Thanks for that Matt, you've inspired me.
Ordered a Pi3 today, my 1st gen pi is too slow for any fun, it's just been chugging along running XBMC. However, I flattended it and have put it to use today by getting familiar with command line. Also as you mentioned it, attempting to SSH in from my MacBook. This worked brilliantly as I can get shot of the clunky old keyboard and mouse getting in the way. Played with tightvncserver too, so I can go headless on the Pi. The only downside is I can't press # on my mac keyboard, despite a dozen attempts at configuring Raspbian
Gonna have a play with RetroPie tomorrow and see what that throws up