📋 Summary Allow automatic ROM imports to download selected media from EmuMovies alongside LaunchBox Games Database media. ❗ Problem Games added through automatic import do not automatically receive EmuMovies media. Users must run a separate media download afterward to obtain items such as gameplay videos and manuals. This makes automatic importing feel incomplete and creates repetitive work for users who regularly add games to monitored folders. 💡 Proposal Add EmuMovies options under the existing automatic import media settings. Users with a configured EmuMovies account could choose which supported media types should be downloaded automatically, including: Gameplay videos Video themes Manuals Music Supported images These preferences should be applied whenever new games are detected and imported automatically. 🧩 Use Cases Add ROMs to a monitored folder and receive their videos automatically Import a few games regularly without running a second media download Automatically collect manuals alongside existing LaunchBox media 📦 Benefits Makes automatic imports more complete Eliminates a repetitive second download step Keeps newly imported games consistent with the rest of the library Provides more control over automatic media downloads ⚠️ Considerations EmuMovies downloads should require a valid configured account Existing media should not be replaced unless the user enables that behavior EmuMovies errors or unavailable media should not prevent the game from importing Automatic download limits should also apply to EmuMovies media where appropriate

luxiox 2 days ago

1

LaunchBox for Windows

📋 Summary Add an option to copy locally added manuals and documents into LaunchBox’s managed folders instead of only linking to their original locations. ❗ Problem When users select or automatically discover a local manual or document, LaunchBox may continue referencing the file from its original location. If that file is moved, renamed, or deleted, the document becomes unavailable in LaunchBox. This also makes portable installations and library transfers less reliable. 💡 Proposal When adding a manual or document, allow users to choose between: Copy the file into LaunchBox Keep the file in its current location Files copied into LaunchBox should be organized into appropriate platform folders and referenced using portable paths. The option should apply to files found during game imports as well as files added through game or platform editing. 🧩 Use Cases Keep manuals available after cleaning up the original ROM folder Move a LaunchBox installation without losing linked documents Maintain one organized location for game-related media Prevent links from breaking when source folders change 📦 Benefits Improves library portability Reduces broken manual and document links Provides more consistent media management Makes backups and migrations more reliable ⚠️ Considerations Copying should not delete or move the original file Users should be able to retain externally managed document libraries Duplicate filenames and existing files should be handled safely A future migration tool could copy existing externally linked documents into LaunchBox

Retrofrogg 7 days ago

1

LaunchBox for Windows

Take Duck Hunt for the NES as example, as you can see in LaunchBox a gun badge is correctly displayed however in Bigbox default theme it doesn't show up. This may happen on other badges also but I am not aware of that. Using version 14.0.1

Kefka2b 9 days ago

1

🐛

Bug Report

An "&” character in a search terminates the string. For example, search for: plat:Game & Watch This will result in a search for: plat:Game

dukdukgoos 17 days ago

1

LaunchBox Games Database

📋 Summary Allow hierarchical, collapsible values in additional metadata fields using the same structure currently supported by Genres. ❗ Problem Genres can be organized using values such as: Role-Playing / Action RPG This creates a parent category with a collapsible subcategory. Other fields, including Series and custom fields, currently appear as flat lists even when users need several related values. Large collections can therefore produce long and difficult-to-navigate filter lists. 💡 Proposal Extend hierarchical value support to other compatible metadata fields, particularly: Series Custom fields Play Mode Other multi-value fields displayed in the sidebar Users could enter values such as: Final Fantasy / Main Series Collection / Fan Translations Multiplayer / Cooperative LaunchBox would display these as collapsible parent and child entries throughout applicable filters. 🧩 Use Cases Organize a large franchise into main games, spin-offs, and remakes Create structured custom categories for hacks, translations, or collections Group related values without filling the sidebar with separate entries Browse large libraries using more meaningful hierarchies 📦 Benefits Improves navigation in large collections Makes custom fields significantly more flexible Provides consistent organization across metadata fields Reduces clutter in sidebar filter lists ⚠️ Considerations Hierarchies should only apply to fields where nested values make sense Existing values containing slashes must continue to work correctly Editing, filtering, and bulk editing should recognize the same hierarchy Parent selections should optionally include items assigned to their child values

