The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
You can add games to RetroPie with a USB flash drive, SFTP or SCP over your local network, or a network share. USB is a straightforward choice when you want to move files offline; SFTP/SCP works well when your Raspberry Pi is already reachable on the network. In each case, put each game file in the folder for its system, then restart EmulationStation so newly populated systems appear.
Choose a transfer method
| Method | What you need | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB flash drive | A USB drive and access to a computer | An offline transfer or moving files without setting up network access | RetroPie creates folders on the drive. Copy each game file into its matching system folder under retropie/roms, then reconnect the drive to the Pi and wait for copying to finish. |
| SFTP or SCP | A Pi reachable on your local network and working SSH access | Transferring files over the network with a graphical client or command line | Send files to the relevant system’s ROM directory. Use the hostname or IP address, account, and SSH configuration for your own installation. |
| Network share | A computer and Pi on the same network, with share access configured | Accessing files from a computer’s file manager | Network shares are another transfer route, but share names and setup can vary; confirm the configuration for your RetroPie image rather than assuming a universal path. |
Before you transfer games
RetroPie stores game files in system-specific folders. Use a game file compatible with the emulator and system you intend to run, and place it in that system’s ROM directory. Only transfer files you are entitled to use: a method for copying files does not grant permission to download copyrighted games. Homebrew releases and games obtained through authorized official releases are examples of lawful sources to consider.
Method 1: Add games with a USB flash drive
This method lets RetroPie prepare the folder structure on the drive before you copy games onto it.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
- On your computer, format a USB flash drive as FAT32 or exFAT.
- Create a folder named
retropieat the top level of the drive. - Eject the drive safely, connect it to the Raspberry Pi running RetroPie, and give the system time to create its folders.
- Reconnect the drive to your computer. Open
retropie/roms, then copy each game file into the folder for its corresponding system. - Eject the drive safely and connect it to the Pi again. Wait for the transfer to finish before removing the drive; the Raspberry Pi tutorial suggests watching the activity light as a cue.
- Restart EmulationStation. Newly populated systems should then appear in its interface.
Method 2: Transfer games with SFTP or SCP
SFTP provides a graphical file-transfer workflow in a suitable desktop client; SCP is a command-line alternative. Both require the Pi to be reachable on your local network and SSH access to be available.
#1 Best Overall
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (8GB RAM)
- Includes 128GB Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
- CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- Mega Heat Sink - Black Anodized
- Find the hostname or IP address and login account configured for your RetroPie installation.
- Connect to the Pi using an SFTP client or an SCP command, authenticating with the credentials and SSH settings for that installation.
- Transfer each game file to the ROM directory for its system.
- When the transfer has completed, restart EmulationStation so systems with newly added games are listed.
Older transfer tutorials may show example usernames or passwords. Treat those as examples from the tutorial, not as current universal RetroPie credentials; use the account and SSH configuration set up on your own Pi.
Method 3: Transfer through a network share
A network share can make the Pi’s files accessible from another computer’s file manager, which is convenient if share discovery and access are already configured. The share route is often associated with Samba, but exact share names and setup are not established as universal across RetroPie installations. Check the documentation and configuration for your image, open the appropriate ROM directory, and copy files into the matching system folder. Restart EmulationStation after the transfer.
Rank #2
- CanaKit Raspberry Pi 5 Essentials Starter Kit
Make newly added games appear
After copying files, restart EmulationStation. From its menu, select Start > Quit > Restart EmulationStation. The official RetroPie first-installation guide also mentions rebooting through SSH as an alternative. A restart refreshes the interface so systems containing games can appear.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteQuick Recap
Best Value
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 16GB with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (16GB RAM)
- Includes 128GB Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
- CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- Mega Heat Sink - Black Anodized
Rank #4
- A RASPBERRY PI 5 KIT FROM AN APPROVED RESELLER: This Vilros Complete Starter Kit for Pi 5 Includes Raspberry Pi 5 Board with all the accessories you need to get started.
