This is a very simple setup guide of the things I have prioritised for the AYN Thor. Some of these emulators are new and things could change at any time, so please check when this video was made at the time of viewing and see if anything new has surfaced on the retro emulation scene to make the Thor and any other Android dual screen device better. I have said that this is what I have prioritised but there’s a lot here. Perhaps start here and then if there’s still something you feel is missing, you can google that later. I just find this is a bit of a rabbit hole and you may be left overwhelmed if you set out to do an exhaustive set up of your emulation machine, so much so that some people have commented to say they have given up and sold their device! I don’t want that to happen to you, so let’s take this step by step and get you going nicely.

Video Guide

Downloads

• Obtanium
  • https://github.com/ImranR98/Obtainium
  • Download obtanium and you use it to add github apps so you can keep them up to date, because things can change within hours.
  • Let’s add some apps, some of these are unique forks of the original apps to work with two screens:
  • Azahar: https://github.com/azahar-emu
  • Cemu for WiiU (fork): https://github.com/SapphireRhodonite/Cemu/releases/
  • MelonDS Nightly (fork): https://github.com/SapphireRhodonite/melonDS-android/releases/
  • RetroArch (32bit will work fine): https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms
  • Eden: https://github.com/eden-emulator/Releases/releases
  • See video for installation process
• Other apps you may want:
  • ES-DE – paid app at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/es_de (I am using this in this guide, so if you want this part of the guide to work you will have to pay their fee and then just cancel once you have downloaded it).
  • For something free and also really good try Daijisho: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.magneticchen.daijishou
  • PPSSPP: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.ppsspp.ppsspp
  • Steamlink: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.valvesoftware.steamlink
  • Moonlight for streaming: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.limelight
  • Gamehub (Steam on Android): https://gamehub.xiaoji.com/

Emulator Setup Guide

Okay now let’s set up our emulators:

• Firstly decide how you want to navigate your system: Xbox style or Nintendo style and set this in the android drop down menu from the top of the top screen – this will affect things as we move forward.
• Set up RetroArch
  • Open RetroArch
  • Scroll down to Online Updater
  • Tap on Core Downloader
  • Tap on as many cores as you like, for me I focussed on some Gameboy, NES, SNES and old Sega systems. You can obvisouly download whatever you want here.
  • I often struggle with the PSX RetroArch cores and if that happens I just download the standalone Duckstation emulator.
  • Navigate to settings: Cog at bottom right.
    • User Interface > On-Screen Overlay > Display Overlay – OFF
    • Input
      • Bind hold – 0 (zero)
      • Retropad Binds > Port 1 Controls
        • Analog to digital Type > Left Analog
        • Now map all your controls (see my video)
      • Hotkeys
        • Hotkey enable > SELECT (left function button at the top)
        • menu toggle – back button
        • Quit controller combo > L3 + R3
        • Fast-Forwardv (toggle) > R2
        • Load State > L1
        • Save State > R1
    • Saving > Auto Save State – ON | Auto Load State – ON
    • Achievements – ON > enter username and password > Hardcore mode – OFF
  • Home > Quit (RetroArch should automatically save everything if you do a safe quit like this)
• Install ES-DE
  • Allow it to create folders
  • You may need to add some ROMs to those folders to move to the next step
  • ADD YOUR ROMS – I am not going to cover how to do this here
  • Press Start
  • UI Settings > Theme Downloader > Download MINUI MENU
    • Select MINUI MENU
    • Choose a theme colour scheme
  • Input device settings
    • Enable touch overlay – OFF (press back and say OK)
  • Game collection settings
    • Automatic game collections > ENABLE Favourites and Last Played
  • If you come back to this and you have added more roms…
    • Press Start > Utilities > Rescan Rom Directory
  • CHANGE AN EMULATOR:
    • Press start
    • Other Settings
    • Alternate Emulators
    • Scroll to psp (if you have any psp games) – select PPSSPP (Standalone) – you don’t have to, I just prefer this.
  • For this setup guide we will only be using ES-DE to launch our old systems like Gameboy etc. If you want to load Switch games from here, you’ll need to install a special file system:
    • https://github.com/GlazedBelmont/es-de-android-custom-systems
    • Download those two xml files and add them to ES-DE/custom_systems within your files app
• Download a custom driver: https://github.com/K11MCH1/AdrenoToolsDrivers/releases
  • I just installed the latest one: V26.0.0 Revision 1 but mess around and see what works for each individual emulator (especially if you’re reading this article a while after I have posted it) – although I have been enjoying this one for a while now.
  • You can leave the custom driver in your Downloads folder, we will use it later
• Azahar
  • ROMS: Azahar have started to use decrypted cci files only. Sometime all you have to do is change the file extension to cci, but sometimes you have to use a decryptor depending on your roms. Here is a decryptor I use on Windows:
  • ROM decryptor: https://github.com/xxmichibxx/Batch-CIA-3DS-Decryptor-Redux/releases (download the zip file)
  • go through setup steps:
    • Get started > Permissions (allow all of them)
    • Next
    • Select user folder: find existing n3ds folder (ROMs/n3ds) and use that > OK
    • Applications: use existing n3ds folder
    • Next
    • Continue
    • Don’t show again
    • tap on … > Settings
      • Gamepad > map all keys > go back
    • Graphics > Graphics API > Vulkan (go back)
    • Layout
      • Landscape Screen Layout > Single Screen
      • Secondary Display Screen Layout > Bottom Screen (go back)
    • Back to menu
  • GPU Driver Manager
    • Install > (navigate to Downloads) tap on Turnip_v26.0.0_R1.zip
    • Select the driver and exit the GPU menu
  • Open a game > Press back button > Overlay Options > Unselect Show Controller Overlay
  • DONE
• MelonDS (fork) https://github.com/SapphireRhodonite/melonDS-android/releases
  • Open MelonDS and Set ROM Directory to the folder created by ES-DE: ROMs/NDS
  • Tap on the top right three dots > Settings
    • Video > External display screen > Bottom Screen
    • Internal Screen layout > +
      • tap on the smaller red screen > DELETE
      • tap on the larger blue screen, set the size to it’s maximum and tap CENTER HORIZONTALLY
      • Press you back button (it’s either A or B)
      • Tap Save and Exit
      • Name your layout, save it and then select it
    • Input > Key mapping – map all your buttons (see video)
      • Show soft input – OFF
    • Retro Achievements – log in
• Cemu (fork) https://github.com/SapphireRhodonite/Cemu/releases
  • Settings > General Settings > Gamepath (go back and refresh your roms)
    • Input Settings > Set up all inputs (if your device is in xbox mode, then just remap your ABXY buttons)
    • Graphics packs – download
  • Open a game > Swipe from the left
    • ENABLE External PAD Screen
    • ENABLE Show Pad
    • Now, if a game has any second screen options, it will appear on the bottom screen
• Eden https://github.com/eden-emulator/Releases/releases
  • Get your prod.keys and firmware.zip (v19.0.1) ready
  • Get started
  • Grant permissions
  • select prod.keys
  • install firmware 19.0.1
  • Add games – I have used the onboard memory for this but you can also use the same SD card as before.
  • Continue
  • Tap on the top right cog
    • Controls > Player 1 > Auto map controller (remap ABXY if your device is set to xbox layout)
  • GPU Driver Manager > Install > Grab the Turnip driver we downloaded earlier (v26.0.0_R1)
  • You can also long press on a game and install a custom driver for that specific game which is handy when you start fiddling with yourself… I mean the games
  • Open a game > Press the back button > Tap Hide controller
• PPSSPP – I just prefer using the standalone on Google Play
  • Open PPSSPP and tap OK
  • Find you PSP roms: ROMs/psp > tap OK
  • If you need to, go to the Games tab (at the top), tap Browse, and browse to your games, if it hasn’t found them automatically
  • Setting
    • Graphics > Backend > Vulkan
    • Graphics > Rendering resolution > 4x
    • Graphics > Fullscreen OFF
    • Controls > Control Mapping > map your controls
  • You should be all set now
• Gamehub – I’m not going to get too deep into this but all you need to do is log into your Steam, account and start trying out games – it’s really that easy
• Odin launcher – I have never run a device like this but it’s nice to just have the dedicated emulators here and then all the old games like SNES and Gameboy on ES-DE
  • The down side of Odin launcher is that it messes with multitasking
  • But it’s super easy – just press + and start adding your apps
  • It also has a bunch of settings you need built in like turning off the joystick lights and setting the performance mode
  • I know this is the last thing in the guide but if you’re a beginner this is a great place to start – maybe set up one of the things in this guide and then just add it to this launcher – then slowly add things as you get more familiar with Android and emulation as a system.

