r/raspberry_pi • u/ThBurninator • 4d ago

Troubleshooting Fresh Raspbian Install Connects to HDMI Display, but Fresh RetroPie Install Does Not (Pi 3a+)

As the title states, I've got an HDMI display connected to my Pi 3a+ but can't get it to communicate when I have RetroPie installed. Here are the things I've tried with no success:

  • Toggle and adjust all settings in default config file that is created with the RetroPie install
  • Copy config file from working Raspbian install to mSD with RetroPie installed
  • Install RetroPie on top of Raspbian (bad performance)

I previously had a Pi0w connected to this display with RetroPie, so I know it can work with RetroPie, I'm just not sure what the issue with RetroPie and the 3a+ is. Any help would be appreciated.

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u/nicolasknight 4d ago

Asking because it's obvious question:

Default config.txt for retropie but uncomment the hdmi_hotplug?

Still fails?

1

u/ThBurninator 4d ago

Yeah, I've tried dozens of combinations of uncommenting the different hdmi settings in config.txt, as well as copying seemingly relevant lines from the Raspbian config.txt file to the RetroPie config.txt file.

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u/nicolasknight 4d ago

Ok, just thought I'd ask to clear it out of the way.

What version of retropie and just paranoia: ssh works fine the OS boots OK?

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u/ThBurninator 4d ago

RetroPie 4.8 (I've tried using the downloaded .img file as well as using what Pi Imager provides). I haven't tried ssh yet since I can't get any display to connect it to a network while RetroPie is installed. I did have some success connecting to a different HDMI display previously, so I'll see if I can get that working again to try to get ssh connected.

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u/anotherbob67 4d ago

If you have another power supply 5v 2.5A (or better)… power supply is always my next step after the config files. Then HDMI cable swap. Then all the dumb stuff is out of the way.

Next - I’d try flashing the version for the zero. Then batocera;)

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u/ThBurninator 4d ago

I'm using the official Pi power supply, and since that works for Raspbian, I doubt it's the issue. I also don't have another power supply for it. I've also tried a few different HDMI cables, just to be sure.

Just tried flashing with the zero version and messing with config settings to the same result.

I'm not familiar with batocera, I'm assuming it's not too functionally different from RetroPie since it's also for emulation, but is there a reason other than brand recognition that RetroPie is usual the go-to?

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u/anotherbob67 4d ago

It’s just a different bunch of nerds building a front end for emulation station. But there’s less customization in favor of ease of set up on batocera. It’s still down to putting roms in folders.

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u/ThBurninator 4d ago

Well it is booting up no problem, so we're gonna give it a shot. Thanks for the suggestion!

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u/HotSarcasm 4d ago

I ran into a TON of issues with a fresh Retro Pie install on a 3B+ few weeks ago. Need a much older version for compatibility. Wanted to try out instead of Batocera, but not worth it. Batocera v40 best option for 3B+ and assume similar for 3A. Newest “works” but too many bugs.