Start here: your first five minutes

Before changing settings, installing files or removing the microSD card, spend a few minutes learning the normal startup and shutdown process. A retro console works differently from a modern phone: the system, emulators, games and save files may all depend on the card installed in the device.

1. Charge the console before the first long session.
2. Hold the power button for approximately 2–3 seconds to turn it on.
3. Wait for the system menu to finish loading before pressing several buttons.
4. Use the D-pad to choose a system or collection, then select a game.
5. Exit the game through its emulator menu whenever possible.
6. Shut down through the system menu instead of cutting power directly.

Controls, buttons and connections

The D-pad is usually the most reliable way to move through menus. Analog sticks work in games and systems that support them. The A, B, X and Y buttons perform actions such as accept, cancel, jump or attack, but their order may feel different when switching between Nintendo, PlayStation, arcade and other systems.

• Start: commonly pauses a game or opens a game-specific option.
• Select: commonly changes options, inserts a virtual credit in arcade games or acts as a hotkey.
• L1/L2 and R1/R2: shoulder controls used by compatible games and some emulator shortcuts.
• USB-C: normally used for charging; data transfer through the console itself is not guaranteed.
• 3.5 mm audio: available on models that include a headphone port.
• microSD slots: may separate the operating system from games, depending on the model and firmware.

If the accept and cancel buttons appear reversed, the console may be following the original layout of that platform or the current emulator configuration. This is usually a setting, not a damaged button.

How the menu, systems and games are organized

The main screen normally groups games by the console they originally belonged to. You may see collections for arcade, PlayStation, Game Boy, Nintendo, Sega and other platforms. Each group opens through an emulator: software that makes the Retrovi console behave like the original system.

Depending on the firmware, you may also find favorites, recently played games, search, themes, display filters and per-system settings. Add only the games you actually use to favorites; this creates a shorter personal collection without deleting anything from the card.

Opening, pausing and closing a game correctly

Enter the desired platform, highlight a title and press the confirmation button. Once inside, Start normally pauses the game itself. The emulator menu is different: it can include save states, load states, controls, video options and the command to close the game.

Avoid forcing the console off while a save icon is visible or immediately after saving. When possible, open the emulator menu and choose Close content, Quit, Exit game or the equivalent. Then shut down from the main system menu.

If the console is completely frozen and no menu responds, hold the power button for approximately 8–10 seconds as a last resort. Forced shutdown is for recovery, not normal daily use.

Saving progress without losing your game

Retro consoles commonly offer two different ways to save:

• Use different state slots for important progress instead of overwriting the same one forever.
• Do not remove the microSD card while saving or loading.
• After saving, wait a moment before closing the game.
• Back up the folders named saves, save, states or similar before changing firmware.

Firmware: the system that controls the console

Firmware is the software environment that starts the console and controls its menu, emulators, screen behavior, buttons, themes and many settings. Two visually identical consoles can show different menus because they use different firmware versions or hardware revisions.

The factory system is normally the safest starting point because it arrived prepared for that unit. Alternative systems can offer a cleaner interface, more configuration, improved emulator support or better organization, but they are not automatically compatible with every screen, board or console revision.

Before installing or updating firmware

• Charge the console above 50%.
• Keep the original card untouched whenever possible.
• Create a complete image backup of the card, not only a copy of the visible game folders.
• Use a separate, reliable microSD card for testing an alternative system.
• Confirm that the image was made for the exact model and hardware revision.
• Read the release notes and first-boot instructions before writing the image.

What are partitions, images and DTB files?

When a firmware image is written to a microSD card, it can create several partitions. Windows may recognize only one of them and may even ask to format another. Do not accept that message automatically: the partition may belong to Linux and be necessary for the console.

• System image: a complete copy of the operating system prepared to be written to a card.
• BOOT or system partition: contains essential startup files.
• Games or ROMS partition: stores games, covers and sometimes save folders.
• DTB file: describes hardware such as the screen and controls to the Linux system.

A wrong or missing DTB can allow the device to power on while leaving the screen black. That is why copying random files from another console is not a safe shortcut.

microSD card: games, system and backups

The microSD card can contain the operating system, game library, emulator settings, covers and saved progress. On some versions, one card starts the console and a second card stores the games. On others, everything is located on one card.

Safe handling

• Turn the console off completely before inserting or removing a card.
• Use the computer's safe-eject option before disconnecting the reader.
• Do not format a card simply because Windows cannot read every partition.
• Keep a backup before deleting, renaming or replacing system folders.
• Avoid filling the card completely; leave free space for saves and temporary files.

A dedicated reader is the easiest way to manage the card from a computer. See the Retrovi Pro Reader if you need an SD and microSD reader.

Useful settings that improve the experience

Explore settings gradually and change one thing at a time. This makes it easier to return to the previous configuration if a game begins to behave differently.

• Language: changes the system interface when the installed firmware includes the translation.
• Brightness and volume: lower levels can extend battery life.
• Aspect ratio: original ratio prevents classic games from looking stretched.
• Shaders and filters: can imitate CRT screens or soften pixels, but may reduce performance.
• Core or emulator: changing it can fix one game and make another work worse.
• Controller mapping: lets you correct or personalize buttons.
• Themes: change the appearance, not the power of the console.
• Favorites and recent games: make a large library easier to navigate.

Shortcuts, button combinations and hidden conveniences

Many Linux-based retro systems use Select or a dedicated function button as a hotkey. The exact combination depends on the installed firmware and emulator. The following are common examples, not a promise that every unit uses the same layout.

Test shortcuts inside a game where losing progress is not important. If a combination does nothing, do not repeat it aggressively: check the firmware's hotkey menu or controller settings instead.

Other interesting functions you may find

• Per-game control profiles.
• Fast-forward for slower classic games.
• Rewind when supported and enabled.
• Automatic resume of the last game.
• Performance counters and frame-rate display.
• Custom themes, cover art and video previews.
• Independent visual settings for each emulator.

Charging, battery and daily care

• Use the included USB-C cable or a compatible 5V/2A charger when specified for the model.
• Avoid unsupported fast-charging voltage, moisture and extreme heat.
• Do not leave the battery completely discharged for long periods.
• If the console becomes unusually hot, stop playing and let it cool in a ventilated place.
• Do not force the charging connector or pull the cable sideways.
• Keep drinks, dust and loose metal objects away from the ports and card slots.

For transport, protect the screen and analog sticks instead of placing the console loose with keys or chargers. The Retrovi rigid case adds protection against everyday bumps, dust and scratches, but it should not be treated as waterproof.

Retrovi Champions Edition and the All-in-One Console

Product colors, storage, included accessories, game count and bundles can change by selected variant. Always review the product page and checkout summary before ordering.

Quick solutions to common problems

For purchasing, shipping or general questions, visit the Retrovi frequently asked questions.