How to Install the Kuman 3.5″ TFT Display on RetroPie – Step‑by‑Step Guide

Overview

The Kuman 3.5″ TFT is a popular, cost‑effective screen for Raspberry Pi users, especially those running RetroPie. Unlike HDMI displays, this screen connects directly to the Pi’s GPIO pins, offering a compact solution for emulation stations and DIY projects. The following guide walks you through a reliable, repeatable installation process that keeps your setup clean and fully functional.

Prerequisites

• Raspberry Pi running RetroPie (2018 or later).
• Internet connection on the Pi.
• At least 1 GB of free storage space.
• If RetroPie is on a USB drive, run sudo raspi-config and select Expand Filesystem to avoid space constraints.
• SSH access or a connected keyboard and HDMI monitor for terminal use.

Step 1 – Download the Required Scripts

wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/adafruit/Raspberry-Pi-Installer-Scripts/master/adafruit-pitft.sh

git clone https://github.com/goodtft/LCD-show.git

The first command pulls the Adafruit PiTFT installer, while the second clones the LCD‑show repository, which contains additional utilities for managing the display.

Step 2 – Make the Scripts Executable

sudo chmod +x adafruit-pitft.sh
cd LCD-show
sudo chmod +x LCD_35-show
sudo chmod +x LCD-hdmi

The LCD-hdmi script allows you to revert to the default HDMI output if you need to troubleshoot.

Step 3 – Run the Adafruit Installer

sudo ./adafruit-pitft.sh

Follow the interactive prompts:

• Select 4 to choose the 3.5″ TFT model.
• When asked to rotate the screen, choose the appropriate angle (usually 90 for portrait mode).
• Respond n to the console settings prompt if you want to keep the Pi in console mode (or y if you prefer X).

After the installer finishes, the Pi will reboot into the new display configuration.

Step 4 – Verify the Display

Once the system restarts, you should see the RetroPie menu rendered on the Kuman screen. If the image is garbled or the screen stays black, double‑check your wiring and ensure the GPIO pins match the pinout diagram provided in the display’s manual.

Step 5 – Reverting to HDMI (Optional)

To switch back to HDMI, simply run:

sudo ./LCD-hdmi

Then reboot the Pi. This command restores the default video output settings and disables the TFT driver.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Make sure the display’s power supply is stable – the 3.5″ screen draws up to 250 mA.
• If you installed RetroPie on a USB stick, ensure the USB drive is correctly mounted before rebooting.
• Check that you have the latest firmware and kernel updates: sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade.

Final Thoughts

With these steps, your Kuman 3.5″ TFT should now be fully integrated with RetroPie, offering a sleek, low‑profile gaming experience. If you encounter issues not covered here, consult the LCD‑show GitHub repository or the RetroPie community forums for additional support.