RetroLAN USB image
The first public release is a ready-to-flash image for ordinary 64-bit Intel/AMD PCs. You can create the USB on Mac or Windows, then boot a PC from it and test RetroLAN before buying a paid unlock.
Free trial image coming soon
RetroLAN
Revive spare PCs for local arcade nights: flash a USB, boot outside the installed OS, test first, then unlock your own game folders.
Get trial download
Coming soon
See Companion app
Built for local play. Commercial game files are prepared from games you legally own.
Free download
Coming soon
Join the list for the first image
Install
Make your own RetroLAN USB
Download the free RetroLAN image, write it to a USB stick with a trusted flashing tool, then boot an Intel/AMD PC from that stick. The PC's installed system stays untouched.
Coming soon
Free image
Trusted flash tools
Install a USB writer first
RetroLAN's first release is a downloadable image. Use one of these trusted tools to create the USB, then move the finished stick to the PC you want to boot.
Open the brand guide for Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, ASUS, MSI, Surface, Framework, custom desktops, and more.
Open boot guideDownload
Get the RetroLAN image and checksum from this page when the download opens.
Flash
Use Etcher or Raspberry Pi Imager to write the image to your USB stick. Ventoy is available as an advanced boot-menu option.
Boot
Move the USB to a PC, choose it in the boot menu, and RetroLAN opens into the Arcade.
Mac
On macOS
- Download the RetroLAN image.
- Open balenaEtcher or Raspberry Pi Imager.
- Select the image, select your USB stick, then flash.
- When macOS says it cannot read the finished disk, choose Ignore.
- Move the USB to a PC, open the boot menu, and choose the stick.
Mac can create the USB. RetroLAN itself boots on Intel/AMD PCs.
Windows
On Windows
- Download the RetroLAN image.
- Open balenaEtcher or Raspberry Pi Imager.
- Approve the permission prompt for writing to the USB.
- Flash the image, eject the USB safely, then boot a PC from it.
- Use the visible RETROLAN drive later for Companion, logs, and game folders.
Windows may only show the readable RETROLAN partition after flashing. That is normal.
Imager status
Our one-click imager is in testing
The first release uses a downloadable image because it is the most reliable way to let people test RetroLAN right away with flashing tools they already trust. A signed RetroLAN Imager is being tested for a later release, with drive selection, progress, speed check, and Stick ID creation built in.
Same RetroLAN system, two install paths: image-first for launch, polished imager when it is ready enough to trust with everyone's USB sticks.
RetroLAN Imager
Ready
Trial image
0%
1 Choose USB
Pick the stick to erase and flash.
2 Flash RetroLAN
Create a trial stick with a fresh ID.
What RetroLAN is
A LAN night in a pocket
RetroLAN is sold as downloadable bootable arcade software with a paid unlock license. You use your own USB device, boot into the Arcade UI, see nearby RetroLAN sticks, and carry game storage, saves, setup tools, logs, and the Companion app on the same drive.
It is made for the laptop in the drawer, the retired office PC, and the machine that feels too slow for daily life but still has enough fight left for a keyboard, mouse, screen, and LAN match.
Commercial game data is not bundled. Prepare games you legally own with the Companion app, then launch the ready folders from the Arcade.
Demo Arena
Built-in arena match
OpenArena
LAN arena FPS
Teeworlds
Fast 2D LAN shooter
OpenTTD
Transport empire LAN
Second life hardware
The computer that feels useless can still become a LAN station
A lot of homes, schools, offices, and clubs have old x86 laptops sitting around because Windows feels heavy, batteries are tired, or nobody wants to maintain them. RetroLAN skips the installed OS and gives those machines one clear job: boot, find friends, launch games, and make the room fun again.
No reinstall project
Boot from USB and leave the old hard drive alone. If the PC can boot RetroLAN, it becomes useful without becoming another maintenance chore.
Great for low-spec rooms
Classrooms, basements, clubhouses, repair cafes, and family gatherings can turn mixed spare hardware into a shared arcade setup.
Less waste, more play
Instead of throwing out “too old” computers, give them a focused second life as RetroLAN stations for local multiplayer nights.
