Backlog
18Under consideration
Add a Timeline View for Browsing Game History
📋 Summary Add a new Timeline View that lets users browse their game library chronologically by release date. ❗ Problem LaunchBox can sort and arrange games by release date, but there is not currently a dedicated way to explore a library as a historical timeline. Users who enjoy seeing the evolution of games, platforms, genres, series, or publishers may want a more visual way to browse their collection across years and eras. 💡 Proposal Introduce a Timeline View that displays games along a chronological timeline based on release date. The view could group games by: Decade Year Month, when available Platform era Console generation Users could scroll through time and see which games were released in each period. The timeline should work like other LaunchBox views, allowing users to apply filters such as platform, genre, series, playlist, publisher, developer, favorites, completed status, or custom fields. 🧩 Display Ideas Timeline entries could appear as: Horizontal or vertical chronological rows Year-based sections with game covers A zoomable timeline that can move between decades, years, and months Compact mode for large libraries Cover-focused mode for visual browsing Selecting a game would show normal game details and launch options, just like other views. 🧩 Use Cases Browse the history of a platform from oldest to newest See how a series evolved over time Explore games released in a specific year or console generation View a playlist as a historical timeline Discover older games that are easy to miss in normal library views 📦 Benefits Adds a new historical way to explore a library Makes release date metadata more useful Improves discovery in large collections Works naturally with playlists and filters Creates a more museum-like browsing experience for game history fans ⚠️ Considerations Games with missing or incomplete release dates should be handled gracefully, such as placing them in an “Unknown Release Date” section. The view should also support large libraries without becoming difficult to navigate.
Delete duplicate game
Ability to delete a duplicate game from within the Alternate Names tab.
Per-Game Save/Load Snapshot Support for Xemu Emulator
❗Problem The Xemu emulator currently supports only global save states, meaning snapshots aren’t tied to individual games. This makes managing save states across a large Xbox library difficult and error-prone—especially when using LaunchBox and Big Box as the frontend. Users must manually manage snapshot slots or risk overwriting saves from other games. Additionally, Big Box navigation can interfere with snapshot inputs due to overlapping hotkeys. 💡Proposal Introduce enhanced per-game save/load snapshot functionality for Xemu using integrated AHK (AutoHotKey) scripts. These scripts read the emulator’s log file to identify the currently running game and dynamically assign a save or load state based on its filename—effectively simulating per-game snapshots. Requested Features: Automatically assign game-specific snapshot names using the running game’s ISO path in the log file Allow save/load state actions from the pause menu Display the currently selected snapshot for clarity Include a resume override to close Xemu’s monitor window when using the Xbox Guide button (to avoid interference) Optional: Add support for clipboard-based AHK scripts for more robust and faster input ✅Benefits Adds functionality missing from Xemu’s native implementation Allows seamless per-game snapshot support without manually managing slots Avoids accidental overwrites of global save states Enhances Big Box’s usability as a full Xbox frontend Improves input compatibility with Guide button and gamepad navigation This approach mirrors what’s already done in other LaunchBox-integrated AHK enhancements and helps fill a key feature gap for original Xbox emulation.
Option to Delete File When Removing Additional Apps
📋 Summary Add an option to automatically delete the associated file when removing an Additional App from a game in LaunchBox, just like the existing prompt when deleting a main game file. 🎯 Feature Overview When removing an Additional App (e.g., ROM hack, patch version, or alternate executable), LaunchBox should prompt: “Do you also want to delete the associated file from disk?” Include a checkbox in the prompt to remember the user’s preference (e.g., Always ask, Always delete, Never delete). Option could be configured globally 🛠 Example Use Case A user manages several ROM hack versions under one game entry. They remove older or broken versions from the Additional Apps list. Instead of manually locating and deleting each file, LaunchBox automatically deletes them from disk when confirmed. 📦 Benefits Saves time during large-scale cleanup or ROM curation. Keeps library folders tidy and prevents build-up of unused files. Provides consistency with existing delete behavior for main game entries. 💡 Notes Should include safeguards to prevent accidental deletions (e.g., confirmation prompt, Recycle Bin support). Particularly helpful for users managing large modded or custom collections where Additional Apps are frequently added and removed.
