Syncthing on Retro Handhelds! Save Sync Guide

This guide will help you set up Syncthing on various handheld devices and operating systems, so that you can sync RetroArch saves and save states between each of them. That means you can close out of a game on one device, and then resume it on another -- all seamlessly over your home network.

Ways to support this channel:

Timestamps:
00:00 introduction
01:07 Syncthing explained
02:45 the setup
04:45 setting up a host PC
09:20 install Syncthing
10:48 configure Syncthing
15:40 muOS (RG35XXSP)
21:54 a note on KNULLI
23:06 CrossMixOS (TrimUI Smart Pro)
28:05 ROCKNIX (RGB30)
33:00 Android (Retroid Pocket 4 Pro)
38:32 connecting handhelds directly
40:38 summary and conclusion

Theme song written by Jim Gray of Our Ghosts:

^^ use code "RGC10" for 10% off your order

This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only.

#Syncthing #RetroArch #emulation #retrohandheld

[Lakster]

A few times you mention that your devices have to be on the same network to sync. I've used Syncthings for several years to sync all my documents and other such files and the almost magical thing is - they DONT have to be on the same network. Once you've configured the devices to sync with each other, they can sniff each other out over the web automatically, without any further setup, and sync wherever they are (as long as they are connected to the internet ofc). It's what truly makes Syncthing amazing.

[disturbedvolt]

For anyone in on dorm LAN/WAN/wifi or that connects those devices to public wifi (library, hotel, coffee shop, etc) I would definitely recommend setting up the username/password.

[RahFah]

I spent a whole night last week trying to set up syncthing between my devices. And when I did, you released this video, hahaha. Now I'm going to see how it's really done, thank you very much!

[ugh.idontwanna]

This was a great beginner's guide. For anyone who wants to set this up with Batocera and Knulli compatibility:
- In the Saving menu (at 6:52), you'll want to sort saves and states by content directory.
- In Settings > Directory, you need to make sure Save files and Save states gets stored in the same folder.
If your device comes with both 64 and 32 bit versions of Retroarch, this needs to get done with both versions. Bear in mind that this has to be one folder in total, and not one for 32 bit and one for 64 bit. One upside of doing it like this is that Syncthing only needs to sync one folder.

I've been using this setup for about a month now, syncing between various Batocera devices and a RG353V running Ark OS.

[kristfur]

I use Syncthing for my PLEX library. Never imagined using it for this. Brilliant.

[benpregent]

I suggest everyone that has multiple handhelds take the time to do this. Its a game changer! Thanks Russ for this guide! Edit: I use my Android phone as my Synchting "server". Your battery life takes a hit but it makes syncing so easy.

[damnpinoy]

I was just thinking a few days ago if there was a way to sync the save states between my devices. Lo and behold a new Retro Game Corps vid drops 🤯

[TatyanaHallMusic]

This is awesome, thank you so much Russ! I've been faithfully watching and hoping this video would come out eventually. I am constantly blown away by how much effort you put into your guides, and how clear and concise they are. I know this video and guide in particular was more complicated than others because you covered multiple different operating systems. I don't know how you keep up with the demand when the supply of retro handhelds constantly changes. Hopefully you are making videos at a pace that you want and aren't overwhelmed by the sheer number of devices that constantly come out. Thank you very much for all you do!

[Exit]

Russ - I say this as someone who holds your content is a ridiculously high esteem. This may be your best work ever. I tried doing cloud based sync and it was so complicated. This was a simple 30 or so minutes to make of on 2 mini and pocket S best buddies. I am now way more excited for my new android devices that are on preorder. Thanks man.

[samnite]

This is the video I have been waiting on for 1-2 years. I remember requesting that you make it awhile back and am glad you took the effort to tackle this difficult task. This opens up endless possibilities for me to keep playing between my Android phone, Miyoo Mini Plus, RG35XXSP, Steam Deck, ODIN 2 and whatever other future gaming handheld I may purchase in the future. Thank you Russ!

[CheesePlow]

I had syncthing set up had my RG35xxH, my PC and my phone, but after 1 or 2 syncs I'd keep getting out of sync errors.

After watching your video though, I think I found my problem. Instead of just adding the folders on the host device and ONLY syncing those, I would do the "add folder" step on EACH device. That would explain why I had so many syncing errors.

Looking forward to trying this again after work! Thanks for the video!

Edit to add: It definitely worked! Got it all set up on my lunch break! Thanks again for the vid, Russ!

[ALNNN]

I can't believe it, I've been struggling with Syncthing and now you dropped a video! Let me check it!

[bitebug]

Who else watches these videos even when you don't need the tutorial and don't even plan on attempting it?

[Luodai]

Just followed this and synced all saves for all devices across PC, steamdeck, and retroid pocket 2s. Had some issues and took all day to debug. But now every system is synced up good and I am so glad for this video.

Now I can start a game with great shaders on my pc and continue the game in my bed with retroid. You have no idea how much that changes how I play games.

[joesatchton]

There are millions of so-called how to videos for literally everything you can think of out there. I am at the embryonic state of this whole retro gaming thing, only just having bought a single device, the Miyoo Mini+. It's exactly what I needed and all I will likely ever need, thanks largely to this channel.

But my point here is this: few if any guides or how-tos can match your sheer comprehensive detail. Truly step by step, which is exactly what everyone needs IMO, including those that may already be at say an intermediate+ level with this stuff. You've literally done ALL the research and testing work, which in turn makes it truly hard to screw up for people who know how to follow directions. XD

Simply ludicrously great work Russ. Clearly, you're THE man for this stuff on youtube as far as I am concerned.

You are in fact doing "god's" work. Excellence indeed is found in all areas of human endeavors and that's what you offer.

[roby]

Great timing! I was in the process of getting this set up between my RG35xxh on Knulli and my Odin 2

[LandonElsberry-ifrh]

Definitely saving this video to use later when I finally get a device.

[mjdf]

Handheld time with Russ one of the Retro Kings of the Round Table

[NorrinCreates]

Super helpful. I'll watch again this weekend when I set it up!

[foodflare]

I've been using this for my saves and keepass2 db files for a while. Glad to see this get more traction