Batocera works really well, has a 10ft UI, and includes:

• Kodi to stream local media and can act as an Airplay receiver. I use Jellyfin as a server but I bet Emby would work just as well.
• the ability to run Flatpaks
• a nice 10 ft UI as the default and allows for customization
• emulation backends and moonlight game streaming
• the ability to pair Xbox, PlayStation, or any other Bluetooth controllers

Get a usb IR receiver like FLIRC or something similar with HDMI CEC to control everything via standard remote.

This is the first time I’ve heard anyone say Kodi has a learning curve. I’m curious what you found difficult?

The mini pc is the most flexible. Batocera works really well and includes:

• Kodi to stream local media and can act as an Airplay receiver
• the ability to run Flatpaks
• a nice 10 ft UI
• emulation backends and moonlight game streaming
• the ability to pair Xbox and PlayStation controllers

Get a usb IR receiver like FLIRC or something similar with HDMI CEC to control everything via standard remote.

Vote. Shit won’t change if you don’t make yourself heard.

This article sums up what has happened a few times already: https://ploum.net/2023-06-23-how-to-kill-decentralised-networks.html

This isn’t any different.