Lakka
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Lakka is the official Linux distribution of RetroArch and the libretro ecosystem. Each game system is implemented as a libretro core, while the frontend RetroArch takes care of inputs and display.
Cost / License
- Free
- Open Source
Application typeApplication types
EUPlatforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Cubieboard
- HummingBoard
- Raspberry Pi
- Nintendo Switch
- Odroid
Features
Lakka News & Activities
Highlights All activities
Recent News
Recent activities
Maxi added Lakka as alternative to NeoStation- munnie liked Lakka
- DeeJayLSP liked Lakka
- Nam Pham liked Lakka
Featured in Lists
xenmaster's linux distro master list
I have noticed in general that the recommendation list for alternatives on this site is broken when it comes to Linux Distros. Often times when looking for a server distro or gaming distros, I will get generic recommendations. This list seeks to provide true alternatives based on use-cases for the most popular Linux distributions out there!
Update: I've updated this list with new entries and categories for 2026 in a brand-new list:
Runtime & OS
A list with 54 apps by Emplate430 without a description.
Xenmaster's 2026 Distro Hopper Guide
I have noticed in general that the recommendation list for alternatives on this site is broken when it comes to Linux Distros. Often times when looking for a server distro or gaming distros, I will get generic recommendations for any Linux distribution and I will have to guess if the use-case is right. This list seeks to provide true alternatives based on use-cases for the most popular Linux and BSD distributions out there! Note this is a 2026 update to my original list posted several years ago. https://alternativeto.net/lists/23956/xenmaster-s-linux-distro-master-list/ Rather than re-write history, I'm adding a new post with the below link to my original. A lot has changed in the OS world so adding some details regarding what I use and how.
Unlike my old list, this one will include both Linux and BSD related systems, similar in their unix-like behavior, but each with different utilities and mechanisms for performing operations. Note that as of the posting of this list, only OpenBSD supports Full Disk Encryption on installation without manual configuration steps, a major drawback if this is a critical component to your use as a desktop setup.
What is Lakka?
Lakka information
Developed by
libretro Licensing
Open Source and Free product.Alternatives
38 alternatives listedBadge
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AlternativeTo Categories
OS & Utilities, Gaming SoftwareGitHub repository
- 2,048 Stars
- 307 Forks
- 51 Open Issues
- Updated
Comments and Reviews
Don't throw your old computer! You can revive it with this great distribution! it runs smoothly on older hardware, and works almost flawlessly as it's supposed to (despite being in Beta under heavy development). Including lots of retro consoles emulators will satisfy most tastes. I just wish they could include more modern emulators like ones for the ps2/ps3.
Despite the fact that the description of the application contains the phrase "Lakka is a lightweight Linux distribution", on its official website you can choose Windows-pockage. However, in the next step you will have to choose the hardware on which the emulator will be installed, and there is no desktop in the list, but only Raspberry, Capcom Home Arcade, Nintendo Switch, Odroid, Anbernic and similar devices.
Admittedly, the website is a bit irritating there. But there is an image you can put on basically any PC that you can find unter the "Generic PC" option: https://lakka.tv/get/linux/generic/