Back Command Unresponsive After Failed Search in Big Box
Summary When using the search shortcut in Big Box, if the search query returns no results, the back command fails to return the user to the previous section. This leaves the user stuck on the search screen unless they have an alternative shortcut mapped to navigate to another section. Affected Versions 13.20 Steps to Reproduce Open Big Box and navigate to any section Activate the search function using its mapped shortcut. Enter a search term that does not return any results. Attempt to use the mapped back command (e.g., a button on a controller or keyboard shortcut). Observe that the back command does nothing, leaving the user stuck on the search screen. Try entering a different search term that does return results and press the back command. Observe that in this case, the back command works correctly, returning the user to the previous section. Expected Behavior When performing a search, regardless of whether results are found or not, the back command should always function consistently. If no search results are found, pressing the back command should return the user to the previously active section, just as it does when results are present. Actual Behavior If search results exist, the back command correctly returns the user to the previous section. If no results exist, the back command does nothing, effectively trapping the user on the search screen. The only way to exit the search screen in this scenario is by using a mapped shortcut to a different section, which may not always be available. Reproducibility ✅ Consistently reproducible when searching for terms with no results. Workaround • Users with a direct navigation shortcut to another section (e.g., a mapped key to “Games” or “Platforms”) can bypass the issue. • If no such shortcut exists, users must restart Big Box to escape the search screen. Proposed Fix Ensure that the back command functions consistently, allowing users to return to their previous section even when a search yields no results.
Reset / Clear Cloud Game Statistics
📋 Summary Allow users to reset or clear their cloud synced game statistics, giving them control to resolve sync issues or start fresh. ❗ Problem The current cloud stats system has no way to reset server data: Cloud stats can overwrite newer local progress when re-enabling sync No option to clear or reset cloud stored values Users can become stuck with incorrect or outdated data Only workaround is to manually fix values or abandon sync This creates frustration, especially when sync behaviour is unclear or incorrect. 💡 Proposal Introduce a cloud stats reset option: Allow users to: Clear all cloud stored game stats Optionally reset stats for individual games Provide this option within: LaunchBox settings Or user account / cloud settings Include confirmation prompts to prevent accidental data loss Optionally allow: “Reset and use local data” on next sync 🧩 Use Cases A user wants to fix incorrect cloud synced playtime A user switches devices and wants a clean sync state Sync issues cause mismatched or duplicated stats A user prefers to restart tracking from scratch 📦 Benefits Gives users control over their cloud data Resolves sync conflicts and inconsistencies Reduces support requests around stats syncing Improves trust in the cloud sync system ⚠️ Considerations Must clearly communicate that data will be permanently deleted Should include safeguards to prevent accidental resets May need to consider partial vs full reset options ✅ Outcome Providing a way to reset cloud stats gives users a reliable escape hatch for sync issues, improving confidence and usability of the system.
Improve searching by platform to avoid unwanted results due to partial matches
Problem: Because the search system works by partial matches rather than full matches, searching for “Nintendo Entertainment System” when using the “platform” tag will also display Super Nintendo Entertainment System games, which are unwanted results. Proposal: This can be curbed by instead selecting the platform from a drop-down menu. In order to keep the ability to search multiple systems at once, this theoretical drop-down menu could have the options be checkboxes.
Vertical option for badge appearance in 'Fast' Box View
I would like the option to orient badges vertically as well as horizontally in the recently added FastBoxesContentView. I’m a bit badge-crazy myself, so I have quite a few custom badges that require a vertical view to see all of them clearly. The case may be similar for other users that like to use many badges at the same time. It’s a small visual gripe I’ve had with the most recent versions of the default theme, which I’ve worked around by using older custom themes, but I would like to be able to benefit from the faster box view without being stuck with horizontal badges.
Improve ROM Filename Cleanup During Import
📋 Summary Improve ROM import title detection by filtering common filename tags before matching games to metadata. ❗ Problem Some ROM filenames include extra information that is not part of the actual game title. Examples: 7th Sector [01004B200DF76000] incl v1.0.2.xci 88 Heroes 98 Heroes Edition [010006A0042F0000] + (v65536 UPD) During import, LaunchBox may treat parts like incl v1.0.2, +, title IDs, or update labels as part of the game name. This can cause incorrect titles and failed metadata matches. 💡 Proposal Improve ROM filename parsing to ignore common non-title metadata during import. Examples of text to filter could include: Title IDs in brackets Version/update labels UPD, Update, or patch indicators incl v... style text Standalone symbols like + when used as separators Other common ROM release tags LaunchBox should use the cleaned title for metadata matching while still preserving the original filename. 🧩 Use Cases Import Switch ROMs with title IDs and update labels Improve metadata matching for ROM sets with release-group style naming Reduce manual title cleanup after import Prevent games from being skipped or unmatched due to filename clutter 📦 Benefits Better automatic metadata matching Less manual cleanup after importing Smoother import experience for modern ROM collections More accurate game titles in the library ⚠️ Considerations Filename cleanup should be conservative so valid game titles are not accidentally changed. Ideally, users could review or edit detected titles before finalizing the import.
