The Raspberry Pi 5 price list has changed: most models jump up, with the 16GB model hitting $145. However, a cheaper 1GB version is now available – is it any good?
A new version of the Raspberry Pi Imager, a cross-platform and open source Qt-based image flashing tool is available for testing — with a BRAND NEW look.
Raspberry Pi OS 2025-10-01 is now available for download with based on Debian 13 "Trixie" and featuring new GTK and icon themes, as well as numerous other improvements.
Do you remember the thrill of powering up your old console, the satisfying clunk of the cartridge clicking into place, and the vibrant, pixelated characters that transported you to another realm?
Whether you were a Mario fanatic (like me), a Sonic speedster, or a Pokémon trainer, those retro games hold a special place in our hearts.
Since I use Pi 5 for my homelab setup, I thought of utilizing my older Raspberry Pi 4 for the retro gaming project. In this guide, I will show you how I set up RetroPie on my Raspberry Pi 4. I'll also share some tips for that authentic retro gaming experience.
What is RetroPie, again?
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RetroPie only works till Raspberry Pi 4 and has not seen a new release since 2022. It still works fine with Pi 4.
Before I share the setup, let's talk about what RetroPie is. It’s a collection of emulators that enables you to play games from a wide range of classic consoles such as GameBoy, Game Cube, SNES, and PlayStation 1 & 2. You can even play some Microsoft DOS games as well.
Think of it as a pre-built package that turns your Pi into a retro gaming console with minimal setup.
But there are a few things to understand here. You won't just get access to hundreds of retro games. You'll have to get the game ROMs (digital file of the old classic games) and then upload them to the appropriate emulator folder inside the RetroPie.
There are websites that let you download the retro games of your choice. The problem is that downloading ROMs could be illegal in your country. That's the thing about corporate greed. Even if they have not been selling those games and devices for years, they won't let you enjoy that little piece of your childhood.
That's it. Wait for the process to complete and then take out the SD card.
Method 2: Installing RetroPie on top of existing Raspberry Pi OS
Updating Raspberry Pi OS is the most basic thing you should do first:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Installing necessary packages
With your Raspberry Pi’s OS updated, it's time to install a couple of essential packages for RetroPie.
First, you'll need the “dialog” package, which the RetroPie setup script uses to create dialog boxes in the terminal. Next, the “git” package is crucial as it allows us to clone the setup script repository directly to the Raspberry Pi.
You can install both packages by running the following command:
sudo apt install -y git dialog
Cloning the RetroPie setup script
Now that we’ve got the required packages, let's move on to cloning the RetroPie setup script. This script will install RetroPie on your Raspberry Pi.
Switch to your home directory:
cd
Now, use the commands below to clone the RetroPie setup script into your home directory:
Next, navigate to the “RetroPie-Setup” directory that was created when you cloned the repository.
cd RetroPie-Setup
Once inside the directory, you can start the setup script.
This script will handle the installation of all the necessary packages for a few basic emulators.
sudo ./retropie_setup.sh
Starting the installation process
You should now see the RetroPie setup dialog on your screen. Just press OK.
The next menu offers several options, but for now, focus on the “Basic Install” option. This will install the core and main packages needed to get RetroPie up and running.
Navigate to “Basic Install” using the arrow keys, and press Enter to select it.
Confirming the installation
You'll be prompted to confirm whether you want to install the “Core” and “Main” components of RetroPie. Select “Yes” to proceed.
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Keep in mind that this step might take a while since the Raspberry Pi needs to download and install numerous packages.
Once the installation is complete, you’ll return to the main menu of the RetroPie setup script.
Final Steps: Rebooting
Finally, to ensure everything is working correctly, reboot your Raspberry Pi.
In the main menu, select the “Perform reboot” option.
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To have EmulationStation start automatically with your Raspberry Pi, head to the “Configuration / Tools” menu in RetroPie, find the “autostart” option, and select “Start Emulation Station at boot.” This way, it’ll launch on its own every time you power up!
