Building Your Own Retro Game Console with an HP Mini PC

Key takeaways:

1. Utilize an HP EliteDesk 800 G2 Mini PC as a budget-friendly base for a retro gaming console.
2. Set up and install Batocera Linux on the Mini PC's SSD to run various game emulators.
3. Add game ROMs and BIOS files to personalize and enhance the gaming library.

# Introduction

Creating a retro game console with the capabilities of emulating games from Atari to Nintendo Switch can be both affordable and satisfying. This guide outlines the steps needed, using an HP EliteDesk 800 G2 Mini PC, to assemble a comprehensive gaming setup for around .

# Equipment and Setup

• HP EliteDesk 800 G2 Mini PC: Bundled with a USB wired mouse and keyboard, requiring an additional DisplayPort cable for setup.
• Initial Configuration:
  • The PC features multiple USB ports, audio jacks, and built-in speakers, but lacks Wi-Fi, which is addressed by adding a USB Wi-Fi dongle.
  • Note that it comes with a pre-installed SSD with Windows 10, which you can replace or overwrite with Batocera Linux for gaming.

# Installing Batocera Linux

• Preparing the SSD:

  Ensure to handle the SSD carefully, removing it from the Mini PC to install Batocera Linux directly, which optimizes the system for gaming without additional costs.

• Downloading and Flashing Batocera:

  • Use another PC to download Batocera Linux from the official website and flash it onto the SSD using software like BalenaEtcher.
  • This process prepares the Mini PC's SSD to run as a dedicated gaming console.

# Network Setup and BIOS Files

• Enabling Wi-Fi:

  • With the USB Wi-Fi dongle connected, enable Wi-Fi through the Batocera interface and connect to your network.
  • This step is crucial for scraping game data and ensuring a polished user interface.

• Adding BIOS Files:

  • Download necessary BIOS files for the emulators you intend to use from trusted sources online.
  • Transfer these files to your Mini PC through a network share, enabling it to run a wide range of games accurately.

# Adding and Organizing Game ROMs

• Transferring ROMs:
  • Utilize the network share to transfer game ROMs from your primary computer to the Mini PC.
  • This includes adding games to the appropriate emulator folders and ensuring they're recognized by Batocera.

# Final Touches and Customization

• Scraping for Game Data:

  • Enhance your game library by scraping for metadata, which includes game covers, descriptions, and previews, offering a visually appealing and organized interface.

• Gameplay and Performance:

  • Test various games to confirm the setup's performance, making adjustments as necessary to optimize emulation settings for the best experience.

# Conclusion

Building a retro gaming console with an HP EliteDesk 800 G2 Mini PC and Batocera Linux offers a cost-effective way to enjoy a wide array of classic and modern games. This setup combines affordability with performance, allowing for extensive customization and a rich gaming library.

Summary for: Make Your Own Game Console For With This Mini PC!