If you’re a fan of messing around with different custom firmware solutions, but primarily use Android handhelds, you’re in luck. Batocera 43 is now available, not only bringing with it a laundry list (or two) worth of new features and bug fixes, but it’s also compatible with more handhelds.
In addition to adding support for a few SMC boards, Batocera 43 can now be installed on the following handhelds:
- Anbernic RG28XX, RG34XX, RG35XX, RG40XX, RG CubeXX
- AYN Thor (Initial Support)
- AYN Odin 2 Mini (Initial Support)
- PowKiddy X55 (Initial Support)
- Retroid Pocket 6 (Initial Support)
While Batocera has already been available in some form for the handhelds above, recent improvements in the community have led to better support. Of note, the changelog says that “SM8250 and SM8550 devices now have one image with device selection in the bootloader. You must upgrade the Android Bootloader (ABL) before migrating to v43.“
If this sounds familiar, it’s because this is the same requirement for those wanting to install recent Nightly builds of ROCKNIX on handhelds like the AYN Thor or Retroid Pocket 6. The steps are the exact same, and the Batocera Wiki provides the necessary steps, along with the required bootloader (ABL file) that you’ll need. It’s worth noting that devices such as the Retroid Pocket 5 and Pocket Mini were already supported, but with Batocera 43, you’ll need to update the bootloader with the provided file.
As for the rest of the new features and fixes, it’s too long to write out, but here are some of the pertinent highlights:
- Azahar Plus has been replaced with the source project Azahar. 3DS ROMs will need to be decrypted.
- Removed DraStic emulator due to its closed-source nature and no longer compatible with the core OS.
- EmulationStation:
- LED colour control for ARM-based handhelds
- Ability to turn the controller LEDs off
- Control brightness on multiple screens (AYN Thor)
- New keyboard layout and keyboard variant options
- Cemu for SM8550 devices
- Virtual keyboard for Wayland devices with a touchscreen, launched from the Batocera Control Center
- Fixed:
- Odin 2 variants Wi-Fi not working in some regions
- MelonDS save and cheat paths
- PS4 and PSVita games not appearing in the “last played” auto collection
If you want to take Batocera 43 for a spin, hit the button below and download the build for your device. But we really recommend checking out the changelog first, just so you can get a better idea of everything that’s going on with this latest release.
