Transform Your PC into the Ultimate Retro Gaming Console by Iron9tech

Chances are, you might have an older PC lying around the house. It's not quite worth the effort to sell on your local marketplace, and nobody in the house seems to want it either. Instead of letting it gather dust, how about we transform it into a powerful and versatile retro gaming console? Even better, we'll make it capable of playing many of your favorite modern PC titles as well!

In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn how to install Batocera, a custom, Linux-based operating system that will give your PC an intuitive, console-like experience. Beyond just retro classics, we'll also cover how to integrate your existing PC game library from platforms like Steam.

Why Turn Your Old PC into a Retro Console?
- The "Self-Contained" Advantage with an SSD
  - Preserving Your Main OS
  - Cost-Effective Storage
  - Future-Proofing for Upgrades
Recommended Tools & Hardware
- 2.1. Solid State Drive (SSD)
  - Top SSD Picks (1TB)
- 2.2. Game Controller
  - 8Bitdo Ultimate Controllers
  - 8Bitdo Arcade Stick
- 2.3. USB Keyboard and Mouse
Essential Software
- Batocera OS (Desktop x86_64)
- Balena Etcher
Batocera Installation Instructions
- 5.1. Prepare Your SSD
- 5.2. Download Software
- 5.3. Flash Batocera to SSD
- 5.4. Configure BIOS Boot Order
- 5.5. First Boot and Setup Tips
Adding Steam PC Games to Batocera
- 6.1. Accessing the File Explorer
- 6.2. Installing Steam via Flatpak
- 6.3. Installing Proton for Compatibility
- 6.4. Launching Steam and Big Picture Mode
- 6.5. Running Windows Games with Proton-GE
- 6.6. Adding Steam Games to Batocera's Menu

1. Why Turn Your Old PC into a Retro Console?

Choosing to repurpose an old PC for gaming, especially with an operating system like Batocera, offers significant advantages over other methods.

The "Self-Contained" Advantage with an SSD: One of the smartest ways to set up your Batocera console is by installing the OS onto a separate Solid State Drive (SSD). This approach makes your entire gaming setup self-contained, meaning all your games, emulators, settings, and the Batocera OS itself reside entirely on this dedicated drive.
- Preserving Your Main OS: This method ensures you won't affect your PC's primary operating system (like Windows or macOS). You can always return to your original setup by simply changing the boot order or removing the Batocera SSD.
- Cost-Effective Storage: The price of 2.5" Solid State Drives (SSDs) has become incredibly affordable. For around $50, you can acquire a 1TB SSD, providing ample storage for both extensive retro game libraries and a good selection of modern PC titles.
- Future-Proofing for Upgrades: The self-contained nature means you can easily move this Batocera-loaded SSD to a newer, more powerful PC in the future. This allows for seamless performance upgrades without having to rebuild your entire gaming setup from scratch.

2. Recommended Tools & Hardware

To ensure a smooth setup and optimal gaming experience, consider these essential tools and hardware.

2.1. Solid State Drive (SSD): As mentioned, a 1TB 2.5" SSD offers the best balance of cost and storage capacity for this project.
- Top SSD Picks (1TB):
  - Samsung 870 EVO: Known for high quality and reliability. click to buy it
  - WD Blue 1TB: Offers a great balance of quality and value.click to buy it
  - Crucial BX500: A solid budget-friendly option.click to buy it
2.2. Game Controller: While you'll need a keyboard and mouse for initial setup and file management, a good controller is paramount for the actual gaming experience. The 8BitDo Ultimate line is highly recommended due to their quality and the convenience of a 2.4GHz USB dongle for easy PC connection.
- 8BitDo Ultimate Controllers:(34$) Click here to Buy it
- 8Bitdo Arcade Stick:(90$) Click here to buy it
2.3. USB Keyboard and Mouse: These are crucial for navigating Batocera's file system, adding games, and performing initial configurations. If you don't have a spare set, a compact wireless combo with a single USB dongle (like many mini keyboard/touchpad combos) is ideal.

3. Essential Software

You'll only need two key software applications to get started: the Batocera operating system itself and a tool to write it to your SSD.

Batocera OS (Desktop x86_64): Download the latest "desktop" (x86_64) version directly from the official Batocera website. This ensures compatibility with your PC's architecture.
Balena Etcher: This is a user-friendly tool specifically designed to write OS images to USB drives or SSDs. You can download it from its official website.