Adding Games (ROM's) to RetroPie
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This guide is for educational purposes only. We’re not liable for any legal issues or promoting piracy. Because it seems that downloading classic game ROMs is illegal even if these games are no longer being sold anywhere. It is up to you to decide if you want to download and use ROMs.
So, you've set up RetroPie on your Raspberry Pi, and now you're ready for the fun part- adding games, aka ROMs!
What are ROMs?
ROMs are essentially digital copies of games from old consoles.
They allow you to play your favorite classics on modern hardware, like our little friend Pi here.
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A quick reminder again - Only download and use ROMs for games you legally own.
How to add game ROMs to RetroPie
Adding ROMs to your RetroPie setup is easier than you might think. Here's how you can do it:
Method 1: Transferring ROM's via USB Drive
This is the most straightforward method. Just format a USB drive to FAT32. I'm doing a Quick format in Windows:
In Linux, you can use 'GNOME Disks' utility or a Command line tool like this:
sudo mkfs -t vfat /dev/sda1
mkfs is a command use to format block storage devices.
-t ensures the type of file system
/dev/sda1 is the location of my storage device.
Create a folder, I named it as "retropie" and plug it into your Pi.
RetroPie will automatically create sub-folders for each console.
Next, copy your ROM files into the appropriate folders and plug the USB back into your Pi, and RetroPie will handle the rest.
Here is the unzipped version of the ROM:
Method 2: Transferring ROMs via network transfer
If your Raspberry Pi is connected to your home network, you can transfer ROMs directly over WiFi using Samba, SFTP, etc.
Here I'm using WinSCP to transfer my ROMs using SFTP:
After login, just go to the RetroPie directory or where you want to save your games.
I'm saving my ROMs in this directory: /home/user/RetroPie/roms/n64:
That's it! Now that your ROMs are added, you're ready to boot up and start gaming.
First boot of RetroPie
You'll see the RetroPie splash screen on the first boot, followed by EmulationStation's welcome message.
Sorry for the image quality as I don't have a HDMI capture device
Next, you will be prompted to configure your controller. This only takes a minute, and once it's done, you'll have full control over the system.
Once your controller is set up, you'll be taken to the main EmulationStation menu.
Here, you'll see a list of all the systems for which you've added ROMs. In my case, it's for Nintendo 64:
The interface is clean and easy to navigate. You can use your controller to scroll through the different consoles, select a game, and dive straight into the action.
Here I have added the Super Mario 64, a true classic that never gets old. It's showing 2 copies because I've added one compressed and the other one direct.
When we select it from the menu, you'll see the familiar startup screen:
and there he is - Mario himself, ready for action!
The game loads a bit slow but manageable, and with just a press of a button, you are back in the colorful world of Mario.
Final Thoughts:
While RetroPie is an amazing way to bring back the nostalgia of classic gaming, it's not without its quirks, especially if you are using older Pi models like Pi 3. If you are aiming for a smooth, lag-free experience, I'd highly recommend using a Raspberry Pi 4.
RetroPie may not have seen a new release in the last few years but it still works.
I'm curious. What does your retro gaming setup look like? What games are you playing? Share your setups and experiences in the comments below.
There are plenty of cool cases you can buy for your Raspberry Pi. But here's the thing. Mass-produce products often restrict creativity. And I am glad to live in a connected creative internet where people share their creations with each other.
I am going to share some of my favorite 3D printed Raspberry Pi cases I have come across. You may not necessarily purchase them but most of them share their models and files. This gives you an opportunity to test your and your 3D printer's DIY skills.
This case feels like it belongs on the bridge of a spaceship. With its sharp, geometric edges and rugged profile, it looks both futuristic and industrial without going over the top.
It’s practical, too: built to snap together cleanly and handle a 40 mm fan without fuss.
Features:
Ventilation-ready with fan support
Printed in five pieces, no supports needed
Removable sections for ribbon cable access
Held together with screws and heat-set inserts for extra strength
Is it a mini PC? Is it a Raspberry Pi? This case says: why not both.
Designed to mimic a high-end gaming rig, it comes complete with a see-through side panel and enough room to tuck in a UPS module for portable or critical-use builds.