Box Box
I have 2 screens, and would love big box running on my second screen while I have something else open on my first screen. Big box stays open, but the screen is frozen. can this be changed?
Next up
7Committed and queued
Third Monitor Support for Game Instructions & Move Lists in Big Box
Overview Big Box currently supports multiple monitors for marquees and gameplay, but an additional third monitor dedicated to displaying game instructions, move lists, and control layouts would greatly enhance the user experience—especially for arcade setups and fighting game enthusiasts. This feature would allow users to display custom instruction images for each game, with the ability to cycle through multiple images if a game has multiple character move lists or control schemes. 🖥️ Proposed Functionality 1️⃣ Third Monitor Support for Instructions & Move Lists • Big Box would recognize a third display and allow users to assign it for game instruction images. • Users could place custom instruction images in a designated folder, similar to how marquee images are handled. • When launching a game, Big Box will display the corresponding move list or control layout on the third monitor. 2️⃣ Cycling Between Multiple Instruction Images • Since many games (especially fighting games) have multiple characters with unique move lists, users should be able to: • Press a hotkey or button to cycle through different images associated with the game. • Automatically cycle images at a set interval (configurable in settings). 3️⃣ Alternative Option: Marquee & Instructions Image Cycling • Instead of using a dedicated third monitor, users could opt for a feature where the marquee monitor cycles between marquee images and move lists. • This would allow for dynamic marquee displays that alternate between game artwork and instructions. ⚙️ Customization & Settings • Enable/disable third monitor for instructions (for users who prefer a two-screen setup). • Set image cycling interval (automatic cycling between multiple move lists). • Custom folder support to store instruction images per game (similar to marquees). • Toggle key/button assignment for manual cycling between move lists. 🎯 Use Cases ✅ Arcade cabinets – Players can reference game move lists without pausing gameplay. ✅ Fighting games – Easily cycle through different character move lists for reference. ✅ Classic arcade games – Show original arcade instruction cards alongside gameplay. ✅ Pinball emulation – Display pinball rule sheets and control guides. 🚀 Why This Matters ✅ Enhances arcade-style setups with a fully immersive experience. ✅ Makes it easier for players to access move lists & controls without using external devices. ✅ Flexible implementation allows either a third monitor or marquee cycling based on user preference.
Add API Interface giving access to LB's Notification System
Currently on simple, non-UI involved plugins when e.g. a process/action is completed, we can notify the end user via a MessageBox or even System.Media.SystemSounds.Asterisk.Play();. These can be boring or in the case of a MessageBox, can get ‘lost’ behind LaunchBox’s UI. Having access to LaunchBox’s Notification System for ‘simple messages’ will make for a clean, non-intrusive yet visible means of notifying/informing the end user.
Consumer Cloud Storage Support for Android Game Libraries
📋 Summary Add support for consumer cloud storage providers on Android, allowing users to access ROM collections stored in services such as Google Drive across multiple devices without relying on a self hosted NAS. ❗ Problem LaunchBox Android already supports NAS based libraries, but this requires users to: Own and maintain a NAS device Configure networking and remote access Keep a home server powered and available For many Android users, this is unrealistic or overly complex. At the same time: Android devices often have limited internal storage Users commonly own multiple handhelds, phones, or tablets ROM collections must currently be duplicated across devices Keeping libraries synchronized manually is tedious This creates a much bigger pain point on Android than on Windows PCs, where large local storage is far more common. 💡 Proposal Expand Android storage support to include consumer cloud providers: Allow LaunchBox Android to connect to: Google Drive Dropbox Microsoft OneDrive Enable users to: Browse ROMs directly from cloud storage Stream or temporarily cache games locally Share one centralized library across multiple Android devices Optionally support: Offline caching of favorite games Smart cache cleanup Future LaunchBox managed cloud storage solutions 🧩 Use Cases A user keeps a retro ROM library in Google Drive and accesses it from multiple Android handhelds A user avoids manually copying ROMs between devices A user without a NAS still benefits from centralized storage Smaller ROM collections become instantly portable across Android devices 📦 Benefits Makes centralized libraries accessible to far more users Removes the barrier of needing NAS hardware Reduces storage duplication across Android devices Improves convenience for handheld and mobile users Better suits the portable nature of Android gaming ecosystems ⚠️ Considerations Some emulators may require temporary local caching Network reliability and offline usage should be considered Clear cache management controls would be important Secure authentication handling for cloud providers is required ✅ Outcome Cloud storage provider support would make LaunchBox Android far more flexible and accessible, giving users a simple way to maintain one centralized game library across all their Android devices without requiring dedicated server hardware.
