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Trackball For Retropie (Real Research)

    ✅ Fact Checked
    Updated on January 25, 2023
    John Chad, Bachelor Computer Science Degree & Computer Engineering.
    Written by
    John Chad, Bachelor Degree in Computer Science & Computer Engineering.
    Russel Collins
    Fact Checked by
    Russel Collins
    John is a certified IT & Computer Engineer with a Bachelors Degree. He has worked for a International Insurance Company in the IT department before deciding to become a full time blogger to help his readers. Holds a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science from Stanford University.

    Fun Fact
    Did you know that the first trackball was invented in 1946 by Tom Cranston, Fred Longstaff and Kenyon Taylor as an alternative to the joystick for the Royal Canadian Navy’s DATAR (Digital Automated Tracking and Resolving) system? The trackball was initially called the “roller ball” and it was used to direct a cursor on a display screen, much like how we use them today. It was so successful that it was patented and commercialized in 1952 by the Canadian company, Curtis Instrument Ltd.
    Are you tired of using a regular old mouse for your Retropie gaming setup? Want to take your retro gaming experience to the next level? Look no further than a trackball!

    Not only does it provide a unique and nostalgic gaming experience, but it also offers precision and control that a traditional mouse just can’t match. Plus, it’s a great way to mix things up and try something new. Trust me, once you start using a trackball, you’ll wonder how you ever gamed without it.

    But, I know what you’re thinking, “Setting up a trackball sounds complicated”. Fear not, it’s actually quite simple and I’ll walk you through the process step-by-step. And don’t worry about compatibility, I’ll also recommend some of the best trackballs that work seamlessly with your Retropie setup.

    So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started and elevate your retro gaming experience with a trackball.

    1Setting up a trackball on a Retropie system

    So, you’re ready to take the leap and add a trackball to your retro gaming setup. Good choice! Not only will it provide a unique and nostalgic gaming experience, but it also offers precision and control that a traditional mouse just can’t match. Plus, it’s a great way to mix things up and try something new.

    But, before you start gaming, let’s walk through the setup process.

    First things first, you’ll need to connect your trackball to your Retropie system. This typically involves plugging the USB cable into your Retropie and the other end into the trackball. Once you’ve done that, you should be able to see the cursor moving on your screen as you roll the ball.

    Next, you’ll want to configure your trackball to your liking. This can typically be done through the settings menu on your Retropie. You can adjust things like cursor speed, button assignments, and more. You can also check if your trackball is compatible with Retropie by checking the Retropie website.

    Now that your trackball is set up, it’s time to start gaming! But, as with any new technology, there may be some hiccups along the way. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some troubleshooting tips.

    If you’re having trouble with cursor movement, make sure the trackball is clean, and the ball is rolling smoothly. If you’re still experiencing problems, try adjusting the cursor speed in the settings menu.

    If you’re having trouble with button assignments, make sure you’ve configured your buttons correctly in the settings menu.

    And, there you have it! With these simple steps and troubleshooting tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your new trackball in no time. Happy gaming!

    2Recommended trackballs for Retropie

    Now that you have your retro gaming setup all set up and you’re ready to add a trackball, the next step is to decide which trackball to get.

    There are a lot of trackballs on the market, but not all of them are compatible with your retro gaming setup. So, let’s take a look at some popular options that are known to work well.

    First up, we have the X-Arcade Trackball. This trackball is a great choice for those looking for a classic arcade feel. It’s built to last and has a high-quality build. It also has a high DPI (dots per inch) sensitivity, making it perfect for precise movements.

    Next, we have the Logitech Trackman Marble. This trackball is a great choice for those who want a comfortable and ergonomic design. It also has a high DPI sensitivity and customizable buttons, making it perfect for gaming and productivity.

    Finally, we have the Kensington Turbo Trackball. This trackball is perfect for those looking for a more compact design. It also has a high DPI sensitivity and customizable buttons.

    Each of these trackballs has its own unique features and specifications, so it’s important to compare them and decide which one is the best fit for you. Consider the design, precision and compatibility when making your decision.

    In short, there are several trackballs that are compatible with your retro gaming setup, each with its unique features and specifications. Take your time to compare and select the one that is the best fit for you in terms of design, precision and compatibility. Happy gaming!

    3Using a trackball for specific retro games on Retropie

    Now that you’ve got your trackball all set up and ready to go, it’s time to start gaming! But, not all games are created equal when it comes to trackball control. So, let’s take a look at some retro games that are well-suited for trackball control, and some tips and tricks to get the most out of your gaming experience.

    First up, we have games like Arkanoid and Centipede. These games are great choices for trackball control because they involve a lot of precise movement and aiming. The trackball’s high DPI sensitivity makes it perfect for the fast-paced action in these games.

    Next, we have games like Marble Madness and Super Monkey Ball. These games involve rolling a ball through a maze or obstacle course. Using a trackball to control the movement of the ball in these games feels very natural and intuitive.

    Finally, we have games like Golden Tee and PGA Tour Golf. These games involve a lot of fine-tuned aiming and precision. Using a trackball to control your swing and aim in these games feels much more realistic and satisfying than using a traditional mouse or controller.

    Now that you know which games are well-suited for trackball control, here are some tips and tricks to get the most out of your gaming experience:

    – Adjust your cursor speed to your liking. This can typically be done

    4FAQ

    How do you get trackball to work with RetroPie?

