The raspi is sort of set and forget. It does take a little while to upload the ROMS and then map the buttons for each controller. I just used a logitech ps2 style controller so it would work for all the systems. But since I set it up I haven't had to make any settings changes. I think I only used a keyboard once during set up and never again. It's also cool because you can connect it to wifi and download all the game genie/Pro action replay/gameshark cheats, so in game you just pull up the menu and enable any cheat you want. It plugs in via HDMI and it's so small you can leave it almost anywhere. The basic cana kits on amazon are pretty good. I just got the one that comes with the raspi chip, power supply and basic see through case.
I have the N64 everdrive, and I love it because i can play on my original console with all the original hardware on a CRT. Also, N64 doesn't emulate well on a raspi.
But for all the other retro consoles, I'm super happy with the raspi. I do have a Retron 3, and a few original and multi carts for each system, just to get my favs on a CRT for nostalgia. But overall, for HDMI compatibility and ease of use I totally would get rid of all carts and hardware for a raspi. Save states are awesome too haha.
I've had good luck with the logitech f310 - it's a pc controller laid out just like a playstation controller. Only downsides are no XMB button, it's wired, no pressure sensitive buttons, no Sixaxis and a very slight input lag on the control sticks. That said, it has a function that allows you to swap the dpad-left stick input that can somewhat mitigate the issue. If you do get one make sure to set the switch on the rear to dinput. https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-940-000110-Gamepad-F310/dp/B003VAHYQY/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3SL7G32KBWSQO&keywords=logitech+f310&qid=1652425600&sprefix=logitech+f310%2Caps%2C445&sr=8-2
Can anyone confirm whether this Logitech will in fact work, including the ability to program the buttons, etc:
Logitech Gamepad F310 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003VAHYQY/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_eVH-ybXD5AZST it's wired
I have 2 of these https://smile.amazon.com/Logitech-940-000110-Gamepad-F310/dp/B003VAHYQY Works flawlessly
Seconding the Logitech F310.
The Dual Action looks very similar, but it's D-Pad looks like it might not be as accurate.
I have a 2019. This is what works for me: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VAHYQY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Pay attention to the layout of the joysticks. This has the Playstation layout, you might prefer the Xbox layout. Get what you are most familiar with.
It may be your region! I am certain they are still in production and sales, maybe if you know anyone in America, have them send you one and repay them? Can you see American Amazon pages, if so they sell it here: http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-940-000110-Gamepad-F310/dp/B003VAHYQY
Great news! RetroPi consoles are ridiculously inexpensive! Here’s everything you need.
Raspberry Pi 3 Model B Motherboard https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CD5VC92/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gD9lAb40651W2
Okay, the first item I linked is the latest Raspberry Pi motherboard.
Smraza Case for Raspberry Pi 3 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LWURJMI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_.D9lAbV8T20DH
Second is a case that includes a power cable, heat sinks, and a fan. You need all those things and I use this kit to build RetroPis for friends.
Logitech Gamepad F310 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003VAHYQY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_PL9lAbA8GJ8MR
This USB controller is the one I personally use. If he has one like this that he uses with his P.C. it’s not a necessary purchase. But you need at least one to operate the system. If you’re not sure, get one. It’s good quality and can be used with his computer as well. I strongly advise you do not buy the cheap pair of controllers you find on amazon (in the $10-$20/pair range) because they are terrible quality and won’t last the first gaming session.
Samsung 64GB 100MB/s (U3) MicroSDXC Card https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XX29S9Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_pQ9lAb9BKF6ET
The final thing you’ll need is a 64GB microSD card that’s class 10 or higher like this one. The 64GB card will be enough for every single video and arcade game from Atari to Super Nintendo, plus Kodi to boot!
The grand total should run you about $80. He can find the images and programs for free online. It was my first project and I had it done in a day; I’m a girl and had never programmed anything more advanced than my smartphone. If he is unsure of which image to download, I highly recommend Nacho’s Image. A google search will lead him in the right direction. Hope this helps!
Bonus—
Super Tinytendo Case for Raspberry Pi 3, 2, Model B with Large Cooling Fan https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074JJRWHH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_xE9lAbSDKK6QX
I also included a Super Nintendo-looking case, if he’s into a particular retro system. It is not necessary but everything else is. They make them in the shape of the popular old consoles, so you can search for a different one if you like. Or if you get him the black case and he really likes his RetroPi you could gift him the case at a later occasion :)
Sorry it took awhile. This is a US Amazon link. Should help.