Arcade in action
What people see after the USB boots
Boot into a full-screen arcade with nearby sticks, local chat, voice, game sharing, network setup, activation, safe shutdown, and clear launch progress.
Inside every stick
Everything needed to host the night, without touching the PC's installed system
RetroLAN boot system
A locked-in arcade environment that starts from USB and leaves the computer's normal OS alone.
Readable game drive
An open RETROLAN partition for games, saves, settings, logs, and a tidy Companion app folder.
Local stick identity
Each stick gets a friendly RetroLAN ID so people can find, ping, chat, and join locally.
Bring your own games
The system supports classic game folders while keeping copyrighted files out of the sold image.
Software license
Try the boot system first, then unlock the full arcade workflow
Each paid seat unlocks one RetroLAN USB stick you create yourself. Launch pricing is shown while the release list is open.
0
Free Trial
Free download to check whether a PC and USB device are a good RetroLAN fit.
Free
- Boot and hardware check
- Built-in free games
- Compatibility report
1
Solo License
For one RetroLAN stick and one PC setup.
$24Launch price
- Your game folders
- Custom game folders
- Local game sharing
2
LAN Duo
The natural starter set for two players getting RetroLAN running together.
$39Launch price
- 2 stick unlock seats
- Local lobby
- Best first paid choice
4
Party 4
For a small LAN table, classroom corner, or family setup.
$79Launch price
- 4 stick unlock seats
- Shared local game setup
- Lower price per seat
8
Crew 8
For a proper local arcade night with multiple spare PCs.
$129Launch price
- 8 stick unlock seats
- Event-friendly setup
- Best value per seat
20+
Event / School
For workshops, clubs, schools, offices, or larger events.
Custom20+ seats
- Bulk license seats
- Group setup guidance
- Priority setup help
Paid licenses keep working, and the first 12 months of updates are included with launch licenses.
Game library
Clear from day one: built-in games are included, commercial classics use your own files
RetroLAN includes open-source and demo-friendly games for trying the lobby, controls, network, sound, and performance right away. For commercial classics, the Companion helps you copy files from games you already own.
Ready on the stick
Demo Arena
OpenArena
Armagetron Advanced
Teeworlds
BZFlag
Hedgewars
OpenTTD
Seven Kingdoms
Warzone 2100
Freeciv
DOSBox slot
Your own classics
Counter-Strike 1.6
Age of Empires II
Unreal Tournament 99
More profiles coming
Local sharing for games you own
Compatibility
Compatible with LAN classics, and shaped by requests
RetroLAN is built around tested game profiles: where the files should go, how the game should launch, and what settings make LAN play feel smooth. That keeps the arcade stable while still leaving room for more classics over time.
Built-in open-source and demo-friendly games let you check graphics, sound, network, and controls before buying.
Games like Counter-Strike 1.6, Age of Empires II, and Unreal Tournament 99 are the first supported classic profiles.
The Companion can copy legally owned game folders into clean slots, with the arcade showing what is ready and what still needs setup.
Request compatibility for the games you want. Popular requests help decide which profiles come next.
Want a specific LAN classic?
Request compatibility
Join the waitlist and tell us the game name, version, and where your copy comes from. Requests help prioritize new compatibility profiles.
Commercial game files, keys, cracks, ROMs, and accounts are not included. Prepare files from games you legally own.
Companion app
Prepare games on Mac or Windows
The Companion lives on the USB. It opens locally on your computer, finds the RETROLAN drive, activates licenses, checks game folders, and copies files into the right place so the booted Arcade stays simple.
1Open Companion from the USB.
2Select an installed game folder or supported archive.
3Confirm the game is yours, copy, boot, and play locally.
Try before buying
A free image turns any suitable USB into a RetroLAN trial stick
The free trial lets you flash your own USB, boot the PC, check graphics, sound, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, the lobby, and built-in free games before buying anything.
Arcade Setup shows a Stick ID and QR activation link. After checkout, you receive a short signed license key, type or paste it once, and the Arcade verifies it offline on every boot.
Install flow
Download, flash, boot
The first release gives you the image file, checksum, Mac guide, Windows guide, and trusted flasher links. Our own RetroLAN Imager is in testing and will arrive when it is smooth enough for everyday users.
