LaunchBox

LaunchBox

LaunchBox is a frontend and launcher for emulators and PC games. It allows you to easily organize and launch your games while providing a unified interface for all your emulators. LaunchBox automatically downloads metadata like descriptions, images, and videos for your games.
LaunchBox image
emulator frontend launcher metadata organizer

LaunchBox: Frontend and Launcher for Emulators and PC Games

Organize and launch your games with LaunchBox, a unified interface for emulators and PC games. Download metadata like descriptions, images, and videos automatically.

What is LaunchBox?

LaunchBox is a customizable frontend and launcher for emulators and PC games. It provides a unified interface to help you easily organize and launch all your games in one place.

Some key features of LaunchBox include:

  • Automatic game importing and metadata lookup - LaunchBox can automatically import your games from emulators and Steam, GOG, Origin etc. It will also download descriptions, box art, screenshots and videos from online databases.
  • Customizable interface - Everything from the theme to the layout to individual metadata for games can be customized.
  • Controller support - LaunchBox works well with Xbox and other PC gamepads out of the box.
  • Big Box mode - An immersive fullscreen interface optimized for TVs and home theater PCs.
  • Parental controls - Limit games based on ESRB ratings.
  • Platform emulators - Supports a wide range of console and arcade emulators like MAME, RetroArch and much more.

LaunchBox Premium unlocks additional features like sets for grouping games, favorites, play time tracking, and online multiplayer. It's a good option for power users who want to take their front end to the next level.

LaunchBox Features

Features

  1. Unified interface for all game emulators and PC games
  2. Automatic downloading of metadata like descriptions, images and videos
  3. Ability to easily organize and categorize games into genres, platforms, etc
  4. Customizable themes and layouts
  5. Controller support and key mapping
  6. Scraping tools to import game data from websites
  7. Plugins and extensions for added functionality
  8. Watch game trailers and read manuals
  9. Big Box mode for large screen/TV gaming

Pricing

  • Free
  • One-time Purchase (Big Box mode)
  • Custom Pricing (Lifetime License)

Pros

Clean and intuitive interface

Huge game database and metadata

Active development and support

Highly customizable

Supports many emulators and platforms

Scrapes game data automatically

Big Box mode great for couch gaming

Cons

Can be resource intensive

Metadata not always accurate

Not all emulators supported

Steep learning curve

No built-in emulator, need separate ones

Big Box mode requires purchase


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