RetroPie VS Batocera - Which Emulation Platform Is Right For You? - RetroPie Guy

[@nerdloftgaming]

After years of tinkering and tweaking on numerous RetroPie setups, I finally jumped onto the Batocera platform - and my goodness, what a night and day difference is it in terms of setup and configuration! It’s so seamless on Batocera, global settings and individual emulator configurations are easily accessible in an intuitive menu. Almost zero times will you ever be whipping out a keyboard, unlike RetroPie! With the wealth of micro PC out there, we can emulate Saturn, N64, Dreamcast, even GameCube in something no bigger than an orange - it’s incredible!

[@ALTN8NRG]

I think I need to crossover to that OS.

[@indieman6868]

same here. Batocera much better

[@kevinhanley6462]

Using most types of PC in an enclosed space like an arcade cabinet would be a nightmare for cooling, so a mini solution that gives off less heat is very important.

[@thepenultimateninja5797]

I've been using a PC in my arcade cabinet since 2016, and I've never had any cooling issues. I think people tend to have problems when they mount the motherboard directly to the inside of the cabinet instead of having it inside a case.

[@roxsonixx]

@@thepenultimateninja5797 This exactly. People forget that the case is designed for proper air flow (most cases) and that removing it from the case is actually not helping them.

[@thepenultimateninja5797]

@@roxsonixx Exactly. The case is what directs the flow of air, and keeps the hot air exhaust separate from the cool air intake.

[@aka-chi_hurron]

its key to note that retropie (at least when i set mine up back on the 3b+) was running a modified version of retroarch, which can also run on other devices but as far as i know isnt an operating system itself, but a program, though there might be other versions of retroarch that are also OS, like retropie. I have retroarch on my pc so i can transfer saves to and from my retropie, keep backups of everything, and just play some systems that the pi couldnt handle

[@AD-ps8dx]

Hey Chase, I've been a subscriber of yours for a while now. You have super-useful and engaging content. I'm a 90's arcade enthusiast and have a nice 4-player setup that I have been tinkering with over the past several months. My 8 and 4 year olds love playing the retro games. My current setup is running Retropie Emulation Station on a Pi4 and it works well, but I recently set up Batocera on a Pi5 (with 1 Xbox one controller and keyboard) and really like the interface, intuitiveness, ease of use and basically everything about it more than Retropie. My issue is that for the life of me I can't find any decent tutorial on how to set up my Pi5 Batocera to work with my Ultimarc I-PAC Four arcade controls that are on my 4-player machine. I have read a lot of documentation and searched for videos about it and am getting nowhere. I'm not a complete novice, but just can't seem to get this going. QUESTION: Do you have any relevant content that addresses this issue or could you point me in the right direction? I sincerely appreciate your help.

[@matthewcb1970]

I have a Lenovo M93, emulates everything up to Dreamcast without a hitch. Batocera works perfectly.

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

Awesome! I’ll have a Lenovo video tonight on Batocera!

[@axi0matic]

Have one too, they're great little boxes. Have it outputting over VGA to RGB SCART - does 240p output really well with RetroArch's SwitchRes feature. Did take me a while to get that figured out though. Controller setup with a DS3 was dead simple, using a generic BT dongle.

[@deathshaker0026]

I agree it depends on what you want to make and how you want to use it for. I made my own two player bar top arcade game. Laser cut the arcade cabinet. I put speakers and sub in it. retro pie, power bar. It was a bit cramp when I finished it. where I might use a first gen i7 to emulate everything else. I might even use a pf for light gun games and connect it to a 55' tv. Anything small I would retro pie.

[@richarddukard8989]

Although, I prefer Batocera in general, a big plus for Retropie is, Retropie has the full Raspberry Pi OS desktop environment built in. Batocera allows you to install web browsers, and individual apps, but doesn't have a full desktop.

