4 best operating systems you should consider for retro gaming emulation
New games are released almost every day, and while I enjoy the thrill of modern titles like Fortnite, League of Legends, and Warzone, I often find myself missing the rush that older games used to provide. With each new release, classics like Street Fighter II, The Legend of Zelda, and Super Mario Bros. feel more and more like relics of the past, only accessible through emulators. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of emulators and operating systems dedicated to retro gaming. Popular options like Batocera and RetroPie are well-known, but there are plenty of other great choices for the task.
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RetroPie
Best for Raspberry Pi hardware
RetroPie is one of the most popular and specialized retro gaming operating systems built on Linux. It makes up three percent of all OS downloads through the Raspberry Pi Imager, which speaks to its popularity.
RetroPie runs on top of Raspberry Pi OS and combines EmulationStation, RetroArch, and various emulator cores into a single package. Although the name might suggest it only works on Raspberry Pi hardware, it can also run on a PC. By default, RetroPie runs on Raspbian, a lightweight version of Debian designed for the Raspberry Pi and similar devices. However, since it is modular, you can also install it on any system running Debian by following the instructions on its website.
That said, unlike Lakka and Batocera, there are no official installers for handheld devices. What makes RetroPie stand out is its strong community support and customization options. It offers a huge library of shaders, performance tweaks, and other enhancements.
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Lakka
The OS that integrates directly with RetroArch
Lakka takes cues from projects like RetroPie and PiMAME, which combine a Linux-based OS with a game emulation frontend on low-power hardware. However, while those projects focus primarily on the Raspberry Pi, Lakka’s LibreELEC foundation and cross-compilation tools allow for optimized builds across multiple devices.
It may not support as many systems out of the box as Batocera, but Lakka remains user-friendly. Most popular controllers work immediately, so no setup is required. It runs on PCs and every supported Raspberry Pi model, and while its handheld support is limited, it does work with select Anbernic and Odroid devices.
Unlike RetroPie, which relies on EmulationStation as its frontend, Lakka integrates directly with RetroArch. This results in a more unified configuration across emulators, with better frontend integration, letting you pause games to use savestates, take screenshots, or swap PlayStation CDs without exiting.
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Windows
We bet you didn’t see this one coming
Windows might not scream “retro gaming OS” at first glance, but it’s a sleeper hit for emulation. It’s one of the easiest operating systems to use, and chances are your PC already comes with it preinstalled.
It excels at running emulators like Dolphin, PCSX2, and MAME. Another big advantage is flexibility. As the most widely used platform, Windows gets top-tier support for accessories and software. More emulators are built with it in mind, whether as standalone programs or RetroArch cores.
Windows also handles integer scaling much better than Linux. Older games weren’t designed for modern screens, so emulators need to upscale them to higher resolutions. While there are multiple scaling options, integer scaling is the most faithful method, but Linux has historically struggled with it.
Security is another strong point, thanks to the Microsoft Defender suite. With built-in antivirus, a firewall, and system integrity protection, it provides solid defenses against malware. This is especially important when downloading ROMs. Since piracy isn’t exactly encouraged, the risk of encountering malicious files is higher than usual when searching for games.
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Batocera
If wide hardware support is a priority for you
Batocera is a front-end interface for RetroArch that comes bundled with numerous emulators and is designed for ease of use. If you’ve used other systems like RetroPie, it will feel familiar since both rely on EmulationStation.
It works on almost any device with an open bootloader and a compatible CPU, whether you’re a fan of the Sega Genesis (Mega Drive), Game Boy Color, or PlayStation 3. It runs on PCs, Raspberry Pi, Steam Deck, handhelds, and older 32-bit computers. This makes it a great option for repurposing aging hardware, including machines over 20 years old.
Batocera is optimized for low system resource usage, resulting in faster boot times and smoother gameplay. You can run it from a USB stick to keep your main setup intact or install it on a dedicated machine for a more authentic console experience. Compared to RetroPie, it is less customizable but much easier to set up.
As an open-source platform, Batocera is free to use, modify, and improve. It’s an active community continuously updates it, fixes bugs, and adds new features.
Windows 11 Home
A USB installation drive and license key for Windows 11 Home.
Pick the OS that suites you
Choosing the best operating system for retro gaming emulation depends on your needs and hardware. If you want deep customization and strong community support, RetroPie is a great choice. Lakka offers a streamlined experience with a unified RetroArch interface, while Batocera is ideal for those looking for a plug-and-play setup with minimal configuration.
If you’re ready to dive into retro gaming, check out four ways to turn your old PC into a retro gaming console and explore the best devices for running Batocera and all your favorite classic games.
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