Revamp Games Database Moderation Guidelines (Help Center)
📋 Summary Create a fully updated, centralized set of moderation and submission guidelines hosted on the LaunchBox Help Center, replacing outdated and fragmented documentation. ❗ Problem Current moderation guidelines are: Outdated and scattered across old forum posts Difficult to find and not centrally maintained Inconsistent or unclear on key topics Not aligned with how the database is used today This leads to: Conflicting moderation decisions Ongoing disputes around naming, regions, and media types Confusion for new contributors Reduced trust and consistency in the database 💡 Proposal Rebuild the moderation and submission guidelines as a dedicated Help Center resource: Create a centralized, easy to navigate documentation hub Clearly define standards for: Naming conventions (games, developers, publishers) Region tagging Media classification and usage When to accept, reject, or modify submissions Include real examples and edge cases where relevant Keep documentation versioned and regularly updated Link directly to these guidelines from the Games Database interface 🧩 Use Cases A new contributor quickly understands how to submit media correctly A moderator references clear rules when reviewing a submission Disputes are reduced because expectations are clearly defined Contributors feel more confident their submissions will be handled fairly 📦 Benefits Improves consistency and quality across the database Reduces moderation conflicts and ambiguity Lowers the barrier to entry for new contributors Builds trust within the community Creates a scalable foundation for future improvements ⚠️ Considerations Guidelines should remain clear and concise, not overly complex Should evolve alongside features like tagging and new media types Requires ongoing ownership to keep documentation up to date ✅ Outcome A modern, centralized Help Center for moderation guidelines creates a shared standard for contributors and moderators, improving consistency, clarity, and overall database quality.
Add Plugin Support for PPSSPP Emulator
📋 Summary Add official plugin support for PPSSPP, the most popular PSP emulator, to streamline integration and gameplay launching within LaunchBox. 🎯 Feature Overview Automatically download and configure PPSSPP inside LaunchBox. Recognize .iso, .cso, and .pbp files and assign PPSSPP as the default emulator. Offer built-in access to graphics, control, and system settings. Support per-game configuration profiles and save state management.
Add Plugin Support for Vita3K Emulator
📋 Summary Introduce built-in plugin support for Vita3K, the first functional PlayStation Vita emulator, allowing easy setup and integration with LaunchBox for Vita emulation. 🎯 Feature Overview This plugin would: Allow users to download and install Vita3K from within LaunchBox. Automatically assign Vita3K to PlayStation Vita titles. Support game-specific settings, firmware checks, and save data. 🛠 Example Use Case A user imports a PlayStation Vita game into LaunchBox. With Vita3K plugin support: LaunchBox auto-assigns the correct emulator. Launches games with the right command-line options. Handles any required configuration behind the scenes. 📦 Benefits Makes Vita emulation more accessible to the average user. Removes barriers related to emulator setup. 💡 Notes Vita3K is gaining momentum as more games become playable. Integrating it as a LaunchBox plugin helps users keep their handheld library centralized and easy to manage.