[@adrianm2030]

Hello. I´m new to this world. Does thumbsticks controllers makes more enjoyable SNES and PSX games on Retropie?

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

I think it does but its going to be personal preference there. I like having the option to use them. I don't use them for everything it really depends on the game but certainly nice to have the option.

[@simonspringett9909]

What's the correct way of saving settings in retroarch using batocera as it never seems to save simple settings. Anyone know? Thanks 👍

[@thepenultimateninja5797]

I don't know if this is still the case because I haven't used Retropie much since switching to Batocera, but I noticed a marked improvement in performance with Batocera on the same hardware. For example, I found that N64 performance was considerably better on Batocera on my Pi3, despite using the same emulator and settings as I was using with Retropie. Some games that were unplayable with Retropie worked fine with Batocera. Similarly, I found that Retropie couldn't quite manage to emulate Atari ST on my Pi Zero, but switching to Batocera fixed it, and even allowed me to switch to the slower but more accurate compatibility mode. I think Retropie just has a lot more overhead than Batocera. I found that it takes way longer to boot too. I also find Batocera to be a much smoother and more polished 'console-like' experience, whereas Retropie keeps reminding you that you're using emulators on a computer. As I mentioned, it's been a while since I used Retropie, so things may have improved since.

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

Agreed! Nothing new really with retropie still very much the same. The changes we see with updates are very minimal and really don't seem to improve performance.

[@thepenultimateninja5797]

@@OfficialChaseBrogan I still use retropie for emulating computers (as opposed to consoles) because I like to use the non-libretro versions of the emulators, but I haven't bothered to update it for years because it works fine the way it is. I wish they would stop messing around with the aesthetics etc and concentrate on getting the basics right. For example, they still haven't incorporated a BBC Micro emulator, which seems ridiculous.

[@sethawarren]

Thanks for this comment. I was assuming the opposite to be true. This is great to hear because I might use old PC’s for some cabinets instead of a RasPi.

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

@@sethawarren No problem. I think that's the best route to take these days with raspberry pi being so expensive now.

[@-Astro--]

the route I've taken also. old PC's is the way atm imo 👍

[@Stella-ri5ex]

You'd rather run batocera on your computer than run launchbox? I know batocera menu is way better than launchbox and it has more configurations

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

Not too familiar with launchbox but I love Batocera! I have no complaints at all with it.

[@GeorgeWPush]

What runs better on RPi4? Batocera or Retropie?

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

About the same really

[@molsonman7800]

I have tried both and Batocera is quite a bit better on the RPI4, especially when playing N64 games.

[@molsonman7800]

I have a 15 year old laptop that is running Bodhi Linux as an operating system. I installed Retropie and it works great on Sega 32X and below. I was unable to get Batocera to run on this laptop.

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

@@molsonman7800 Batocera may just need a little more than it has to offer. It does have higher requirements than RetroPie.

[@professormoriarty703]

For the life of me . I cannot get my Xbox controller to pair on batocera. It’s definitely something I’m not getting or doing right but I can get it to pair retropie. Weird but true for me

[@counterrell35]

Another great video!!! I must say the retropie community is awesome. I have been playing around with my Lenovo M93. I am using a different frontend and I have notice the difference. One example is controller assignments. When using multiple controllers in retropie and batocera they maintain their assignments. But when using a windows 10 frontend it can become a nightmare with multiple controllers. Retropie and batocera got it right.

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

Definitely! You are absolutely spot on there! A lot of other platforms work better with just one controller that can be used for everything but I like to use multiple controllers in my setups. N64 and Gamecube are some collections that just don't line up very well with other controllers. You really need the originals for those collections.

[@jo12danjames]

how does emustation emudeck fit in the equation.

[@roxsonixx]

RetroPie runs on PC so you are NOT restricted to the Raspberry Pi. I play Saturn games on my Pi 4 4Gb and most titles play well, PSP does too.