See install steps1Download the RetroLAN trial image.
2Flash it with Etcher or Raspberry Pi Imager.
3Scan the activation QR, buy a license, and type the key once.
Recommended USB
- 32 GB minimum, 64 GB or more recommended
- USB 3.0 from a known brand
- 20 MB/s write speed minimum, 60+ MB/s preferred
- External SSD recommended for large libraries
- x86_64 PC required for booting RetroLAN
Boot check, logs, Wi-Fi/Ethernet setup, lobby, Demo Arena, OpenArena, Armagetron Advanced, Teeworlds, BZFlag, Hedgewars, OpenTTD, Seven Kingdoms, Warzone 2100, Freeciv, and DOSBox.
Paid unlock addsWindows/DOS/custom game launching and local game-folder sharing for games you own.
Why RetroLAN
Made for people who want the LAN feeling without setup drama
Bootable arcade
Boots outside the installed OS and jumps into a full-screen Arcade UI.
Stick lobby
Nearby sticks appear with RetroLAN IDs, network codes, ping, chat, and join flow.
Simple network
Plain-language Wi-Fi and Ethernet setup, plus manual friend IP fallback.
Phone hotspot LAN
Use one smartphone hotspot as the room's little LAN. Nearby sticks join the same hotspot and can see each other locally.
Open game drive
The RETROLAN partition opens on Mac, Windows, and Linux for games and saves.
Recovery mode
Safe graphics, sound, screen, keyboard, and logs are available from a rescue menu.
Clean game flow
RetroLAN provides the arcade system, not copyrighted game files.
No mystery loading
Launch screens, progress messages, and rescue tools make slow USB moments feel intentional.
Laptop controls
Volume, mute, brightness, and mic level are designed for couch, classroom, and old-laptop setups.
Safe shutdown
Arcade power controls help protect the stick so it stays reliable after repeated boot nights.
How it works
From download to LAN match
01Download and flash your USB
02Boot into RetroLAN Arcade
03Check PC, network, and speed
04Scan QR and activate your license
05Launch, host, join, repeat
Questions
The simple answers people need before buying
Can I test it before buying?
Yes. The free trial image lets you boot and check hardware, networking, logs, and built-in free games before buying an unlock license.
Why use Etcher or Raspberry Pi Imager?
Writing a bootable USB needs disk access. The first release uses known flashing tools so people can test RetroLAN with software they already trust. A signed RetroLAN Imager is in testing for a later, simpler flow.
Can I create the USB on Mac?
Yes. macOS can create the USB with Etcher or Raspberry Pi Imager. After flashing, macOS may say the disk is unreadable; choose Ignore, then boot a PC from the stick.
Can I create the USB on Windows?
Yes. Windows can create the USB with Etcher or Raspberry Pi Imager. Approve the permission prompt, flash the image, eject safely, and boot from USB.
How do I boot my PC from USB?
Use the one-time boot menu. Common keys are F12, F11, Esc, F9, and F8 depending on the PC brand. See the boot key guide.
Does it install anything on my computer?
No. The PC boots from the USB stick, and the installed OS stays untouched.
Are commercial games included?
No. Use the Companion app to prepare files from games you legally own.
What if my game is not listed?
You can request compatibility for the games you want to play. Popular requests help decide which game profiles come next.
Does it need internet?
Local play works over Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Internet is only needed to buy or receive an unlock key, prepare updates, or download files you have rights to use.
Can we use a phone hotspot?
Yes. One phone can act as the Wi-Fi room: turn on personal hotspot, connect every RetroLAN stick to it, then use the local lobby like a tiny portable LAN.
Can friends copy games between sticks?
Yes, locally and opt-in, after the receiver confirms they own the game. It is a convenience feature, not a license bypass.
Do you sell USB sticks?
No. RetroLAN is sold as software. Bring your own USB device, flash the RetroLAN image, and the Arcade checks whether the stick is fast enough before you rely on it.
Launch list
Get notified when RetroLAN is ready
Join the release list and get a short email when the trial image, unlock licenses, and setup guide are ready.