LaunchBox is a gaming frontend originally built for DOS. However, now LaunchBox supports a slew of emulators and PC games for an all-in-one multimedia solution. Whereas the likes of RetroPie, Batocera, Lakka, and Recalbox feature emulators built-in, LaunchBox doesn’t. As such, you’ll need to add your own. The difference in LaunchBox vs Retroarch is that Retroarch provides emulators, while LaunchBox offers a pretty user-interface. Thus, LaunchBox is used in conjunction with Retroarch.
Easily add games through the wizard
Once the application is successfully installed on your computer and launched, you’re greeted by a game import wizard. On the bright side of things, it can save an enormous amount of time if most of your games are already installed, and you can launch the wizard at any given moment. There is also the option to manually add entries, even if they’re not installed.
Deciding to add a game manually is not really a hassle, but mostly time-consuming. Various fields can be filled in, ranging from title and developer, to location on your computer, region, version, as well as emulator details if needed. More than this, some detail fields can be automatically filled in through a quick online lookup, including images and media.
Support for emulators and modern libraries
The application offers quite a variety of tools with which to make your collection feel personal. It’s possible to directly install DOS games, or manage preferred emulators and platforms. AutoHotkey scripts can be used for better integration with DOSBox, ScummVM, and Windows games. When not exactly sure what to play, the application can randomly select an item from the list.
As far as documenting your collection goes, the application does quite a good job, displaying existing information, especially when you bring up the details section. However, the program also wants to be the way you launch and play games, which can keep your desktop free of all kinds of shortcuts. As mentioned, games you add to the library don’t necessarily need to be installed, unless you want the play option to be available from the application menu.
All things considered, we can state that LaunchBox is almost every gamer’s virtual room. With support for retro games, various types of emulators, but also modern game libraries like Steam and GOG, it’s sure to quickly become the place you frequently update and use to launch your favorite games.
Features We Know You'll Love
A Game Launcher with Style
We originally built Launchbox as an attractive frontend for DOSBox, but it now boasts support for modern games and retro game emulation. We make all your games look pretty.
Organize Your Game Collection
We're not just pretty; we let you add as much or as little information to your games as you'd like. LaunchBox maintains its own crowd-sourced database for a massive number of games.
We Emulation
LaunchBox includes support for countless emulators. We're the best launcher for all your retro and console games. Go ahead, play your favorite game from 1985.
Steam Library Imports
We automatically import all your games, including your Steam library. It doesn't have to be complicated, so we made it easy to get started. If you're OCD like us, you're free to customize everything.
Excellent How-To Video Tutorials
The LaunchBox team produces regular how-to videos to address frequently asked questions which help you get your games up and running. Check out our YouTube channel.
We have a GREAT Community
Our forums are home to some of the gaming world's coolest people. If you need help figuring something out, we suggest that you start there. You'll find a friend or three.