KNULLI vs RePlayOS
KNULLI
knulli.orgRePlayOS
replayos.comSide by side
| Figure | KNULLI | RePlayOS |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $5/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Emulation Frontends | 7.7 (#14) | 8.0 (#9) |
| Licensing | KNULLI combines open-source components under their respective licenses and includes some components licensed for non-commercial use only. | Most distribution components use open-source licenses, while the frontend is proprietary and restricted from modification, standalone redistribution, and unauthorized commercial use. |
| Purpose | KNULLI is custom firmware for retro-gaming devices such as handhelds and bartops, developed as a fork of Batocera. | RePlayOS is a Linux distribution with a streamlined libretro frontend for emulating classic game consoles, arcade machines, and computers. |
Plans
In their own words
KNULLI
KNULLI is free, open-source custom firmware for supported retro-gaming devices, including handhelds and bartops. It runs on Linux and self-hosted setups, with supported platforms including Anbernic RG series, GoRetroid Pocket 5 and Mini, Miyoo Flip, Powkiddy RGB30 and X55, Orange Pi Zero 2w, and TrimUI Brick and Smart Pro. The system provides EmulationStation or Simplemenu/Simplermenu+ frontends, RetroArch, and multiple libretro cores. It adds RetroAchievements, netplay, cover art, and thumbnail scraping through ScreenScraper, TheGamesDB, and ArcadeDB. Wireless and Bluetooth features depend on the device, while external USB wireless adapters are supported. Syncthing synchronizes saves between KNULLI devices or backs them up to a NAS, not a cloud. Installation requires a device-specific image flashed to an SD card or internal storage. Games, BIOS files, saves, and themes must use a strict case-sensitive folder structure.
RePlayOS
RePlayOS is a Linux distribution for emulating classic game consoles, arcade machines, and computers through a streamlined libretro frontend. It is built around Raspberry Pi hardware, with listed support for Zero 2, 3A/B/B+, 4B, and 5B models, and works with LCD and CRT screens. Its DynaRes display engine supports native CRT timings, timing changes, CRT profiles, dual-screen modes, and LCD operation at game refresh rates. The system supports more than 700 controllers and up to six players, plus RetroAchievements in compatible cores and games. Replay Control is a companion web app for browsing games, launching them on a TV, managing favorites, and configuring the system over a local network. Compatible cores can use Link Play multiplayer over that network. Alpha Player handles audio and video files, with Raspberry Pi 5 recommended for movies. A small HTTP JSON API provides local or LAN control when enabled, but uses plain HTTP. The public version is free; the frontend is proprietary, with restrictions on modification, standalone redistribution, and unauthorized commercial use.