Emuelec — Supported Platforms
To help you get started, tell me: What do you plan to use, or are you looking to buy a new hardware platform for retro gaming? Share public link
In addition to the above-mentioned SBCs, EmuELEC also supports other platforms, including:
While EmuELEC is primarily for TV boxes, a few specific handhelds use it as their native OS:
Several hardware manufacturers have built portable, Game Boy-style retro handhelds utilizing EmuELEC (or highly customized forks of it) as their primary operating system.
Check out the official EmuELEC website or community forums for more information!
For DIY enthusiasts who prefer open-frame boards over consumer TV boxes, EmuELEC officially supports several high-performance Single Board Computers. Hardkernel ODROID Boards emuelec supported platforms
Upgraded chipsets with better GPU architectures. These platforms handle Nintendo 64 (N64), Dreamcast, and some lightweight PlayStation Portable (PSP) titles. 2. Amlogic S912 Series (The Octa-Core Legacy)
Ensure you download the correct version, as newer 4.x/5.x releases have dropped support for some older chips, requiring them to use legacy 4.3 images.
EmuELEC is a specialized Linux distribution designed strictly for Amlogic SoC (System on a Chip) devices. It combines several powerful tools into one seamless interface: The lightweight Linux foundation.
Popular budget choices featuring the S905X3 processor, gigabit ethernet, and up to 4GB of RAM.
If you are reading this to purchase a new device for EmuELEC, here is your TL;DR shopping list: To help you get started, tell me: What
Popular brands like X96 Max, X96 Air, and HK1 boxes work well, provided they have a supported DTB file.
EmuELEC is highly dependent on specific System-on-a-Chip (SoC) architectures. The most common supported platforms include: Android TV Boxes
Amlogic chips are widely used in low-cost Android TV boxes and open-source handhelds. Compatibility depends directly on the specific system-on-a-chip model inside your device. 1. Supported Handheld Gaming Consoles
Understanding the version numbering is critical to knowing what hardware you need:
S905, S905X, S905D, S905W, S905X2, S905X3, S905X4 For DIY enthusiasts who prefer open-frame boards over
EmuELEC version 6.0 (expected Q1 2026) will officially drop support for the original S905 (GXBB). If you have a Nexbox A95X, you are stuck on version 4.6 forever.
Powered by the A311D SoC, this is one of the most powerful microcomputers capable of running EmuELEC, delivering peak frame rates on intensive emulators.
The powerhouses of the group. These chips feature big.LITTLE architecture (Cortex-A73 + A53). They are required for heavier emulation, such as:
Uses a dual-boot setup utilizing Linux-based EmuELEC forks for retro playback. Supported Android TV Boxes (Generic Platforms)