Batocera 43 Review: New Features, Setup Guide, and Download Tips

Batocera 43 is the next big step for the popular retro gaming operating system, bringing quality-of-life improvements, new tools for Windows games, better storage management, and brand-new ways to interact with your setup.

What Is Batocera?

Batocera.linux is a free, open-source operating system focused on emulation and retro gaming, designed to run from a USB stick, SD card, or internal drive on PCs, handhelds, and small boards.

It ships with a console-style interface, automatic controller support, and a curated set of emulators so you can go from download to playing games with minimal configuration.

Batocera 43 Overview Video

For a quick visual tour of some of the new and updated systems, you can watch the Batocera 43 – Episode III video below.

Batocera 43: The Butterfly Branch Matures

Batocera uses two main branches: a stable branch for most users and a more up-to-date “Butterfly” branch where new features land first.

Version 43 is a Butterfly build that focuses on polishing work from earlier releases while adding new systems, tools, and configuration options for power users and testers.

Main New Features in Batocera 43

Several improvements already stand out in Batocera 43, especially for people running it on PCs and handhelds.

1. Better Experience for Windows Games

Batocera 43 refines how Windows games are handled, with enhancements around Wine/Proton integration and file management for PC titles.

One key feature is the ability to extract supported game installer packages, keep only the needed files, and move them into your Windows ROM folder to save space and reduce clutter.

2. Storage Manager Enhancements

A refreshed Storage Manager in Batocera 43 makes it easier to work with multiple drives, USB sticks, and external hard disks on your system.

When you connect a new device, Batocera can detect it, look for ROM folders, and help you decide how that storage should be used with your setup.

3. Batocera Control Center (BCC)

Batocera 43 continues to evolve the Batocera Control Center (BCC), a unified interface to manage settings, tools, and advanced options from within Batocera.

BCC is designed to be flexible and extendable, with layout tweaks and new modules such as lightgun-related controls and input tools.

4. Hotkey Updates and Input Tweaks

The “Hotkey Revolution” gives users more freedom to define custom hotkey combinations for in-game actions and system functions.

These changes, combined with better arcade panel mapping and improved controller tools, are especially useful for custom cabinets and multi-player setups.

5. Emulation and System Updates

Batocera 43 continues the usual emulator upgrades, including improvements for Nintendo 3DS emulation and a switch back to the original Azahar project instead of Azahar Plus.

New and updated systems, including classic home computers and other platforms, expand the already extensive list of supported systems.

Why Try Batocera 43?

If you like being on the cutting edge and want early access to evolving tools like BCC, improved storage handling, and better PC game support, Batocera 43 is an exciting branch to explore.

Keep in mind that Butterfly builds can sometimes introduce regressions, so it is wise to back up your current installation and saves before upgrading a working system.

Getting Started with Batocera 43

The setup process is straightforward: download the correct image for your device, flash it to a USB drive or SD card with a tool like Etcher, then boot your PC or handheld from that media.

Once Batocera is running, copy your ROMs into the appropriate system folders, restart EmulationStation to refresh the game list, and configure your controllers from the main menu.

Final Thoughts

Batocera 43 pushes the project forward with smarter tools, better storage and input management, and expanded emulation options, while keeping the plug-and-play spirit that makes Batocera so appealing.

If you enjoy testing new features and contributing feedback, this Butterfly release is a great opportunity to help shape the future of Batocera.