AwakeNPC 19 days ago

1

LaunchBox for Windows

📋 Summary Add a dedicated music player for game soundtracks inside LaunchBox and Big Box. ❗ Problem LaunchBox can already play game music, but soundtrack support is limited compared to a full music player experience. Users may have full albums or soundtrack collections for their games, but there is no dedicated way to browse and play multiple tracks as an album from within LaunchBox. 💡 Proposal Add a soundtrack music player that allows users to attach multiple audio files or albums to a game. Supported features could include: Multiple tracks per game Album or soundtrack folders MP3, FLAC, WAV, OGG, and other common formats Play, pause, next, previous, shuffle, and repeat controls Track list display from the game details view Optional Big Box support for controller-friendly playback 🧩 Use Cases Listen to a full game soundtrack from the game details page Attach OST albums to favorite games Browse and play music collections in Big Box Use LaunchBox as a lightweight game music library 📦 Benefits Expands existing game music support Makes soundtrack collections easier to enjoy Adds value for users who collect game OSTs Improves LaunchBox as a media-rich game library ⚠️ Considerations This should build on existing game music support rather than replace it. A first version could focus on multiple tracks per game and simple playback controls before expanding into broader music library features.

DavidMomu20 19 days ago

3

LaunchBox for Windows

📋 Summary Add platform show/hide filters to the LaunchBox Games Database moderation queue. ❗ Problem Moderators often have platforms they are more familiar with, and others they are not interested in or do not feel qualified to review. Currently, they may need to repeatedly skip submissions for platforms they do not want to moderate, which slows down the process and adds unnecessary friction. 💡 Proposal Allow users to configure platform filters for the moderation queue. This could support: Showing only selected platforms Hiding selected platforms Saving the filter preferences per user Quickly editing or clearing the platform filter list 🧩 Use Cases A moderator focuses only on platforms they know well A user hides platforms they do not want to review Moderators avoid repeatedly using “Skip for 24 hours” on the same platforms Database changes are reviewed by users with more relevant knowledge 📦 Benefits Speeds up moderation Improves review quality Reduces repetitive skipping Lets contributors focus on areas where they have expertise Makes the moderation queue more pleasant to use ⚠️ Considerations Filters should not permanently remove items from the queue. They should only customize what each moderator sees, and users should be able to reset or adjust them at any time.

dukdukgoos 20 days ago

3

LaunchBox Games Database

📋 Summary Add broader storefront-style import support to LaunchBox for Android, similar to the storefront integrations available in LaunchBox for Windows. ❗ Problem Users may have Android games installed from multiple sources, such as: Google Play Amazon Appstore Epic Games Other Android app stores Currently, it can be difficult to organize these games together in LaunchBox for Android with storefront-aware metadata and media. Users who already use LaunchBox on Windows expect a similar experience where games from multiple sources can be collected into one library. 💡 Proposal Expand Android storefront import support so LaunchBox for Android can better detect and import games from Android storefronts. For supported stores, this could include: Importing installed games from each storefront Identifying which storefront a game came from Applying storefront-specific metadata or media where available Updating imported Android games when new games are installed Launching imported Android games directly from LaunchBox A later version could explore importing owned-but-not-installed games if a storefront provides reliable access to that library. 🧩 Use Cases Import Google Play games into LaunchBox for Android Import Amazon Appstore games on Android devices Import Epic Games Android titles View Android-native games alongside emulated platforms Keep Android games organized in one frontend across handhelds, tablets, and Android TV devices 📦 Benefits Makes LaunchBox for Android feel closer to the Windows experience Improves organization for native Android games Reduces manual setup for Android storefront games Supports users with games from multiple Android stores Makes Android devices better all-in-one gaming frontends ⚠️ Considerations Some storefronts may limit access to owned library data, install source information, metadata, or media. Version 1 should focus on reliably importing installed Android games, with deeper storefront account integration considered separately where technically possible.

