<![CDATA[PINE64 - Game Station Emulation]]> https://forum.pine64.org/ Fri, 15 May 2026 12:54:27 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[Best Ways to Play Android Games on PinePhone?]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=19673 Sat, 08 Feb 2025 04:39:56 +0000 chaebol2th]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=19673 I've been experimenting with running Android games on my PinePhone, and I wanted to share some findings while also seeing what others have tried.
Since PinePhone runs Linux-based OSes like Manjaro, Mobian, and PostmarketOS, getting Android apps to work isn’t always straightforward. Here are a few methods I’ve tested:
  1. Anbox – This allows you to run Android apps inside a Linux container. It works decently for basic apps, but performance can be hit-or-miss with heavier games.
  2. Waydroid – A more optimized solution that runs a full Android system inside a container. It provides better performance and supports the Play Store and APK installations natively.
  3. Emulation (QEMU or Box86/Box64) – Not the best for gaming, but some people have managed to run older Android versions through emulation.
What Works & What Doesn’t?
  • Simple 2D games (puzzle, card, retro) work fine on Waydroid.
  • More demanding 3D games may struggle without GPU acceleration.
  • Touchscreen responsiveness depends on the OS and Waydroid’s integration.
If you’ve tried running Android games on PinePhone, what worked best for you? Also, does anyone have recommendations for lightweight games that run smoothly?
Let’s figure out the best gaming setup for PinePhone together! ?]]> I've been experimenting with running Android games on my PinePhone, and I wanted to share some findings while also seeing what others have tried.
Since PinePhone runs Linux-based OSes like Manjaro, Mobian, and PostmarketOS, getting Android apps to work isn’t always straightforward. Here are a few methods I’ve tested:
  1. Anbox – This allows you to run Android apps inside a Linux container. It works decently for basic apps, but performance can be hit-or-miss with heavier games.
  2. Waydroid – A more optimized solution that runs a full Android system inside a container. It provides better performance and supports the Play Store and APK installations natively.
  3. Emulation (QEMU or Box86/Box64) – Not the best for gaming, but some people have managed to run older Android versions through emulation.
What Works & What Doesn’t?
  • Simple 2D games (puzzle, card, retro) work fine on Waydroid.
  • More demanding 3D games may struggle without GPU acceleration.
  • Touchscreen responsiveness depends on the OS and Waydroid’s integration.
If you’ve tried running Android games on PinePhone, what worked best for you? Also, does anyone have recommendations for lightweight games that run smoothly?
Let’s figure out the best gaming setup for PinePhone together! ?]]> <![CDATA[Where to start Retro System]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=9583 Sat, 04 Apr 2020 16:10:57 +0000 denniston]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=9583
I ordered a couple Wireless USB remote controls (hopefully they work).

I want to set this up so that me and my kids can share the old school video games I enjoyed 30 years ago.

What OS should I start with?


Is there a step by step tutorial that I could walk me through the process of setting up / installing what I need?

Thanks]]>
I ordered a couple Wireless USB remote controls (hopefully they work).

I want to set this up so that me and my kids can share the old school video games I enjoyed 30 years ago.

What OS should I start with?


Is there a step by step tutorial that I could walk me through the process of setting up / installing what I need?

Thanks]]> <![CDATA[Retroarch or Retropine]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=7440 Tue, 30 Apr 2019 20:00:13 +0000 lawrencejd]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=7440
Thanks]]>
Thanks]]> <![CDATA[Arcade Cabinet]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=5376 Sun, 19 Nov 2017 22:02:29 +0000 SirLenuxx]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=5376 <![CDATA[Retroarch on A64]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=4800 Mon, 24 Jul 2017 12:48:03 +0000 Luke]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=4800

If you are using a Pine A64

pfeerick is kindly building Retroarch images for the Pine A64 for those who wish to test and offer feedback. As of 0.7.5.8 most issues with the Retroarch front-end should have been ironed out.  

If you are using a different A64 device:

You can use the linked script to make a dedicated Retroach image   

Here is the script

Easiest way to use the script is as follows: 
First download one of the minimal ubuntu images (needs to be 0.7.5 or later!) for your device. 

SSH into your Pinebook (you will be copying and pasting contents so SSH is easiest) and create a script file in your home folder: 

Code:
sudo nano install_retroarch.sh

Copy and paste the contents of the script and save the file by pressing CTRL + X followed by Y and clicking Enter. 

Make the script executable: 

Code:
sudo chmod +x install_retroarch.sh

Now all you have to do is execute the script and it will do the rest: 

Code:
sudo ./install_retroarch.sh


Upon reboot Retroarch will start in full screen. 


I have so far tested: Megadrive, SNES, FBA - all work great and run at full speed. 
I put it together it for my own purposes but decided to share it with you lot to spare others who want to do this all the hard work Tongue 


Here are some features of the linked image:

* Minimal ubuntu image with xterm twm 
* Disabled CLI login
* Boots straight into Retroarch (added to rc.local)
* Retroarch with all available emulator cores
* Quitting Retroarch powers down the board (added to rc.local)
* Customised the front-end theme for performance 
* Set up a ROMs folder where BIOS and ROM files should be placed. Its accessible via SMB as guest (no credentials needed)
* Start + Select = Retroarch menu in emulator

What doesn't work (to my knowledge): 

*Mupen (N64)
*PSX emulators


[Image: CczC6jo.png]]]>

If you are using a Pine A64

pfeerick is kindly building Retroarch images for the Pine A64 for those who wish to test and offer feedback. As of 0.7.5.8 most issues with the Retroarch front-end should have been ironed out.  

If you are using a different A64 device:

You can use the linked script to make a dedicated Retroach image   

Here is the script

Easiest way to use the script is as follows: 
First download one of the minimal ubuntu images (needs to be 0.7.5 or later!) for your device. 

SSH into your Pinebook (you will be copying and pasting contents so SSH is easiest) and create a script file in your home folder: 

Code:
sudo nano install_retroarch.sh

Copy and paste the contents of the script and save the file by pressing CTRL + X followed by Y and clicking Enter. 

Make the script executable: 

Code:
sudo chmod +x install_retroarch.sh

Now all you have to do is execute the script and it will do the rest: 

Code:
sudo ./install_retroarch.sh


Upon reboot Retroarch will start in full screen. 


I have so far tested: Megadrive, SNES, FBA - all work great and run at full speed. 
I put it together it for my own purposes but decided to share it with you lot to spare others who want to do this all the hard work Tongue 


Here are some features of the linked image:

* Minimal ubuntu image with xterm twm 
* Disabled CLI login
* Boots straight into Retroarch (added to rc.local)
* Retroarch with all available emulator cores
* Quitting Retroarch powers down the board (added to rc.local)
* Customised the front-end theme for performance 
* Set up a ROMs folder where BIOS and ROM files should be placed. Its accessible via SMB as guest (no credentials needed)
* Start + Select = Retroarch menu in emulator

What doesn't work (to my knowledge): 

*Mupen (N64)
*PSX emulators


[Image: CczC6jo.png]]]> <![CDATA[GBA Emulation Working on 512MB Board, Ubuntu]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=3440 Fri, 17 Feb 2017 01:50:32 +0000 MonarchOfLight]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=3440
If anyone knows any methods to navigate a GUI-less Ubuntu environment with an x-input device, I'd appreciate the input. The ideal setup would involve a startup script that could read the contents of a folder, select wanted ROM with the x-input device, and pass the selection to the pre-configured VBA emulator. 

Please let me know if I can provide any help or additional information.]]>
If anyone knows any methods to navigate a GUI-less Ubuntu environment with an x-input device, I'd appreciate the input. The ideal setup would involve a startup script that could read the contents of a folder, select wanted ROM with the x-input device, and pass the selection to the pre-configured VBA emulator. 

Please let me know if I can provide any help or additional information.]]> <![CDATA[Seems pretty dead in here]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=2900 Wed, 07 Dec 2016 08:26:38 +0000 birdcatx7]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=2900 <![CDATA[ABS Playbox case assembly?]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=2142 Sat, 03 Sep 2016 01:32:52 +0000 Axeman098]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=2142 <![CDATA[What OS and emulators are you using for your emulation station?]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=2103 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 04:46:00 +0000 tanarri]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=2103 <![CDATA[USB Adapters]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=2093 Sat, 27 Aug 2016 18:05:51 +0000 birdcatx7]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=2093 RemixOs. I have the following:
  • 1 third party wired XBOX controller
  • 2 original SNES controllers
  • multiple PS1/PS2 controllers
  • a SNES to usb adapter (two SNES controllers in, one usb out)
  • a PSX/PS2 to usb adapter (two PSX controllers in, one usb out)
Using Retroarch:

  1. one PSX controller plugged in, worked fine in the menus, but was non responsive in game
  2. the  third party XBOX controller seems to work just fine in both menu and games
  3. one SNES controller plugged in, worked fine in the menus, but was non responsive in game
  4. on a hunch I disconnected the SNES controller from one adapter port, and plugged into the other one. Now it works in game, but not in menus.
Using SNESRetro 16:

  1. one SNES controller works just fine in both menus and in game.
  2. two SNES controllers seem to work fine in menus, but create problems in game.
  3. during co-op, each controller can perform fine one at a time, but if trying to use both at the same time, it creates problems.
  4. switched to the PSX adapter/controllers, and find the same thing.
Conclusion: The pine64 see's each controller as the same, because they're plugged into the same USB port. Can anyone else confirm/refute this?