Logitech Gamepad F310 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003VAHYQY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_rpoGBbJQ3MMTJ
well any controller with 2 sticks should work fine, so not only will a 360 controller work, but so will a xbox one, and ps3 and ps4 controller. there are also PC specific options like the Logitech Gamepad F310 the problem comes with games like Pokemon Stadium since your using the right analog stick as the C buttons (not an issue in most games since they're mapped to change the camera) in pokemon stadium you have to press the one of the C buttons to choose an attack so if your not careful in your angle you could get an attack you didnt mean to choose. for times like this i keep a cheap N64 controller around although some alternative input mapping could get around this.
also another reason to choose a 360 or XOne controller over the OG original is that the drivers are a fan made custom affair not sure how they will hold up in a the world of windows 10, or linux and you will have to make your own cable to connect it to the PC while it is USB compliant the plug on the end is NOT a usb plug.
It would probably be this guy $20 and it's plug and play. Works on my Ubuntu 14.04 machine wonderfully.
In general your highest quality controllers are 1st party controllers from a modern console. Personally I am a fan of XBox One S controllers (only the newer xbone controllers use bluetooth), but PS4 controllers are quite popular here as is the switch pro controller (which has the advantage of button labels matching Retropie's default). The WiiU Pro controller is quite popular as well as it battery life is second to none, and the build quality is good. if you dont have any of these controllers already lying around than your next best bet is to go back 1 console generation. Xbox 360 controllers work well (you need to use a special dongle, they don't have bluetooth) ans PS3 controllers are good as well.
If you don't have those the 'tier 2' controllers are anything from 8bitdo, their SN30Pro+ is comfortable but I am not a huge fan of their Dpad (some people love them others don't, its not a poorly built product just personal preference). Another controller I would consider tier 2 is the logitech F710 or F310 (Wired and wireless respectively) they are ugly as fuck but the build quality is really good for the price. The third controller I would consider to be tier 2 is the PSone controllers included with the Playstation CLassic, the biggest drawback is that they cont have analog sticks so they don't work for newer systems (they were a good deal when PS classics were selling for less than $20 but for some reason prices have really shot up recently)
There are also tons of cheap controllers on amazon that look just like the original controllers for any retro console. 99% of these are really low quality and I can't recommend them as even though some are good, the quality is very inconsistent. if you need a controller with the exact same feel as a real retro controller you should look into the official Nintendo switch Online controllers for NES/SNES, the only official way to buy them is with a nintendo switch online membership, but the quality is excellent.
Both work very well with the Shield. I've been using the F710 as a second controller for multiplayer emulation.
I like those Logitech controllers. The F310 is a wired USB controller, about $17. The F710 is wireless (over an included USB dongle - not Bluetooth) and powered by some AA batteries. It's also larger and suppers forced feedback (rumble).
You've got two joysticks, L1 through L3 (one button, one trigger, and the joysticks push in), A, B, X, Y face buttons. The only system that this wouldn't have the buttons for is N64, but you can put the Z button on one of the triggers and if you feel comfortable putting the X buttons on the right joystick.
If only, say, 5 of them need to be wireless, you may want to look at the Logitech F710. You can get them "Used - Like New" for $30 with shipping. I can confirm these work extremely well with Linux. They connect via USB, so you don't need to screw with Bluetooth, and the batteries on these seriously last about a year. They're the staple wireless PC controller - very widely supported across the board.
That leaves $150 for 10 more controllers. Well finding $15 wired controllers is surprisingly easily. There are a number of wired Xbox 360-style controllers for that price (but I unfortunately can't comment on how well those work), or you could go with the F710's wired brother, the F310. Again, you can find it refurb or "Like New" for $15 with shipping. If you dig around a bit you might be able to find them for $15 each new. I think I've seen them go that low before. I'm ~95% certain these are just as widely supported as the F710.
The only issue with these is that some people may complain about the fact they have a DualShock layout - ie, both thumbsticks are on the bottom, and the D-pad is on top. Many people like the Xbox style with the thumbstick on top on the left. So it depends what you're using these for. They're great for platformers, less so for racing games and FPS (but still very useable). Note there is a "Mode" button on both that instantly swaps the functionality of the left thumbstick and D-pad, which works very well. But, it doesn't swap their physical positions. :-)
Good luck on your search!
What search terms are you using because I'm finding pages worth of garbage, unofficial wired controllers.
Typically a safe bet would be the officially licensed stuff like Hori or PowerA. Something like this: HORI Nintendo Switch HORIPAD Wired Controller Officially Licensed by Nintendo - Nintendo Switch; https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAUATSM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_5AH2SND7WTJ6FP34M3S9
But if you aren't playing on steam then using it might be more difficult. If you want something that will work outside of steam without extra hassle then try: PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox - Blue, Gamepad, Wired Video Game Controller, Gaming Controller, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One - Xbox Series X https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F44DPJW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_6DCD6NQB7N724RMSQ30H
If you want something with the Playstation layout then you could try to get one of these:
Logitech F310 Wired Gamepad Controller Console Like Layout 4 Switch D-Pad PC - Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003VAHYQY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_4REEECF2ZKCT11AYHBN8