Marquee functionality to assign specific monitor
It would be great if we could assigned the marquee screen to a specific device instead of just the number that is randomly assigned by windows. The current implementation is not very reliable if e.g. a third display is used, because bigbox only supports two displays. Using the third screen plugin does also not solve this, because things like screensaver mode do not work properly i.e. the plugin seems to not register the changes of screensaver mode properly. Cheers
In Progress
Actively being built
No In Progress issues
Done
81Recently shipped
LaunchBox Error When Attempting To Download Video Media From Steam
Summary Users may experience a crash with the error: “Object reference not set to an instance of an object.” App: LaunchBox Version: xx.xx Theme: Default Plus Type: System.NullReferenceException Site: System.String GetTrailerVideoUrl(Unbroken.LaunchBox.Windows.SteamGame) Source: Unbroken.LaunchBox.Windows This occurs when LaunchBox attempts to fetch trailer videos from Steam, triggered by specific actions like editing game metadata or importing Steam storefront media. Cause We identified a recent change with Steam in the way that their trailer videos are served via their backend. LaunchBox’s current video query system for Steam games is no longer compatible, resulting in a NullReferenceException when a trailer is requested. Symptoms Crash when selecting Media > Videos > Download Media while editing a PC game Crash during Download Metadata & Media Wizard if “Steam Trailer Video” is selected Crash during Tools > Scan for Storefront Games if trailers are prioritized Crash on startup if Automatic Storefront Imports is enabled and Steam videos are requested Temporary Workarounds To avoid triggering the crash: ✅ Disable Automatic Storefront Imports under Tools > Manage > Storefronts ✅ Avoid selecting Steam Trailer Video when using the Media Import Wizard ✅ Do not manually open Download Media > Videos for Steam or PC games ✅ If scanning for storefront games, temporarily change media priorities to exclude trailer videos Status ⚙️ Under Investigation — We’ve confirmed the root issue is due to a Steam-side change and are actively working on an update to restore compatibility. We’ll update this post as we have more information
Support for Platform Manuals
Overview Currently, LaunchBox allows users to add and view game manuals, but there is no option to attach platform-specific manuals. Many classic gaming consoles had official manuals that provided instructions, history, and troubleshooting information. Adding support for platform manuals would enhance the experience for retro gaming enthusiasts by offering a nostalgic and informative resource within LaunchBox. Proposed Features Allow users to attach platform manuals (PDFs or images) to each gaming system. New “Platform Manual” section in the platform’s details pane. Support for multiple manual versions (e.g., different regional releases, hardware revisions). Benefits ✅ Adds nostalgia and historical value for retro console collectors. ✅ Provides useful reference materials for setting up and troubleshooting classic systems.
Support for RetroAchievement's Progression, Missable & Beaten markers
In 2023, RetroAchievements introduced Progression & Win Conditions, which allow achievements to contribute towards marking a game as Beaten or Mastered. These additions provide a structured way to track completion status, making it easier for players to see their progress at a glance. 🔗 More information on this concept: Proposed Integrations in LaunchBox & Big Box To enhance the integration of RetroAchievements, here are several ways LaunchBox could implement these new features: 1) Game Details Pane Integration • Display Beaten and Mastered markers directly on the game details pane in LaunchBox. • In Big Box mode, add similar visual markers to the game details page to easily track completion status. ☝️ Example of how beaten markers are shown on the RA website 2) Pause Menu Achievements Tab Enhancements • Under the Achievements tab in LaunchBox’s pause menu, display icons or labels for: • Progression Achievements (those required to beat the game). • Win Condition Achievements (final achievements marking completion). • Missable Achievements (achievements that can be permanently lost in a playthrough). • Bonus Suggestion: Introduce separate tabs for each of these categories for better organization. ☝️ Example of all 3 types of achievements Would love to hear if others would like to see this implemented, or suggestions for how to integrate it.
More 3D Model Box Types
Overview The rotatable 3D model boxes in LaunchBox are a standout feature, bringing physical media to life in a digital space. They offer a unique, nostalgic, and highly visual way to explore game collections—flipping the box to view the front, spine, and back feels authentic and satisfying. Currently, LaunchBox offers four 3D model types: • Box • DVD Case • Jewel Case • Long Jewel Case These cover many platforms, but key systems from the cassette era are missing appropriate models, which limits the representation of those libraries. Primary Request: Cassette Jewel Case Models 🎞️ Add support for cassette-style jewel cases, as used by: Amstrad CPC ZX Spectrum Commodore 64 BBC Micro • Include both single and double cassette formats, which were commonly used across these systems. • These platforms make up a significant portion of retro collections, and having accurate models would dramatically improve the presentation of these games in LaunchBox. Nice-to-Have Additions • Genesis / Mega Drive cases – Unique clamshell designs that differ in shape and layout from current options. • Potentially support additional region-specific cases in the future (e.g., Famicom or PC Engine packaging styles). Benefits ✅ More accurate and immersive 3D representations for iconic systems. ✅ Better support for collectors and fans of European and cassette-era platforms. ✅ Greater consistency across platforms for users who prioritize 3D box views. ✅ Complements other feature requests such as multi-spine support and custom backgrounds.
