The next major update for Batocera is on the way, and it’s already shaping up to be one of the most significant releases yet. Version 42 brings a wave of upgrades, new systems, and better hardware support across the board. While no release date has been announced, the update is expected soon and is already available for testing in the Butterfly development branch.
Odin 2 Support Arrives
The biggest news in v42 is the newly added compatibility with the AYN Odin 2 and Odin 2 Portal handhelds. These Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 devices can now boot into Batocera through new Linux-ready firmware, allowing users to move beyond Android and enjoy a dedicated retro gaming environment.
This early support already includes proper button mapping, Vulkan acceleration through Freedreno and Turnip drivers, and working Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Some aspects, such as fan control and battery monitoring, are still being refined, but performance looks promising even for sixth-generation consoles.
Because Batocera v42 no longer supports Android partitions on internal storage, Odin 2 owners will need to wipe the Android OS before installing Batocera internally. Booting directly from a microSD card remains experimental and is not yet officially supported, though community testing is ongoing.
New Systems and Core Enhancements
Beyond handheld support, Batocera v42 introduces several noteworthy additions. Sega Lindbergh arcade system emulation makes its debut, enabling titles like OutRun 2 and House of the Dead 4 to run natively.
Several emulator cores have been updated, including a lightweight Saturn emulator called Ymir and a revised Genesis core that adds native Paprium support. Controller detection has been improved, fixing layout issues with N64 and 8BitDo controllers, and Xbox emulation with Vulkan on Ryzen hardware is now back in full working order. Steering wheel support has also been expanded for Logitech and Thrustmaster models.
Known Issues and Final Notes
A few quirks remain, such as partial shutdowns on certain systems, sound dropouts on some mini PCs, and minor bezel alignment problems. These are expected to be resolved before the final release.
Even with those caveats, Batocera v42 looks like one of the project’s strongest updates yet. The addition of Odin 2 support signals a growing focus on handhelds, while new cores and improved drivers keep the platform evolving. Once it officially lands, v42 could easily become the most versatile version of Batocera to date.