- 9 PART KIT INCLUDES MOST ACCESSORIES NEEDED YOU TO GET UP AND RUNNING: 1. Raspberry Pi 5 Board–2.Metal/Aluminum Alloy Passive & Active Cooling Case–3.Raspberry Pi 5 Compatible Power Supply–4. PWM fan With 10k Max RPM Capacity (pre-installed in the case)--5. 32GB Micro SD Card With 64bit Raspberry Pi OS Preinstalled–6. Standard HDMI to Micro HDMI Adapter Cable--7.Neoprene Storage bag–8.Vilros Quickstart Guide for Raspberry Pi–9. Mini To Standard Camera Module Adapter Cable to use a camera module with a PI 5
- RASPBERRY PI 5 SPECS AND FEATURES:--Processor: Broadcom BCM2712 2.4GHz quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76 CPU, with cryptography extensions, 512KB per-core L2 caches, and a 2MB shared L3 cache----Features: 2.4GHz quad-core, 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76 CPU–VideoCore VII GPU supporting Vulkan 1.2 and OpenGL ES–LPDDR4X-4267 SDRAM (4GB and 8GB options)--PCIe 2.0 x1 interface for fast peripherals ( Requires adapter)--Dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz –Bluetooth 5.0 / Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
- MULTIFUNCTION PASSIVE & ACTIVE COOLED CASE: The case features a built-in pole/column that contacts the main chip on the Raspberry Pi 5 board via an included thermal pad to passively cool the board and also includes a preinstalled PWM Fan that plugs directly into the fan port on the board. The fan will only turn on if needed and will also increase RPMs as needed. Other features include a built-in power button that shows the onboard light status, camera module compatibility, and can be used in the single-layer configuration for hat compatibility
- HIGH-QUALITY COMPONENTS: All components are manufactured with Raspberry Pi in mind and are backed by the Vilros 1-Year warranty.
Rank #3
- Pi5 8GB Pack: RasTech Pi 5 8GB kit includes 1 x Pi5 8GB board ,1 x 64GB Card, 2 x Card Readers,1 x Active Cooler,1 x Case for Pi5, 2 x 4K Micro HD Out Cable,1 x GaN 27W 5A USB-C Power supply,1 x Screwdriver and 1 x instructions.
- Pi5 8GB Board: The Pi5 board is equipped with a 64-bit quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 processor running at 2.4GHz and an 800MHz VideoCore VII GPU with support for OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.2, which delivers a significant increase in graphics performance. Dual HD Out 4Kp60 display outputs and a built-in dual 4-channel MIPI camera/display transceiver provide state-of-the-art camera support. The Pi 5 offers a 2-3 times increase in CPU performance compare to Pi4.
- Important Graphics Features: Equipped with an 800MHz VideoCore VII GPU and providing better graphics performance, suitable for multimedia applications,gaming,and graphics intensive tasks.Provides 1 UART interface,1 card slot that supports high-speed operation, 2 USB. 3 0.5 ports that support synchronous 0Gbps operation,2 USB 2.0 port ports,2 4Kp60 display outputs that support HDR.Built-in dedicated dual 4-channel 1Gbps MIPI DSI/CSI connectors,triple the total bandwidth.
- Cooling Kit for Pi 5: Compatible with Active Cooler for Raspberry Pi5, It can provide Pi 5 board with better cooling effect in using. The Case can accurately access usb-c power jack,Micro HD Out ports, usb ports, Ethernet jack, card slot, power button, 4-lane MIPI DSI/CSI connectors and so on, and it also supports installation of cooling fan.
- 64GB Card Kit and GaN 27W USB-C Power Supply: With extra 64GB card to store more files and card readers for multiple medium, keep better performance for Raspberry Pi 5, 27W USB C Power Supply is Compatible with Pi5 8GB, offers a variety of output voltage options, including 5.1V at 5A, 9.0V at 3.0A, 12.0V at 2.25A, and 15.0V at 1.8A, providing for different device requirements.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
