Batocera vs RetroDECK
Batocera
batocera.orgRetroDECK
retrodeck.netSide by side
| Figure | Batocera | RetroDECK |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · TurboGrafx-16 Emulators | 7.9 (#11) | 7.1 (#23) |
| Spec score · Emulation Frontends | 7.9 (#10) | 7.0 (#22) |
| Purpose | Batocera Linux is a free, open-source retro-gaming distribution that can turn a computer or nano computer into a gaming console. | RetroDECK is an all-in-one retro gaming platform for Linux handhelds, desktops, HTPCs and PC consoles. |
| Support | The project points users to its wiki and Discord for documentation and community support. | The project directs bug reports to its GitHub issue tracker and guidance requests to its Discord or Matrix community channels. |
Plans
In their own words
Batocera
Batocera Linux is a free, open-source Linux distribution that turns compatible computers and small devices into retro-gaming consoles. It can run from a USB stick or SD card without changing the computer, or be installed permanently. Download builds are listed for desktop PCs, laptops, Intel-based Apple computers, handheld PCs, Raspberry Pi, Odroid boards, and other devices. Batocera supports many consoles, platforms, emulators, and related applications through a front end based on a modified EmulationStation. Its content downloader provides freely distributed ROMs, bezels, music themes, and other enhancements, with packages handled by pacman. Documentation covers Netplay for supported games and integrations including Kodi, RetroAchievements, The Bezel Project, Syncthing, NAS storage, and a web server. Installation requires at least 16 GB of storage; 32 GB is recommended. Batocera focuses on retro gaming and will not implement emulators for current-generation consoles.
RetroDECK
RetroDECK is a free retro gaming platform for Linux handhelds, desktops, HTPCs and PC consoles. It packages emulators, engines, ports, clients, utilities and the ES-DE frontend in a preconfigured Flatpak environment. The RetroDECK Configurator handles file compression and management, BIOS validation, preset management and component tuning. Steam ROM Manager and ES-DE favorites integration let users add games to a Steam library, while Steam Input layouts support devices such as Steam Deck and external controllers. RetroDECK can connect to RetroAchievements, and PortMaster provides a continuously updated catalog of downloadable ports. Sandboxing isolates the package components. The software supports x86_64 Linux systems, including Steam Deck and Linux desktops. Games, proprietary BIOS files and firmware are not included, so users must provide legally obtained files where required. Save states and cheat support are available. RetroDECK is volunteer-run software; donations are optional and do not provide perks or early access. The plan costs nothing.