How to Download Games on Retroid Pocket 3 Plus
If you are a fan of retro gaming, you may have heard of the Retroid Pocket 3 Plus, a handheld device that can emulate dozens of classic consoles and arcade machines. But how do you download games on this device? In this article, we will show you how to set up your Retroid Pocket 3 Plus, how to install emulators and ROMs, how to play games from different platforms, how to stream games from your PC or console, and some tips and tricks to make the most out of your gaming experience. Let's get started!
What is Retroid Pocket 3 Plus?
The Retroid Pocket 3 Plus is a handheld retro gaming system that runs on Android 11. It has a 4.7-inch touch screen with a resolution of 750x1334 pixels, a Unisoc Tiger T618 processor with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, a Mali G52 MC2 GPU, a 4500mAh battery, a micro HDMI port, a USB-C port, a headphone jack, Bluetooth 5.0, dual-band Wi-Fi, haptic feedback, and two analog sticks. It also has a micro SD card slot that can support up to 512GB of additional storage. The device comes in eight different colorways that reference various retro consoles and handhelds.
how to download games on retroid pocket 3 plus
The Retroid Pocket 3 Plus can emulate many platforms from the Atari 2600 to the PlayStation Portable, as well as arcade games using MAME or FBA. It can also run native Android games and apps from the Google Play Store or other sources. You can also use game streaming apps like Steam Link, Moonlight, or Parsec to play PC or console games on your device. The device has an official game launcher and emulator frontend called RetroidLauncher, as well as support for RetroArch, a powerful emulation frontend that supports many cores and features. You can also use standalone emulators for specific platforms that may offer more customization and compatibility options.
The Retroid Pocket 3 Plus is one of the best retro handheld devices available in the market today. It offers great performance, a large screen, solid build quality, efficient heat dissipation, official OTA support for software updates, and a reasonable price of $149 (or $154 for some colorways). If you want to enjoy retro gaming on the go, the Retroid Pocket 3 Plus is a great choice.
How to Set Up Your Retroid Pocket 3 Plus
Before you can start playing games on your Retroid Pocket 3 Plus, you need to set up your device properly. This involves choosing a storage option, adding emulators and apps, and adding ROMs and BIOS files. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Choosing a Storage Option
The Retroid Pocket 3 Plus has 128GB of internal storage, which is more than enough for most retro games. However, if you want to add more games, especially larger ones like PlayStation or PSP games, you may want to use a micro SD card instead. The device has a micro SD card slot that can support up to 512GB of additional storage. You can also use the micro SD card to backup your data or transfer files between devices.
To use a micro SD card, you need to format it as FAT32 or exFAT. You can do this on your PC using a card reader or on your device using a file manager app. You also need to create a folder named "retroid" on the root of your micro SD card. This is where you will store your emulators, ROMs, and BIOS files. You can also create subfolders for different platforms or genres to organize your games better.
Adding Emulators and Apps
The Retroid Pocket 3 Plus can run many emulators and apps that are compatible with Android 11. You can download them from the Google Play Store or other sources like APKPure or Aptoide. Some of the best emulators and apps for different platforms are:
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Platform
Emulator/App
Atari 2600
Stella
NES
Nostalgia.NES
SNES
Snes9x EX+
Genesis/Mega Drive
MD.emu
Game Boy/Color/Advance
Pizza Boy GBA Pro
Nintendo 64
Mupen64Plus FZ
PlayStation
ePSXe
Dreamcast
Redream
PSP
PPSSPP Gold
Arcade (MAME/FBA)
Arcade Storm (MAME4droid)
...
Note: This table is not exhaustive and only shows some examples of emulators and apps for different platforms. You can find more emulators and apps online or experiment with different ones to see which ones work best for you.
To install emulators and apps from the Google Play Store, you need to sign in with your Google account on your device. You can do this by going to Settings > Accounts > Add account > Google. Then, you can access the Google Play Store app on your device and search for the emulators and apps you want to download. Alternatively, you can use a web browser on your PC or phone and go to play.google.com. There, you can sign in with your Google account and remotely install emulators and apps on your device.
To install emulators and apps from other sources, you need to enable unknown sources on your device. You can do this by going to Settings > Security > Unknown sources and toggling it on. Then, you can use a web browser or a file manager app on your device and go to the websites where you can download the APK files of the emulators and apps you want to install. After downloading them, you can tap on them and follow the instructions to install them.
After installing emulators and apps, you need to grant them permissions to access your storage. You can do this by going to Settings > Apps > Permissions > Storage and toggling it on for each emulator or app. This will allow them to read and write files on your internal storage or micro SD card.