How I use this

• You’ll see I have Prime Video installed on the video. I have been opening up Supernatural at the top and then at the bottom I have been opening up ES-DE and choosing a retro game. The bottom screen is perfect for a Gameboy game – so Tetris at the bottom and flesh eating monsters at the top! How many times can these two guys die or go to hell?
• And in case you forgot you can set the volume for the top and bottom screens using the AYN menu button on the bottom.

Conclusion

I think this is a nice simple setup for everyone and won’t scare off the newcomers. Happy gaming!!

The post AYN Thor Simple Setup Guide first appeared on Adin Walls.

Download this zipped file: Pico8

Insert the Sd card for your TrimUI device. Unzip the file you just downloaded and drag the “pico” folder to the Apps folder on your SD card.

Now go to Lexaloffle and buy Pico8: https://www.lexaloffle.com/

Download the Rasberry Pi version of Pico8 and unzip it. Drag it’s contents to your Apps/pico folder on the SD card.

Now insert the SD card back to your TrimUI device and power it up. Make sure you’re connected to WiFi and open the Pico8 app.

Voila!

A nice TrimUI Brick / Hammer resource: LinuxDroidMaster/TrimUI-Brick-101: All you need to know about the TrimUI Brick, Stock & Custom Firmwares, ROMs, HackRoms, etc

The post Native Pico8 on the TrimUI Brick / Hammer / Smart Pro first appeared on Adin Walls.

You can get an RGB20SX here: https://bit.ly/20sxAdin (affiliate)

Please watch the video for a detailed install guide and info about the project. This blog post is mostly to show you the specs of the PCBway order.

Costs

The Powkiddy RGB20SX will set you back anything from $69 – 89 USD

The PCBway print can be from $35 – $217 USD

So your totals will range from: $104 – $306 (excluding shipping)

So the cheapest option is less than a Retroid Pocket Classic but the expensive option is more that an Analogue Pocket! But you’re getting a community generated project with your own colours, which for many people is worth more than $300.

My project specs and cost $216

Here are the specs for this build:

Reviewing my order from PCBway

This chart, above is my invoice from the PCBway website. As you can see this worked out to be quite a pricey endeavour. And that’s thanks to the dyeing process of the transparent plastic.

What to do differently:

• Look at cheaper options (see below)
• Use a different black plastic for the action buttons (mine had a stipple that caused friction)

Things that worked out well:

• Although expensive, the coloured transparent shell looks fantastic and you have lots of colours to choose from
• The transparent plastic works very well for buttons

Cheaper alternative $35 (example order)

Here’s an all-white order I set up on the PCBway ordering system that I think should work well. I have not placed this order myself, however, this is the same plastic I used for my previous mod and it works well.

Andrea (the designer) used Resin UTR Imagine Black for his black shell. Which ended up looking like this:

Get the project files: I encourage you to download Andrea’s files here and mess around on the PCBway ordering system to see what’s available.

Software

I went with ArkOS simply because I knew I could reliably and easily create a single SD card installation with it.

ArkOS is here: Home · christianhaitian/arkos Wiki

Installation is very simple. Just download the file and flash it to a blank SD card using rufus.

MinUArk theme: Releases · Vidnez/es-theme-MinUArk

Download the latest release:

Unzip the folder and drag it to EASYROMS/themes on your ArkOS Sd card

This will get you a nice minimalist theme like this (the SNES theme looks SO good with my purple shell!):

Share your projects!

Please share your mods in the comments on Andrea’s page on PCBway: RGB20SX Pocket – Share Project – PCBWay

The post How to build your own modern Gameboy first appeared on Adin Walls.

So here are my parameters:

• Fairly powerful Windows computer
• Must be a good workflow for me as a part-time muso
• Preferably a nice-looking interface
• Needs to be able to assist with creating drums and other instruments

The test:

I will be creating a short snippet of a song in these DAW’s and decide which one is for me.

Logic Pro / GarageBand for iPad (and your Mac)

As mentioned I have the first iPad Pro 11 inch (the newer shape / the one just before they started with the M1 chip). When I bought it, people said we would never need that much power in a tablet… it can’t run Logic Pro for iPad! And I do think, had it run nicely I would have just gone with this. It is PERFECT for a casual producer, although it does have a monthly subscription. However, this subscription is less than Bandlab’s new subscription and I definitely think it is worth it.

Honestly, if you own a decent Mac or iPad, I’d say just use Garageband or Logic, they’re SO good.

What Logic for iPad has to offer:

• Auto musicians: bass, drums, synth/keys are all available as interactive automatic musicians. I don’t think anything beats this (scuse the pun). Especially the drummer.
• Presets: For a low stress, easy entry system, Logic Pro and Garageband are the best (for iPad and for your Mac). Record a vocal, slap on a preset and move on. You won’t be world-class but you’ll be halfway there

Downside:

It’s actually the ease of use that’s the downside for me. The challenge of finding chord theory, working out a groove and learning how to produce a good vocal is what sparks creativity, and it’s the main reason I would have gone for my final choice even if Logic did work on my iPad.

Bandlab

I’m kinda pissed with Bandlab. I have been on their platform since the launch. And I really like what they are trying to do AND you get a lot for your subscription.

