I'm curious how well Python works on Batocera-style gaming machines. Since Batocera is used for emulation and games, can it run regular Python programs and games, or would there be limitations? I'm also looking for fantasy-console-style platforms—similar to PICO-8—that are designed around Python or MicroPython, whether as software for Linux or as small handheld devices. Ideally, I'd like something with built-in constraints that makes development feel like targeting a tiny console.
3 Answers
For a small physical device, the Pimoroni PicoSystem is one example. It uses MicroPython and is built specifically for making and playing small games. Availability can vary, and there are other MicroPython-based handheld or microcontroller projects with similar goals.
Batocera is essentially a Linux distribution, commonly running on x86 hardware, so a current Python version should work if you can access the underlying system and install the needed packages. The main limitations would come from Batocera’s read-only or appliance-like setup and the hardware itself, rather than Python specifically.
TIC-80 is worth checking out as a fantasy console, and it supports Python-related development through bindings. Godot also has Python integrations, but it’s a full game engine rather than a fantasy console; its built-in GDScript is probably the smoother choice and has a Python-like style.
I was mainly asking whether Linux has something comparable to PICO-8—a deliberately limited fantasy console—not just whether Python can be installed.