jpclive 21 days ago

2

LaunchBox for Android

📋 Summary Improve online multiplayer access by adding a game-specific Play Online option that connects users more directly to available netplay lobbies for the selected game. ❗ Problem LaunchBox supports browsing RetroArch Netplay lobbies, but the flow is separate from the normal game browsing experience. If a user wants to play a specific retro game online, they may need to: Open the general netplay lobby browser Search for a matching game manually Coordinate with another player outside LaunchBox Configure or launch the correct setup separately This makes online play feel disconnected from the game library. 💡 Proposal Add a Play Online or Find Online Match option from a game’s context menu or details view. For supported games and emulators, this could show: Active lobbies for the selected game Join or spectate options Basic lobby details such as host, core, player count, and status A shortcut to create or host a compatible netplay session Clear messaging when no lobbies are available Voice chat could be considered separately, but should likely start as an external integration or optional link rather than a built-in LaunchBox voice system. 🧩 Use Cases A user selects a game and immediately checks if anyone is playing online A Big Box user joins a compatible netplay lobby from the couch Users can host a session without navigating through a separate lobby browser first RetroArch netplay becomes easier to discover and use from the normal game view 📦 Benefits Makes online retro multiplayer easier to access Builds on existing netplay functionality instead of replacing it Reduces friction for users who want to play a specific game online Adds a stronger social layer without requiring a full first-party matchmaking service ⚠️ Considerations Initial scope should focus on supported emulator/netplay systems Built-in matchmaking and voice chat would be much larger features and may not be appropriate for a first version Lobby matching depends on compatible cores, ROMs, emulator settings, and network conditions Any social or communication features would need privacy and moderation planning

Blackhaartz 26 days ago

2

LaunchBox for Windows

📋 Summary Add a way to submit new games, metadata updates, and media updates to the LaunchBox Games Database directly from within LaunchBox. ❗ Problem Users often add or improve game metadata and media inside LaunchBox, then have to repeat the same work manually on the LaunchBox Games Database website. This creates unnecessary double work when: A game is missing from the Games Database A game has incomplete metadata Media has been added or improved locally A user wants to contribute corrections back to the community 💡 Proposal Add a Games Database submission wizard inside LaunchBox. From a game’s details or edit screen, users could choose: Add Game to Games Database for games with no database match Submit Updates to Games Database for games already linked to a database entry The wizard could let users review and select which local changes to submit, such as: Title Platform Release date Developer / publisher Genres Series Notes / description Alternate names Images and other supported media Submissions would go into the normal Games Database moderation queue before becoming public. 🧩 Use Cases Add a missing game after entering its details locally Submit corrected metadata without retyping it on the website Upload locally added box art, screenshots, or clear logos Help fill gaps in the Games Database while managing a LaunchBox library 📦 Benefits Reduces duplicate work for contributors Encourages more database submissions Improves metadata and media coverage over time Makes Games Database contribution feel like part of LaunchBox Helps users share improvements they already made locally ⚠️ Considerations Users should be signed in to a Games Database account before submitting The wizard should clearly show what will be submitted Users should be able to choose specific fields and media, not submit everything blindly Duplicate detection would be important for new game submissions Media submissions still need normal moderation and quality checks Some local-only fields may not map cleanly to Games Database fields

Elhora 27 days ago

2

LaunchBox Games Database

📋 Summary Add an option for the LaunchBox sidebar to automatically show when the mouse cursor hovers near the left edge of the window. ❗ Problem Users currently need to manually show or hide the sidebar when they want access to platforms, playlists, filters, or other navigation items. This can interrupt browsing, especially for users who prefer a cleaner main view with more space for games. 💡 Proposal Add an optional auto-hide sidebar mode. When enabled: The sidebar stays hidden during normal browsing Moving the mouse to the left edge of the LaunchBox window reveals the sidebar Moving the mouse away hides it again after a short delay 🧩 Use Cases Keep the game grid cleaner while still having quick sidebar access Quickly switch platforms or playlists without manually toggling the sidebar Improve usability for mouse-focused desktop setups 📦 Benefits Saves screen space Makes navigation quicker Reduces manual show/hide actions Gives users another layout customization option ⚠️ Considerations The feature should be optional so users who prefer the current fixed sidebar behavior can keep it unchanged.