    Are you ready to add a trackball to your retro gaming setup but not sure how to get it to work with RetroPie? Don’t worry, it’s actually pretty simple!

    First things first, you’ll need to connect your trackball to your RetroPie system. This typically involves plugging the USB cable into your RetroPie and the other end into the trackball. Once you’ve done that, you should be able to see the cursor moving on your screen as you roll the ball.

    Next, you’ll want to configure your trackball to your liking. This can typically be done through the settings menu on your RetroPie. You can adjust things like cursor speed, button assignments, and more. You can also check if your trackball is compatible with RetroPie by checking the RetroPie website.

    Now, it’s time to start gaming! But, as with any new technology, there may be some hiccups along the way. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some troubleshooting tips.

    If you’re having trouble with cursor movement, make sure the trackball is clean, and the ball is rolling smoothly. If you’re still experiencing problems, try adjusting the cursor speed in the settings menu.

    If you’re having trouble with button assignments, make sure you’ve configured your buttons correctly in the settings menu.

    And, there you have it! With these simple steps and troubleshooting tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your new trackball in no time. Happy gaming!

    Can you use a mouse with RetroPie?

    So, you’re all set up with your RetroPie and ready to start gaming, but you’re wondering if you can use a regular ol’ mouse instead of a trackball. The short answer is, yes you can!

    You can connect a standard USB mouse to your RetroPie just like you would with a trackball and it will work just fine. But, there’s a catch! Not all games are designed to be played with a mouse.

    Some games, like Arkanoid or Centipede, might require more precise aiming and cursor movement, making a trackball a better option. But, for games like Super Mario Bros. or Tetris, a regular mouse will work just fine.

    So, if you’re someone who’s more comfortable with a traditional mouse and don’t mind using it for games that might not require it, then go ahead and give it a try!

    On the other hand, if you’re looking for a change and want to experience the retro games in a different way, a trackball is a great option for you. It can enhance the gaming experience with precision and control that a traditional mouse just can’t match. But, ultimately, the choice is yours.

    In summary, you can use a mouse with RetroPie and it will work, but you might find a trackball to be a better option for some games that require more precise aiming and cursor movement. It’s all up to you and what you prefer. Happy gaming!

    Can I use a mouse in RetroArch?

    So, you’ve heard of RetroArch and you’re wondering if you can use a regular mouse with it, instead of a trackball. The answer is yes, you can!

    RetroArch is a multi-platform emulator that allows you to play retro games on your computer, and it supports a variety of input devices, including the trusty old mouse. So, you can connect your mouse to your computer and use it just like you would with any other emulator.

    But, just like with RetroPie, not all games were designed to be played with a mouse. Some games, like Arkanoid or Centipede, might require more precise aiming and cursor movement, making a trackball a better option. But, for games like Super Mario Bros. or Tetris, a regular mouse will work just fine.

    So, if you’re someone who’s more comfortable with a traditional mouse and don’t mind using it for games that might not require it, then go ahead and give it a try!

    On the other hand, if you’re looking for a change and want to experience the retro games in a different way, a trackball is a great option for you. It can enhance the gaming experience with precision and control that a traditional mouse just can’t match. But, ultimately, the choice is yours.

    In summary, you can use a mouse in RetroArch and it will work, but you might find a trackball to be a better option for some games that require more precise aiming and cursor movement. It’s all up to you and what you prefer. Happy gaming!

    How do you connect a trackball?

    So, you’ve got yourself a shiny new trackball and you’re ready to start gaming, but you’re not sure how to connect it to your device. Don’t worry, it’s actually pretty simple!

    First, you’ll want to check what kind of trackball you have. Some trackballs come with a USB cable, while others might have a PS/2 or ADB connection.

    If you have a USB trackball, all you have to do is plug the USB cable into your device and the other end into the trackball. You should be able to see the cursor moving on your screen as you roll the ball.

    If your trackball is PS/2 or ADB, you will need a adapter. For example, if you have a PS/2 trackball, you’ll need a PS/2 to USB adapter.

    Once you’ve plugged in your trackball, you’re ready to start gaming! But, before you do, you might want to check the device settings to see if you can adjust things like cursor speed, button assignments, and more.

    And, that’s it! With these simple steps, you’ll be able to connect your trackball to your device and start gaming in no time. Happy gaming!

    5Conclusion

    And there you have it, you’re now a pro at setting up, configuring, and using a trackball with your retro gaming setup. By now, you’ve learned the step-by-step instructions on how to connect and configure your trackball, troubleshooting tips for common issues, an overview of popular trackballs that are compatible with your setup, a comparison of features and specifications of each trackball and examples of retro games that are well-suited for trackball control and tips and tricks for getting the most out of trackball control in these games.

    You’ve also seen how a trackball can take your retro gaming experience to the next level, providing you with precision and control that a traditional mouse just can’t match, and how it can be a great way to mix things up and try something new.

    With all the information provided, you are now equipped with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision on which trackball to get, how to set it up, and how to use it to enhance your retro gaming experience.

    In summary, trackball is a great addition to your retro gaming setup, it provides precision and control that a traditional mouse just can’t match, and it’s a great way to mix things up and try something new. It takes a bit of time to set it up and configure it but it’s worth it. Happy gaming!