Change RecalBox Resolution on x64 (RecalBox 9.2.1+)

[PlugMeister]

This guide details how to change the display resolution of RecalBox installed on x64 hardware. The instructions are tested for RecalBox version 9.2.1 (Pulsar X64/PC).

Requirements:

A separate computer with:

• Network connection
• An SSH client installed (e.g., PuTTY)

RecalBox device with SSH enabled (refer to RecalBox documentation for enabling SSH if needed).

Basic Knowledge:

This guide assumes familiarity with basic Linux concepts and using SSH.

Tools:

mount: Used to modify file system permissions. More...
nano: A simple text editor for editing configuration files. More...
xrandr: Manages display configuration and settings. More...
reboot: Restarts the RecalBox system. More...

Steps:

1. Boot Up:

• Start your RecalBox device and the separate computer with the SSH client.
• Ensure both devices are on the same local network.

2. SSH Connection:

• Open the SSH client on your separate computer.
• Locate your RecalBox IP address in the RecalBox menu (Settings -> IP Address).
• Enter the IP address in the SSH client and connect.
• Accept any security warnings and log in using your RecalBox credentials (default: username - root, password - recalboxroot).

3. Stop EmulationStation:

• In the SSH terminal window, type the following command and press Enter: /etc/init.d/S31emulationstation stop
  
  Note: This stops the emulation station process.

4. Enable Write Access:

• Type the following command and press Enter: mount -o remount, rw /
  
  Note: This makes the file system writable for editing configuration files.

5. Edit System Configuration:

• Type the following command and press Enter: nano /etc/X11/xinit/xinitrc
  
  Note: This opens the system configuration file in the nano text editor.

• Locate the line # xrandr --output output_name --off
  (around line 21).

• Below this line, add a new line with the following format: xrandr {xrandr_parameters}
  
  Replace {xrandr_parameters} with the actual resolution and display settings you desire. Refer to online resources or Xrandr documentation for available parameters.

• Save the changes by pressing Ctrl+O and then exit nano with Ctrl+X.

6. Disable Automatic Configuration:

• In the same file /etc/X11/xinit/xinitrc, locate the line # /usr/bin/externalscreen.sh (around line 25).
• Add a # symbol at the beginning of the line to comment it out. This disables RecalBox's automatic display configuration.

7. Reboot RecalBox:

• Type the following command and press Enter to restart your RecalBox: reboot

• After the reboot, your RecalBox should start with the newly configured resolution.

Additional Tips:

• Refer to the official RecalBox documentation (https://wiki.recalbox.com/) for advanced display configuration options.
• In case of any issues, consult online forums or communities for troubleshooting steps specific to your situation.