Raspberry Pi 400 - Computer in a keyboard!

[rhurst]

I moved off Lakka, et al, and spun my own gaming console, that works great as a dedicated console straight up off the Linux virtual console, but also works just as well with the option to switch between console and desktop. It runs the latest git pull from RetroArch and I integrated CoinOps Legends and Daphne too. My make-retroarch.sh script is configured to have as many of the compile-time features added in, i.e., QT Desktop, Cheevos, Netplay, Network Commands, OpenGL and Vulkan support, etc. I added Chrome, VS Code, NodeJs, the BASICs, LibreOffice, and the latest FFMPEG tools & libraries.

My motivation was making these for Pi 400 gifts for my nieces and nephews to learn personal computing, while having some fun with old games that are "new to them". My reward is watching the wonder in their eyes making Frogger navigate his way home, blasting ships in Seawolf, etc. It's incredibly versatile and inexpensive for a child & adolescent education. Reflecting back on my VIC 20 days in high school, I know this stuff can be impactful on a young mind.

See my page link off my signature below. I am uploading the large image file (as I type this) onto the Google Drive button there for downloading. The image should work fine off 128gb, but will resize itself on first boot off 256gb (or higher) which is recommended for its full usage: screenshot

[akator]

^ Wow, thanks for that. I'm downloading it now. I've enjoyed using Lakka over the years as a console but recently started thinking about doing the same thing you've just posted. You beat me to it and it looks like your implementation is better thought out than mine would have been.

[rhurst]

^ Wow, thanks for that.

You're welcome, hope you find it playable -- don't forgot to <U>pgrade your firmware, it made a difference to me.

Yeah, this stuff can inspire differing creativity. Some like the immersive arcade action/attract like Legends, some prefer quick launch in & out, others prefer the "classic" desktop, haha.

The ~/bin/menu.sh console script is totally hackable whether you use vi from bash (press F12) or ESCape to the desktop and use VS Code.

[rhurst]

FWIIW, I replaced the 128 with a 256gb image with the latest RetroArch using my moderated content playlists, not just rom "dumps". The bloat is mostly from adding in a lot more media, including an extensive library of PDF manuals, previews, and video. So, the menu HELP and searchable game manuals (not just my favorites) use a console PDF viewer and video player.

Of course, all of it is usable from the included Linux X11 Desktop -- easily & fast switchable between the two -- which has a plethora of internet, office, multimedia, games and software development tools.

I played with this stuff for a whole year now and am now quite content it's in a good working, friendlier place. Now, I can just play.

[rhurst]

I removed the former image posted and will point to the GDrive folder instead. There's my heavily moderated and custom RA playlists using 256gb and another RetroMachine 512gb images for Raspberry Pi 4/400.

• Linux 6.1 kernel + firmware using latest Mesa Vulkan driver

• RetroArch built as of 2/14 with updated cores

• Legends 2 v4 integrated for its authentic arcade look & feel experience

• much improved RetroAchievements handling, i.e., my profile

• separated Netplay playlists with compatible content

• runs off Linux console or from the desktop (with other apps, tools, etc.)

You can read and watch its built-in HELP before trying.

[rhurst]

Bump - latest & greatest Pi image has been refreshed with Linux, drivers, firmware, and RetroArch with more multimedia.
VICE core has been updated to 3.7.
Added hotkeys to the console menu to manage its Master Volume control and to adjust it during any RetroArch running game.

[rhurst]

My final bump make for Pi 4/400 image, as I am now starting new work on the Orange Pi 5 -- it already runs ALL of these playlists, but it should be able to handle all N64 content perfectly and take on PS2 games next.

This image has integrated MASTER volume controls that work more as expected, the attract modes and previews are better presented on the console display, and I was able to squeeze in more classic shows including Star Trek TOS and Buck Rogers.

[rhurst]

Orange Pi 5 (and now the 5 Plus + case) are working, but it'll be a few more months until the OS software matures a bit more.

Meanwhile, I am replacing the former Pi 4/400 image with the new Debian 12 Bookworm release with Linux 6.1 & RetroArch 1.16, updated wallpapers, media, movies, HELP.pdf, extensive Bookshelf manuals and more.

Enjoy!

[English Invader]

I'm actually on a Pi 400 right now (Twister OS) and it's been my daily driver for a couple of weeks now. Twister has a very handy implementation of Retropie which saves a lot of micro-SD card swapping and I haven't missed an x86 desktop at all yet. I can't pretend that a Pi 400 would meet everyone's desktop needs but it's doing a good job with mine.

https://twisteros.com/

[rhurst]

Yes, Twister is good with its complementary set of apps and integration with a theme -- load & go, you can't hate on it, because it's free.

I'm more mainstream Linux because I enjoy developing and formulating an integrated solution. SBCs have made that a little more fun for me. I just got a cool little 10" touchscreen from UPerfect that comes with the plates and IO connectors to allow for an integrated Pi 3 (or Pi 4) in the back. I got a Pi 3B with 1gb memory running a slimmer playlist on a 64gd SD card version -- I plan to give it to a niece this holiday that will appreciate having it.

The Pi 4/400 downloadable image I posted here now auto logins to KDE Plasma with a quick desktop icon to "switch" to KMS console mode for retrogaming. I think having this desktop UI available off a large family TV is complementary and better than "screen casting" smart phone apps.

[rhurst]

The Pi 4/400 image should now also boot for Pi 5 (when it ships) as it's using the Debian 12.1 release with boot code for both Pi 4+5 installed. There's a README file in this drive link too, but I'm happy to report these extra features worth noting:

• KDE Plasma using Wayland(!!) - run RetroArch in a desktop window or click to run Playlists from a dedicated console kms mode
• PS5 Dualsense support (wired or bluetooth) with player coded LEDs and internal speaker/trigger/vibratrion support

I have the new 8bitdo retro mechanical keyboard on order and will tinker to make it work seamless next.