4. Batocera Installation Instructions

The installation process is straightforward, but careful attention to detail, especially in the BIOS settings, is key. For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information, always consult the official Batocera Wiki page and the Batocera Nation YouTube channel.

5.1. Prepare Your SSD: Physically install the SSD into your PC. Then, if running Windows, go into Windows Disk Management and format the SSD to ensure it's completely clean and ready for Batocera.
5.2. Download Software: Download both the Batocera image file and Balena Etcher from the links provided in the "Essential Software" section.
5.3. Flash Batocera to SSD: Open Balena Etcher. Select the downloaded Batocera .img file as your source. Then, carefully choose your newly installed SSD as the target drive. Double-check that you've selected the correct drive, as this process will erase everything on it. Click "Flash" and wait a few minutes for the process to complete.
5.4. Configure BIOS Boot Order: Shut down your PC. Plug in your USB keyboard. Turn on the PC while continuously tapping the DEL key (or F2, F10, F12 depending on your motherboard) to enter the system BIOS/UEFI settings. In the BIOS, navigate to the Boot tab. Change the boot order so that your UEFI/SSD (the drive you flashed Batocera onto) is given higher priority than your existing Windows Boot Manager. This ensures your PC attempts to boot into Batocera first. Save and exit the BIOS.
5.5. First Boot and Setup Tips: When your PC restarts, it should now initialize and boot directly into Batocera. You're in! From here, the first thing you'll want to do is add your games. Batocera typically creates network shares that you can access from your main PC to easily drag and drop ROMs into the correct system folders. Once your games are in place, you can start playing right away! For more in-depth tips and tricks on initial setup and configuration, watching a video guide from channels like Batocera Nation is highly recommended.

6. Adding Steam PC Games to Batocera

One of Batocera's fantastic modern features is its robust support for Steam PC games, allowing you to combine your retro and contemporary libraries seamlessly.

6.1. Accessing the File Explorer: While in the main Batocera interface, press the F1 key on your connected USB keyboard. This will bring up the comprehensive File Explorer menu.
6.2. Installing Steam via Flatpak: On the left side of the File Explorer, click on the "Applications" option. You should see an icon labeled "flatpak-config." Open this. Within the list of suggested applications, you will find Steam. Click on it to initiate the installation process.
6.3. Installing Proton for Compatibility: For the best compatibility with Windows-native games, you'll need Proton. While still in the flatpak-config menu, use the search function to look for "Proton." Install these three crucial applications: "Proton (community build)," "Proton-GE (community build)," and "ProtonUp-Qt." These provide the necessary compatibility layers for running Windows games on Linux.
6.4. Launching Steam and Big Picture Mode: Once Proton and Steam are installed, you can close flatpak-config and exit the File Manager (F1 again). Press the START button on your controller (or the corresponding keyboard key) to open the main Batocera menu. Navigate to Game Settings > Refresh Games List. After refreshing, you should now see a new "Ports" or "PC Games" section containing an entry for Steam. Select it to boot into Steam. Log in using your Steam credentials. Once inside Steam, go to Settings > Interface and check the option "Open Steam in Big Picture Mode." Restart Steam to enjoy the full, controller-friendly SteamOS-like interface. From here, you can download games just as you would on any other PC.
6.5. Running Windows Games with Proton-GE: For games that do not have a native Linux version, you'll utilize Proton. In the Steam Big Picture interface (or desktop mode), navigate to the game's settings (Properties > Compatibility) and choose Proton-GE as the compatibility tool. This powerful layer allows you to install and run many Windows games, often with surprisingly good performance.
6.6. Adding Steam Games to Batocera's Menu: To have your installed Steam games appear directly in Batocera's main menu, exit Steam's Big Picture mode and get back into the standard desktop Steam interface. Go to your Steam Library, select all of your installed games, right-click on them, and choose Properties > Add Desktop Shortcuts. Finally, refresh your Batocera games list once more (via START > Game Settings > Refresh Games List). You should now find a dedicated "Steam" section within Batocera, listing your PC games for direct launch!

With Batocera installed and your game libraries integrated, your old PC is no longer an unused relic. It's now a versatile, powerful, and dedicated entertainment hub, ready to deliver countless hours of both nostalgic and modern gaming excitement. Enjoy!