Single Platform Imports

The Single Platform Import Wizard is the most guided way to add ROM files for one system at a time. It gives you control over the platform, emulator, file handling, metadata, media, and advanced import options before anything is added to your library.

🗯️ What is it?

This wizard imports games for one platform, such as Nintendo Entertainment System, Sony PlayStation, or Sega Genesis. You choose the files or folder, confirm the platform, set up the emulator, and review exactly what LaunchBox found before finishing.

It is the best choice when you want a careful, platform-by-platform setup instead of importing a large multi-system collection all at once.

🤔 Why should I care?

Use the Single Platform Import Wizard when:

• You are adding a new system and want LaunchBox to help configure a supported emulator

• You want to choose whether ROM files stay where they are, are copied, or are moved into LaunchBox

• You use a custom platform name and need to control the Scrape As value

• You want precise control over metadata, images, videos, manuals, bezels, duplicates, multi-disc games, or MAME-specific options

• You want to review, rename, or remove games before the import begins

The benefit is control: LaunchBox walks you through the entire setup for one platform and lets you verify the result before changing your library.

❓ How do I use it?

Options that do not apply to your selected platform or emulator may be skipped automatically.

1. Choose your files

Select individual ROM files or choose a folder. A folder is usually easier, especially when it contains games for only one platform.

• For the cleanest results, keep one platform's games together in a folder named after that platform.

• If the folder name matches a standard LaunchBox platform name, LaunchBox may fill in the platform automatically.

• Review whether subfolders should be included later in the wizard.

2. Select the platform

Confirm the platform that these games belong to. If you use a custom platform name, choose a Scrape As value that maps it to an official platform in the LaunchBox Games Database. This helps LaunchBox find the right metadata and media.

3. Set up the emulator

Choose how the games will be launched:

• Automatic setup: For supported emulators, LaunchBox can download and configure an emulator for you.

• Manual setup: Select an emulator you already use or add one yourself. Make sure the platform is listed under that emulator's Associated Platforms.

If more than one supported installable emulator is available, LaunchBox may let you choose between them and identify the recommended option.

4. Add required dependencies, if prompted

Some emulators require BIOS files, firmware, or other system files. If a dependency page appears, use its status indicators to see what is missing or verified:

• ❗ A required file or required group is missing

• 🔴 The file is not present

• 🟡 A file is present but does not match the expected checksum

• 🟢 The file is present and verified

You can continue without optional files, but required files may prevent games from launching until they are supplied.

5. Choose how LaunchBox handles the files

• Use files in their current location: Best when your ROM folders are already organized.

• Copy files into LaunchBox: Keeps the originals and creates a copy inside the LaunchBox game folders.

• Move files into LaunchBox: Relocates the originals into the LaunchBox game folders.

6. Choose metadata and media

Select the metadata and image types you want LaunchBox to download. More image types create a richer library, but also use more storage and take longer to download.

• Use media limits when you only want one image of each selected type per game.

• If you connect EmuMovies, you can also choose supported images, videos, music, and manuals. Some EmuMovies content requires a paid account.

• If the selected platform and emulator support bezels, LaunchBox may offer Bezel Project options.

7. Review advanced options

The options shown depend on your files and earlier choices. They can include:

• Force importing duplicate games

• Import files only from the folders you selected

• Use folder names as game titles

• Detect PDF files as manuals

• Combine ROMs with matching titles into one game entry

• Copy or move related files with the same name

• Use MAME metadata for MAME-style ROM names

MAME and FinalBurn Neo imports may show additional platform-specific pages. Read those choices carefully, especially when importing clones or anything other than a complete set.

8. Review the games LaunchBox found

Before the import begins, LaunchBox shows the games it plans to add. Review this list and rename or remove entries as needed.

9. Finish the import

Select Finish to add the games. Game entries appear as they are imported, while selected media can continue downloading in the background. If LaunchBox closes before queued media finishes, the queue can continue the next time LaunchBox opens.

💡 Which import method should I use?

• Use Single Platform for the most control over one system.

• Use Multiple Platforms when an organized root folder contains several platform folders.

• Use Drag and Drop for a quick, small import started directly from File Explorer.

• Use Automated ROM Imports when you want LaunchBox to monitor its Games folders and add new files with minimal interaction.