Linux Format

RETRO GAME LAUNCHER Nostlan

Version: 2.2 Web: https://quintonash­ley.github.io/nostlan-web/

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Linux has become a hot new thing when it comes to mainstream gaming, but it’s also the go-to platform for retro gaming enthusiast­s. As a Linux user you have access to a plethora of emulators that can recreate all the popular gaming machines of yore.

With Nostlan, you can save yourself a lot of time and effort by playing games across different emulators all from under one roof. The launcher supports a whole load of emulators to give you access to gaming platforms including the Nintendo DS, 3DS, PS2, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360 and more.

On Linux, the cross-platform game launcher is available as a distro-agnostic AppImage. Grab the latest release from its website, and give it executable permission­s either using the file manager or with the chmod +x command.

On first launch, Nostlan runs through a small setup wizard to help you pick the default language and choose its working directory. The app suggests ~/Documents/emu. Make sure you copy your gaming ROMs inside the respective gaming directory under ~/Document/emu and the launcher can pick them. Although you can navigate Nostlan using a mouse and keyboard, it’s designed to be used with a game controller. Best of all, most controller­s work with Nostlan automatica­lly, with no need for prior setup. When you select the system, the app automatica­lly detects the game ROM and downloads the appropriat­e artwork. When you click Play, it invokes the emulator required to play the ROM. One handy feature of Nostlan is that if it can’t find an emulator to play a ROM, it offers to fetch and install the relevant one for you. Although you can use the app for free, joining its Patreon gets you access to additional features, such as the ability to back up your game save data to local storage or to the cloud.

 ?? ?? Nostlan’s 10-foot UI is one of the distinctiv­e features of the app that helps set it apart from other launchers, and looks good across laptops, big TVs, and projectors.
Nostlan’s 10-foot UI is one of the distinctiv­e features of the app that helps set it apart from other launchers, and looks good across laptops, big TVs, and projectors.

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