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LaunchBox for Windows
Open To Community
Add a Community Ports, Recomps and Decomps Manager
📋 Summary Allow users to discover, install, update, and launch community-built ports, recompilations, and decompilation projects directly through LaunchBox. ❗ Problem Playable community projects are increasingly distributed through GitHub and similar services, but managing them currently involves: Finding the correct project and release Identifying the correct download Extracting and organizing its files Supplying original game data where required Manually adding the executable to LaunchBox Returning to the project page to check for updates This makes community ports difficult to discover and maintain, particularly as more projects become available. 💡 Proposal Add a curated Community Projects catalog to LaunchBox. From a game’s details, users could view compatible community versions and: Read information about the project Install the latest supported release Provide their legally obtained ROM or game data when required Launch the installed project Check for and install updates Open its installation folder Uninstall it safely Installed projects could be attached to the original game as additional launchable versions. For example, Ship of Harkinian could appear as a playable version of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time without creating an unrelated duplicate entry. 🧩 Use Cases Discover that a game in the library has a native community port Install a recompilation without manually navigating GitHub releases Choose between the emulated original and an installed native version Receive an update notification when a project publishes a new release Keep community projects organized alongside their original games 📦 Benefits Makes community ports and recompilations more accessible Reduces manual downloading and configuration Keeps related versions organized under the appropriate game Provides a consistent installation and update experience Helps users discover new ways to play games already in their library ⚠️ Considerations Version 1 should focus on: Windows-compatible packaged releases Stable releases from a trusted, curated catalog User-initiated installation and updates Projects that can be matched reliably to existing games Preserving saves and configuration files during updates Clear links to each project’s official repository LaunchBox should only download community project files. It should never distribute copyrighted ROMs or game data, and users should be prompted to provide their own files when a project requires them. Support for custom repositories, mods, prereleases, automatic updates, Linux, Android, and projects that require compilation could be considered later.
Open To Community
Download EmuMovies Media During Automatic Imports
📋 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
Open To Community
Import Manuals and Documents into LaunchBox
📋 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
Open To Community
Add Hierarchical Categories to More Metadata Fields
📋 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
Open To Community
Add a Game Soundtrack Music Player
📋 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.
Open To Community
Improve Game-Specific Online Play and Netplay Lobby Access
📋 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
Open To Community
Auto-Show Sidebar on Mouse Hover
📋 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.
Open To Community
Add 3D Console Models to Platform Details
📋 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
Open To Community
Apply Plugin Updates on Next Launch
📋 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
Expose Section in the API IAdditionalApplication Interface
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.
Completed
LaunchBox Reader - Support for PDFs that have two manual pages per PDF page
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.
Open To Community
Add Save Management Support for Non-Emulated Games
📋 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.
Open To Community
Consider creating a new board for Plugin/API Development?
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. 🤷
Vertical option for badge appearance in 'Fast' Box View
I would like the option to orient badges vertically as well as horizontally in the recently added FastBoxesContentView. I’m a bit badge-crazy myself, so I have quite a few custom badges that require a vertical view to see all of them clearly. The case may be similar for other users that like to use many badges at the same time. It’s a small visual gripe I’ve had with the most recent versions of the default theme, which I’ve worked around by using older custom themes, but I would like to be able to benefit from the faster box view without being stuck with horizontal badges.
Open To Community
New Platform: Gamate
📋 Summary Add Gamate as a platform within LaunchBox and the LaunchBox Games Database. ❗ Problem Gamate is a standalone handheld console released by Bit Corporation in 1990. Currently: Users may need to manually create the platform in LaunchBox Games may be grouped under less accurate or custom platforms Metadata and media management is less organized without a dedicated platform There is no clear standard platform entry for users to contribute to or scrape against The platform is now more practical for collectors because MAME support has improved and the known commercial library is effectively preserved. 💡 Proposal Add Gamate as an official platform in LaunchBox and the Games Database. This would allow: Dedicated platform metadata Platform-specific media Consistent organization across user collections Easier contribution and moderation of Gamate titles 📦 Benefits Improves support for obscure handheld systems Makes Gamate collections easier to organize Provides a proper scrape target for metadata and media Supports users collecting preserved MAME software lists Keeps platform organization consistent with similar handhelds ⚠️ Considerations Platform naming should be standardized as Gamate Existing entries, if any, may need review and reassignment Platform icons, clear logos, and metadata would need to be available or added
Open To Community
Add Option to Sort Titles by Leading Articles
📋 Summary Add a setting that lets users choose whether titles beginning with articles like “The,” “A,” or “An” are sorted by the article or by the main title. ❗ Problem LaunchBox commonly sorts titles while ignoring leading articles. For example, The Legend of Zelda may appear under L instead of T. Many users prefer this behavior, but others expect strict alphabetical sorting based on the full displayed title. Users can manually adjust Sort Title for individual games, but doing this across a large library can be tedious. 💡 Proposal Add a global sorting preference for leading articles. Possible options: Ignore leading articles when sorting Sort by full title, including leading articles This should affect title-based sorting and alphabet navigation where appropriate. 🧩 Use Cases Sort The Legend of Zelda under T Keep all games beginning with The grouped together Avoid manually editing Sort Title for many games Match users’ preferred library organization style 📦 Benefits Gives users more control over alphabetical sorting Reduces manual Sort Title cleanup Supports different cataloging preferences Makes sorting behavior easier to understand ⚠️ Considerations The existing behavior should remain the default, since many users expect articles like “The,” “A,” and “An” to be ignored when sorting. The setting should also avoid overriding games where the user has manually entered a custom Sort Title.
