Emulation OS Batocera hits Steam Deck with brand new features
The operating system’s beta build is out now for Valve’s handheld console.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
What you need to know
Emulation continues to be a huge selling point for Valve’s handheld, expanding your game selection beyond the already extensive Steam library. The latest beta build of Batocera.linux provides an entirely new operating system for the portable console, loaded with thebest emulatorsand their appropriate cores for each platform.
With contributions from the community, Batocera is open source and free to download. Configuration for each emulator is kept to a minimum, and extra features like image-upscaling shaders and gameplay rewinding help enhance your gameplay. Game backups, whether from discs or cartridges, can be transferred to your Steam Deck and played wherever you go with this streamlined OS.
(1/2) Today, we release Batocera 35 “Monarch Butterfly” with:✅ support for all light guns out of the box✅ automatic NVidia config✅ touchscreen ES for handheld PC✅ GamePark GP32, VTech Laser, Arduboy, Lowres-NX emulators✅ New Joycon and Xbox bluetooth drivers…September 20, 2022
The official website contains a helpfulinstallation guideto start with Batocera, including flashing the operating system to an external storage device and installing it on a desktop PC. The process isn’t much different on Steam Deck, but use caution when replacing the default SteamOS or attempting a dual-boot setup.
If you’re wondering what all the fuss is about, check our guide toemulators on Steam Deckfor an explanation of why they’re so appealing. Playing retro games feels fantastic with Valve’s handheld, thanks to various modern input methods, including analog sticks on games that may have never originally supported them.
You should also stock up on one of thebest SD cards for Steam Deckif you sprung for an entry-level 64GB model since game backups can take up a hefty amount of space for platforms made after the turn of the millennium.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
Ben is a Senior Editor at Windows Central, covering everything related to technology hardware and software. He regularly goes hands-on with the latest Windows laptops, components inside custom gaming desktops, and any accessory compatible with PC and Xbox. His lifelong obsession with dismantling gadgets to see how they work led him to pursue a career in tech-centric journalism after a decade of experience in electronics retail and tech support.
