How to Add Controllers to the Retroflag GPi for Multiplayer

Dec 24, 2020

10 minutes

You're on a trip with a buddy and your trusty GPi; why not play some Contra? Because your GPi is actually running RetroPie under the hood, this is super easy to set up.

This short guide will show you how to connect a second controller, or gamepad, to your GPi to allow a second player to join you for some two-player retro gaming action!

	Retroflag GPi CASE	×	1
	8Bitdo SF30 bluetooth controller	×	1

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Here you can see my old 8BitDo SN30 -- I recommend the SF30 instead since it has thumbsticks.

Without serious modification, the GPi has no externally-accessible USB data port; thus, you can't easily use a wired USB controller.

For this reason, I recommend a Bluetooth controller -- however, this assumes that you're using the bluetooth-enabled Raspberry Pi Zero W, not the "normal" Pi Zero. The normal Zero does not support bluetooth.

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Choosing a Wireless Bluetooth controller

For wireless controllers, I recommend the 8BitDo SF30. It contains a ton of buttons, has a long battery life, undetectable input lag, and is super affordable.

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For a complete analysis of available RetroPie controllers and how to use them, see my RetroPie controller guide!

Connecting a Bluetooth controller

After updating your controller's firmware, you can access Bluetooth device config in RetroPie Setup. I wrote a complete guide on adding Bluetooth controllers in RetroPie. Use that guide for step-by-step instructions on setting up your GPi Bluetooth controller.

And check out our guide to build your own awesome gaming device with RetroPie!

Saving Games GPi FAQ

Show all in the RetroFlag GPi CASE series

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Zach (248)

Jun 16, 2021

15 minutes

So you got your Retroflag GPi CASE set up—now it's time to play some games! This guide will show you where to download game ROMs for the GPi and how to install them.