to my files, and not the OS or anything. Thanks a ton, @columboscoat!

columboscoat

@montanafury No worries. I'm no expert. Just trying to help. It can be a steep learning curve... but worth it.