Bandlab offering:

• Record and store all your initial song ideas for free
• Get a basic production going with their browsers-based Studio app
• Lots of free loops and samples
• Autotune is free on the Studio
• For the subscription you get: no ads, their two DAW’s and a lot of extra plugins and services

The downside:

I have been using Bandlab for a long time and it always feels so promising and then you reach a point where you know you’re not going to get a final product out of it. I think the new modernised version of Cakewalk will remedy this, but the subscription was just a little too high for me.

FL Studio

Now this was a close one for me, but FL Studio is not free, and it is NOT cheap. It was the first DAW out of this list that just clicked. I do have a history with this app in the fact that I produced an EP on it back in the day. The barrier of entry to creating a song is very low. Although it has a weird workflow, when you understand it, it is really nice and intuitive. However, a lot of people say it’s not conducive to a singer/songwriter style of production, but I like it. I like breaking my songs up into segments, especially if the song isn’t fully formed yet.

What’s on offer with FL Studio:

• ALOT of instruments and plugins
• A big library of loops and samples
• A paid cloud service with a bunch of samples and presets
• A really great looking interface that inspires creativity (in my opinion)
• FL Studios famous sequencer
• “New” (new to me) singer/songwriter project preset that opens up with their very intuitive chord creation tool. Simply choose an instrument, create your chords and get the melody going immediately

I will share a sample of the short track I created when testing FL Studio at the bottom of this post.

The downside:

This workflow is not for everyone and it’s also really expensive to buy, but if you are researching DAW’s and you don’t mind spending some money, I highly recommend downloading the demo and watching a few tutorials to give it a fair shake.

Reaper

As many are quick to announce, Reaper is NOT free. However, they have a “use as long as you like” policy on the demo with a little nag screen when you open it. I approached all these DAW’s with the mindset that I am going to try them for free but if they work for me and the price is right for my casual use, then I will pay them, so if you decide on Reaper… consider paying them!

Reaper is nice because it has a classic DAW layout with audio tracks, FX, record button etc. on the left. I also really like how you just stack effects on top of each other which some of the other DAW’s don’t do as well.

Reaper has a special place in my heart because it’s the DAW that introduce me to making music on a computer with the old Computer Music magazine tutorials.

What Reaper offers:

• A clean, familiar layout
• Essentially free if you are a cheapskate 😀
• Quite a few useful plugins and instruments

The downside:

I had quite a bit of fiddling to do for my MIDI controller (Korg NanoKey2). Also, in today’s landscape the UI is a bit old school and uninspiring.

Waveform by Tracktion

Waveform is completely and truly free. They make their money with their affordable expansion packs with plugins, loops, presets and instruments. This, on paper, is the best option for new music creators or part time music creators BUT – the user interface was very confusing for me. So much so that I never spent too much time digging into it. I think if a person gave it time this one could the THE ONE for you. It’s just got a weird way of doing things. Plugins are slapped together in a bunch with very little visual feedback. The UI is so unified that you struggle to know what is going on. Sorry to fans of this DAW but it just wasn’t for me – I think I am a very visual person, and this system just didn’t spark my creativity.

Luna by Universal Audio is the one for me

At first, I didn’t like Luna. I had to fiddle with ASIO drivers to get my audio interface to work well and not get audio crackling (I used ASIO4ALL instead of Rode’s ASIO driver) but every time I circled back to Luna, I liked it more and more. But it is not without its concessions. I am not sure if it is because Luna was initially a Mac only DAW, but they don’t support old (VST 1 and VST 2) plugins. So, my EZ Drummer plugin which I bought years ago wouldn’t work. I was going to give up and then I started producing a song in it…

Firstly, the interface is SO good. Well designed, it looks great and although some aspects are clunky, it is very well thought out and the most intuitive system I have created music in over the years – yes it rivals Garageband.

Secondly, the basic plugins are exceptional. Each track gets a vintage preamp, compressor, tape saturation and noise gate. So, you’re kinda set on that front. And then everything you plug into that track can be found on that strip. This is the part that put me off of Luna and it’s now one of the reasons I like it so much. The tape saturator goes a long way to adding a warmer sound to your digital audio, especially as part-time musicians who don’t have the best gear!

Ableton Live style production: while I am not an Ableton fan, I do like how it flows. You simply add what you want on the timeline whether it’s midi or audio and it all just seamlessly works together. And then you switch to the vertical layout where you get your mixer and you’re able to manage your effects and busses etc. And it all looks really nice too.

It’s aesthetically stunning which I think is underrated in the music world. I find the UI inspiring. There’s a lovely nostalgia to old audio gear which I love.

No EZ Drummer support: I spent quite a bit of money on EZ Drummer a long time ago, but it is also a very handy songwriting tool. I discovered MT Power Drum FREE – it only has one drum kit, but the magic is in its midi library, you can drag those grooves onto any drum sampler or synth and play those grooves to the sounds you like. This is a great starting point and VERY (suspiciously so) similar to EZ Drummer 1.

The standard synth that comes with Luna, Shape, will cover so much of your needs, with a small but great sounding selection of bass, piano, synth pads and more to get you started (sorry this sounds like an ad, but it really is nice).

And then lastly, if you go pro, you get a larger suite of preamps, tape saturators, EQ’s, echo, reverb, another synth and a few more. But the functionality remains the same for pro and free. So essentially you can use this and a host of free plugins that are available (another post coming soon on that).

Ableton Live is not on this list

I have never been a fan of Ableton live. I have tried it many times and I just don’t like it. But it must be famous for a reason, right? So, if you are on this DAW journey, definitely try Ableton.

I found the perfect Windows music making setup

I have been avoiding music production on my Windows computer because of how unreliable it has been in the past. I have lost entire projects due to its glitchy interaction with DAWs and plugins. Luna it fairly glitchy in terms of it acting weird if other programs are using the audio interface. It also crackles here and there if ASIO hasn’t initiated properly. But just mess around with a setup and leave it and you should be fine.

That being said, I am SO happy with this new setup. I have all the instruments and plugins I need, with a workflow that feels easy and non-restrictive.

Here is a quick list of free plugins I found:

• MT Power Drums
• 1176 FET Compressor
• DeeDoubler
• Amplitube 5
• Ozone Imager 2
• Warmy EP1A V2
• HaNon B70
• Fresh Air
• TAL Vocoder 2
• T De Esser 2
• TDR Molotok
• TDR Nova
• Tyrell N6
• Valhalla Freq Echo
• Valhalla Supermassive (Fantastic Reverb!)
• Vital

I will make a post about all these plugins eventually.

The post The best DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) for me first appeared on Adin Walls.

