Quick Access Side Menu for Big Box

📋Summary

Add a collapsible side menu in Big Box that gives instant access to commonly used functions—like search, filters, or system controls—without needing to exit to the main menu or dig through settings. This creates a more console-like, user-friendly experience.

❗Problem

Basic tasks like putting the system into sleep mode, restarting, or shutting down currently require navigating all the way to the settings menu. This is especially inconvenient for users running Big Box as a shell replacement or in an arcade cabinet setup where intuitive, console-like interaction is key.

Additionally, these system actions provide no visual feedback, making the experience feel abrupt or incomplete.

💡Proposal

Introduce a side-accessible quick menu (opened via hotkey or controller shortcut) with the following options:

• 🔍 Search

• 🧮 Filters

• 🌐 Discovery Center

• ⚙️ Settings

• 🎨 Manage Theme

• 🌙 Rest Mode

• ⏻ Shutdown

• 🔁 Restart

For the last three options (Rest Mode, Shutdown, Restart), include a short animated screen or video to visually confirm the action—matching or inheriting from the current theme. This could be similar to the startup video functionality and enhance the polish of transitions.

✅Benefits

• Makes Big Box feel more like a console UI

• Greatly improves usability for shell-mode or arcade cabinet setups

• Reduces steps and frustration for quick actions

• Themed transition visuals add immersion and clarity

Here's what it looks like in Steam big picture mode: