# RetroPie

> gaming Linux distribution

**Wikidata**: [Q93723008](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q93723008)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/retropie

## Summary
RetroPie is a free, open-source Linux distribution designed for emulating retro video games, primarily used on single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi. It provides a user-friendly interface to play classic games from various legacy systems, such as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Sega Genesis. First released in 2013, RetroPie simplifies the setup and management of multiple emulators and game libraries.

## Key Facts
- **Latest version**: 4.6 (released April 28, 2020).
- **License**: GNU General Public License version 3 (GPLv3).
- **Primary platform**: Raspberry Pi and other single-board computers.
- **Initial release**: Version 1.9.1 (November 12, 2013).
- **Website**: https://retropie.org.uk.
- **Source code repository**: Hosted on GitHub at https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup.
- **Subreddit**: r/RetroPie (community support and discussion).

## FAQs
### Q: What is RetroPie used for?
A: RetroPie is used to emulate and play retro video games from classic consoles, arcades, and home computers on modern hardware like the Raspberry Pi.

### Q: Is RetroPie free?
A: Yes, RetroPie is free and open-source software licensed under the GNU General Public License version 3 (GPLv3).

### Q: What hardware does RetroPie support?
A: RetroPie is optimized for single-board computers such as the Raspberry Pi but can also run on other Linux-based systems, including PCs.

## Why It Matters
RetroPie plays a significant role in preserving retro gaming culture by making it accessible to a broad audience. It eliminates the need for original hardware, allowing users to experience classic games with minimal technical setup. Its impact lies in its user-friendly integration of multiple emulators, controllers, and media players into a single interface, fostering a vibrant community of retro gaming enthusiasts. By supporting a wide range of systems and customization options, RetroPie has become a cornerstone tool for both casual gamers and preservationists, ensuring that older titles remain playable for future generations.

## Notable For
- **Dedicated retro gaming OS**: Purpose-built for emulating classic systems, distinguishing it from general-purpose Linux distributions.
- **Multi-emulator support**: Bundles dozens of emulators for systems like the SNES, Game Boy, and PlayStation.
- **Hardware versatility**: Runs on low-power devices like the Raspberry Pi while supporting advanced configurations for high-performance hardware.
- **Community-driven development**: Actively maintained through GitHub, with frequent updates and contributions from users worldwide.

## Body
### Overview
RetroPie is a specialized Linux distribution tailored for retro gaming enthusiasts. It combines emulators, media players, and a customizable interface to replicate the experience of classic gaming consoles and computers. The project emphasizes ease of use, providing pre-configured software packages and automated installation scripts.

### History
- **2013**: Initial release (version 1.9.1) on November 12, establishing core functionality for emulator management.
- **2014**: Major updates (versions 1.10.1 and 2.1) introduced improved hardware support and a streamlined setup process.
- **2015**: Version 3.0 (August 11) overhauled the user interface and expanded emulator compatibility.
- **2020**: Release of version 4.6 (April 28) added enhancements for modern Raspberry Pi models and bug fixes.

### Technical Details
- **Base system**: Built on top of Raspbian (now Raspberry Pi OS) for Raspberry Pi devices, with support for other Debian-based Linux distributions.
- **Emulators**: Includes popular projects like SNES9x (Super Nintendo), Genesis Plus GX (Sega Genesis), and MAME (arcade systems).
- **Controller support**: Compatible with USB gamepads, retro-style controllers (e.g., NES/SNES Classic Edition), and Bluetooth devices.
- **Media playback**: Integrates Kodi for video and music streaming, positioning it as a comprehensive retro entertainment suite.

### Licensing and Development
- **Open-source**: All code is freely available under GPLv3, encouraging community contributions and transparency.
- **GitHub repository**: Hosted at https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup, with active issue tracking and collaborative development.

### Hardware Compatibility
- **Primary devices**: Raspberry Pi models (e.g., Pi 4, Pi 400) and ASUS Tinker Board.
- **Additional support**: Can be installed on Windows, macOS, and other Linux systems via virtualization or dual-boot configurations.

## References

1. [Source](https://retropie.org.uk/download/)
2. [Release 4.6. 2020](https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/releases/tag/4.6)
3. [Release 1.9.1. 2013](https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/releases/tag/1.9.1)
4. [Release 1.10.1. 2014](https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/releases/tag/1.10.1)
5. [Release 2.1. 2014](https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/releases/tag/ver2.1)
6. [Release 3.0. 2015](https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/releases/tag/v3.0)
7. [Release 3.1. 2015](https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/releases/tag/3.1)
8. [Release 3.2. 2015](https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/releases/tag/3.2)
9. [Release 3.2.1. 2015](https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/releases/tag/3.2.1)
10. [Release 3.3. 2015](https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/releases/tag/3.3)
11. [Release 3.4. 2016](https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/releases/tag/3.4)
12. [Release 3.5. 2016](https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/releases/tag/3.5)
13. [Release 3.6. 2016](https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/releases/tag/3.6)
14. [Release 3.7. 2016](https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/releases/tag/3.7)
15. [Release 3.8. 2016](https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/releases/tag/3.8)
16. [Release 3.8.1. 2016](https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/releases/tag/3.8.1)
17. [Release 4.0. 2016](https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/releases/tag/4.0)
18. [Release 4.0.2. 2016](https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/releases/tag/4.0.2)
19. [Release 4.1. 2016](https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/releases/tag/4.1)
20. [Release 4.2. 2017](https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/releases/tag/4.2)
21. [Release 4.3. 2017](https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/releases/tag/4.3)
22. [Release 4.4. 2018](https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/releases/tag/4.4)
23. [Release 4.5. 2019](https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/releases/tag/4.5)
24. [Release 4.5.1. 2019](https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/releases/tag/4.5.1)
25. [Release 4.7. 2020](https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/releases/tag/4.7)
26. [Release 4.7.1. 2020](https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/releases/tag/4.7.1)
27. [Release 4.8. 2022](https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/releases/tag/4.8)