retropieOne symptom at a time
Let’s find what’s getting in the way.
Start with the easiest checks. Keep a working card and your saves safe while you narrow down the problem.
Pi will not bootNothing usable appears after power-on.Black screen after bootThe display stays black or goes blank when an application starts.HDMI resolution or display problemsThe picture is cropped, missing or uses an unexpected resolution.Controller not detectedThe frontend does not respond to your gamepad.Buttons do the wrong thingControls work in the menu but not as expected in a game.No soundA game or the entire setup is silent.Wi-Fi will not connectThe board cannot join your wireless network.Bluetooth controller will not pairA wireless controller never connects or reconnects.Games are not appearingThe menu does not list a transferred game or system.A game returns straight to the menuSelecting a game briefly changes the screen, then returns without playing.BIOS missing or rejectedAn emulator reports missing firmware or refuses to start.ROM folders and file formatsYou are unsure where files belong or which extension is accepted.Games run slowlyAudio crackles, animation slows or input feels delayed.Nintendo 64 issuesSome N64 titles are slow, glitchy or use unexpected controls.Dreamcast issuesA Dreamcast game will not launch or has performance problems.Permission denied or saves will not persistFiles cannot be read, written or saved as expected.Storage is fullTransfers or updates fail, or saves stop appearing.SSH connection problemsA remote terminal times out, refuses the connection or rejects login.Image writing or verification failsThe imaging tool reports a bad file, write failure or failed verification.
Make a report someone can reproduce
Include the exact board, image version, OS, emulator/core, controller, display, steps and observed error. Remove passwords and unrelated personal information. A clear failure report helps more than a blanket “doesn’t work.”
Contribution and reporting guide →