[@AD-ps8dx]

Thanks for the video. Super helpful. I'll stick with RetroPie. Now if i could just get the damn Sega CD games to run on my pi4 (yes, i have done setup exactly as tutorial videos suggest and it's the only system i can't get to work lol).

[@tomdillan]

I am working on my retropie86 pc with retropie front end running wiiu, ps2 and Ps3. Just have update my retropie systems config to show the system and launch the games.

[@millionairecheatcode7523]

Batocera runs great on my Pi4 8gb.

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

Haven’t tried yet but I def will!

[@Medicmedicmedic]

If you own a pi, definitely go with retropie. I’m curious to know if you’ve experienced other OS like twisterOs? I’ve been trying to find ways in retropie on pi4 to run arcade version of Killer instinct and to no avail. And I don’t wanna change my os either. Happy with retropie but have you gotten KI to work?

[@Medicmedicmedic]

Also I barely just got into retropie about a month now. Your videos showed me how to mod my arcade1up and adjust some configurations. Now I’m giving tips to friends who are curious about this now. Great work bud

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

@@Medicmedicmedic thanks for the kind words! Glad to hear it! Unfortunately that game just doesn’t work in RetroPie. That version anyways. I spent a lot of time on it with no luck at all. I haven’t ever tried twisteros either.

[@GeorgeWPush]

why go with retropie on rpi4? why not batocera?

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

@@GeorgeWPush doesn’t really make much difference honestly. The limits would be the pi 4 not the platform used.

[@tomdillan]

@vikivo kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2S5m51mgteredk

[@shockwave.9749]

From what I read seems like v31 and 32 had an issue with psx? Do you know if this is fixed in v33 of batocera?

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

Yes I believe it is.

[@shockwave.9749]

@@OfficialChaseBrogan thank you 👍 I think im gonna stick with retropi after all though, I'll get a second SD card and try the others later

[@pzencovich]

Hi Retropie guy... Happy holidays! One question, can you direct me to a link to help me configure an x-arcade joystick to a Batocera install on a hard drive running Linux on a pc... I must have put hundred of hours without success... Thanks!

[@elsenormedia]

Can you make video installing batocera in kvm, I installed but keeps lagging higher than 680 res

[@EnjoySynthSounds]

What's the best for a low end pi like an A model or a zero pi? Thanks.

[@notavailable8955]

does batocera work with Real time clock(interested in emulating ds games)

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

I believe so I'm still getting used to Batocera myself right now.

[@edstar83]

They're all awesome. I like variety.

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

Absolutely!

[@seapanther53]

So it sounds like Batocera will be on the Valve Steam Deck? Will you have an SD collection for the Steam Deck like you do for the rgb10max and rg351m? I hope so because I love your collections, they are cleanest and most organized.

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

Thank you! Most likely. I don't have plans right now to tackle that but likely will dive into it in the coming months. Right now I'm working on a massive pc ssd build that's taking up a lot of my time.

[@seapanther53]

@@OfficialChaseBrogan can't wait to see that, too.

[@Erayzor76]

Was on RetroPie Supreme Ultra and previous Supreme builds for a couple of years. Switched to Batocera on my Pi4 and I have to say I am very happy and wont be going back to RetroPie. Everything just works,Lightgun Games is a major one, I had a ton of trouble on RetroPie and gave in. Also the back ground downloading of Bezels, Themes and scraping etc is so much better and stops any kind of guesswork. Batocera all the way for me.

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

I have to agree with you 100%. I find it to be so much more user friendly in every way

[@billybobs1705]

@@OfficialChaseBrogan fcinkhell i didn't realize it was 14 minutes of a rambling video i thought you were going to show us stuff like menus...glad i turned you off

[@alevcimen4891]

This is so great buddy ...I need to know this stuff when I go forth with getting a new build. Where is your site to pick up one?

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

Retro gaming guy dot com

[@tomdillan]

Retropie86 works on Linux pc’s.

