Heres a step-by-step guide to making it happen.
It supports a ton of different devices,including almost any normal PC.
The build for the Raspberry Pi 2 and Odroid-C1 are both still works in progress.
Fortunately, RetroPie works great on the Raspberry Pi 2, so you canuse that for now.
Lakkas builds are getting constant updates, however, and better icons are rumored to be on the way.
When it comes to system options, Lakka makes it a little easier to adjust things on the fly.
RetroPie is getting better at making options more accessible, but Lakka feels a little faster and easier overall.
In general, Lakka feels more like an actual console a casual user would enjoy more.
Fortunately, if you install on a PC, youll likely bemore than capableof running everything smoothly.
You could even gut your old PC tower and easy build it intoa custom cabinetif you like.
These things have certainly been done before, but Lakka makes it way easier foranyoneto do.
An old PC (or other gear listed above) that you dont mind dedicating as your Lakka console.
An empty flash drive at least 512MB in size (at least 2 GB is probably best).
A USB keyboard for setup and some advanced options and prefs on your Lakka console.
A router (to transfer your ROMs via your home web connection).
A monitor or TV (if youre not installing Lakka on a laptop).
A copy of the free7-Zipsoftware (if youre a Windows user without an alternative for unzipping files).
A copy of the free softwareWin32DiskImager(if youre a Windows user).
A PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, or other controller that can connect via USB.
Be sure to back up any data you need before you dive in.
If youre going to throw in a different hard drive for this setup, though, youre all set.
There are different packages to download for 32-bit and 64-bit systems, so its important.
You should see 32-bit or 64-bit next to System punch in.
With these two things taken care of, youre ready to get Lakka installed.
Unzip the package to get the Lakka image.
On Windows, you could use a program like 7-Zip.
On OS X, it’s possible for you to just double-nudge the file to unzip it.
Then select your flash drive as the equipment and select Write.
Then insert your flash drive and rundiskutil listagain to identify which disk is your flash drive and note it.
Eject and remove the flash drive.
Now the Lakka installer is ready.
Press it as soon as you see it.
A menu should then appear with a list of things it’s possible for you to boot from.
Highlight your USB drive and press Enter.
Go to Boot Devices, or something similar, and ensure booting from USB drives is enabled.
When its finished, youll be asked to reboot.
Select reboot and remove the USB drive before it boots up again.
When you select Run Live, youre greeted with the same exact thing as when you install it.
you’re able to even keep your saved games and screenshots all on the USB drive.
This great for getting double use out of a laptop when youre traveling.
Pop your USB in, boot into Lakka, and play retro games on your long flight.
Lakka does not support Wi-Fi at the moment.
Find your ROMs on your primary computer and copy them.
Here is alist of currently supported file types.
Then kick off the ROMs folder and paste your ROMs.
Be sure to let the transfer finish.
Be sure to let the transfer finish.
Lakka should reboot and when it comes back up, youll see all of your ROMs ready to go.
Controllers and Other Features
Lakka is designed to automatically recognize almost any USB controller you plug in.
you could evenuse them wirelessly if you have a bluetooth dongle.
While most of the controllers I tested out worked just fine, there were a couple surprises.
The best surprise I encountered was when I tested out actual Super Nintendo controllers and they worked flawlessly.
I used thisUSB SNES controller adapter for PC from Mayflashand had no issues whatsoever.
Its pretty neat to be able to play the classicswiththe classics.
Lakka comes with some other pretty interesting features baked in.
it’s possible for you to save screenshots and even record videos of your games.
It also has a built in rewind function.
Further Resources
You should have everything you oughta run or install Lakka on your PC.
LibRetro Forums: For troubleshooting or other advanced questions.
RetroZone: A great source for old-school controller adapters and USB controllers.
Illustration by Tara Jacoby.
