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Allow Big Box to Prompt Closing LaunchBox When opening Big Box exe

LaunchBox for Windows

Overview

Currently, if LaunchBox is running, attempting to open the Big Box app (BigBox.exe) fails because LaunchBox must be manually closed first. While you can switch to Big Box via the LaunchBox menu, this is inconvenient for users who:

  • Have LaunchBox set to launch at startup as their primary frontend and want to open Big Box via something like Steam without opening LaunchBox first

  • Frequently switch to Big Box for a full-screen, controller-friendly experience.

  • Are streaming Big Box via Sunshine/Moonlight or Steam (as a non-Steam game) and need a seamless transition.

Proposed Solution

Modify BigBox.exe to detect if LaunchBox is already running and prompt the user with the following options:

1️⃣ Automatically close LaunchBox and open Big Box.

2️⃣ Cancel the request (if the user doesn’t want to switch).

This would ensure that Big Box can launch smoothly without manual intervention, making the transition more user-friendly.

Additional Considerations

  • Ensure no data loss when closing LaunchBox, such as unsaved metadata edits.

  • Option in settings to enable/disable automatic closing of LaunchBox when launching the Big Box app.

Posted by dolfan058 ·
Status: Open To Community3 comments

This request was merged into another request

Comments3

  • TaamoX

    •

    Apr 4, 2025

    This would be a great QOL feature as I like to edit a lot in normal mode, and when I actually want to use LB I use Big Box primarily. It is a bit annoying to have to close LB or launch it through the regular window in order to open Big Box.

  • AstroBob

    Team•

    Mar 20, 2025

    Hi there,

    Thanks for the report here. Because Big Box and LaunchBox run off the same set of data files, one cannot be open while the other is active in order to avoid conflicts of data.

    That said, I can see the ask here given you have LaunchBox as a startup app and you want to open Big Box without needing to go into LaunchBox to switch first.

    I’ve fleshed out the request and opening it up to the community for discussion

    • dolfan058

      •

      Mar 20, 2025

      This is excellent and a read through above perfectly describes the problem and potential solve. Thank you! Fingers crossed!