I currently have a small usb dongle plugged into one port, for my wireless keyboard. That leaves one free port. Now, if I obtained a USB hub and plugged two XBOX controllers into it, would the Pine recognize them as two different controllers, or just one device?]]> RemixOs. I have the following:
  • 1 third party wired XBOX controller
  • 2 original SNES controllers
  • multiple PS1/PS2 controllers
  • a SNES to usb adapter (two SNES controllers in, one usb out)
  • a PSX/PS2 to usb adapter (two PSX controllers in, one usb out)
Using Retroarch:

  1. one PSX controller plugged in, worked fine in the menus, but was non responsive in game
  2. the  third party XBOX controller seems to work just fine in both menu and games
  3. one SNES controller plugged in, worked fine in the menus, but was non responsive in game
  4. on a hunch I disconnected the SNES controller from one adapter port, and plugged into the other one. Now it works in game, but not in menus.
Using SNESRetro 16:

  1. one SNES controller works just fine in both menus and in game.
  2. two SNES controllers seem to work fine in menus, but create problems in game.
  3. during co-op, each controller can perform fine one at a time, but if trying to use both at the same time, it creates problems.
  4. switched to the PSX adapter/controllers, and find the same thing.
Conclusion: The pine64 see's each controller as the same, because they're plugged into the same USB port. Can anyone else confirm/refute this?

I currently have a small usb dongle plugged into one port, for my wireless keyboard. That leaves one free port. Now, if I obtained a USB hub and plugged two XBOX controllers into it, would the Pine recognize them as two different controllers, or just one device?]]> <![CDATA[Mame not launching on Debian]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=2066 Wed, 24 Aug 2016 02:21:52 +0000 bobbyj]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=2066
libGL error: No matching fbConfigs or visuals found
libGL error: failed to load driver: swrast
ALSA lib seq_hw.c:457Sadsnd_seq_hw_open) open /dev/snd/seq failed: Permission denied
OpenGL: VBO not supported
OpenGL: PBO not supported
OpenGL: FBO not supported
X Error of failed request:  GLXBadRenderRequest
  Major opcode of failed request:  148 (GLX)
  Minor opcode of failed request:  1 (X_GLXRender)
  Serial number of failed request:  33
  Current serial number in output stream:  33]]>
libGL error: No matching fbConfigs or visuals found
libGL error: failed to load driver: swrast
ALSA lib seq_hw.c:457Sadsnd_seq_hw_open) open /dev/snd/seq failed: Permission denied
OpenGL: VBO not supported
OpenGL: PBO not supported
OpenGL: FBO not supported
X Error of failed request:  GLXBadRenderRequest
  Major opcode of failed request:  148 (GLX)
  Minor opcode of failed request:  1 (X_GLXRender)
  Serial number of failed request:  33
  Current serial number in output stream:  33]]> <![CDATA[android games playing on pine 64 running Remix os]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=2025 Mon, 15 Aug 2016 13:00:32 +0000 mbjpine64]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=2025 <![CDATA[Pine64 with Keyrah?]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=1926 Wed, 03 Aug 2016 16:07:40 +0000 Middleman]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=1926 <![CDATA[Play store games]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=1829 Sat, 23 Jul 2016 14:42:37 +0000 top3b]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=1829
I've tried to install and play some of the most famous games in the google market, like Fast and Furious Legacy and Flight Simulator, but both, after installing, stop recognizing my inputs through the keyboard or the mouse and permit me only to quit ffrom the main game page.
I've read that through some android emulators it's possible to play those games on pc architecture like windows pc (andy or bluestack emulators), was someone able to play with them?
Do i have to add any kind of file with the keys?
Thank you 
Regards Smile]]>
I've tried to install and play some of the most famous games in the google market, like Fast and Furious Legacy and Flight Simulator, but both, after installing, stop recognizing my inputs through the keyboard or the mouse and permit me only to quit ffrom the main game page.
I've read that through some android emulators it's possible to play those games on pc architecture like windows pc (andy or bluestack emulators), was someone able to play with them?
Do i have to add any kind of file with the keys?
Thank you 
Regards Smile]]> <![CDATA[Arcade Cabinet]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=1636 Mon, 04 Jul 2016 15:51:57 +0000 nicolo.tuppo]]> https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=1636 i have the idea to build an arcade cabinet  Smile Smile Smile
i would like to have some suggestion from all of you guys,
-which emulator is better to use for Pine? (simple and reliable)
-someone already did something like that?? any suggestion? website thai i have to visit?

I will do a guide step by step for everyone want to start something like this]]> i have the idea to build an arcade cabinet  Smile Smile Smile
i would like to have some suggestion from all of you guys,
-which emulator is better to use for Pine? (simple and reliable)
-someone already did something like that?? any suggestion? website thai i have to visit?

I will do a guide step by step for everyone want to start something like this]]>