Support my channel by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/adinwalls%E2%81%A0

The RockNix Operating system is tried and trusted with a lot of devices on their list. It’s a well-supported group of developers and although they’ve come late to the Anbernic XX line of devices with the H700 chipset, I think this may be the easy install for people moving forward, although currently (Feb 2025) it’s still early days with a few issues that will be ironed out soon, I’m sure. Rocknix has a familiar Emulation Station frontend and is packed with useful features like over the air updates, artwork scraping, Portmaster and bluetooth controller support. It also allows you to do system wide changes in the system menu without needed to tweak RetroArch.

Installing Rocknix to an H700 device

So here’s a quick setup guide:

• What you’ll need:
  • Internet connection
  • computer (I’m running Windows)
  • a copy of rufus (image burner)
  • 2 micro SD cards (min 32gb + min 64gb)
  • SD card reader
• Download the latest ROCKNIX release: Release 20250118 · ROCKNIX/distribution · GitHub (just choose the H700 release, or the one that has the name of your device in the list)
• Extract that file (if it doesn’t work natively, download something like 7zip)
• Open Rufus

• Make sure you’ve selected the correct drive (eject any other SD cards or flash drives) e.g. I know I have selected the correct one because it’s the only 64gb drive connected to my computer
• Now click on SELECT and navigate to your Rocknix folder and open it and select the .iso file and select OPEN

• Now select START within Rufus and say OK to the warning.
• Once Rufus says READY you can close the app

IMPORTANT FOR XX/H700 DEVICES (other devices skip to “Plug SD into device”:

• Once the .iso file is burnt to your SD card you need to do a manual setup for your specific H700 device – in our case the Cube XX
• A current list of devices and their corresponding files can be found here: Anbernic H700 installation guide – ROCKNIX Wik
• The file we are looking for is: sun50i-h700-anbernic-rgcubexx.dtb
• Your computer should suddenly detect a few “drives” or partitions.
• Navigate to the ROCKNIX drive in your file browser and open the “device_trees” folder
• Locate the file named sun50i-h700-anbernic-rgcubexx.dtb or the file corresponding to your particular H700/XX device.
• Drag it to the root folder of the ROCKNIX drive

• Now rename the file that you just dragged to ROCKNIX to: dtb.img – make sure you select the file extention when renaming

• Say Yes to the prompt

Plug SD into device

• Now EJECT the ROCKNIX sd card DO NOT JUST REMOVE IT, YOU MUST EJECT IT
• Make sure your Cube XX (or H700/XX handheld) is turned off and insert the SD card into TF1/INT
• Press the power button for about 2 seconds and it should power up with a ROCKNIX logo
• Setup could take a few minutes
• Once setup is initialised, press start and power off your device
• Now place that second SD card (formatted to Ext4, FAT32, or exFAT) into TF2 and power on the device again.
• Now power it off again
• Place the second SD card back into your computer
• A partition should pop up with a single roms folder – in there you can add your games and your bios files

Adding ROMS

• Here’s a list of bios files you’ll need to find on the Googles:

• There is a bios folder within the roms folder for you to put these
• It is illegal to use Roms that aren’t your own, also… roms for the older systems are easily Googled…
• Drag your roms into the corresponding folders, there are alot but here are a few with their system names to guide you

Installing native Pico8

If you haven’t experience this, Pico8 is a fantastic retro style gaming environment packed with indie games. It uses a square aspect ratio so it is perfect for the Cube.

• Buy and download the Rasberry Pi version of Pico 8: https://www.lexaloffle.com/
• Unzip the file
• Drag all the files over except the .txt files and the one .png file to your Pico 8 folder inside the roms folder on your SD card
• Thats it!
• Now insert your card, power on your device, navigate to Pico 8 and open Splore
• Enjoy it!

Setting up ROCKNIX

• Open the system menu by pressing START
• NETWORK SETTINGS > ENABLE WIFI
  • WIFI SSID > SELECT YOUR WIFI
  • WIFI KEY > ENTER YOUR PASSWORD
  • USB GADGET FUNCTION > FILE_TRANSFER (This will allow you to connect to your computer via USB cable and add or remove roms)
• GAME SETTINGS > RETROACHIEVEMENT SETTINGS > ENABLE
  • ENTER USERNAME AND PASSWORD (Get this from RetroAchievements.org)
• UPDATES & DOWNLOADS > THEMES – downoad some themes
• USER INTERFACE SETTINGS > THEME SET > SELECT A THEME (Alot are stretched to the square screen)
• SCRAPER
  • SCRAPE FROM > THEGAMESDB (less accurate but you dont need an account) or SCREENSCRAPER (create an account at https://screenscraper.fr/
  • SCRAPE NOW – to scrape everything
• The great thing about Rocknix is that filters and shaders (things to make your games look like the olden days) can be done from the system menu:
  • GAME SETTINGS > PER SYSTEM ADVANCED CONFIGURATION > PICK A SYSTEM > SHADER SET / VIDEO FILTER
  • I am not going into specific shaders and filters for this video but just to say filters use less CPU than shaders, so for a low end device like this, sometimes filters are the way to go.
  • You will need to set a filter/shader, open a game, see if you like it, and repeat that process until you find something you like

Rocknix Shortcut Keys (Hotkeys)

Rocknix doesn’t utilise the M button as a menu button as they do in the stock firmware, so you’ll need to get used to the Hotkeys:

PSP menu – L3

Please let me know on Discord if there is anything you’d like added here:

The post RockNIX setup guide including Anbernic H700 / XX devices first appeared on Adin Walls.

I made a video comparing Knulli to muOS and noticed the setup for native Pico 8 was a bit confusing, so here is a very short and simple guide to help you. This article was written 30 Jan 2025 using the latest BANANA version of muOS.

• Install Pico8:
  • Buy Pico 8 here: Lexaloffle Games :: Games (rasberry pi version)
  • Place the contents of that zip file in MUOS > BIOS > pico8 (it’s important that you create this “pico8” folder and place the files in there)
  • Add this Splore file to your pico8 ROMS folder: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11Hm_-N52JM_UVmsHyHReFM2wt5JPWON9/view?usp=sharing (With muOS you create your own rom folders)
  • Put the SD card in TF1 (or tf2 if you’re doing a 2 card setup) and power on the device
  • Connect to WIFI
  • Go to the Pico8 games folder, when Splore is selected press SELECT(SE) > ASSIGN CORE > PICO-8 > PICO-8 (EXTERNAL)
  • Now go back and select the Splore file by pressing the A button, Pico8 should open up
  • If it doesn’t work make sure you’ve downloaded the correct version of Pico8 (Rasberry Pi), that you labeled that pico8 folder in the BIOS section correctly and that you placed the Splore.p8 file in the Pico8 Roms folder.
  • To shut Pico 8 down press SE + ST

The post How to install native Pico 8 on muOS first appeared on Adin Walls.

WARNING: This will completely flash your device’s storage, any games, files and apps installed will be erased.

Every single step of this guide is crucial. There are a lot of screenshots, so please be careful not to miss any steps written between these screenshots.

