There are a lot of different Raspberry Pi models out there. A. Lot. So many so, it’s easy to get lost and bogged down in numbers. Thankfully, to answer what is the best Raspberry Pi for emulation, the process is fairly straightforward, and only really comes down to the choice of two models.
Feel free to fist pump. Yes, it’s that easy.
So, now we know what each Raspberry Pi is capable of, we need to think in terms of power and portability. Technically, any Raspberry Pi can run emulators, but power is going to decide what emulators it can run.
There’s also a load of variables in play, but we’re going to keep it simple. The Raspberry Pi 3, for example, is a great emulation machine, but given its age and price, there’s very little reason to recommend it over the Raspberry Pi 4.
With that in mind, we’ll be focusing on two Raspberry Pi models for emulation: The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B and the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4.
Reasons for the Choices
Packing in a powerful processor and enough RAM to emulate the harder systems are the only two factors we really need to consider. With the Pi 4 Model B, we’ve got a 1.5 GHz 64-bit quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 processor and either 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB of RAM.
Conversely, with the Compute Model 4, we’re also working with the quad-core Cortex-A72 at 1.5GHz alongside either 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB of RAM.
In short, we’re talking very similar specs but two distinct boards depending on what you want it for.
Raspberry Pi 4 Model B
If you’re building a home console that’s only going to be played hooked up to a TV, then the Raspberry PI 4 Model B is the best to go with. Not only will this device offer USB support for controllers, it’ll also be Internet-ready. The only real downside here is the Pi 4 Model B isn’t very transferrable. That said, this is the easier route for those not overly familiar with Linux systems who want something they can understand with minimal instructions.
Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4
We know the Compute Model 4 matches the Pi 4 in terms of what’s possible. So what makes it worth considering as an alternative?
Even though the Compute Module 4 lacks input sockets (USB, Ethernet, wi-fi, Bluetooth), the slimmer design means it’s easier to fit inside different types of cases. If, for example, you wanted to create a Game Boy capable of playing SNES and Genesis/Mega Drive games, fitting a Pi 4 Model B inside a RetroFlag case is going to be near impossible. And if you do pick up a handheld-style case for the Pi 4 Model B, it’s going to be massive. With the Compute Module 4, the thinness means the board won’t ruin the case’s aesthetic.
Plus if you are opting for something like a RetroFlag GPi Case 2, you won’t need Bluetooth communication as the case includes all the buttons you need, negating the need for wireless controllers.
Two Things to Consider
Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 and the IO Board
Now we’ve got the easy stuff out the way, it’s time to break down the jargon and get into the important stuff.
If you plan on using the Compute Module 4 on a TV at any point, you’ll need the corresponding Compute Module 4 IO Board to plug it into. On its own, the Compute Module 4 doesn’t do anything and needs something to plug into.
If you’re picking up a RetroFlag GPi Case 2, you don’t need the extra IO Board as the case will include what’s needed for it to work. That isn’t always the case with other cases, though, so be sure to read the product’s instructions to fully grasp what it is and isn’t you’re buying.
I’d also add that when it comes to selecting RAM, 8GB is overkill. Emulation is a battle between the CPU and RAM – when one becomes stronger than the other, the other limits what the former can do. For that reason, 8GB isn’t really needed for emulation with these boards. Sure, more is always better, but a 4GB board is more than enough for what we need.
What Systems Can the Raspberry Pi 4 and Compute Module 4 Emulate?
With similar specs, what works for one should work for the other. Of course, emulator compatibility isn’t guaranteed across the board, and different emulators will yield different results.
In terms of what’s possible, both the Raspberry Pi 4 and the Compute Module 4 can run up to SNES without any issues. N64, PS1, and Dreamcast can be played on both Rasberry Pi models, but again, some games will perform better than others.
Personally, I’ve had the most success with RetroPie, but it is worth trying out the different operating systems and seeing which suits you best. RetroPie, for me, feels the most stable and yields the best emulation overall.
Systems a Retro Raspberry Pi Can Emulate
- NES
- SNES
- Master System
- Genesis/Mega Drive
- N64
- Dreamcast
- PS1
- MAME
In Conclusion
As I say, it all comes down to what you want the Raspberry Pi for. If you’re planning on leaving it hooked up to a TV or monitor and nothing else, the Rasberry Pi 4 is the easiest to set up and requires the least hassle to understand what it is.
If, however, you want to use it on your TV and/or in a handheld, the Raspberry Compute Module 4 is the way to go. Just keep in mind, you will need an extra board for TV usage, and in handheld form, the cost is going to end up higher than just the Pi 4 and a generic case.
In Short
Q: I want to play retro games on my TV
A: Buy a Rasberry Pi 4 Model B
Q: I want to build a handheld console that could one day work on a TV
A: Buy the Rasberry Pi Compute Module 4
What Do You Need to Buy?
Depending on which route you go will change what you need to grab. I know, it’s complex, but you’re nearly done.
If you go the Rasberry Pi 4 Model B route you need the following:
- Raspberry Pi 4 with at least 4GB of RAM
- Micro SD Card (32GB recommended)
- Raspberry Pi 4 Case
- Micro-HDMI Cable
- USB-C Raspberry Pi Power Supply
- Fan/Heatsink (optional)
And if you go with Rasberry Pi Compute Model 4, here’s what you’ll need:
- Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 with at least 4GB of RAM
- RetroFlag GPi Case 2 (Recommended for ease)
- Micro SD Card (32GB recommended)
- Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 IO Board (if using on a TV)
- Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 Case (if using on a TV)
- Micro-HDMI Cable (if using on a TV)
- USB-C Raspberry Pi Power Supply (if using on a TV)
- Fan/Heatsink (optional / if using on a TV)
And that’s it. Hopefully now you’ve got a better idea of what it is you’re doing and what it is you need. Also remember, there are plenty of guides online for getting up and running should you run into any issues. Any issues you have, someone else will have solved, thankfully.