CalicoStonewolf about 1 month ago

1

LaunchBox for Windows

See also @Tag-Based Media System for Flexible Asset Classification 📋 Summary Add dedicated Fan Translation tags for Games Database media so translated logos, box art, cartridges, and other assets can be categorized consistently. ❗ Problem Fan-translated games often have custom translated media, but there is no clear place to assign these assets in the Games Database. Currently, contributors may use regions like North America, United States, or World for fan-translated media. This causes problems because: It can imply the game had an official release in that region Users in other English-speaking regions may not scrape the translated media correctly Improved fan translations can conflict with official English releases Different contributors may use different region choices for the same type of asset Non-English fan translations have no consistent tagging approach 💡 Proposal Add dedicated fan translation media tags based on translation language. Examples: Fan Translation - English Fan Translation - Spanish Fan Translation - Portuguese Fan Translation - French Fan Translation - German Fan Translation - Italian These would be used for media created for fan-translated versions of games, without incorrectly marking the game as an official regional release. 🧩 Use Cases A Japanese-only game receives an English fan translation and translated clear logo A game with an official English release also has an improved fan translation Spanish, Portuguese, French, or other fan translation projects need matching media Contributors need a consistent place to submit translated logos, boxes, carts, and discs 📦 Benefits Prevents fan-translated media from being misclassified as official regional media Gives contributors clearer submission guidance Improves scraping for translated assets Supports multilingual fan translation projects Reduces inconsistency across Games Database submissions ⚠️ Considerations This should likely apply to media tagging, not necessarily the game’s main region field. Users may also need a way to prioritize fan translation media in their region/media priority settings. A friendly naming format such as Fan Translation - English may be clearer than language-code labels like Fan Translation-en.

SMASHINGblargharghar about 1 month ago

4

LaunchBox Games Database

📋 Summary Add support for displaying 3D console or hardware models when viewing platform details. ❗ Problem LaunchBox can display attractive 3D-style game media, but platform pages are more limited visually. When users browse by platform, it would be useful if the selected platform could show a 3D model or render of the console itself, similar to how selected games can show 3D box artwork. 💡 Proposal Add a platform media type for 3D console or hardware models. When a user selects a platform such as PlayStation, Nintendo 64, or Sega Genesis, the platform details area could display the associated 3D console model if available. 🧩 Use Cases Show a 3D PlayStation model when selecting the PlayStation platform Improve platform browsing in LaunchBox and potentially Big Box themes Give hardware-focused collections a richer presentation Allow theme creators to use platform hardware models in layouts 📦 Benefits Makes platform browsing more visually engaging Brings platform presentation closer to game presentation quality Adds more flexibility for themes and custom setups Highlights console hardware as part of the collection experience

nj4294 about 1 month ago

3

LaunchBox for Windows

📋 Summary Add an option to defer plugin updates so they are applied the next time LaunchBox starts, without forcing the user to restart immediately. ❗ Problem Updating plugins can interrupt the user’s current session if LaunchBox needs to restart right away. This is frustrating when the user is actively organizing their library, importing games, downloading media, or preparing to launch something. 💡 Proposal When plugin updates are available, provide a less disruptive update option such as: Update and restart now Download/update later Apply updates the next time LaunchBox starts If the user chooses to defer, LaunchBox should keep using the currently loaded plugin version until the app is closed and reopened normally. 🧩 Use Cases A user sees plugin updates but wants to keep working A user updates several plugins at once without interrupting their session Plugin updates are ready automatically the next time LaunchBox opens 📦 Benefits Reduces forced interruptions Makes plugin updates feel smoother Gives users more control over when updates are applied Improves the Plugin Manager experience ⚠️ Considerations Pending plugin updates should be clearly indicated Users should be able to cancel a pending update if needed Existing plugin behavior should remain active until LaunchBox restarts

dukdukgoos about 1 month ago

2

LaunchBox for Windows

V14 helpfully introduced the Section property for AdditionalApplications - visible in the [Platform].xml file. This will be super useful for plugin developers who need to distinguish between Game Files, genuine additional Apps, links and documents (and any other future categories). At the moment, the only option is hacky: reading the platform xml files directly.

stigzler about 1 month ago

LaunchBox for Windows

New PDF reader needs a solution for PDF manuals that have two pages on one PDF page. The single page setting mostly works, except the major issue is that the front and back cover are stretched. No fit settings resolve this. This is the major thing keeping me from using the new reader as the default option as the experience is worse. I think there needs to be a specific setting for documents that have two pages on one PDF page. The more minor issue is that the ‘page turning’ animation would need to come from the middle rather than the left. Also, the page turning is really fast when going forward, but better when going back. A speed setting would be great.

