AYN has made a significant move in the realm of handheld gaming by partially opening the bootloader of its Odin2 devices to Linux distributions. This pivotal change is set to improve the capabilities of the Odin2 handhelds, particularly enhancing their gaming and emulator performance.
Previously, while unofficial Linux ports were available, they suffered from various bugs and compatibility issues due to the lack of bootloader access. After discussions on the official AYN Discord, the company released the source code for its mainline Linux kernel on GitHub, allowing developers to create optimizations and improvements for the entire Odin2 lineup, which includes the Odin2 Portal.
Two prominent Linux distributions, Batocera and ROCKNIX, have already begun adapting their platforms for the Odin2. Once these adaptations are complete, the Odin2 devices will emerge as some of the most powerful Arm-based handhelds supporting Linux, thanks to their Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset.
With the shift to Linux, users can expect enhanced support for various emulators, including those for PS3 (RPCS3), Xbox (Xemu), and Xbox 360 (Xenia). Additionally, Linux ports of PC games will be accessible via Portmaster, contributing to a more console-like gameplay experience. This transition is a familiar route for many Windows handheld users seeking improved emulator support, though the installation process is significantly simpler on x86 machines.
While these Linux distributions are developed mostly by enthusiasts, it may take some time before stable builds are available. Nevertheless, this enhancement further solidifies the Odin2’s position as one of the top gaming handhelds available today.
ChicagoVPS is your gateway to unparalleled hosting solutions. Our state-of-the-art datacenters and powerful network ensures lightning-fast speeds and uninterrupted connectivity for your websites and applications. Whether you’re a startup looking for scalable resources or an enterprise in need of enterprise-grade hosting, our range of plans and customizable solutions guarantee a perfect fit. Trust in ChicagoVPS to deliver excellence, combining unmatched reliability and top-tier support.
For Inquiries or to receive a personalized quote, please reach out to us through our contact form here or email us at sales@chicagovps.net.
