Retroflag Nespi Case+ works great!

rsn8887

I got my Retroflag Nespi Case+ today:
www.retroflag.com

I bought it from Amazon for $25 or so.

This is an amazing case that has a power button with safe shutdown already built-in (only the case+ has this, not the regular case without plus). There’s no need for soldering or modding anymore.

There’s a black switch inside that has to be set to ON to enable safe shutdown.

Then, a single command downloads and installs the safe shutdown script into Retropie. Instructions are given here:
https://github.com/RetroFlag/retroflag-picase

I tested it today and it works great. When I press the power button, the LED starts to blink to indicate safe shutdown. Emulationstation is automatically closed, and then a Linux shutdown is executed!

I can only recommend this great case.

jamesnj

I purchased 2 of these ... love them both. The safe shutdown button is especially helpful when the unit is handled by otherwise unknowing people and small children.

The only thing I think is a bit quirky is the power port. It works, but feels like the case plastic is just a hair too thick and the power cord can sometimes seem to be attached but not making good contact.

The other thing I would suggest is a very strong power supply. I presently use 5v 3a supplies, I use the NorthPada. I had a 2.5a supply on one my nespi's and burned it up ... failed completely. Unsure if it was just cheap or failed due to constant over draw on power. The NorthPada gives me no trouble at all.

caver01

@jamesnj NorthPada looks like it has decent specs, but an inline power switch might be a disaster waiting to happen. That kinda negates the safe shutdown. I would probably need to crack open that switch to disable it.

jamesnj

It can make things confusing, especially when you don't know what state the inline switch is in.

In my use, the PSU is hidden behind stuff around my TV so nobody fools with it.

An easier solution might be to take some crazy glue, pour it all around the perimeter of the button and let it dry ... it should just lock it up tight with a an hour or so of drying.

caver01

@jamesnj Yes, I nice blob of epoxy would take care of that switch really quick. Just make sure it is ON when you do that!