Ultimate RetroArch Automated Cloud Saves Tutorial (351V, RP2+ & Desktop)
83READ DESCRIPTION, THEN NAVIGATE TO RELEVANT TIMESTAMPS!!!
Timestamps
0:00 Intro/Purpose of Tutorial [Context]
0:29 My Setup [Context]
1:51 Configuring Google Drive for PC/Mac
7:45 Configuring Google Drive for Android/RP2+
10:43 351Elec/AmberElec vs ArkOS [Context]
12:52 Configuring fileshare for 351/AmberElec (Samba - PC & Mac)
15:01 Rclone vs Arklone for cloud syncing on 351 devices [Context]
20:42 Creating Rclone config file (351/AmberElec & ArkOS)
28:30 2 Steps to fix Arklone syncing glitch (ArkOS) [Context]
31:28 Arklone glitch fix Step 1 - SSH method
36:15 Arklone glitch fix Step 2 - Formatting EASYROMS/Storage
39:32 Installing Arklone on ArkOS devices
41:55 Arklone first time setup on device
44:25 Editing Retroarch.cfg over SSH (for Arklone)
46:09 Make Arklone folder your default save directory everywhere
49:50 Start of FAQs
49:51 FAQ 1: Can I sync with more than GDrive?
51:12 FAQ 2: Do I need to use same Emulators across devices to sync?
52:17 FAQ 3: Other options?
53:54 FAQ 4: AutoDrive/AutoSync bidirectional sync erased by saves?
Sections of the video with the label [Context] are intended to provide expository information that will contextualize the actions you'll be taking. Sections of the video without that label are explicitly tutorial segments that will show you how to do a specific step of my setup.
This video is intended to be a guide for syncing RetroArch saves/save states across all your devices (primarily centered on RP2+, Anbernic 351 Devices, and Desktop, but is very generalizable). This video is not for teaching you how to install or configure RetroArch on any of these devices... it would be far too long if I did, but I could consider doing a separate video for that later.
I personally used Google Drive for syncing my saves. However, you can use Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, and Mega following nearly the same steps I did because the apps I used for syncing my saves support these services.
Everything from 28:28 onward is exclusively for anyone using Arklone to automatically sync their files. If you're not using Arklone for automatic cloud syncing, these sections won't be of use to you.
Because of the sheer variety of devices/OS and use cases involved in setting something like this up, this video is long. I tried my best to be concise, but I am a bit of a rambly person when trying to provide context. I recommend reading timestamps and skipping to the sections relevant to the devices/OS you want to support.
Resources
Retroarch setup: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icGYGriNkF4
RP2+ setup: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koUzJWWqScY
Rclone - Cloud sync tool natively installed on 351 devices; by default requires manual input to backup saves to the cloud: https://rclone.org/
Arklone - Custom script running on top of Rclone for ArkOS; completely automates cloud syncing, requiring no manual input to save files when configured correctly: https://github.com/ridgekuhn/arklone-arkos
WinSCP - FTP client I used to SSH into ArkOS device: https://winscp.net/eng/index.php
FAT32 Formatter - to convert your microSD partition into an FAT32 for Arklone's sync to work: http://ridgecrop.co.uk/index.htm?guiformat.htm
351/AmberElec Rclone instructions: https://amberelec.org/guides/getting-to-know-amberelec.html#cloud-backup
Custom Scripts (other, more comprehensive methods for syncing stuff):
For anyone using Retropie (which is not included in this tutorial): https://www.reddit.com/r/RetroPie/comments/qiotl5/i_wrote_a_cloud_save_utility_for_retropie_and/
Linux scripting option:https://www.reddit.com/r/SBCGaming/comments/q5p0x2/guide_syncing_savegames_and_savestates_to_a_linux/
Syncthing for Linux Desktops: https://www.reddit.com/r/RG351/comments/rk7zgk/questions_regarding_using_proper_naming_folder/
Music used:
OC Remix: Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team "A Brief Winter Trek"
OC Remix: Pokémon Gold Version "BITE"
OC Remix: Pokémon Diamond Version "EEVEE used Swift!"
OC Remix: Pokémon Sun "999 Knives of Yellow Magikarp Orchestra"
OC Remix: Pokémon Diamond Version "Reflection"
Jubilife City Remix [Kamex]
OC Remix: Pokémon Sapphire Version "My Friend Mudkip"
OC Remix: Pokémon Silver Version "Argent Vexemon"
OC Remix: Pokémon X "Thy Everlasting Winter Wind Blows"
OC Remix: Eevee EP The Destiny Infinite