First Steps

• Keep the Retroid USB-C cable handy (or any USB-C to USB-A cable that can handle data)

• Download the files: RPMINI Android 13 Software – Google Drive (Click Download Anyway if you get a warning)

• Install 7zip: Download (64 bit)

• Extract the two zipped folders

• You will also have a Qualcomm installable file, install the qualcomm .exe file

• Open this unzipped folder: qpst.win.2.7_installer_00495.1

• Double click on this file: QPST.2.7.495.1

• Confirm all the prompts and agree to the license agreement

Setting up the Installation

• Click on your Start menu (Windows icon) and search for QFIL > Open the app that appears

• Click on “Configuration” at the top of the QFIL app and then click Firehose Configuration:

• Change the Device Type to UFS

Click OK

Under “Select Build Type” select “Flat Build”

Now next to “Select Programmer” click on Browse and navigate to the RPMini_A13_20250121 > RPMini_A13_20250121 folder (a folder inside a folder)

Look for the prog_firehose_ddr.elf file and click “Open”

Your screen should populate like this:

Now click on Load XML:

This folder RPMini_A13_20250121 > RPMini_A13_20250121 should open automatically and you should see these files. Select them all and click “Open” (see image below)

Now the same folder will appear again with some other files. Select them all as well and click “Open”. (If a little red man waves at you, wave back)

Now your screen should look like this with those files showing in these blocks:

Installation

Grab the Retroid Pocket Mini and back up all the files you want to keep. Hey, I’m not judging, what you download on your device is YOUR business…

You can back files up by plugging it into your pc, enabling file transfer, and dragging your important files to a hard drive.

Now turn the device off and remove the SD card just to be safe.

Okay now press Volume up + Volume down + Power at the same time for about 5-6 seconds, the screen will stay black but now it’s ready.

Plug your device in with a compatible USB cable to your PC

You’ll notice that QFIL now has an option to select a port:

Click on “Select Port” and then make sure the Qualcomm port is selected and click OK

You will see this, and you can click “Download”:

And then you’ll see some progress:

Once you see this you can unplug your device and turn it on:

I had to press the button for a few seconds to get it to start up initially.

Yeeha! We have Android 13 on the Retroid Pocket Mini!

What are the benefits of Android 13?

I will get back to this section after testing…

The post Install Android 13 on the Retroid Pocket Mini first appeared on Adin Walls.

Getting Started

This guide is a slightly simpler version of my previous Retroid Pocket 4 Pro setup guide. I found that that guide was quite overwhelming for many people, and I honestly just don’t have the headspace to spend that amount of time on such a comprehensive guide again. Instead this guide will give you the tools to set up your device, using my knowledge from constantly setting these devices up when they get sent to me.

Also, this is a collection of links and resources that I think everyone will find helpful. I have added all the things you’ll need to download and tweak your handheld, including some of the naughty things that we aren’t allowed to talk about in my YouTube videos 😉

Before you begin create a ROM folder

This is an obvious one but before you start, please create a folder on your device called Roms (or whatever) and start adding your Roms here. I highly recommend just starting small. For example, just put some Sega games on and get that setup using my guide. Then, once that’s set up, move onto something a bit more juicy like PSP. This will be far less overwhelming than trying to do everything at once.

So perhaps go ahead and start adding Roms at this point by plugging your device into your PC with the USB cable you got with the device and enable file transfer from the drop down menu on your device. Then simply create a folder, for example: 3DS and drag your 3DS roms over to the handheld storage.

This would also be a good time to insert an SD card if you want some extra storage. It doesn’t have to be fancy: SanDisk Ultra is fine. Maybe 128 – 256gb.

Useful Links

Turnip Drivers: https://github.com/K11MCH1/AdrenoToolsDrivers/releases/tag/v24.3.0_r9 (this is the one that works the best for me)

Very helpful spreadsheet by Ryan Retro for tweaking your emulators: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/1BiFqYhWWJRHcR_O_LDbv2OwZ1kTLkClMd0uGVjpaXWw/htmlview#

The above link will help you tweak your games and find the best turnip drivers for each game.

Setting up Obtanium

Obtanium is a very handy app I heard about from Zu at the Retro Handhelds Discord. It allows you to collate all your Github apps into one app store style environment.

My Obtanium Apps

• Cemu for Android (WiiU)
• citron (Switch emulator performance focussed fork)
• Daijisho (frontend) or ES-DE
• Dolphin emulator (Wii and GameCube)
• Azahar (3DS)
• RetroArch (64bit version)
• Eden (Switch)
• Vita3k (PS Vita Emulator)
• NetherSX2 (Trixarian – PS2)

Easily add apps to Obtanium

To conveniently add apps to obtanium simply use this link: Obtainium Apps

Apps from the Obtanium Apps website:

• RetroArch 64bit
• Dolphin Emulator (Nightly)

For the rest you will need to follow these steps:

Adding apps manually to Obtanium

• Find the Release page for an app
  • Here are the release pages for the apps I have recommended:
  • Cemu: Release Cemu for Android External Screen Support · SapphireRhodonite/Cemu · GitHub
  • Daijisho: Releases · TapiocaFox/Daijishou
  • Azahar: https://github.com/azahar-emu/azahar/releases
  • Eden (Switch): GitHub – eden-emulator/Releases: Eden’s Releases
  • Vita3k: Releases · Vita3K/Vita3K-Android
  • RPCS3 (PS3): GitHub – RPCS3-Android/rpcs3-android
  • NetherSX2: Releases · Trixarian/NetherSX2-classic
• How to add apps:
  • Open Obtanium and tap “Add App”
  • At the top line past your Github release page (links privided above)
  • tap the tick sign and then tap “Add”
  • This can sometimes take a while if your internet is slow
  • Then a page will appear and you can tap “Install” then “INSTALL” again
  • And you’re off to the races!

Standalone emulators I’m NOT using on the Retroid Pocket 5

• Yabasanshiro 2 Pro (Play Store): Sega Saturn Emulation
• Mupen64 Plus FZ (Play Store): N64 Emulation
• Redream (Play Store): Dreamcast Emulation
• Duckstation (Play Store): PS One emulation
• PPSSPP Gold (Play Store): PSP emulation
• Drastic (Play Store): DS Emulation

I am leaving this here for clarity. On a powerful chip like the Snapdragon 865 on the Retroid Pocket 5, these emulators aren’t needed, we can simply use RetroArch for everything. But if you have issues, you can go back to these.

I do think a lot of people may still enjoy Drastic for DS emulation.