This dope Raspberry Pi 5 case has a tower cooler and dual RGB fans to keep the device cool. It also extends your Pi 5 with M.2 SSD slot and 2 standard HDMI ports.
This one’s for people who believe tiny tech deserves big style. Designed to house a real heatsink and twin fans, this tower case lights up with neon flair that looks straight out of a cyberpunk anime.
This one brings back the glamour of early tech design. Inspired by Art Deco, it combines sweeping lines with modern geometry and works perfectly with dual-color filament to make the design pop.
Minimal without being boring, this folding case is perfect for people who move their Pi around a lot. It prints flat and folds into shape, like origami for hardware lovers or like the old-fashioned cigarette cases we see in classic detective shows and movies.
This one’s pure sci-fi goodness. Shaped like a spacecraft, it brings a galactic charm to your Raspberry Pi setup. It’s relatively easy to print, despite its detailed shape.
This is definitely not an exhaustive list. There are plenty more interesting Raspberry Pi cases you can 3D print. Look at the case below that my outie loves.
I know what you might be thinking, these cases aren’t all about practicality, or keeping the Pi small and discreet. But that’s not the point of this article.
This was about exploration. About expression. About finding joy in a tiny computer that can wear whatever outfit we imagine for it. And honestly, I find these projects absolutely delightful.
What you just saw are some of the most imaginative, playful, and downright fascinating Raspberry Pi cases out there. The creativity of the community never fails to surprise and inspire me.
I’m sure I’ve missed a few fan favorites, o if you’ve designed or printed your own custom Pi cases, I’d love to see them. Share your creations with us!
We’ll be back with more fascinating Raspberry Pi projects soon. Stay tuned.
Raspberry Pi 500+ launches as a complete desktop computer based on Raspberry Pi 5 16GB SBC and featuring a mechanical keyboard with RGB LEDs and 256GB M.2 SSD storage.
Raspberry Pi today unveiled the new Raspberry Pi 500+ — a ‘premium’ version of its compact keyboard PC that uses mechanical switches, RGB backlighting and is pre-fitted with an SSD. “Raspberry Pi 500+ puts the power of Raspberry Pi 5’s quad-core 64-bit Arm processor and RP1 I/O controller into an ergonomic and tactile mechanical keyboard, combining uncompromising performance with 16GB RAM and 256GB NVMe storage,” they say. Those who dig the idea of the your keyboard being the PC — as someone old enough to have owned an Amstrad CPC 464, I do — but are too discerning to the quality of key clacking […]
The other day, a friend and I were talking about virtualization, spinning up virtual machines (VMs), containerization, and all that fun tech stuff.
He casually said, “You know, even a Raspberry Pi can run a VM these days.” I laughed, thinking he was joking.
A Raspberry Pi? Running a virtual machine? Come on. But he wasn’t kidding.
Later that week, I stumbled across a discussion about Proxmox and how it supports ARM-based devices like the Raspberry Pi (not officially 😉).
I’m a naturally curious person, and once I read that Proxmox now can be installed on an ARM device, I couldn’t resist. I grabbed my Raspberry Pi 5, rolled up my sleeves, and decided to give it a shot.
If you’ve never heard of Proxmox, let me introduce you.
What is Proxmox, again?
In case you didn't know, Proxmox Virtual Environment (VE) is a powerful, open-source platform designed for virtualization. It allows you to manage virtual machines and containers through an intuitive web interface.
Think of it as the command center for running multiple operating systems on a single device, with added features like software-defined storage, network configuration, and clustering.
However, before you get too excited, let’s be real: the Pi is a capable little workhorse, but it’s no match for high-performance processors or dedicated server hardware.
It has its limits, and while it’s fun to tinker with, expecting it to handle heavy virtual machine workloads is asking too much. That said, for lightweight tasks and experimentation, it’s more than up for the challenge!
Now, let me take you through the steps I followed to get Proxmox up and running on my Raspberry Pi.
