Add RetroPie to Legends Ultimate Console
Introduction: Add RetroPie to Legends Ultimate Console
Add RetroPie to Legends Ultimate Console
After purchasing the AtGames Legends Ultimate (ALU) from Sam's Club, I was impressed by the cost vs value it provided. I was also extremely impressed by the open nature in which they designed their product. This allowed for others to add their own games and provided a cool front end in which to choose a game to play. The most common, I believe is the CoinOpsX gaming system. This Instructable is not about setting up and installing the CoinOpsX system, but here is a link to a video that does a good job of explaining how to do so and is a must have.
This Instructable will focus on adding an RPi 4 with RetroPie installed in a way where it's unobtrusive, accessible, clean and using only the stock 12v Power supply provided with the unit. No extra power cords, power supplies, or power strips needed.
This setup utilizes a back lit push button to turn on/off the RPi safely (but a separate LED would work as well). The light in the switch will provide a visible indication of if the RPi is running or not. Also, a micro-SD card activity LED is utilized to indicate when the SD card is being accessed.
A 3D printer was used to create an Access Door into the back of the unit, so the RPi can be accessed and managed without the need to remove the back of the ALU. Finally, thin ribbon 90 degree HDMI and USB cables were sourced to minimize the cabling for the needed setup.
See the list of supplies to ensure you have the needed items. Many of which may already be available. Here is a link to an Amazon List which will provide all the items that was purchased for this project, though there are many other options. Amazon Item List Link.
Supplies
Major Items Only Listed here. See Amazon Item List Link above.
* Raspberry Pi 4 Model B
* Retropie 128GB 135,000+ Retro Classics for Raspberry Pi 4
* Raspberry Pi 4 Case, iUniker Raspberry Pi 4 Fan ABS Case with Cooling Fan, Raspberry Pi 4 Heatsink
* BINZET DC Converter Step Down Regulator 5V Regulated Power Supplies Transformer Converter (5V 3A 15W)
* Flat Slim Soft FPV HDMI Cable Standard HDMI male straight plug to Standard HDMI Full HDMI Normal HDMI male 90 degree
* Short Flat Slim Thin Ribbon FPC Micro USB Male 90 Degree Angled up to Standard USB A Male Receptacle 90 Degree
Step 1: Setup RetroPie
Retropie Image
This project uses an RPi 4B with 2 Gig memory. The image used was purchased, rather than built simply because of the expediency. However, building your own RetroPie image with the ROMs desired is certainly an option, albeit time consuming. 848
This image was purchased from Amazon, but I'm sure there are downloadable images available that would provide similar results. Note: you can also purchase this card directly from CrispConcept.com at a lower price (plus shipping). This site also has information on setting up RetroPie that is useful. Plus if there are concerns or questions, there is a contact address available there as well.
The image purchased came on a 128 gig micro-SD card ready to use. However I would strongly suggest backing up the image before using it. If you continue through all the steps, you will be making small changes to the image and while unlikely, its possible that something goes wrong. So having a backup is a must so you can easily reflash the SD card if necessary. If needed, download Win32 Disk Imager, available here. Create a backup image and store it in a safe spot. ETA Prime has produced a video on using Win32 Disk Image to back up RetroPie as well. You can watch this video for step by step instructions for backing up your RetroPie SD Card.
At this point it would make sense to use an HDMI monitor, keyboard and joystick (if available) to test the RPi and run RetroPie before trying to modify the image to accommodate the power switch and indicator lights. This is easier to do before installing it inside the ALU. Also, this step will help to get to know the RetroPie system and how it works.
If more information and help is necessary visit the wiki page for RetroPie at https://retropie.org.uk/docs/.
Step 2: ​OverClock the RPi
OverClock the RPi
RetroPie benefits greatly from computing speed. This is why the RPi 4 is such a great choice to use with RetroPie. Luckily, the RPi 4 can be easily Overclocked to gain even more computing power. This Instructable will reference a number of YouTube tutorials by ETA Prime that do a great job of explaining the how-to's. 848