Planned
Add API Interface giving access to LB's Notification System
Currently on simple, non-UI involved plugins when e.g. a process/action is completed, we can notify the end user via a MessageBox or even System.Media.SystemSounds.Asterisk.Play();. These can be boring or in the case of a MessageBox, can get ‘lost’ behind LaunchBox’s UI. Having access to LaunchBox’s Notification System for ‘simple messages’ will make for a clean, non-intrusive yet visible means of notifying/informing the end user.
Open To Community
Add Option to Prioritize MAME Parent ROMs During Full-Set Import
📋 Summary Add an option to the MAME Full Set Importer that lets users prioritize the MAME-defined parent ROM as the default version of a game. ❗ Problem When importing a MAME full set, LaunchBox currently uses region and variant preferences to help choose the primary version when related parent/clone sets are grouped. That works well for many users, but some users prefer the default version to match the parent ROM defined by MAME itself, regardless of region or player-count preferences. 💡 Proposal Add a checkbox or advanced option to the MAME Full Set Importer, such as: Prioritize MAME parent ROMs Prefer parent ROM as default version When enabled, LaunchBox would use the MAME-defined parent ROM as the main/default version when importing grouped MAME games. If the parent ROM is unavailable or not working, LaunchBox could fall back to the existing region and variant priority behavior. 🧩 Use Cases Keep imported MAME games aligned with MAME’s parent/clone structure Make the parent set the default launch option Avoid a clone becoming the primary version when the user prefers the parent Still allow region/variant preferences as a fallback when needed 📦 Benefits Gives users more control over MAME import behavior Better supports users who organize around parent sets Preserves existing region/variant behavior for users who prefer it Reduces manual cleanup after importing full MAME sets ⚠️ Considerations This should be optional and should not replace the existing region and variant priority options. The current behavior should remain available for users who prefer regional or player-count prioritization.
Open To Community
Sync playtime from RetroAchievements for games that have RetroAchievements support
❗ Problem For some games, local playtime tracking may be less accurate than playtime tracked by an external service. LaunchBox already benefits from using external playtime data where available, such as Steam playtime. RetroAchievements now exposes user playtime data for supported games, which could provide a more accurate playtime source for retro games played through supported emulators. 💡 Proposal Add an option to use RetroAchievements playtime as a playtime source for matched games. When a user has connected their RetroAchievements account, LaunchBox could check supported games and update playtime using RetroAchievements data where available. This could apply to: Games linked to RetroAchievements entries Games with matching RetroAchievements achievement sets Games launched through supported emulators Library views and filters that use playtime 🧩 Use Cases Keep retro game playtime accurate across emulator sessions Reflect playtime earned outside of LaunchBox when using the same RetroAchievements account Improve playtime tracking for users who rely heavily on RetroAchievements Make playtime-based sorting and filtering more accurate for retro libraries 📦 Benefits More accurate playtime for RetroAchievements-supported games Better consistency across devices and emulator sessions Makes existing RetroAchievements integration more useful Improves playtime-based library organization ⚠️ Considerations This should be optional, since some users may prefer LaunchBox’s local playtime tracking. Syncing should also respect RetroAchievements API limits and avoid excessive requests, likely by caching results and refreshing playtime on a schedule or after gameplay.
Open To Community
Add Autocomplete to Multi-Select Metadata Fields
📋 Summary Add autocomplete support when typing into multi-select metadata fields such as Genre, Series, and supported custom fields. ❗ Problem Some metadata fields can contain long lists of existing values. When editing game metadata, users may need to scroll or type exact values manually, which can slow down bulk editing and increase the chance of inconsistent entries. For example, typing rac should quickly suggest or jump to Racing instead of requiring the user to find it manually. 💡 Proposal Improve multi-select metadata fields so typing filters and suggests matching existing values. This could include: Showing matching values as the user types Highlighting the best match Allowing Enter or Tab to accept the suggestion Supporting partial matches, such as rac for Racing Applying the same behavior to Genre, Series, and similar multi-select/custom fields 🧩 Use Cases Quickly add Racing to several games Select a Series without scrolling through a long list Reuse existing custom field values consistently Speed up metadata cleanup for large libraries 📦 Benefits Faster metadata editing Less scrolling through long value lists Reduces duplicate or inconsistent values Improves usability for large libraries ⚠️ Considerations Autocomplete should clearly distinguish between selecting an existing value and creating a new one where custom values are allowed.