Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Lakka VS Ubuntu GamePack

Compare Lakka VS Ubuntu GamePack and see what are their differences

Lakka logo Lakka

Lakka is the official Linux distribution of RetroArch and the libretro ecosystem.

Ubuntu GamePack logo Ubuntu GamePack

UALinux / Technology of the future - already today
  • Lakka Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-07-30
  • Ubuntu GamePack Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-17

Lakka features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Lakka provides an easy-to-navigate user interface that is simple for users of all experience levels, making it accessible to a wide audience.
  • Supports Multiple Systems
    Lakka can emulate a wide variety of game consoles, offering support for systems like PlayStation, Nintendo, Sega, and more, all in one package.
  • Lightweight
    Being a lightweight Linux distribution, Lakka can run on less powerful hardware, making it ideal for revitalizing older machines or using on single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi.
  • Open Source
    Lakka is open source, allowing users to modify and improve the software according to their needs, fostering a community of collaboration.
  • Network Support
    It supports network features like multiplayer gameplay over the internet, netplay, and streaming from a Lakka device to other screens.

Possible disadvantages of Lakka

  • Limited Non-Gaming Applications
    Lakka is primarily designed for retro gaming, meaning it lacks the capabilities and features for other types of applications found in full-fledged operating systems.
  • Complexity for Advanced Features
    While basic setup is straightforward, configuring more advanced features can be complex and may require technical knowledge and experience.
  • Hardware Compatibility
    Although Lakka runs on a wide range of devices, certain hardware components might not be fully supported, and users may encounter compatibility issues.
  • Performance Limitations
    Running Lakka on very low-end hardware might lead to performance issues, particularly with resource-intensive emulation cores.
  • Limited Official Support
    Reliance on community support may be necessary as Lakka does not offer commercial support options, which could be a drawback for some users seeking professional assistance.

Ubuntu GamePack features and specs

  • Wide Game Support
    Ubuntu GamePack includes a wide range of pre-installed tools and platforms like Steam, Lutris, and PlayOnLinux, making it easier to run Windows games and native Linux games.
  • Ease of Use
    The operating system is designed to be user-friendly, offering an out-of-the-box solution for gaming without requiring extensive setup or configuration.
  • Diverse Software Options
    Packages are included for not just gaming but also other multimedia and productivity tools, making the system more versatile.
  • Regular Updates
    Based on Ubuntu, it benefits from regular updates and a strong support community, ensuring system stability and security.

Possible disadvantages of Ubuntu GamePack

  • Lack of Native Support for All Games
    Despite the broad support for different platforms and emulators, not all games will run seamlessly, especially those not designed for Linux.
  • System Resource Usage
    Running additional compatibility layers for non-native games can increase the demand on system resources, potentially affecting performance.
  • Complex Troubleshooting
    While the system is user-friendly, troubleshooting issues can sometimes be more complex, requiring command-line knowledge or community support.
  • Dependency on Third-Party Tools
    Reliance on third-party tools for game compatibility means that the user experience can vary depending on the specific tools and configurations needed for different games.

Lakka videos

Lakka Emulator Frontend Running On Raspberry Pi 3 Emulation Station Alternative

More videos:

  • Review - What Is Lakka ? Retro Game System Explained
  • Tutorial - How to make a Retro Emulator Machine - Lakka OS Guide + Review

Ubuntu GamePack videos

526 - Installing Ubuntu GamePack

More videos:

  • Review - SO para Gamers: "Ubuntu Gamepack"

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Lakka and Ubuntu GamePack)
Gaming
79 79%
21% 21
Linux
0 0%
100% 100
Emulators
100 100%
0% 0
Operating Systems
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using Lakka and Ubuntu GamePack. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Lakka and Ubuntu GamePack

Lakka Reviews

The best Linux distributions (operating systems)
Lakka OS is a lightweight distribution that lets users convert old computers into retro game consoles. The operating system is based on LibreELEC and uses the RetroArch front-end. Once set up, Lakka OS works cross-platform and numerous old console games can be installed.
Source: www.ionos.com
13 Best Linux distros for gaming in 2022
All the emulators are compiled with the best optimizations possible and so Lakka OS runs the games more smoothly than the normal emulators. Most games will require very few hardware resource, except for the Playstation or Xbox games.
Best Linux Distro for Gaming
Lakka is a lightweight Linux retro gaming distro that turns your computer into a retro gaming console. It’s so lightweight, it can even run on a mini-PC like a Raspberry Pi. It’s still being actively developed and worked on. Lakka uses the RetroArch emulator, so you can play all types of games on this distro, including running emulated N64, PlayStation, PSP, NES, Sega,...
Source: linuxstans.com
9 Best Linux Gaming Distributions in 2021
All the emulators are compiled with the best optimizations possible and so Lakka OS runs the games more smoothly than the normal emulators. Most games will require very few hardware resource, except for the Playstation or Xbox games.
Source: itsfoss.com

Ubuntu GamePack Reviews

13 Best Linux distros for gaming in 2022
However, with Ubuntu GamePack you also get a time-limited trial version of CrossOver, which is a proprietary compatibility app based on WINE that you can use to run Windows games (and apps). The distro also includes the DOSBox emulator to run DOS games as well as ScummVM to run classic adventure and role-playing games.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Lakka should be more popular than Ubuntu GamePack. It has been mentiond 5 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Lakka mentions (5)

  • New RG351v owner, what should I do first?
    While it's not there, if you don't want to bother with emulationstation and would just like basic retroarch, there is also a build of Lakka (pure retroarch) available for the 351v. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Best console for emulation? Looking for something simple
    I think there'll be another providers of such kits in the USA, but I don't know them. Perhaps also on EBay. The Magic words are "lakka.tv", "recalbox" and "retropie" for ready-to-go and easy to use raspi emulations boxes. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • MAME 0.242
    Maybe something like Lakka[1]? It supports many game consoles, but I believe MAME is part of it. [1]: https://lakka.tv/. - Source: Hacker News / about 3 years ago
  • Planning on making an arcade machine from a pi zero w 2 and a crt tv, any tips?
    Most peoples go to package is RetroPie, and don’t get me wrong, it’s not a bad option…. But in my experience, http://lakka.tv is a bit cleaner, more lightweight, and has less compatibility issues / hurdles that you need to jump through for some features…. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Help making emulator stick !
    You mean a USB to boot on a PC? Check out Lakka or Batocera. Source: over 3 years ago

Ubuntu GamePack mentions (1)

  • Im undecided on garuda,Ubuntu, nobara
    What about trying something like pop os? There's two I heard of but don't have any experience with or know anything about is Ubuntu game pack Https://ualinux.com/en/ubuntu-gamepack Fedora game spin Https://labs.fedoraproject.org/en/games/. Source: almost 2 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Lakka and Ubuntu GamePack, you can also consider the following products

Batocera.linux - Batocera.linux is an open-source and completely free retro-gaming distribution that can be copied to a USB stick or an SD card with the aim of turning any computer/nano computer into a gaming console during a game or permanently.

SteamOS - We've been hard at work to deliver on our promise of a new kind of living room entertainment environment - one that is accessible, powerful and open. In making SteamOS available to you, we're excited to take the next major step towards that goal.

RetroArch - RetroArch is a frontend for emulators, game engines and media players.

Pop!_OS - A developer-focused minimalist Linux distro from System 76

LaunchBox - LaunchBox is a portable, box-art-based games database and launcher for DOSBox, emulators, arcade cabinets, and PC Games. Download it free!

RetroBat - RETROBAT RetroBat is a software distribution designed for emulation and to be the easiest way to enjoy your game collection on your Windows computer.