What you'll need to install Proxmox on Raspberry Pi
Here’s your checklist:
Raspberry Pi 4 or 5 (8GB RAM recommended)
MicroSD card (class 10 or better for faster read/write speeds)
64-bit Raspberry Pi OS Lite (Bookworm)
Power supply and Ethernet cable (or Wi-Fi, but wired is preferred)
During my testing, I found that using an older or cluttered setup led to unexpected errors, especially when dealing with package dependencies. A clean OS makes everything smoother.
If you haven’t done so already, download the Bookworm image from the Raspberry Pi website and flash it onto your SD card using a tool like Raspberry Pi Imager.
Step 2: Update and upgrade your Pi
Once your Raspberry Pi is booted and connected, log in via SSH or directly on the terminal. Run these commands to update your system:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
This step ensures your Pi is up to date with the latest security patches and fixes.
We’ll use curl to grab the GPG key for the Proxmox repository later, so let’s ensure it’s installed.
If it’s missing, you can install it with this command:
sudo apt install curl
Step 3: Set a static IP address
Now, here’s a crucial part. Proxmox expects a stable network connection, and having a dynamic IP (which can change after a reboot) will break the setup.
Trust me, I learned this the hard way when my web interface refused to load after a restart.
The easiest way is to set up a DHCP reservation in your router.
But if you don’t have access to your router, you can configure the static IP directly on your Pi. Edit the dhcpcd.conf file:
sudo nano /etc/dhcpcd.conf
Add the following lines at the end (replace the placeholders with your details):
interface [INTERFACE]
static ip_address=[STATIC IP ADDRESS YOU WANT]/24
static routers=[ROUTER IP]
static domain_name_servers=[DNS IP]
Save and reboot with:
sudo reboot now
After the reboot, verify your static IP with:
hostname -I
Step 4: Modifying the hosts file
With your static IP set, we need to make Proxmox aware of it by updating the hosts file. This ensures your Pi’s hostname maps correctly to its IP address.
Open the hosts file for editing:
sudo nano /etc/hosts
You’ll see a line like this:
127.0.1.1 raspberrypi
Replace 127.0.1.1 with your Pi’s static IP. For example:
192.168.1.9 raspberrypi
Step 5: Setting up the root user
Proxmox requires the root user for its web interface. By default, Raspberry Pi OS doesn’t have a password set for the root user, so let’s create one:
sudo passwd root
Enter a strong password when prompted. You’ll need this later to log in to Proxmox.
Step 6: Add the GPG key
Proxmox for ARM isn’t officially supported, but a third-party repository makes it possible. First, we need to add its GPG key to authenticate the packages:
curl -L https://mirrors.apqa.cn/proxmox/debian/pveport.gpg | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/pveport.gpg >/dev/null
This step ensures that the packages we’re about to install are legitimate.
Step 7: Add the repository
Now, let’s add the Proxmox repository to the package manager’s sources list:
proxmox-ve: This is the main Proxmox Virtual Environment package that sets up the Proxmox server, including the tools and user interface for managing virtual machines and containers.
postfix: A mail server used by Proxmox to send email notifications, such as alerts or updates about your virtual environment. You can configure it as "Local only" if you're unsure or don't need external email functionality.
open-iscsi: Provides iSCSI (Internet Small Computer Systems Interface) support, enabling Proxmox to connect to and manage remote storage over a network.
ifupdown2: A network management tool that Proxmox relies on for configuring and managing network interfaces, especially for virtual machine bridge setups.
pve-edk2-firmware-aarch64: This is the ARM64 firmware package for Proxmox, enabling the virtualization of ARM-based systems, which is essential for running Proxmox on Raspberry Pi.
During installation, select “Local only” when configuring Postfix,
and use the default mail name if unsure.
Step 10: Accessing the proxmox web interface
After installation, access the Proxmox web interface in your browser:
https://<IPADDRESS>:8006
Since Proxmox uses a self-signed SSL certificate, you’ll likely encounter a warning about the site’s security.
Don’t worry, this is expected. Simply proceed by clicking through the warning, and you’ll land on the Proxmox login page.
Log in using root as the username and the password you set earlier.
After logging in for the first time, Proxmox will greet you with a notification about an invalid subscription.
This is because the free version of Proxmox doesn’t come with a commercial subscription. Just click OK to dismiss the message.
