Kodi Retro Gaming: Browse & Play Terabytes of Games
Bringing Retro Gaming to Your Couch with Kodi and RetroArch
Do you ever desire the ability to explore a vast library of classic video games from the comfort of your sofa, initiating gameplay instantly without interruption? If you possess a home theater PC equipped with both Kodi and RetroArch, this convenient setup is achievable.
Accessing a Wealth of Retro Games
The Internet Archive, dedicated to the preservation of digital history, provides access to an extensive collection of retro video games, playable directly online. However, the experience of gaming on a computer differs from relaxing on a couch and playing on a television.
Fortunately, a complimentary Kodi add-on offers a visually appealing interface for navigating a substantial collection of ROMs, amounting to approximately 2TB of data.
Features of the Kodi Add-on
- You can explore detailed information about each game.
- View screenshots to get a preview of the gameplay.
- Even watch original television commercials for a nostalgic experience.
When you are prepared to begin, the add-on allows you to launch games and play them directly from your couch.
Getting Started: Setup Instructions
Are you eager to implement this setup? The following steps will guide you through the process of configuring everything you need.
Installing the Internet Archive ROM Launcher
The initial step involves the installation of the Internet Archive ROM Launcher add-on. For those already familiar with installing Kodi add-ons, the process should be straightforward. However, a brief overview is provided for convenience.
Begin by downloading the repository created by Zach Morris, which is distributed as a ZIP file. Subsequently, navigate to Kodi’s settings menu and select the “Add-ons” category.
From there, choose the option to “Install from zip file”.
Locate and select the ZIP file that was previously downloaded. On Windows systems, this is typically found within the Downloads folder (C:\Users\YourUsername\Downloads), though the exact location may vary based on your browser configuration.
After adding the ZIP file, return to the Add-ons section within settings. This time, select “Install from repository”, then “Zach Morris Add-ons”, and finally “Video Add-ons”. The Internet Archive ROM Launcher will be listed here; proceed with its installation.
A notification will appear upon completion of the download. Following this, navigate back to Kodi’s main screen and select “Video Add-ons”.
The Internet Archive ROM Launcher will now be accessible from this menu.
While the desire to begin gaming is understandable, some preparatory work remains to be completed.
Configuring the Internet Archive ROM Launcher
Begin by selecting the newly installed add-on and accessing its menu. This can be achieved by pressing the "C" key on your keyboard, or by right-clicking the add-on icon with your mouse.
Choose "Add-on settings" to enter a comprehensive configuration panel. While a thorough review of these settings is recommended, our immediate focus is on enabling game execution.
Navigate to the "External Launchers" tab. Here, you will find a single option to define your system type.
Select "External" as your system type. This designates that you will be utilizing an external emulator for game playback.
Next, specify your operating system. This guide assumes a Windows environment, but the process should be comparable on other platforms.
Now, you must indicate the location of your RetroArch executable. Select "RetroArch App Location" and browse to the directory where RetroArch is installed, then choose retroarch.exe.
After saving these settings by clicking "OK", return to the settings screen and navigate to the "Setup Wizard" tab. Select "Set me up for".
The wizard will prompt you to choose a system profile. The "Balanced" option is generally suitable for most configurations, but you can always adjust these settings later if needed.
Configuring Individual Game Lists
Upon launching the add-on, a variety of systems will be displayed. However, to actually begin playing games, each system requires configuration with a suitable emulator. To complete this final stage, access the menu associated with any specific system.
The initial three options presented all begin with "Update," and it is necessary to execute each of them sequentially.
These three crucial steps, performed in order, are as follows:
- Update Download Path. A custom directory can be selected for ROM storage, or the default location can be utilized.
- Update Launcher. The "External" option should be chosen, referencing the previously configured RetroArch setup.
- Update Ext Launcher Command. From the provided list, a RetroArch core must be selected to launch games for the specific system. If needed, launch RetroArch independently to verify installed cores—Kodi displays all available cores, regardless of installation status.
Omitting any of these steps will prevent games from launching correctly. This entire process must be replicated for each individual system. While somewhat repetitive, the ultimate outcome justifies the effort.
Initiating Gameplay: Enjoying Retro Games
With the setup now complete, the moment to begin playing games has arrived. Select one of the systems you have configured and begin exploring its library. A comprehensive list of all available games on The Internet Archive for that specific platform will be displayed.
Should this extensive selection feel daunting, curated "Best Of" lists are also available, providing a convenient starting point for discovering titles on a particular system. These lists require configuration as independent systems, necessitating a repetition of the process outlined in Step Three.
Navigating the Game Library
The game lists are presented with cover art, mirroring the visual style of standard Kodi plugins. Selecting a game will reveal further details about it.
As illustrated, the game information includes an image of the cartridge and a rotating display of fan art. The upper section provides details about the game itself, and features a prominent "Play" icon that, when clicked, will display a television commercial for the selected title.
At the bottom of the screen, "Download" and "Launch" buttons are provided. Selecting "Launch" will initiate gameplay, provided the configuration has been executed correctly.
Further Customization Options
The add-on provides a range of configurable settings for a tailored experience. Users can adjust the display of systems, opting to conceal those not frequently used directly from the system's menu by selecting "Hide This Item".
A function is also available within the settings to restore any previously hidden systems, offering flexibility in organization. This allows for easy re-introduction of concealed items when needed.
The local ROM cache, by default, stores only a single ROM. This behavior can be modified through the settings, enabling the retention of multiple ROMs for quicker access.
For systems experiencing performance issues when running games concurrently with Kodi, a setting exists to automatically close Kodi upon game launch. This can help to optimize resource allocation.
Comprehensive documentation and community support are readily accessible. Detailed information can be found on the official add-on wiki hosted on GitHub, and discussions are active on the official Kodi forums.
Ultimately, the goal is to provide an enjoyable and seamless gaming experience. Explore the settings and resources to maximize your enjoyment.
Related Posts
Wearing Glasses with Oculus Rift & HTC Vive - Is it Possible?
Use PS4 DualShock 4 Controller on Mac - Setup & Guide
Play Xbox 360 Games on Xbox One - Compatibility Guide
Cloud Gaming: Is It the Future of Gaming?
Update Xbox One Controller Firmware Without Console - Guide