[@ryanfernandez6465]

Does batocera works with ayaneo 2?

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

Not sure

[@3dotENT]

Can anyone here send a link or tell me where to search online to download games properly? I am new to all this and just found out about this today.

[@TARSdotgz]

I literally subscribed bc ur a babe 👊

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

Well thank you!

[@willryan9050]

I like RetroPie better because Your name is RetroPie Guy. If I liked Batocera better then you would have to change your name.. LOL

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

Haha! Good point! Always the RetroPie Guy no matter what!

[@ariririririririririri]

@@OfficialChaseBrogan i guess not 😂😅😂😅😂😅

[@dreamybull1509]

batocera runs better on my PC vs off a USB drive?

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

Yeah off a ssd is going to be better than an external option

[@TimothyTimPSP]

Lighting in this video is really over exposed. Thanks for the info.

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

Yep early video. Definitely gotten better over the years. Always trying to improve though.

[@TimothyTimPSP]

@@OfficialChaseBrogan for sure! We gotta start somewhere. Thanks again.

[@bflippsytrance]

Batocera does not allow you to save key mappings in RetroAch. Since this is the case for me it's unusable. I experienced gamepad keys automapping to game reset and save state, even something like the button combo to get to the RetroArch menu can only be set temporarely before being returned to default. It's a shame since they obviously put a lot of work in it and it's nice it has the options it does, but they seem to have forgotten the actual purpose is being able to play games.

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

Yeah they do return back to the default. I don't mind so much myself since I'm typically not using the original controller for games anyways so it's not a big deal for me but I can see where you're coming from and you have a valid point.

[@derangedpi]

I'm actually fighting against this "limitation" currently and therefore my mind is moving towards back to RetroPie. Batocera offers nice path to retro gaming with minimal settings but unfortunately it's also very restrictive to setup multiple original controllers etc. as retroarch settings are nuked by defaults every time user starts a game. If someone wants to use ie. original DB-9/DE-9 joysticks for Amiga500,Atari ST or C64 games there will be difficulties to set them up correctly not to mention having 2 DE-9 joystick connected to usb port via JAKADAPTER. Joystick ports cannot be preset within ES successfully without going into more advanced Retroarch settings which is pointless as those settings are always nuked by Batocera.

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

@@derangedpi Valid points indeed!! I've had trouble even getting N64 controllers running properly on Batocera as well....not that they are 100% perfect on retropie but definitely usable.

[@derangedpi]

@@OfficialChaseBrogan Actually I have found out that even RetroPie with Retroarch struggles when user wants to use multiple different physical joysticks and controllers and wants to set them up per core meaning I would like to use my 2 original C64 joysticks and configure them to ports 1 and 2 IF the core I launch is ie. vice/puae/hatari and is my kids want to play nes/snes then those games could be using my 8bitdo controller. This does not seem to be easily achieved. I think I'm gonna wait until Kodi released it's version 20 which includes Kodi's retroplayer's player controller feature that actually tackles this. Too bad the library is still severely lacking in Kodi but at least I can get it to work the way I need and can concentrate on retro-gaming instead of doing configurations ;) If anyone has decent solution (I know about retropie-joystic-selection that might work) how to make multiple joysticks and controllers mapped and configured per port per core I would love to hear about it.

[@retroman--]

Thats not true. You save key mapping not in retroarch but inside the batocera.config file. This is WAY better. Sounds stupid at first but its so much better. Its very easy to make changes and you will never mess up and you can easily keep track of all your configs for each system.

[@donamato]

Do you realise that batocera runs very well on a pi4 also ??

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

Haven’t tried it personally but have heard it’s good but has those limits with what collections you can play where the PC route isn’t as limited. Just what I’ve heard. Correct me if I’m wrong.

[@donamato]

@@OfficialChaseBrogan correct. I've used them both and personally I'd go batocera on pi or pc. Keep up the videos! All good 👍

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

@@donamato thanks!!