Adding ROMs and BIOS Files
A ROM is a file that contains the data of a game cartridge or disc. A BIOS file is a file that contains the firmware of a console or arcade machine. To play games on your Ret roid Pocket 3 Plus, you need to add ROMs and BIOS files to your device. However, you need to be careful about where you get them from, as downloading ROMs and BIOS files of games that you do not own is illegal and may expose you to malware or viruses. You should only download ROMs and BIOS files from trusted sources that respect the rights of the game developers and publishers.
One of the best ways to get ROMs and BIOS files legally and safely is to dump them from your own game cartridges or discs using a device like a Retrode or a PC with a disc drive. This way, you can backup your games and play them on your Retroid Pocket 3 Plus without any issues. You can also use online services like Retrode.com or Redump.org that offer verified dumps of games for various platforms.
Another way to get ROMs and BIOS files legally and safely is to buy them from official sources that sell digital copies of retro games. For example, you can buy games from the Nintendo eShop, the PlayStation Store, or the Sega Forever collection and download them to your PC or phone. Then, you can use a file manager app or a USB cable to transfer them to your Retroid Pocket 3 Plus. However, not all games are available in digital format, and some may have DRM protection that prevents them from running on emulators.
Once you have your ROMs and BIOS files, you need to copy them to your Retroid Pocket 3 Plus. You can do this by using a file manager app or a USB cable to transfer them to the "retroid" folder on your internal storage or micro SD card. You can also create subfolders for different platforms or genres to organize your games better. For example, you can create a folder named "PSX" for PlayStation games, or a folder named "RPG" for role-playing games.
Some emulators may require specific names or locations for the BIOS files. For example, the ePSXe emulator requires the BIOS file to be named "scph1001.bin" and placed in the "epsxe/bios" folder. You can check the documentation or the settings of each emulator to see what BIOS files they need and where they should be placed.
How to Play Games on Your Retroid Pocket 3 Plus
After setting up your Retroid Pocket 3 Plus, you are ready to play games on your device. You can launch games from different emulators using three methods: RetroArch, Retroid Launcher, or standalone emulators. Here are the details of each method:
Using RetroArch
RetroArch is a powerful emulation frontend that supports many cores and features. A core is a plugin that runs a specific platform or game engine. A feature is a function that enhances the emulation experience, such as shaders, cheats, netplay, achievements, etc. RetroArch allows you to run games from different platforms using one unified interface and configuration.
To use RetroArch on your Retroid Pocket 3 Plus, you need to download it from the Google Play Store or other sources. Then, you need to download the cores that you want to use from within the app. You can do this by going to Main Menu > Online Updater > Core Updater and selecting the cores that you want to download. Some of the best cores for different platforms are:
Platform
Core
Atari 2600
Stella
NES
Nestopia UE
SNES
Snes9x
Genesis/Mega Drive
Genesis Plus GX
Game Boy/Color/Advance
mGBA
Nintendo 64
Mupen64Plus-Next
PlayStation
Beetle PSX HW
Dreamcast
Flycast
...
Note: This table is not exhaustive and only shows some examples of cores for different platforms. You can find more cores online or experiment with different ones to see which ones work best for you.
To play games using RetroArch, you need to load a core and then load a content (ROM). You can do this by going to Main Menu > Load Core and selecting the core that you want to use. Then, go to Main Menu > Load Content and selecting the ROM that you want to play. You can also use playlists to organize your games by platform or genre and access them quickly. You can create playlists by scanning your ROMs folder or manually adding games to them.
RetroArch has many settings and options that you can customize to improve your gaming experience. You can access them by pressing the menu button on your device or tapping the screen. Some of the settings and options that you can adjust are:
Video: You can change the resolution, aspect ratio, rotation, scaling, filtering, shaders, etc. of the video output.
Audio: You can change the volume, latency, resampling, synchronization, etc. of the audio output.
Input: You can change the controls, hotkeys, touch screen, vibration, etc. of the input devices.
Cheats: You can enable or disable cheats, search for cheats, or load cheat files for various games.
Netplay: You can play online with other players using RetroArch's built-in netplay feature.
Achievements: You can earn achievements for various games using RetroArch's integration with RetroAchievements.org.
Overlays: You can add overlays to the screen, such as borders, bezels, scanlines, etc. to enhance the retro feel of the games.
RetroArch is a very versatile and powerful emulation frontend that can run many games from different platforms with ease. However, it may also be complex and overwhelming for some users who prefer a simpler and more streamlined interface. If you are one of them, you may want to use Retroid Launcher instead.