You’ve officially made it into Proxmox VE! The dashboard gives you an overview of your server’s health, including CPU usage, memory, and storage stats.
Now, you’re ready to create your first virtual machine (VM). To do this, click the Create VM button in the top-right corner of the interface.
The intuitive wizard will guide you through the process of spinning up a new virtual machine.
While setting up a VM is outside the scope of this article, we’d be happy to cover it in a follow-up. If you'd like a detailed guide on creating and managing VMs in Proxmox, let us know in the comments below!
Conclusion
And that’s it! Seeing Proxmox running on a Raspberry Pi is nothing short of amazing. It’s a testament to how far computing power has come, enabling a tiny device like the Pi to host and manage virtual environments.
That said, there’s still plenty more to explore. What else can this little powerhouse do with Proxmox installed? I’ll be diving deeper into its capabilities and perhaps share some along the way. Meanwhile, here's a good place to start learning Proxmox.
If you have any doubts, questions, or find yourself stuck during the installation process, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments. I’d love to help you out!
DietPi erscheint monatlich neu und steht in der aktuellen Version 9.14 bereit. Diese bringt unter anderem zwei neue Images für die Orange Pi-Reihe sowie einen neuen Port vom Doom.
Diet Pi, die leichtgewichtige, auf Debian basierende Linux-Distribution für Single-Board-Computer erhöht in v9.13 die Sicherheit, indem die Änderung der Standard-Passwörter künftig erzwungen wird
The first new kernel release of the year has arrived — yes, Linux 6.13 has gone stable. Linux kernel 6.13 adds, as ever, a vast array of improvements, from an updated Raspberry Pi graphics driver promising speed gains, to lazy preemption logic, expanded Rust support and new drivers for a host of hardware, peripherals and digital doohickeys. Plus, as with all new kernel releases there’s ongoing work to support new and upcoming CPUs and GPUs from industry titans Intel and AMD. Linus Torvalds quietly confirmed the Linux 6.13 release in an email to the Linux Kernel Mailing List (LKML), noting that as […]
The Raspberry Pi is an extremely popular invention that enabled tinkerers to make interesting projects out of it.
You name it, and there must be a way for tinkerers to make it happen using the Raspberry Pi board. The possibilities are endless. Don't believe me? You can explore our list of Raspberry Pi project ideas to see what kind of projects exist.
That being said, the Raspberry Pi can also be used in arrangement to make a laptop you can use, or maybe a tablet. You can purchase some ready-made Raspberry Pi-based kits or choose to build it yourself following some project ideas out there.
Here, I have compiled all such options for you to take a look at.
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The Raspberry Pi kits and accessories mentioned are available across various platforms. These websites may not have the best return/shipping policies. Please check them carefully before you make a purchase.
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The article contains affiliate links. Please read our affiliate policy.
1. RasPad
RasPad is one of the most popular Linux tablets out there. While it is extremely difficult to find it in stock on the official website, you can find several retailers/resellers making it available.
It is built to be used along with a Raspberry Pi device, which you have to purchase separately. Sure, it may not be a slim tablet, like the Android ones, but it is a fun portable gadget to put together and use.
A portable Raspberry Pi-based kit that looks like a laptop, CrowPi by Elecrow is a decent option available to purchase.
It is compatible with Raspberry Pi 5. So, you can make use of the latest tech available to get yourself a portable Raspberry Pi device with a big 9-inch IPS touch screen.
You can connect a keyboard to it, install any operating system of your choice, and you have a portable laptop to mimic, even if it may not look the prettiest.
A Raspberry Pi-based kit tailored to provide a computer building experience where you end up with a device which you can use to learn and build stuff.
The kit is designed like there are puzzle pieces that you need to put together to learn as you build. It already includes a Raspberry Pi in the kit. So, you do not need to purchase it separately.
CrowPi L looks relatively close to a laptop, and you have it as an assembled device without the Raspberry Pi.
It is compatible with Raspberry Pi 4B. So, all you have to do is get the board, and install it on its back side just like you would install a removable battery, yes, that easy!
You get an integrated camera + microphone, an 11.6-inch IPS screen, and a 5000 mAh battery to power the device.
