Getting Started
Before You Begin
WARNING!
Do NOT format the included microSD card. This will result in the loss of the RetroidOS closed system and all pre-installed games. If this happens, a copy of the contents (without games) can be found here.
Be careful about restoring/formatting Android. If you do this, you will lose pre-installed emulators and possibly some configuration settings. If this happens, you can find a backup image of Android here, and instructions on the process here. If you need to restore Android to the original state, you will need to flash it. This can brick your device if done incorrectly, please only attempt at your own risk, and ask for assistance in our Discord channel if needed.
Booting Up For The First Time
When you first power your RP2 on, it will boot into the Android OS side of the device. You can now connect your device to your WiFi network through your system settings. WEP does not work on the RP2, so use WPA2 encryption.
Setting Up RetroidOS
If your preference is to use the RetroidOS closed system, navigate to the Toolbox application and select "Install Retroid Pocket App". (If you have an RP1, you'll want to download the Retroid App APK file within the built in browser from https://bit.ly/3bZhcQN and install it with Miix. It shows up under the APK Files menu in Miix). Once installed, open the Retroid app and say OK when it asks to reboot to the Retroid Pocket System. To setup WiFi in the RetroidOS system, hold the Home button for two seconds, and select Handheld settings. Open WiFi and click on Connect WiFi Network, and select the network you wish to join. To return to the Android OS, hold down the Home button for two seconds and click on Switch system. Press OK when asked to reboot to Open Source Android System.
SD Card Options
The RP2 comes with a 32 GB microSD card. Do NOT format this card, as it contains the files for the RetroidOS side. If you accidentely format it, you can find the contents (without games) here. If you need additional storage, you will need to buy an addition card. For help on which microSD card to buy, see Accessories.
If you buy an additional card, it can be left as external storage or formatted as internal storage. Depending on your needs, you may wish to have both an external and internal card, or just one or the other. To swap between cards, make sure to turn off your device before removing the card and inserting the other.
Internal Storage
If you want to be able to transfer files to the device via USB from your PC, and don't mind the card only being used for the RP2, you will want to format your new card as internal storage. To do this, go to Settings -> Storage -> Select Card -> Menu -> Format as Internal. To see the device once connected to your PC, go to Setting -> Storage -> Select Card -> Migrate Apps and Data.
To transfer files from a Mac, you'll need Android File Transfer.
External Storage
If you don't mind using a card reader to transfer files to your SD card, and you want to be able to use the card in other devices, you will want to keep the card as external storage. If you still want to be able to use the RetroidOS side, you will need to manually create /games and /games/data directories on the card. RetroidOS will generate the other files it needs if it has these directories.
To load your ROMs into the RetroidOS side, add them to the X:\games\download folder.
Controller Settings
The controller is already setup in Android. If you ever are prompted to choose a controller, it is Playstation 3.
Joystick Mode Toggle
What is Joystick Mode Toggle in the Toolbox app, and what do the 3 options mean?
- Analog Square mode - Emulators treat the joystick as a analog stick, but will only register up, down, left, right.
- Analog Circle mode - Emulators treat the joystick as a analog stick, and fully registers circular movement in all directions.
- RetroArch mode - Emulators treat the joystick as a duplicate of the DPAD, and it does not register as an analog stick, but instead as a 4-way digital stick.
Further Configuration
Emulators
See Emulators
Frontends & Launchers
Thank you to u/straxusii, u/TortugasSs, u/silverduskmusic, u/r0b0-tr0n, @Jecklen, @dsachs420, @TotallyTerry and @Lugubrious for their contributions to this guide.
