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RetroArch Playtime & Last Played Integration

LaunchBox for Windows

Summary:

Add support for importing playtime and last played data directly from RetroArch, similar to how LaunchBox integrates with platforms like Steam. This would allow users to pull in more accurate and complete gameplay statistics, even for sessions launched outside of LaunchBox ⏱️🕹️.

Problem:

While LaunchBox does track playtime and last played information when games are launched through it, it does not currently pull historical or external play data from emulators like RetroArch. Many users have long-standing RetroArch usage histories and would like to consolidate all of their stats—especially playtime and last played dates—into one centralized location. Additionally, some users still launch RetroArch outside of LaunchBox from time to time, making LaunchBox’s own tracking incomplete.

Proposal:

Integrate RetroArch’s stat tracking into LaunchBox by importing playtime and last played metadata from RetroArch’s logs or save data. This could function similarly to Steam integration—retroactively syncing play history where possible and optionally merging it with LaunchBox’s own tracking 📊.

This functionality has already been demonstrated in projects like RetroGOG, which could serve as a reference for implementation.

Benefits:

  • Provides more accurate and complete playtime tracking

  • Allows long-time RetroArch users to carry over their play history

  • Enhances LaunchBox as a true hub for game management and analytics

  • Makes LaunchBox usage feel seamless, even for those who occasionally use RetroArch independently

  • Helps bridge the gap between old and new user workflows 📈📁

User Feedback Insight:

One user noted that they had been using RetroArch long before adopting LaunchBox, and would love to carry their existing stats over. They also pointed out that, like Steam, pulling directly from the source app may offer more accuracy. Additionally, there are times they still use RetroArch outside of LaunchBox—so this integration would ensure stats remain consistent regardless of launch method.

Posted by bangers n mash ·
Status: Open To Community3 comments

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Comments3

  • AstroBob

    Team•

    Apr 7, 2025

    Hi there,

    Thanks for the suggestion here. I’m curious about the use-case for reading time from RetroArch, since assuming you’re launching through LaunchBox we will track your playtime anyways, and even across devices if you have statistics sync enabled.

    Are there any cases where you’re using RetroArch outside of LaunchBox? If you’re able to elaborate we can flesh out this request.

    Keep us posted

    • bangers n mash

      •

      Apr 8, 2025

      Well, mainly for a few reasons.

      I do use retroarch on occasion outside of launchbox
      I was using retroarch a long time before I started using launchbox, so it would be good to bring in my actual playtime and last played stats.
      Much like steam integration, isn’t it more accurate to pull from the application itself?

      • AstroBob

        Team•

        Apr 8, 2025

        Thanks for the update there. I’ve fleshed out the request and releasing to the community for discussion.