Setting up All Emulators

RetroArch 64bit Setup

Once downloaded and installed from Obtanium do the following:

• NB: DO NOT force quite while you’re doing this. YOU WILL LOSE ALL OF YOUR SETTINGS.
• Allow permissions
• Allow RetroArch to decompress
• Go to Settings > User Interface > Menu > xmb (For a smaller screen like the Retroid Pocket Mini just leave the menu to default)
• Back to main menu and select Quit
• Now re-open with the new menu system
• Now: Main Menu > Online Updater > Core Downloader >
  • Go through and look for the systems you will be playing. Just download all related cores to make your life easier
  • You’ll know it’s downloaded by the “#” on the right
• Settings > User Interface > On-screen overlay > Display overlay OFF (alternative option to the video)
• Settings > Saving >
  • Auto Save State ON
  • Auto Load State ON
  • Increment save state automatically ON
  • Maximum Auto Increment Save States to keep 20 (or more)
• Settings > Achievements >
  • Achievements ON
  • Enter username and password (retroachievements.org)
  • Hardcore mode OFF (or else you can’t load your saves)
• Settings > Input >
  • Retropad binds > Port 1 controls
  • Analog to digital type > left analog
  • If you haven’t already, wiggle and analog stick and RetroArch will find an auto profile, make sure it’s selected under Device Index
  • If anything isn’t mapped correctly you can map it here
  • You can also “Save Controller Profile” here
• Settings > Input > Hotkeys >
  • Hotkeys enable > L3 (left joystick button press)
  • Menu toggle controller combo > Start + Select
  • Menu toggle > back button
  • Quit controller combo > L3 + R3
  • Load State > L1 (left bumper)
  • Save state > R1 (right bumper)
• Settings > Input > menu Controls >
  • Menu swap OK and cancel buttons > OFF
• Once you have Daijisho setup you will need to circle back to this: Shader setup
• SHADERS: This is just one Shader but once you see how it works, you can play around and find your favourites
  • Open a TV console game
  • Quick Menu > Shaders > Video Shaders ON
    • Load Preset > shaders_glsl > crt > crt-geom.glslp
    • Shader parameters > CRTGeom Curvature Toggle > 0 > Press B
    • Save Preset > Save Content Directory Preset > Press B until you are in the main menu
    • Select “Quit”
  • My shaders for handheld systems:
    • GameBoy Advance: shaders_glsl > handheld > lcd-grid-v2-gba-color.glslp
    • Gameboy Color: shaders_glsl > handheld > lcd-grid-v2-gbc-color.glslp
• Home and Quit to save your changes
• Add BIOS Files:
  • I completely forgot about this in the video!
  • Get your BIOS here: Google “retroarch system bios pack”
  • Please drag the contents of that system folder to /RetroArch/system/ on your device

Nintendo DS Setup

Daijisho will set MelonDS as your default RetroArch core, but I want to suggest this one: melonds ds (you need to select the 64bit version in Daijisho later) – this emulator allows for touch screen inputs.

R2 (right trigger) will be mapped as “Layout Toggle” by default.

To change the screen layout (circle back to this after your Daijisho setup is done):

• Open a DS game
• Press Back button to bring up the menu
• Quick menu > Core Options > Screen > Screen Layout >
  • For a small screen: Layout #1: Top Only | Layout #2
  • For a medium sized screen: Layout #1: Hybrid (focus Top) | Layout #2: Hybrid (Focus Bottom)
  • For a large screen: Layout #1: Left/Right | Layout #2: Right Left
  • Then toggle between these with R2 (right trigger)
  • You can experiment with this, for example, if you prefer to toggle between fullscreen and lef/right, then choose that as your two layouts

3DS Emulation Setup

Open Azahar

• Grant permissions > Allow > next
• Grant permissions > While using the app > next
• Grant permissions > While using the app > next
• Select user folder > select > [navigate to your 3DS folder] > ok > next
• Add games > [use 3ds folder] > Use this folder > Allow > Next
• Continue
• … at top left > GPU Driver Manager > Install > [find your turnip .zip file]
• Open a game
• Press back > Overlay options > Uncheck Show Overlay
• Close the game and go to settings
• Make sure your controller style is set to Retro withing the Android top dropdown menu (or whatever controller style you plan to use most of the time)
• Settings > Gamepad > map buttons
  • Swap screens > R3
  • Cycle Layouts > L3
  • See video for more clarity
•  Settings > Graphics > Graphics API > Vulkan
• When you open a game > back button > Overlay Options > Uncheck “Show Overlay”

For piracy and licensing reasons, Azahar only supports decrypted roms. Here is a rom decryption tool: https://gbatemp.net/threads/batch-cia-3ds-decryptor-a-simple-batch-file-to-decrypt-cia-3ds.512385/

Once you have decrypted the roms you can change the file extension from .3ds to .cci

Cemu Emulation Setup

• Copy File keys.txt (Google “keys.txt for cemu”) To Files > Retroid Pocket 5 (internal) > Android > data > info.cemu.Cemu > files > Here [easiest to do this while connected to your computer]
• ROMS: wua format works well
• Tap the cog top right
• General settings > Add game path > + > Use this folder > Allow
• Input settings > Controller 1 > Emulated Controller > Wii U Gamepad
  • map your controls here
  • Blow mic = L2
  • see more in the video
• Graphic packs > download icon > if a game has a custom graphic pack it will load here
  • Tap the download icon at the top right
  • You can go into these packs and enable them and fix games that aren’t working
• Start a game > cog at top left > Uncheck Show input overlay
• Your mileage will vary here, this is essentially an experimental emulator

Dolphin Emulation Setup

• Open Dolphin
• You can enable or Disable statistics reporting
• Gamecube tab
• Add Games > [choose your gamecube roms folder] Use this folder > Allow
• Wii tab
• Add games > Add games > Use this folder [choose your wii roms folder] > Allow
• Cog icon top right >
  • Config > General > Enable savestates
  • Graphics settings > Video backend > Vulkan
  • Graphics settings > GPU Driver > Install driver > [find your turnip driver] – Get a driver here
  • Gamecube input
    • Tap on the cog to the right of “Gamecube Controller 1” (if you plan to use a dock you may want to use the controller profile option and create a profile for the dock and the handheld)

• Z = R3
• Wii Input
  • Tap the cog to the right of “Wii remote 1”
  • Buttons

• A = A
• B = B
• 1 = X
• 2 = Y
• – = SELECT
• + = START
• HOME = R1
• Extension – Nunchuk
  • C = L3
  • Z = R3
  • Stick = Left joystick
• Unfortunately due to the the way the wii was made you have to do a but of digging for each game and set the controls up as you go
• You will need to toggle the overlay for Gamecube and Wii once you’ve launched a game (back button for menu)
• There are some really nice Wii games that used a standard controller layout, some of them even feature a plumber and his brother!

