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.