Allow Multiple LaunchBox Instances To Run Simultaneously

📋 Summary

Allow multiple instances of LaunchBox to run simultaneously on the same system.

❗ Problem

LaunchBox currently only allows a single active instance:

• Users cannot run multiple builds side by side

• Difficult to test different versions or configurations

• Limits workflows for developers, testers, and advanced users

• Requires fully closing one setup before opening another

This creates friction for users maintaining separate environments.

💡 Proposal

Add support for multiple concurrent LaunchBox instances:

• Allow separate LaunchBox installs to run simultaneously

• Ensure each instance maintains:

  • Independent settings

  • Separate databases

  • Separate plugins and media paths

• Optionally include:

  • Warning if two instances point to the same data folder

  • Command line option to force multi-instance mode

🧩 Use Cases

• A user tests a beta build alongside a stable build

• A user maintains separate setups for arcade and console collections

• A developer tests plugins across different environments

• A content creator records or experiments without affecting their main build

📦 Benefits

• Improves testing and development workflows

• Supports advanced multi-build setups

• Reduces friction when experimenting with new versions

• Gives users greater flexibility in managing their environments

⚠️ Considerations

• Could require protections against conflicting writes

• Plugins and background services may need isolation between instances