Using Batocera Linux on Raspberry Pi 5 For Retrogaming - Step By Step Guide

In this step by step guide we have explored the ways and hacks to use Batocera linux on singleboard PCs like Raspberry pis for revisiting old games that we used to play during our childhood. We really feel nostalgic, are you? So, let’s just roll up and see how far this guide takes us, does it make our Raspberry Pi 4/5 any beast of a gamer and still we love the shade of our glorious past in terms of gaming in 2024-25. Batocera on Raspberry Pi is a powerful solution for pplaying old games, providing support for a wide range of consoles, easy setup, and a user-friendly interface. By following this guide, you will be able to install and configure Batocera, add your favorite ROMs, and enjoy a seamless gaming experience. Whether you are a casual gamer or a retro gaming enthusiast, Batocera turns your Raspberry Pi into the ultimate emulation station for all your classic gaming needs. Let us just jump right in.

I. What is Batocera Linux

Batocera.linux is an open-source operating system specifically designed for retro gaming. It supports a wide range of consoles and platforms, allowing users to play classic games from systems like NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, PlayStation, and more. Batocera is an excellent choice for Raspberry Pi users who want to turn their device into a retro gaming machine.

II. Prerequisites We Would Need

Before you begin, make sure you have the following items:

(i) A Raspberry Pi 4 or Raspberry Pi 5 (models with higher RAM are recommended for better performance)

(ii) A microSD card (32GB or higher is recommended for game storage)

(iii) A microSD card reader (to transfer Batocera to the card)

(iv) A USB game controller (compatible with your Raspberry Pi)

(v) A monitor or TV (HDMI input recommended)

(vi) An HDMI cable

(vii) A keyboard (for initial setup and navigation)

(viii) A stable power supply for the Raspberry Pi

(ix) A Wi-Fi connection or Ethernet cable (optional but recommended for updates and file transfer)

III. Now We Ned to Install Batocera on Raspberry Pi 4/5

Follow these steps to install Batocera on your Raspberry Pi.

Step 1 – Download Batocera

(i) Go to the official Batocera website and download the Raspberry Pi version of the software.
– Visit the download section at [https://batocera.org](https://batocera.org) and select the appropriate version for Raspberry Pi 4 or 5.

Step 2 – Flash Batocera to the microSD Card

(i) Use software like balenaEtcher or Raspberry Pi Imager to write the Batocera image to your microSD card.

(ii) Download and install balenaEtcher or Raspberry Pi Imager from their official sites.

(iii) Open the flashing tool, select the Batocera image file you downloaded, choose your microSD card, and click “Flash.”

Step 3 – Insert the microSD Card into the Raspberry Pi 4/5

(i) After the flashing process is complete, insert the microSD card into the Raspberry Pi’s slot.

(ii) Connect your Raspberry Pi to a monitor using an HDMI cable, and plug in the power supply to boot the device.

IV. First-Time Setup of Batocera

Once Batocera boots for the first time, you will need to perform some initial configuration steps.

Step 1 – Set Up Your Controller

(i) Batocera will prompt you to configure your controller as soon as it boots. Follow the on-screen instructions to map the buttons of your USB game controller.

(ii) Use the keyboard’s arrow keys if you need to navigate the menu before your controller is set up.

Step 2 – Configure Network Settings (well these are optional we can do well even without them but let’s do this)

(i) To connect to Wi-Fi, go to the Settings menu.

(ii) Select Network Settings and choose Enable Wi-Fi. Enter your network credentials to connect.

(iii) Alternatively, you can use an Ethernet cable to connect your Raspberry Pi to the internet directly.

Step 3 – Choose a Theme and Display Settings

(i) Batocera allows you to customize the appearance of the interface.

(ii) Go to UI Settings and select from different themes that are pre-installed.

(iii) You can also adjust the screen resolution based on your monitor’s capabilities.

V. Adding ROMs (Game Files) to Batocera

For legal reasons, Batocera does not come with any ROMs (game files) pre-installed. You will need to add your own games to play.

Step 1 – Access the Batocera Share

(i) With Batocera running, connect your Raspberry Pi to the same network as your PC.

(ii) On your PC, open the File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (macOS), and type `\\batocera` in the address bar. This will access the Batocera shared folder over the network.

(iii) Alternatively, you can use an FTP client (such as FileZilla) to connect to your Batocera using its IP address.

Step 2 – Transfer ROMs to the Appropriate Folder

(i) Once connected to the Batocera share, you will see several folders, each corresponding to a different gaming system (e.g., `nes`, `snes`, `psx`).

(ii) Copy your game ROM files into the correct folder for the console you want to emulate.

(iii) For example, place NES games in the `nes` folder, PlayStation games in the `psx` folder, and so on.

Step 3 – Refresh the Game List

(i) After transferring the ROMs, go back to your Raspberry Pi and restart the system or simply refresh the game list in Batocera.

(ii) Your newly added games should now appear in the main menu, ready to be played.

VI. Emulators and BIOS Files

Some emulators require BIOS files to function correctly. BIOS files are essential system files that allow games to run on emulators for specific consoles (like PlayStation or Sega Dreamcast).

Step 1 – Now We MUST Find the Required BIOS Files

(i) You will need to obtain the correct BIOS files for the systems you wish to emulate. These files are not included with Batocera for legal reasons, but they can be found online.

(ii) Once you have the necessary BIOS files, transfer them to the `bios` folder in Batocera’s shared directory.

Step 2 – LETS Verify the BIOS Files Now (It’s a MUST)

(i) You can verify if the BIOS files are correctly installed by going to the Game Settings menu in Batocera.

(ii) Select Missing BIOS to see a list of emulators that require BIOS files and check if the necessary files are in place.

VII. Ultimating Gaming Experience

Batocera offers several features and customization options to enhance your gaming experience.

(i) Save States

(i) Batocera allows you to save the state of your game at any time. Press the appropriate hotkey (usually select) on your controller to bring up the menu and choose Save State.

(ii) You can load your saved state at any time, even if you turn off the Raspberry Pi.

(ii) Shaders for Retro Graphics

(i) If you want to enhance or alter the visual appearance of older games, you can apply shaders.

(ii) Go to Game Settings and select Shader Set. Choose from options that replicate the look of old CRT monitors or smooth out pixelated graphics.

(iii) Game Scraping (Game Artwork)

(i) Batocera has a built-in feature called Scraping that downloads cover art and game metadata for your ROMs.

(ii) Go to the Game Settings menu, choose Scraper, and follow the prompts to fetch artwork for your games.

VIII. Let’s JUST UPDATE Batocera For Good

Regular updates ensure that Batocera supports the latest emulators and features.

Step 1 – Check for Updates

(i) To update Batocera, go to the System Settings menu and select Update & Downloads.

(ii) Check for updates and follow the instructions to download and install the latest version.

Step 2 – Backup Your Data

(i) Before updating, it is recommended to back up your ROMs and saved games. You can do this by copying the ROMs and saves folders from the Batocera share to your PC.