Using Retroid Launcher
Retroid Launcher is a proprietary game launcher and emulator frontend that comes pre-installed on your Retroid Pocket 3 Plus. It aggregates emulators in one easily accessible place and allows you to play games from different platforms with minimal configuration. It also has a retro-inspired user interface that resembles a classic arcade machine.
To use Retroid Launcher on your Retroid Pocket 3 Plus, you need to switch to it from the Android launcher. You can do this by pressing the power button on your device and selecting "Switch Launcher". Then, you need to select "Retroid" as your default launcher. You can also switch back to the Android launcher by pressing the power button again and selecting "Switch Launcher".
To play games using Retroid Launcher, you need to select the platform that you want to play from the main menu. Then, you need to select the game that you want to play from the list of available games. You can also use filters to sort the games by genre or region. Retroid Launcher will automatically launch the game using the appropriate emulator and settings.
Retroid Launcher has some settings and options that you can customize to improve your gaming experience. You can access them by pressing the menu button on your device or tapping the screen. Some of the settings and options that you can adjust are:
Screen: You can change the brightness, contrast, saturation, etc. of the screen output.
Sound: You can change the volume and mute or unmute the sound output.
Controls: You can change the controls for each platform or game and save them as presets.
Skins: You can change the skins for each platform or game and customize their appearance.
Save/Load: You can save or load your game progress using save states or in-game saves.
Retroid Launcher is a very simple and convenient game launcher and emulator frontend that can run many games from different platforms with ease. However, it may also be limited and restrictive for some users who prefer more customization and compatibility options. If you are one of them, you may want to use standalone emulators instead.
Using Standalone Emulators
Standalone emulators are dedicated apps for specific platforms that may offer more customization and compatibility options than RetroArch or Retroid Launcher. They may also have features that are not available in RetroArch or Retroid Launcher, such as online multiplayer, cloud saves, achievements, etc. However, they may also require more configuration and maintenance than RetroArch or Retroid Launcher.
To use standalone emulators on your Retroid Pocket 3 Plus, you need to download them from the Google Play Store or other sources. Then, you need to launch them from your app drawer or home screen. Some of the best standalone emulators for different platforms are:
Platform
Emulator
Atari 2600
Stella
NESNostalgia.NES
SNES
Snes9x EX+
Genesis/Mega Drive
MD.emu
Game Boy/Color/Advance
Pizza Boy GBA Pro
Nintendo 64
Mupen64Plus FZ
PlayStation
ePSXe
Dreamcast
Redream
...
Note: This table is not exhaustive and only shows some examples of standalone emulators for different platforms. You can find more standalone emulators online or experiment with different ones to see which ones work best for you.
To play games using standalone emulators, you need to load the ROMs that you want to play from your internal storage or micro SD card. You can also use the file browser or the game library of each emulator to find and launch your games. Some emulators may also require BIOS files to run certain games. You can check the documentation or the settings of each emulator to see what BIOS files they need and where they should be placed.
Standalone emulators have their own settings and options that you can customize to improve your gaming experience. You can access them by pressing the menu button on your device or tapping the screen. Some of the settings and options that you can adjust are:
Video: You can change the resolution, aspect ratio, rotation, scaling, filtering, etc. of the video output.
Audio: You can change the volume, latency, resampling, synchronization, etc. of the audio output.
Input: You can change the controls, hotkeys, touch screen, vibration, etc. of the input devices.
Other: You can change other settings and options that are specific to each emulator, such as save states, cheats, netplay, achievements, etc.
Standalone emulators are a good option for users who want more customization and compatibility options than RetroArch or Retroid Launcher. However, they may also be less convenient and consistent than RetroArch or Retroid Launcher.
How to Stream Games on Your Retroid Pocket 3 Plus
If you want to play games that are not available on retro platforms or Android devices, you can use game streaming apps to play PC or console games on your Retroid Pocket 3 Plus. Game streaming apps allow you to stream games from your PC or console to your device over a local network or the internet. You can also use a controller or a keyboard and mouse to play the games on your device.
To use game streaming apps on your Retroid Pocket 3 Plus, you need to download them from the Google Play Store or other sources. Then, you need to install and configure them on your PC or console and connect them to your device. Some of the best game streaming apps for different platforms are:
Platform
App
PC (Steam)
Steam Link
PC (Nvidia)
Moonlight
...
Note: This table is not exhaustive and only shows some examples of game streaming apps for different platforms. You can find more game streaming apps online or experiment with different ones to see which ones work best for you.