Dugular about 1 month ago

1

14.0.1

LaunchBox for Windows

📋 Summary Allow users to use LaunchBox Save Management with non-emulated games by manually defining save locations or using suggested save paths from trusted sources such as PCGamingWiki. ❗ Problem Save Management is extremely useful for supported emulated games, but many users also have non-emulated games in their LaunchBox library. PC games from Steam, GOG, Epic, itch.io, and standalone.exe installs often store saves in different locations, such as Documents, AppData, Saved Games, the game install folder, or storefront-specific folders. Without a way to tell LaunchBox where those saves are, users have to manage backups manually or rely on custom scripts. 💡 Proposal Add Save Management support for non-emulated games. For each game, users could define one or more save locations, including: A save file A save folder Multiple save locations Optional labels for each save location LaunchBox could also suggest save locations using public metadata sources such as PCGamingWiki when available. Suggested paths should be editable before use, since save locations may vary depending on storefront, operating system, Proton/Wine usage, cloud-save behavior, and user-specific folders. Once configured, LaunchBox could include those saves in existing Save Management workflows, such as manual backups, automatic backups, backup on game close, version history, and restore. 🧩 Use Cases Automatically suggest save locations for known PC games Back up saves for Steam, GOG, Epic, itch.io, and standalone games Track saves for games that do not use an emulator Preserve save data before moving LaunchBox to another PC or drive Replace batch-file backup workflows with built-in Save Management 📦 Benefits Expands Save Management beyond emulated games Helps prevent lost PC game saves Reduces manual save-location research Makes LaunchBox more useful as a full game library manager Provides a consistent save backup experience across more game types ⚠️ Considerations This should support both manual setup and suggested paths. PCGamingWiki or similar sources should be treated as a helpful starting point, not guaranteed truth. LaunchBox should let users review and edit detected paths, warn when a configured path is missing, and clearly show whether a backup contains files, folders, or multiple save locations.

Tayley about 1 month ago

2

LaunchBox for Windows

I like very very much the latest release, much faster, smoother and with that fantastic scroll bar teleport and much needed upgrade to the grid. However I noticed a problem and I think it was not there on the 13.x versions: in LB browsing the list of games in the main list or in a playlist causes an update of the “updated date” to today. I think that “updated” is meant for actual changes in the game, metadata and so on. Using it for a “highlighted while browsing” seems a bug.

Luca1010 about 1 month ago

3

🐛

Bug Report

📋 Summary Improve the transition when exiting a game from the Pause Screen so the emulator does not briefly flash back on screen before the shutdown theme or LaunchBox/Big Box returns. ❗ Problem When selecting Exit Game from the Pause Screen, the screen can briefly flash back to the running game or emulator before the shutdown/game-over theme appears. In some cases, users may also see a blank emulator window or other emulator closing visuals. This makes the exit transition feel unpolished, especially in Big Box setups where startup, pause, and shutdown themes are intended to hide emulator behavior. 💡 Proposal Keep a LaunchBox/Big Box controlled overlay visible during the entire exit flow from the Pause Screen. When the user chooses Exit Game: The game should remain hidden immediately The shutdown/game-over theme should appear without exposing the emulator If shutdown themes are disabled, LaunchBox or Big Box should return cleanly without showing the emulator closing process Emulator closing windows or blank flashes should be masked where possible 🧩 Use Cases Exiting an emulator from the Pause Screen in Big Box Arcade cabinet setups where emulator windows should never be visible Themes that rely on smooth startup, pause, and shutdown transitions Emulators that briefly show blank or intermediate windows while closing 📦 Benefits Makes game exits feel smoother and more polished Better hides emulator behavior from the user Improves the Big Box arcade/couch experience Makes pause and shutdown themes feel more cohesive ⚠️ Considerations Some emulators and fullscreen modes may still limit what LaunchBox can fully control, especially during process shutdown. The goal should be to improve masking and handoff behavior wherever possible, while preserving reliable emulator exit commands.

Kefka2b about 1 month ago

5

🐛

Bug Report

My rationale: I think plugin/API requests get swamped/buried by the other topics in the `Launchbox For Windows` board given they’re relatively niche. “Linux Support for Launchbox” is always going to outnumber “Please expose property X in the API".” Sad thing is, from a cost/benefit ratio, Launchbox is potentially missing a bit of a win. Supporting your plugin developers == expanding Launchbox features == more people are attracted to/$buy$ Launchbox. And with requests like this, likely for very little coding time. It would also make it easier for everyone (including yourselves) to browse plugin/api dev vs generic LB. Just a thought. 🤷

stigzler about 1 month ago

LaunchBox for Windows