[@tonyvelez5208]

Hello my good friend you forget retro pi x86 I use it on a Lenovo like the one u got

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

Correct I did forget that version!

[@erviedelosreyes223]

I think this only a vlog for retropie

[@g.ausw.8049]

It is not normally my style to step on people's toes, especially not when they are passionate about their hobby. But in terms of RetroPie, you are simply talking partly nonsense. Retropie runs on a regular PC just like Batocera. (It also runs on a good dozen other single-board computers and handheld consoles.) However, since RetroPie was primarily developed for the Raspberry Pi, the developers naturally orient themselves to the hardware capabilities of the Pi. The software capabilities therefore end with Nintendo's Wii console and PlayStation's PlayStation 2. It is true that this means that RetroPie cannot be used for games from the Xbox series, the Wii U or PlayStation 3 and 4. However, I think that something will happen in the next few months and weeks, as the Raspberry Pi 5 will probably also be able to emulate games from the Xbox range. The advantage of RetroPie over Batocera is that RetroPie can be integrated into almost any Linux distribution with Debian Base. This means that you can work, surf, and simply turn on the console to relax (without having to switch to a different operating system or turn on a different device). I can only recommend RetroPie for the PC if you don't necessarily want to emulate the newer consoles, prefer to have only a few devices, and don't want to dual boot. Unfortunately, the misinformation does not end there. There is also a huge fan community for Batocera that can help you if you need it, and there are really good video tutorials available, for example from Batocera Nation. Batocera is widely used in large parts of Europe (after all, it comes from Europe...as far as I know), Asia and South America (even in Down Under, many people know Batocera) and has a huge fan community that will always support you. The only ones who are a bit behind are the Americans ;) Almost forgotten...if you want you can put Batocera on a Raspberry Pi. Greetings from Europe PS: In my eyes they are almost like twins. They both have the same base. Emulation Station as frontend and Retroarch as backend. Only that Batocera has more muscle and RetroPi can also be integrated into an existing Linux OS on a PC.

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

Agreed. Old video and now I would say so much has changed that a lot of the info here is no longer valid.

[@DLWang]

Id say for pi. Up to 3b+ use retropie. Pi4,android,pc use batocera

[@neandertalac]

I have Orange Pi so Batocera is the only solution

[@raymondarias2034]

You ever heard of a Mini PC

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

Yeah I have many videos on them

[@raymondarias2034]

@@OfficialChaseBrogan I use batocera on my Alienware Alpha pc console and it runs good

[@marianocorgan2224]

Batocera or Retrobat?

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

Not familiar enough with retrobat to say but I'm a big fan of batocera

[@michaelwhaley4638]

Odroid n2+

[@ryancox4689]

Batocera > RetroPie

[@twinflametaurus]

I wish I didn't waste over 40 plus dollars on this crappy orange pi zero 2w. Its middle of the road with everything , but even still its just not powerful enough to really do anything useful in regards to gaming. actually , my fire tv 2 box from 8 yrs ago is actually 10 times faster .

[@GeorgeWPush]

Wall-mounted arcade box.. your family or neighbors will hate you

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

Why?

[@GeorgeWPush]

@@OfficialChaseBrogan vibrations resonate through the walls unless its concrete

[@giovannigiorgio2262]

to be honest Batocera is better

[@Shandyisdandy]

You should work on your lighting.

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

Yeah made some changes in the last couple months. Much better now

[@1George2]

Not a good video…. No footage, no Gameplay, no hands on…

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

There's an X in the top right corner for you 🤣

[@FreaKzero]

dunno ... if i want to play on a pc directly - i just run Retroarch Vanilla ? If i would run a pc in an arcade i would use coinops and on a Pie retropie

[@shadowpeople89]

Damn, did someone cream you in the head with a beer bottle? That looks brutal

[@OfficialChaseBrogan]

Just a birthmark