While it has the potential to be amazing, like most linux-based options, it falls apart in the area of user experience, with automatic misconfigurations, failure to recognize supported devices and the requirement to SSH into the host system from yet another system (that you may not even have). in order to enter complicated commands just to turn basic supported features on and off. If you do spend a few days getting it to a basic level of functionality, it may be worthwhile, but the problem is that you shouldn't have to. Extra layers of unnecessary complexity seem to have been added simply to maintain that unapproachable aura that most Linux distros have.
Based on our record, Batocera.linux should be more popular than EmulationStation. It has been mentiond 43 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.
In my opinion the ideal situation would be a backend that any developer could build a frontend to that would suit their approach. For example there are many Retroarch frontends like Highscore, EmulationStation, etc. These all suit the needs for what some person may want. Source: almost 2 years ago
Replacement for the epic EmuDeck. It utilises EmulationStation. Source: about 2 years ago
I use EmulationStation on a lot of devices. It would cover what you're looking for. Other frontends I like are RetroArch and Daijisho. Source: about 2 years ago
If you want to piece meal and customize it RetroArch and Emulation Station is the way to go. Also have a robust wiki. Source: about 2 years ago
Helpful link https://emulationstation.org/. Source: about 2 years ago
I thought this post would recommend Batocera, which I think is probably the better option: https://batocera.org/ It's a Linux distro that turns any ancient machine into a retro emulation box that's heavily optimized for old devices and retro handhelds. It also allows you to install Flatpaks so you can add Steam to it as well. - Source: Hacker News / 3 months ago
Im validating it on a desktop pc at the moment, but have a minipc in the mail that should handle it fine (minisforum um790 pro). No links for pre-loaded if you mean roms, but batocera is a much more pre-loaded experience if you mean emulators and config. Its a much more rigid experience than retropie. You can get it at the homepage: https://batocera.org/ The nice thing is that it is designed to be run from a... - Source: Hacker News / 5 months ago
The OS you probably want is Batocera. I have a couple external SSDs that I use to run it on my VCSs, and they're great. It's definitely an easier setup than Windows with Launchbox, and you don't have to deal with licensing, forced updates, and all the other Windows garbage. Source: over 1 year ago
This subreddit is for the completely free and open-source distribution that you would find at https://batocera.org/ which comes with absolutely no copyrighted ROMs(games). You will only get support here for that and that alone. Unfortunately if you bought a preconfigured system ("unofficial image"), your issues are with the people who sold it to you. Nobody here can help you with anything outside the scope of the... Source: over 1 year ago
Alternatively, since you just built a nice PC, you can take the free options and just software emulate classic systems and run MAME. If you don't have time to set much up, look into a Batocera boot drive https://batocera.org/. Source: over 1 year ago
RetroArch - RetroArch is a frontend for emulators, game engines and media players.
LaunchBox - LaunchBox is a portable, box-art-based games database and launcher for DOSBox, emulators, arcade cabinets, and PC Games. Download it free!
Playnite - Source code generated using layoutit.com
RetroBat - RETROBAT RetroBat is a software distribution designed for emulation and to be the easiest way to enjoy your game collection on your Windows computer.
Lakka - Lakka is the official Linux distribution of RetroArch and the libretro ecosystem.
HyperSpin - HyperSpin is an animated arcade frontend for Windows for use on Home Arcade Machines.