Play Video Games with Raspberry Pi

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Gaming is huge right now. As one of the biggest past times of Gen Z teenagers, online gaming has become one of the most highly lucrative industries in the technology sector.

For computing enthusiasts, building their own computer to game on is a dream. With some simple, powerful and cost-effective technology, that dream could become a reality.

What is a Raspberry Pi?

A Raspberry Pi is a credit-card sized computer and hooked up to a monitor, keyboard and mouse.

In fact, Raspberry Pis are a great way to learn how computer programming and start at very reasonable prices for complete starter kits.

person wearing orange and black headphones

Which software do I need to play video games on a raspberry Pi?

There are countless open-source software options for a Raspberry Pi computer kit. Some you will need a greater level of coding knowledge to use than others.

The two most used open-source Raspberry Pi software systems used for video game are RetroPie and RecalBox.

Each of these platforms can sit on top of your current Raspberry Pi operating system. Avoiding the need to recode your entire Raspberry Pi.

Which video games can I play on a Raspberry Pi?

There are numerous games you can play on your Raspberry Pi. In fact, using the software above, you can play most games from the big game consoles using a Raspberry Pi (excluding some newer releases).

PlayStation games

Playing PlayStation games on a Raspberry Pi is easy. All you need to do is install an open-source emulator named PCSXR onto your Raspberry Pi and you can get to gaming.

Then, it’s about making sure you connect the right controller as a PlayStation controller might not always connect.

blue nintendo switch game console

Nintendo games

Nintendo classics such as Super Mario, Goldeneye and MarioKart are easily playable on a Raspberry Pi computer.

If you want a more modern approach, you could attempt to create, or buy a Nintendo Switch style casing to house your Raspberry Pi gaming console.

Gameboy games

With some simple 3D-printed kit you can fashion yourself a Gameboy-style case for your Raspberry Pi gaming computer.

Then, using the RetroPie software, download some classic Gameboy games such as Tetris and play to your hearts content.

Arcade games

Using a Raspberry Pi, or a few if you want to go all out, you can create yourself a retro games room, complete with arcade-style games.

Whether it’s Ms Pac Man or Space Invaders, with a Raspberry Pi and the right hardware you can play almost any arcade game you like.