Alternatives to Batocera.linux

A free, open-source retro gaming Linux distribution that boots from a USB stick or SD card. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as Batocera.linux.

  • Recalbox

    A retro gaming operating system that turns a Raspberry Pi or other hardware into a multi-system console.

    FreeProprietaryLinux

    Recalbox is a retro gaming operating system supporting more than 100 systems with setup through Raspberry Pi Imager, but it replaces the device's operating system and is not open source.

  • Lakka

    A lightweight Linux distribution built on RetroArch that turns small computers into retro gaming consoles.

    FreeOpen sourceLinux

    Lakka is a lightweight open-source Linux distribution built on RetroArch that suits Raspberry Pi and old PCs, but it is tied to RetroArch's interface and cores.

  • Ubuntu GamePack

    An Ubuntu-based Linux distribution preloaded with Steam, Wine and other gaming tools.

    FreeProprietaryLinux

    Ubuntu GamePack is an Ubuntu-based distribution with Steam, Wine and DXVK plus emulation for older systems, installed as a desktop OS, 64-bit only and not open source.

  • RetroDECK

    An all-in-one retro gaming Flatpak for Linux that bundles emulators with the ES-DE frontend.

    FreeOpen sourceLinux

    RetroDECK bundles preconfigured emulators with the ES-DE frontend as a Linux Flatpak, so it runs as an app on an existing desktop rather than as a dedicated boot system.

Also worth comparing

These listings name Batocera.linux as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.

  • EmuDeck

    An installer that sets up and configures emulators on Steam Deck, SteamOS, ROG Ally and Windows.

    FreeProprietaryWindowsLinux

    Batocera.linux is an open-source Linux distribution that boots from USB or SD card, so it runs as a dedicated system rather than configuring emulators on your existing install.

  • KNULLI

    Batocera-based custom firmware that turns retro gaming handhelds into emulation devices with RetroArch and standalone emulators.

    FreeProprietaryLinux

    Batocera.linux is the open-source distribution KNULLI is based on, booting PCs and single-board computers from USB or SD with more than 250 systems, rather than targeting handhelds.

  • RetroBat

    Portable Windows bundle of EmulationStation and RetroArch, preconfigured.

    FreeOpen sourceWindows

    Batocera.linux boots as a dedicated Linux system from USB or SD card with over 250 systems, instead of running as an app inside Windows.

  • RetroPie

    Raspberry Pi-focused distribution that turns a single-board computer into a retro gaming machine.

    FreeProprietaryLinux

    Batocera.linux boots from a USB stick or SD card without changing the installed system, supports more than 250 systems and includes RetroAchievements, shaders, bezels and rewind.

  • ROCKNIX

    An immutable Linux distribution for handheld gaming devices, focused on retro game emulation.

    FreeOpen sourceLinux

    Batocera.linux is an open-source retro distribution for PCs and single-board computers booting from USB or SD, covering more than 250 systems rather than targeting handhelds.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.