Most people think of Kodi as an app for streaming movies and TV shows. But while it is true that streaming is still the main purpose of the application, Kodi also has the ability to run games.
Contents1. Retroplayer2. DOSBox3. ROM4 collection browser. The Internet Archive5 ROM Launcher. Tic6. Steam7 community. NetwalkLearn more about using Kodi add-onsIf you install the right game add-ons, you can play classic titles, Kodi-specific games, and more. So, for gamers all over the world, here are the best Kodi add-ons for gaming.
Retroplayer is a native Kodi feature that debuted in Kodi version 18 (codenamed Leia). Many game emulators today require the add-on to work.
If you are using an older version of Kodi, you can install the latest update by going to the Kodi website and downloading the latest version (desktop) or upgrading through the App Store (mobile) .
We wrote about how to play games on Kodi using Retroplayer if you want a more thorough walkthrough.
Note: If you downloaded Kodi in a secondary way, the update method is less straightforward. Read our guide to updating Kodi on a Fire Stick for more information.
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To be able to play games on Kodi using Retroplayer, you will need an emulator.
One of the most popular is DOSBox. You can install the add-on by going to Settings>Add-ons>Download>Install from Repository>Kodi Add-ons Repository>Game Add-ons>Emulators and selecting DOS (DOSBox) from the list.
DOSBox simulates an IBM PC running MS-DOS. It supports sound, input, graphics and even networking.
AdvertisementSome of the classic games you can play through DOSBox include Pacman, Actua Soccer, Doom, and Wolfenstein. You can even use it to run Windows 2.x!
As your game collection grows, you'll need an add-on that lets you view, manage, and launch games. After all, you don't want to jump through multiple add-ons just to find the title you want to play.
As one of the best Kodi add-ons for gaming, ROM Collection Browser is the answer.
AdvertisementNot only does it list all the games available on your Kodi system, but you can also use it to preset the settings and emulator the game will use when launched, saving you time and stress. Many options are preconfigured; you can simply select the correct option from the list.
The addon is available in the official Kodi repo. You will find it in the Program add-ons section.
The ROM-based emulated game falls into a legal gray area. The situation is similar to the legality of IPTV and the difference between the IPTV player application and the IPTV streams themselves.
AdvertisementIn the case of ROMs, the ROM emulator is completely legitimate, but the legality of the ROMs themselves can be questioned. Remember that copyright in the United States lasts 75 years (other countries vary) and issues such as fair use and copying ROMs for which you already own an original cartridge do not have never been tested by US courts.
However, there are shortcomings. One site that unambiguously offers legal ROMs that will keep you on the right side of the law is The Internet Archive. In 2003, he was granted a DMCA exception to allow him to keep old apps. Some of the classic arcade games you'll find on the Internet Archive include Joust, Astro Blaster, Commando, and Pitfall II. Hundreds of games are available.
Of course, you can play the games directly via the Internet Archive site. However, if you want a Kodi interface that will let you run them all from the app, you need to grab the Internet Archive ROM Launcher.
You will find the add-on in the Zach Morris repo. For more on installing the repo and setting up the add-on, see our full article detailing how to play retro games from The Internet Archive on Kodi.
Gaming these days isn't just about turning on a console and getting absorbed for a few hours.
Apps like Twitch have revolutionized the way gamers can find and absorb gaming content. The Amazon-owned company streams gaming competitions, esports, chat shows, and more.
The Twitch addon for Kodi is available in the official Kodi repo. To install the app, navigate to Add-ons>Install from Repository>Kodi Add-ons Repository>Video Add-ons>Twitch .
The Steam community acts as a central hub for every game on Steam. It includes screenshots, artwork, videos, news, walkthroughs, reviews, live streams, and mods for every game on the Steam platform.
This Kodi add-on transfers some of the functionality from the Steam community to the Kodi app. The primary focus of the add-on is live streams; this means you can tune in to your favorite gamers' streams without leaving the Kodi interface. Only public streams are supported. You can also use the add-on to view screenshots and artwork; textual content is not yet available.
The Steam community offers filters for language, popular videos and new videos, as well as a search function, which means you'll be able to find the content you're looking for in a flash.
Once again, the add-on is available through the official Kodi repo.
If you can't be bothered with third-party emulators, ROMs, and repositories, you can try playing a standalone Kodi game that doesn't require any additional installation.
In truth, there are very few such games out there, but Netwalk is worth it. The principle is simple:you must join the different colored pipes in order to connect two computers to the network with a minimum of movements. The game is surprisingly addictive.
The game is best played on a touchscreen tablet or laptop, although it is also possible to play with a mouse.
You can find the Netwalk game in the official Kodi repo. Simply navigate to the Program Add-ons section of the repo to locate it.
The game remains a slightly underdeveloped part of the Kodi ecosystem, but things are improving. As the Kodi add-ons for the games we've reviewed in this article prove, it's possible to find old games, dedicated Kodi games, and loads of related gaming content if you know which repositories to use and where to look. .
If you want to know more about Kodi add-ons, check out our list of the best legal Kodi add-ons for free movies.