NetherSX2 Emulation Setup

• Download and install NetherSX2 4248: Releases · Trixarian/NetherSX2-classic
• Once Nethersx2 is installed, tap the Next button at the bottom right
  • Next
  • Next
  • Optimal/Safe Defaults
  • Import BIOS (if you don’t have it just look it up on Google) – you just need one. You may need to unzip the filder to get to the .bin file.
  • Next
  • Game directories > tap + > if you haven’t already, create a PS2 folder now, open it and tap USE THIS FOLDER, Allow
  • Finish
  • Tap the hamburger icon at the tap left (3 lines)
  • App Settings > Graphics > Vulkan
    • you can upscale the image here for certain games
  • Now go back and tap Controller Settings
• Controller settings >
  • Touchscreen > Touchscreen controller view > None
  • Controller Port

• Map controls accordingly

Yuzu etc Setup

• Yuzu/Suyu/Sudachi/Citron – if you don’t have an old version of Yuzu, get Suyu, Citron, Sudachi (see obtanium setup above)
• I am using Sudachi because its the default selection for Daijisho which will make your life easier later on
  • Start Sudachi
  • Grant permissions > Allow > next
  • Select Keys > find your prod.keys > next
  • Select Title Keys > find your title.keys > Next
  • Add games > find folder with games > Use this folder > Allow > Ok
  • Continue
  • Tap cog at top left > GPU driver manager > + Install > [add your turnip driver]
  • Manage Sudachi Data > Install Firmware> zip file
  • There are actually a bunch of emulator forks:
    • Yuzu https://yuzu-emulator.net/
    • Suyu https://git.suyu.dev/suyu/suyu/releases
    • Sudachi Releases · emuplace/sudachi.emuplace.app (Daijisho selects Sudachi by default at the time of writing this)
    • Citron emulator (good performance): https://git.citron-emu.org/Citron/Citron/releases
  • Check Ryan Retro’s spreadsheet for lots of helpful tips: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/1BiFqYhWWJRHcR_O_LDbv2OwZ1kTLkClMd0uGVjpaXWw/htmlview#

Vita Emulation Setup

• I never spoke about this in the vid but this is another fun nerd project to get into.
• Basic setup
  • Open the app
  • Select language > Next
  • Next
  • Download Firmware > Long press on “Donwload update” > select Download Link > Keep
  • Return to Vita3k
  • Download Font Package > Press and hold on the link provided > Download Link > Keep
  • Return to Vita3k > Install Firmware > Select PSP2UPDAT.PUP.PUP in your downloads folder
  • Next
  • Next > OK
  • Disable the nag screen
  • Create a user
• Adding Games:
  • Get roms from https://nopaystation.com/
  • On your PC click on browse and download the .pkg and work.bin file for a game
  • Tell your browser it’s okay to download the .pkg file
  • Have your device plugged in and set to file storage
  • Create a folder in your vita folder on your device, noting the name of the game and naming the folder with the game’s name
  • Now drag the .pkg and the work.bin file over to that game folder
  • In Vita3k goto File/Install .pkg – and add the .pkg, and then add the work.bin file
  • There’s also an option to install .vpk and .zip files
• Configuration > Settings > GPU Tab
  • Add custom driver
  • Use that 9v2 turnip driver I suggested in the beginning
  • Now select it from the drop down menu and tap Save
  • You may need to shut the app down and double check that it saved
• Controls > Overlay > UNcheck “Show gamepad overlay ingame
• Vita3k is hot and miss but the app actually notes playability with RED (not playable), ORANGE (somewhat playable) and GREEN (playable)

PS3 Setup

• As mentioned above, get RPCS3 here GitHub – RPCS3-Android/rpcs3-android
• It is important to note that this is only in Alpha release at the time of writing this, meaning that this is a very unrefined experience, but it is VERY exciting too 🙂
• Add the Github release to Obtanium as explained above
• Open RPCS3 > Allow
• Click on this link from your handheld: https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/ps3/system-software/
• Tap on Update using a computer, and download the file – press and hold and tap “Download Link”
• Tap “Keep”
• Go back to RPCS3 and tap the 3 stripes at the top left
• Tap “Firmware:None”
• Select PS3UPDAT.PUP – this will take a few miutes to install

Daijisho Setup

• Download Daijisho via Obtainium and explained above
• Use the first Daijisho App that downloads (lately there have been two)
• Settings > Appearance >
  • Download wall papers > I’ve been enjoying Epic Retro Noir. 2Clean Dai Black V2 is also good.
  • Dark theme > Dark
  • Pure dark theme > ON (for OLED screens)
• Settings > Navigation >
  • You can change the homepage here > I set mine to widgets
  • You can set a search hotkey here
• Settings > Library >
  • Download platforms (game systems)
  • “Clear all disjointed items” is handy if you have changed the ROMs in your roms folder and some games are no longer available
• Navigate to the main Library tab (the frontend)
  • do this for each system:
    • Paths > ADD MORE > find the relevant games folder > USE THIS FOLDER > ALLOW > sync
    • Tap the pen icon at the bottom right to ensure Daijisho has selected the right emulator – eg. for PSP mine says: 127 – psp – RetroArch 64 – ppsspp
    • My video guide will be a bit clearer on all this
• Navigate to Widgets
  • New Widget > Pin and Play > search for your fav games > pin them
  • New widget > App shortcut > use this to pin android games or emulators like Citron that dont work via Daijisho yet
• Make Diajisho your Android Home Page
  • Android Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Home Page > Daijisho

GameHub Emulator

• Download – GameHub Emulator v3.0.2 [Latest]
• More to follow soon!

ES-DE

Custom emu options for es-de (Switch): https://github.com/GlazedBelmont/es-de-android-custom-systems

Download them and add the to ES-DE/custom_systems

A big downside for me with ES-DE is that it’s quite a process to get it to manage 2 storage facilities i.e. your internal ssd and an external sd card.

Alot was covered here that ISN’T in my video. Please check my video guide for clarity on a few things that work better visually. But this should set you on your way to emulation success! Good luck 🙂

The post Android Emulation Setup Guide for Retroid Pocket 5, Mini, Flip 2, AYN Portal, Odin 2 mini and more first appeared on Adin Walls.

Get the Retroid Dock here: https://bit.ly/RPDockAW

If your RP4pro isn’t nicely setup, check out my guide.

Index:

Controllers:

• GuliKit KK3 Pro – 2.4ghz
• 8bitdo SN30 Pro – Bluetooth

Front end:

My device is set up with Daijisho but I recommend ES-DE for a console focussed setup. I will be dealing with this in an upcoming video.

Here’s ES-DE: https://www.patreon.com/es_de/posts

Setting up emulators

• Set the controller mode version on the handheld and leave it. Retro/Xbox
• Pair each controller
• I had to check the KK3 Pro setting to switch the buttons so it operated as a retro controller in Android
• I had to pair the SN30 Pro as a Switch Controller (START + Y) to get it to operate as a retro controller in Android.
• Remap all emulators:
  1. Choose which device will be controller A and stick with that
  2. Go through each emulator and remap them (see video)
  3. You may not be able to control anything in the emulator with controller B
  4. Just be careful here, my KK3 registered as the Retroid controller and I couldn’t tell which was which. You may just need to do trial and error here.
• Some emulators like Yuzu don’t need pairing

Which emulators require remapping after you undock the RP4pro:

NetherSX requires remapping

Dolphin (GameCube) 2.4ghz controller was fine but I had to reselect the bluetooth controller in the emulator every time it disconnected.