To play games using game streaming apps, you need to launch the app on your device and select the PC or console that you want to stream from. Then, you need to select the game that you want to play from the list of available games. The app will then stream the game from your PC or console to your device over a local network or the internet. You can also use the settings and options of each app to adjust the quality, latency, controls, etc. of the game streaming.
Game streaming apps are a great way to play PC or console games on your Retroid Pocket 3 Plus. However, they may also require a fast and stable network connection, a powerful PC or console, and a compatible controller or keyboard and mouse.
Tips and Tricks for Your Retroid Pocket 3 Plus
To enhance your gaming experience on your Retroid Pocket 3 Plus, here are some tips and tricks that you may find useful:
System > System update and tapping on "Check for update". This will ensure that your device has the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches.
Backup your data regularly. You can backup your data by using a file manager app or a USB cable to copy your files from your internal storage or micro SD card to your PC or another device. This will prevent you from losing your data in case of device failure, theft, or loss.
Optimize your battery life. You can optimize your battery life by adjusting the brightness, sound, and vibration settings of your device. You can also use the power saving mode or the airplane mode to reduce the power consumption of your device. You can also carry a power bank or a charger with you to recharge your device when needed.
Customize your device. You can customize your device by changing the wallpaper, icons, widgets, etc. of your home screen. You can also use launchers, themes, or skins to change the appearance and functionality of your device. You can also use root access or custom ROMs to modify the system settings and features of your device.
Explore more games and apps. You can explore more games and apps by browsing the Google Play Store or other sources. You can also join online communities, forums, or blogs that are dedicated to retro gaming and emulation. You can also watch videos, reviews, or tutorials on YouTube or other platforms that showcase different games and apps for your device.
Conclusion
The Retroid Pocket 3 Plus is a fantastic device for retro gaming enthusiasts. It can run many games from different platforms with ease and convenience. It can also stream games from your PC or console to your device. It has a large screen, a powerful processor, a long battery life, and a reasonable price. It is one of the best retro handheld devices available in the market today.
If you want to enjoy retro gaming on the go, you should get yourself a Retroid Pocket 3 Plus. You can order one from the official website or other online retailers. You can also follow the steps in this article to set up your device, download games, play games, and enhance your gaming experience. You will not regret it!
Thank you for reading this article. We hope you found it helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below. Happy gaming!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers about downloading games on Retroid Pocket 3 Plus:
Q: How do I switch between RetroArch and Retroid Launcher?
A: You can switch between RetroArch and Retroid Launcher by pressing the power button on your device and selecting "Switch Launcher". Then, you can select "RetroArch" or "Retroid" as your default launcher. You can also switch back by pressing the power button again and selecting "Switch Launcher".
Q: How do I add more storage to my Retroid Pocket 3 Plus?
A: You can add more storage to your Retroid Pocket 3 Plus by using a micro SD card. The device has a micro SD card slot that can support up to 512GB of additional storage. You need to format the micro SD card as FAT32 or exFAT and create a folder named "retroid" on the root of the micro SD card. This is where you will store your emulators, ROMs, and BIOS files.
Q: How do I connect my Retroid Pocket 3 Plus to my TV?
A: You can connect your Retroid Pocket 3 Plus to your TV by using a micro HDMI cable. The device has a micro HDMI port that can output video and audio signals to your TV. You need to plug one end of the cable into the micro HDMI port of your device and the other end into the HDMI port of your TV. Then, you need to select the HDMI input on your TV and adjust the settings on your device.
Q: How do I connect my Retroid Pocket 3 Plus to my PC?
A: You can connect your Retroid Pocket 3 Plus to your PC by using a USB-C cable. The device has a USB-C port that can transfer data and charge power to and from your PC. You need to plug one end of the cable into the USB-C port of your device and the other end into the USB port of your PC. Then, you need to enable USB debugging on your device and allow access to your PC. You can then use a file manager app or a PC software to transfer files between your device and your PC.
Q: How do I connect my Retroid Pocket 3 Plus to my controller or keyboard and mouse?
A: You can connect your Retroid Pocket 3 Plus to your controller or keyboard and mouse by using Bluetooth or a USB-C hub. The device has Bluetooth 5.0 that can pair with wireless devices and a USB-C port that can connect with wired devices. You need to turn on Bluetooth on your device and your controller or keyboard and mouse and pair them together. You can also use a USB-C hub to plug in your controller or keyboard and mouse into the USB-C port of your device. Then, you need to configure the settings and controls of each device on your device.
This is the end of the article. I hope you enjoyed reading it and learned something new. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below. Thank you for your time and attention. 44f88ac181
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