Game Center for Raspberry Pi

A customizable game center built with CustomTkinter, designed to launch automatically on Raspberry Pi startup.

Features

• Modern and intuitive user interface
• Auto-launch capability on system startup
• Built using CustomTkinter for enhanced visual appeal
• Optimized for Raspberry Pi systems
• Auto-update system to keep the application up-to-date with the latest changes

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1. Configure Raspberry Pi OS

Editing the Config File (Method 1: Terminal - Recommended)

sudo nano /boot/config.txt

Copy the config.txt file from the repository root folder and replace everything in your config file with its contents. Then, save the changes:

• Press Ctrl + X
• Press Y
• Hit Enter

Editing the Config File (Method 2: Using Another System)

If the Pi isn’t booting, remove the SD card, insert it into another computer, and find config.txt in the /boot/ partition. Replace it with the new config.txt from the repository.

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2. Clone the GitHub Repository

Install Git

Before cloning the repository, install Git if it’s not already installed:

sudo apt install git -y

Why We Need Git

Git allows us to download and manage the latest version of Game Center directly from the repository. This ensures we always have access to the newest features, bug fixes, and improvements. By using Git, we can easily update our application without manually downloading files. Additionally, our auto-update system relies on Git to fetch updates seamlessly.

Clone the Repository

To download the latest version of Game Center, clone the repository using Git:

git clone <REPO_URL>

Navigate into the project directory:

cd <REPO_FOLDER>

To pull updates in the future, run:

git pull

If you encounter permission issues while updating, try:

git reset --hard

Installation Guide

🔧 Easy Installation Script(Automated)

To make the setup process easier, we've created an automated Python script that installs all required libraries and dependencies for Game Center. Instead of installing each package manually, simply run the script and let it handle everything for you. This ensures a smooth and hassle-free installation experience.

python3 install_dependencies.py

3. 🧰 Manual Setup (Advanced Users)

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If you prefer manual installation:

📦 System Preparation

sudo apt update
sudo python3 -m pip install --upgrade pip

📚 Required Libraries

Install Python & Pip

Check your current Python version:

python3 --version

Update Python if needed:

sudo apt install python3 -y

Ensure pip is installed and updated:

sudo apt install python3-pip -y
sudo python3 -m pip install --upgrade pip

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4. Install Required Libraries

Install CustomTkinter

sudo apt install python3-tk -y
sudo pip3 install customtkinter --break-system-packages

Install Pygame

sudo pip3 install pygame --break-system-packages

sudo apt install python3-dev libsdl2-dev libsdl2-image-dev \
libsdl2-mixer-dev libsdl2-ttf-dev libfreetype6-dev libportmidi-dev \
libjpeg-dev -y

Install GPIO Library

python3-rpi.gpio allows Game Center to read input from physical buttons connected to the Raspberry Pi's GPIO pins.

sudo apt install python3-rpi.gpio -y

Install Keyboard Library

The keyboard library is used to emulate key presses based on GPIO input, letting physical buttons control games as if you're using a keyboard.

sudo pip3 install keyboard --break-system-packages

Install mGBA-Qt Emulator (Game Boy Advance for External Games)

mgba-qt is a lightweight emulator used in Game Center to run external Game Boy Advance (GBA) games seamlessly within the console.

sudo apt install mgba-qt

Install xdotool (For Focus Mode on Startup)

xdotool is used to simulate key presses or mouse clicks. In Game Center, it ensures that the application window gains focus automatically upon startup.

sudo apt install xdotool -y

Install grim (For Taking Screenshots)

grim is a lightweight screenshot utility used in Game Center to capture and save screenshots of the application or games. It's especially useful for logging or sharing gameplay moments.

sudo apt install grim -y

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🖼️ Font Installation (Orbitron)

Replace PATH with your actual path of Game Center Path.

cd <PATH>
sudo mkdir -p /usr/share/fonts/truetype/orbitron
sudo cp fonts/Orbitron.ttf /usr/share/fonts/truetype/orbitron/
sudo fc-cache -f -v

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🔄 Auto-Start on Boot (Service Setup)

Automatically launches Game Center on boot via systemd.

Create the service file:

sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/gamecenter.service

Paste and update the following (replace <USER> and <PATH>):

Description=Game Center GUI Application
After=multi-user.target

[Service]
User=<USER>
Group=<USER>
WorkingDirectory=<PATH>
ExecStart=/usr/bin/python3 <PATH>/main.py
Environment=DISPLAY=:0
Restart=always

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target`

Enable and start the service:

sudo systemctl enable gamecenter.service
sudo systemctl start gamecenter.service`

Check status:

sudo systemctl status gamecenter.service

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🔁 Reboot

After setup, reboot to verify auto-launch:

sudo reboot

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🧯 Troubleshooting

🖼️ Pillow / ImageTk Errors

pip3 install --break-system-packages --upgrade --force-reinstall pillow

❌ Service not launching?

Check logs:

sudo systemctl status gamecenter.service

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🧪 Verifying Installation

Check that key packages are available:

import pygame, customtkinter, RPi.GPIO, keyboard

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📢 Need Help?

• Double-check paths and permissions

• Make sure you're running Python 3

• For bugs or issues, check logs or re-run the installer

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💡 Pro Tip

Want to update Game Center later?

cd <REPO_FOLDER>
git pull