You can choose to use it as a real laptop replacement or utilize it to build other projects.
Unlike the above-mentioned options, this handheld Raspberry Pi device is a project idea that you can refer and build it yourself.
The project runs a Raspberry Pi 2 version board with an incredibly small phone-sized keyboard and screen. You can 3D print the chassis of the keyboard, screen, and the box using the files available. And, customize it for a newer Raspberry Pi board.
For instructions, you will have to check out its Thingiverse page.
CrowView Note is a portable monitor with a keyboard and all the essentials, like microphone, camera, to turn any SBC like Raspberry Pi into a laptop.
Sure, you can use Raspberry Pi alternatives. But, I have seen people build Raspberry Pi laptops out of it on YouTube, just like this one:
When writing this, it was available as a Kickstarter product. So, it should be available when it's back in stock or at a later date again on its official manufacturer's website, Elecrow.
If you are not satisfied with any of the options available in the market, you can go for the Raspberry Pi 500 or its predecessor, Raspberry Pi 400, built on top of the Raspberry Pi 5 and 4 respectively.
It is not a laptop nor a tablet, but if you aren't concerned about the form factor, this can be a portable solution. All you need is a screen to connect to, as the keyboard is the entire computer.
With the kit, you get a mouse, a preloaded SD card with Raspberry Pi OS, and essential cables to connect to a monitor. You will find limited online resellers having it in stock.
You can build countless form factors when using a Raspberry Pi board to create a device. The ready-made options are always limited.
If you just want a lightweight hackable laptop to run Linux for your projects (not based on Raspberry Pi), you can take a look at PineBook that uses its custom SBC.
Not a tinkerer? And, looking for a mini PC? We have a list of Linux-based mini PCs as well:
Ab sofort gibt es mit Lakka 5.0 die neuste Version der speziellen Linux-Distribution. Es ist eine schlanke Linux-Distribution, die einen kleinen Computer in eine vollwertige Retrogaming-Konsole verwandelt. Seit Version 4.3 gibt es einige nennenswerte Änderungen und Neuerungen. Lakka 5.0 basiert etwa auf dem Build-System von LibreELEC 11.0. Weitere Neuerungen und Änderungen in Lakka 5.0 Das Team hat RetroArch auf Version 1.17.0 aktualisiert. Mesa ist als Version 24.0.4 vorhanden. Ebenso gibt es aktualisierte Linux-Kernel. Das sind: Die entsprechenden Systeme und Emulatoren […]
Raspberry Pi has today announced the launch of a Raspberry Pi 5 with 16 GB RAM. A engorged-memory model had been oft-rumoured since the launch of the raspberry Pi 5 in 2024 – and long-desired by fans of this particular single-board computer (SBC). The launch of the new Raspberry Pi CM5 late last year offers up to 16 GB RAM whilst utilising the same underlying chipset as the Pi 5, all but confirming a bumper RAM revision for the full-size board was imminent. Why didn’t they launch a 16 GB model right away? It’s only due to last year’s (minor) […]
Auf Kickstarter stößt die Kampagne für den modularen Mini-Computer Pilet auf großes Interesse. Die im Retro-Design gehaltenen Geräte basieren auf einem Raspberry Pi 5.
Die Raspberry Pi Foundation hat ihr Standard-Betriebssystem Raspberry Pi OS einer Aktualisierung unterzogen. Mit einem neuen Compositor sind nun alle Modelle des kleinen Rechners Wayland-fähig.
Das MagPi 117 ist da und diesmal dreht sich der Schwerpunkt um den Garten. Genauer gesagt wird Dir gezeigt, wie Du mit dem Raspberry Pi einen Smart-Garten erstellen kannst. Ein Bewässerungssystem ist offensichtlich, aber es gibt viel coolere Projekte wie den Farmbot. Mit dem Raspberry Pi die Hitze im Blick haben, ist auch keine schlechte Idee. Wie so häufig, kannst Du Dich von den Projekten inspirieren lassen. Ob alle in Deinem Haushalt begeistert sind, wenn Du ein Audio-System für das […]