Hello, i made this quick guide because i find the install information confusing on kodi, most of Windows resources do not work as espected, and is just and update how-to-install on linux, i made it on fresh new install debian and ubuntu based Xubuntu machine.
frist you need the base os plugin libretro installing it with standar source (do not use nighty)
sudo apt-get install kodi-game-libretro
Them libreto biostolols do it the best for you
https://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=337567
install the addon (the best method is installing first the Zack`s repository)
and configure it. You will need your original bios on configuration options, every time that you start kodi and plugin, bios
After you configure bios tools, use Zack`s libretro buildbot that do the magic
https://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=345619
again, install and download emulator.
Them add rom source as usual you ad video o music sources, review your instaler plugins to know what type of file they can open. Finally open rom file and pop-up will you ask to choice desired emulator. Take care that some rom can cash with “X” emulator but Works with “Y”, so you must test rom one-by-one to know which one that rom works good. Some times can carchs after play and go back to kodi, in that case try with another emulator.