RetroDebian Live
RetroDebian Live is a custom live distro built on Debian Etch for retro gaming on classic x86 hardware.
It is made for machines like the Pentium II and
Pentium III, with one goal:
deliver a fast, light, period-appropriate Linux system
for old games, old GPUs, and old hardware experiments.
This is not a modern desktop squeezed onto old hardware.
It is a purpose-built retro system.
Features
- Debian Etch userspace
- Custom 2.6.24-based kernel
- Live boot with SquashFS + UnionFS
- Lightweight Fluxbox desktop
- Fast startup and low overhead
- Built as a base for 3dfx, Glide, UT99, and hardware test tools
Current state
The system already boots and runs as a real live distro with the custom kernel.
The next steps are: - desktop polish - 3dfx integration - custom tools - Unreal Tournament 99 - optional installer support
Philosophy
RetroDebian Live is built around a simple idea:
old hardware deserves software that stays out of its way.
Small, responsive, understandable, and tuned for retro gaming.
Multiple ISO will be generated, including different GPU Drivers.
The current focus is on 3DFX Voodoo2 :)
Technical note
The project is built with a custom kernel, live-helper,
Docker, and Jenkins, with the kernel and ISO handled as separate build
stages.