PPSSPP Gold automatically maps any controller connected.

Lime3DS mapped both controllers automatically.

Yabasanshiro Pro (Saturn) allows you to select the controller in-game and it automatically maps

Mupen64 FZ Pro uses controller profiles, so simply create a profile for the dock and select it when you play (see video)

RetroArch does try to automatically map each controller but sometimes the keys get mixed, if you don’t mind this, this will be the easiest. Otherwise here is my set up to have the keys the way you want it with your controllers.

• Firstly, once you’ve set the retro/Xbox setting on the RP4pro and you’ve set up your controllers, don’t mess with those settings. And make a note how you set them up just in case. For mine, the 8bitdo ended up as a Switch Pro Controller and the GuliKit has the A + B buttons swopped to make them work as retro button config in Android.
• Connect the first controller.
• Then open the RetroArch app (NOT IN-GAME – I spent a while trying to set this up in-game and it simply does not work).
• Under Settings/Input/Retropad Binds/Port 1 Controls
• Device Index/ [select your controller profile]
• Reset to default controls.
• Set all controls – and map all your controls
• Save Controller Profile
• Repeat this for the second controller except under “Port 2 Controls”
• Then go to Home/Configuration File/Save Current Configuration
• If something goes wrong just run through this again.

DISCLAIMER: The RetroArch binding process is quite fiddly. Also things like bluetooth connections can reset and mess up your binding. To avoid this I would say make sure the controller has only ever been bound to your device or delete the bindings on other devices.

RetroArch Automapping:

In connecting the bluetooth controller as a Switch controller I was seeing the automapping as opposite in RetroArch. I changed the connection to x-input on the bluetooth controller which fixed the auto-mapping issue in the game but then the controls for Android were swopped around. You will need to fiddle around with the exact settings on each controller to get it the way you want it but having swopped keys may be a common issue if you rely on auto mapping, especially with RetroArch. I would highly recommend using my method above.

Is it worth docking your handheld?

Don’t expect this to be a full, user friendly console experience. The emulators are all different and updates could delete your settings sometimes. Keep this guide in mind if you ever get stuck and quickly run through a setup for an emulator before a gaming session. I think if you’re doing alot of RetroArch gaming that will cover a lot of your bases, and then focus on one or two standalone emulators to play some higher end games, for example the Dolphin emulator is very good. But NetherSX2 is not ideal for docking and I know this is what most people are after. Just know that you will probably have to map your controllers every time you play PS2.

Controller recommendations:

In terms of controller recommendations, these 8bitdo ones are great but I do prefer the reliability of the 2.4ghz ones. However the bluetooth will allow you to use it without the dock which is nice.

Is the dock any good?

As far as the actually dock goes, this one is pretty good. The off centre design is madness. But other than that it has a lot of the bells and whistles you’d want including the chance to load a massive game library on an external hard drive but that would mean a setup every time you link it all up.

Alternatives:

Someone suggested the Skull & Co dock and I have seen 1 person running the Odin 2 with it on reddit. Vlad Nerd has also tested a cheap dock from Amazon.

The post Retroid Dock BEGINNER’S GUIDE first appeared on Adin Walls.

• Download minUI https://github.com/shauninman/MinUI/releases
• Download RetroGameCorps addons https://github.com/retrogamecorps/GKD-Pixel-MinUI-Addons
• Extract the minUI folder
• Pre-populate the ROMS folder with your roms OR get some roms from the SD card that came with your GKD Pixel
• Pre-populate the BIOS folder – again you can get them from the Pixel or you can Google what you need from this list:

• Regarding Playstation ROMS – minUI supports .chd ; .pbp ; and folders with .cue and .bin files HOWEVER RetroGameCorps’ standalone emulator does NOT support .chd and .pbp roms so if you plan to use this, it may be easier just to stick to folders with .cue and .bin files in them
• If you haven’t already. Power down your GKD pixel, remove the SD card and plug it into your computer using an SD card reader
• Backup/clone the Pixel’s SD card (or you can live on the edge and just drag the contents of the ROMS card to your desktop like I did)
  • download miniTool Partition Wizard https://www.partitionwizard.com/free-partition-manager.html
  • Insert the target (backup sd card) and source sd card (Pixel’s card) – use the same sized SD card
  • In miniTool Partition Wizard right click on the Pixel’s SD card and select copy
  • Find you destination SD card and say NEXT
  • Make these selections and say NEXT

• Then just say FINISH and APPLY
• Within the Roms folder on your SD card, I went in and deleted the old folders. This may actually be necessary in order to make space for the new pre-populated Roms folder from your computer. Just make sure you’ve either backed up your Roms or already added them to the new Roms folder for minUI i.e. don’t lose your roms!
• Now drag the minUI.zip ; gkdpixel ; Roms ; Bios folders from the unzipped minUI folder to the root of the ROMS partition of your SD card.
• See my video for a bit more clarity here:

• If it asks to overwrite anything, just say yes
• Now return to your beloved Pixel and insert the SD card and power on the device
• Once powered on open APP – File Manager and navigate to media/roms/gkdpixel/install.sh
• Make sure that install.sh file is highlighted and press the A button
• Then select Execute – minUI will now install
• THAT’S IT!
• Now RetroGameCorps’ addons – power down your GKD Pixel
• Remove the SD card and insert it into your computer with an SD card reader
• Simply drag the contents of RetroGameCorps’ addons folder to the root of your ROMS partition
• Also note that RetroGameCorps has added some extra systems to play and a music player
• THEN simply refer to RetroGameCorps’ very comprehensive readme file – essentially, if you find a game that doesn’t work well, move it to the additional folder provided by his addon and it will play from the standalone emulator
• NOTE: this will cause the handy unified menu system to NOT work in those specific games, so while we’re adding performance, we’re losing some user-friendliness.

BIG IMPROVEMENTS WITH MINUI:

• Autosave shutdown – powersave and auto power off – it will increase battery life considerably
• Minimal menu
• On screen prompts
• Unified UI with RetroArch backend
• Scaling is very easy now in the new user interface
• You can also create Shortcuts very easily in the new menu system
• I love that it uses the menu button throughout
• Recently played is a great menu feature
• You can make collections by creating folders on the SD card (see readme)
• Menu + vol for brightness
• Improved performance and more systems with RetroGameCorps’ addons
• Music player is there but it would be nice if someone could work on it

REVIEW

• Even without RetroGameCorps’ addon, minUI makes the Pixel feel complete
• My review said the UI was just as bad as the design and hardware is good – ie the UI was terrible – but minUI fixes this completely
• Once again, the community has saved a device. This is, in my view, the best all round mini device on the market now, let down only by its lacklustre screen. You can expect there to be a 3 month later review of this, because it’s going into my personal rotation.

The post TUTORIAL: minUI and RetroGameCorps’ addons for GKD Pixel first appeared on Adin Walls.