Kazeta: A New Linux OS Turns PCs into Retro Game Consoles

Alesh Slovak, the mastermind behind ChimeraOS, has unveiled Kazeta, a fresh Linux-based operating system designed to bring back the simple joy of classic console gaming on your PC. After six months of hard work, this project tackles the growing frustration with complicated digital storefronts and aims to keep gaming collections alive using physical media. Kazeta works by loading DRM-free games onto SD cards that act like old-school cartridges. Just pop in a card, power up your PC, and you’re straight into the game—no accounts, online hassles, or cloud dependencies needed. Save data stays on your internal storage, while the cartridges remain read-only to protect them. Without a card inserted, Kazeta boots into a retro-style BIOS menu, letting you manage game saves just like the 1990s consoles.

Slovak’s inspiration came from watching non-tech-savvy friends struggle with Steam’s tricky layout and his own growing dislike of digital distribution. His love for physical media and worry about preserving games long-term shaped Kazeta’s core ideas.

There are some limitations to note: no dual-boot or virtual machine support, no hybrid graphics, and no multiple monitors or Bluetooth controllers yet (though Bluetooth support is on the horizon). Each SD card holds just one game and needs manual prep, like formatting and file copying.

You can download Kazeta now, with full setup instructions on GitHub for those meeting the basic requirements:

Requirements

4 GB or more RAM
32 GB or larger internal storage
AMD Radeon RX 400 series or newer GPU (highly recommended for the best experience)
NVIDIA GTX 1600 series or newer GPU
Intel GPUs from 2017 onward may work but have limited game compatibility
One connected TV or monitor
No hybrid graphics support
No virtual machine support
A keyboard is usually needed to select the boot disk and start the installer
No dual booting on the same disk
Secure Boot must be turned off
Intel RST (Rapid Storage Technology) must be disabled
Legacy/BIOS mode not supported