A home arcade should be about having fun, not worrying about someone accidentally changing settings, deleting collections, or discovering games they shouldn't be playing. Fortunately, Batocera offers Kid Mode and Kiosk Mode, two ways to simplify the experience and protect the configuration of your arcade.
They sound similar, but they solve different problems. Here's how to choose between them, set them up, and return to Full Mode when you need to make changes.
What's the Difference Between Batocera Kid Mode and Kiosk Mode?
Kiosk Mode: All the Games, Fewer Settings
Kiosk Mode keeps your normal game library available while restricting access to many advanced menus and system settings. It is ideal for a shared home arcade, game room, vacation rental, party, or anywhere you want guests to play without accidentally changing the configuration.
Kid Mode: Only the Games You Approve
Kid Mode adds another layer of control. Along with limiting access to settings, it displays only games you've explicitly marked as suitable for children. You might include Pac-Man, Sonic, Tetris, or family-friendly racing games while leaving other titles out of view.
Important: Batocera does not automatically evaluate a game's age appropriateness for you. You must choose which games receive the Kid Game designation.
How to Enable Kiosk Mode in Batocera
- From the main system-selection screen, press START to open the Main Menu.
- Open System Settings → UI Mode. On some Batocera versions, UI Mode is under User Interface Settings.
- Change the mode from FULL to KIOSK.
- Review the instructions for unlocking Full Mode, then confirm.
That's it. The games remain available, while advanced configuration and management options are restricted. At American Gear Company, Kiosk Mode is particularly useful for cabinets shared with friends, family, and guests.
How to Enable Kid Mode in Batocera
Step 1: Select Your Kid-Friendly Games
Before activating Kid Mode, remain in Full Mode. Browse to a game you approve, open its game options or metadata editor, and find Edit This Game's Metadata. Enable Kid Game (sometimes displayed as KIDGAME) and save.
Repeat for each game children should be able to access. Favorites and Kid Games are not the same thing: adding a game to Favorites alone will not make it appear in Kid Mode.
Step 2: Activate Kid Mode
- Press START at the Batocera main screen.
- Go to System Settings → UI Mode (or User Interface Settings, depending on the version).
- Switch from FULL to KID.
- Confirm the selection and note the unlock sequence shown on screen.
Only marked Kid Games should appear in the regular game browser. If the game list looks empty, switch back to Full Mode and mark your approved games first.
Step 3: Test Your Arcade
Before turning the controls over to younger players, verify that approved games appear, unapproved titles are hidden, games launch correctly, and the exit-to-menu button combination still works. Test the configuration again after a restart.
For a more detailed walkthrough, read our complete Batocera Kid Mode setup guide.
How to Exit Kid Mode or Kiosk Mode
When it's time to change settings, add games, or update your machine, Batocera offers a default unlock combination:
A → A → A → B → A
On Batocera's NES-style button layout, the corresponding physical face-button positions are Right → Right → Right → Bottom → Right. Labels on PlayStation, Xbox, and arcade controls can differ.
Using a keyboard, the default sequence is Esc → Esc → Esc → Enter → Esc. On Batocera 29 and later, open the Main Menu from the system-selection screen, then enter the combination. A custom unlock sequence may be configured instead.
Remember: UI restrictions are a practical safeguard against accidental changes, not a replacement for comprehensive system security or parental supervision.
Watch the Process on YouTube
Prefer to follow along on video? Watch ETA PRIME's Batocera 5.22 demonstration of Kid Mode and Kiosk Mode. Because this video shows an older release, menus may look different on newer versions.
For the current settings and unlock details, refer to the official Batocera UI Mode documentation.
Which Mode Should You Choose?
Choose Kiosk Mode for friends, guests, parties, and shared cabinets where people should enjoy the full library without changing advanced settings.
Choose Kid Mode when you want a carefully selected game library for younger players. Use Full Mode for your own maintenance, updates, and game management.
A Better Home Arcade Experience
At American Gear Company, we build premium, PC-based arcade systems with the flexibility to make your gaming experience your own. Features like Batocera's Kid Mode and Kiosk Mode help keep gameplay simple and your setup organized.
Ready to upgrade your game room? Explore American Gear Company's premium arcade cabinets.
American Gear Company — Made in the USA since 1997.