Microsoft Store Login Does Not Complete in Manage Storefront
Summary: On LaunchBox 13.24, logging into the Microsoft Store via the Manage Storefronts window does not complete. The login flow starts, but the UI does not update to reflect a successful login. Steps to Reproduce: Open Tools > Manage Storefronts. Select Xbox / Microsoft Store and click Log In. Go through the Microsoft login process. After finishing, the button still reads Log In instead of showing a logged-in state. Clicking the button again briefly opens a login window that closes immediately, but the status does not change. Observed Behavior: The login flow runs, but the button remains at Log In. Re-clicking the button flashes a window that closes instantly. Storefront never shows as authenticated. Expected Behavior: After a successful login, the UI should update to reflect the account is logged in. Impact: Users cannot connect their Microsoft/Xbox Store accounts to LaunchBox, preventing storefront integration.
Option to Remove Associated Media When Deleting a Game
Currently, deleting a game from your LaunchBox library does not remove any associated media such as box art, screenshots, videos, or manuals. This often results in leftover files that need to be cleaned up by running the media cleanup wizard at a later stage. Feature Request: Add a way to optionally remove a game’s associated media at the time of deletion. Whether through a prompt or integrated into the deletion process, this would give users more control over what’s kept and what’s removed when managing their library. Benefits: Prevents media clutter after games are removed Helps maintain a clean and efficient library Reduces time spent manually managing unused files Frees up disk space, especially in large collections Here’s a mockup of a 'delete associated media' checkbox which could be added to the game deletion confirmation window, as shown below:
“Update All Emulators” Button in Manage Emulators Window
Currently, LaunchBox allows users to check for updates on supported emulators via the Manage Emulators window. While it’s helpful to see which emulators have updates available, each one must be updated individually by clicking into its respective menu. This request proposes adding a “Update All” button directly to the Manage Emulators window. This button would: Automatically update all supported emulators that have a new version available. Save time by eliminating the need to manually open and update each emulator one by one. Ensure a more streamlined maintenance workflow, especially for users managing large libraries or frequent emulator updates.
Known Issue: Big Box Startup Videos Not Playing Reliably
Overview Some users are experiencing an issue where Big Box startup videos do not play consistently, or are skipped entirely, when launching Big Box. Reports began around LaunchBox 13.19–13.20 and continue through recent builds. Symptoms You may see one or more of the following: Startup video plays only on first launch, then gets skipped on subsequent launches Restarting Windows may allow the video to play once, then it stops again Startup video plays intermittently (for example, around 1 in 3 launches) Big Box skips the splash screen, but the startup video also fails to play Occurs on fresh installs as well as upgraded builds Reproduced across both low end and high end systems Happens with both FFMPEG and Windows Media Player Affected Versions Reported from approximately 13.19–13.20 onward Confirmed by users in 13.24 Reproduced internally in 13.25 beta Expected Behavior When a startup video is present in LaunchBox/Videos/Startup, Big Box should: Reliably play the startup video on every launch Allow users to skip the video via controller, keyboard, or mouse Transition smoothly into Big Box after playback or skip What This Is Not This issue is not typically caused by: Incorrect folder structure Correct path is LaunchBox/Videos/Startup A specific video file, format, or number of videos System performance alone Current Understanding Based on community reports and internal investigation: The issue is real but highly inconsistent, which made it difficult to diagnose The problem appears tied to startup video changes introduced when Big Box moved away from the legacy VLC based playback system Startup video playback now relies on FFMPEG or Windows Media Player, depending on user settings The behaviour suggests a timing or initialization issue in certain Windows or machine environments What We’re Doing We’ve now identified machines internally that reproduce the issue The startup video system has been rebuilt from the ground up in a test branch Early testing shows strong improvements, including: Startup videos playing reliably across repeated launches
Known Issue: Big Box Freezing due to playback engine compatibility
Description: Multiple users have reported that Big Box freezes after a a period of time, requiring the application to be force-quit. The issue appears inconsistent and difficult to reproduce, but several reports suggest a potential link to video playback settings (WMP vs. VLC). Observations from Reports: • The time before freezing varies wildly, ranging from 10–15 minutes, to hours, to days. • Some users report that WMP (Windows Media Player) does not freeze, while VLC seems more prone to freezing. • Some users report no crashes at all, even after extensive testing. Steps to Reproduce (Inconsistent): 1. Launch Big Box 2. Navigate through games, leave idle, or turn on attract mode 3. Monitor for freezing behavior 4. If using VLC, try switching to Windows Media Player (WMP) and compare behavior Expected Behavior: Big Box should remain responsive, regardless of the time elapsed or the number of videos played. Actual Behavior: • Big Box freezes and becomes unresponsive. • Requires force-quitting the application to recover. Workarounds & Potential Fixes: • Switch from VLC to WMP: Go to Big Box’s System Settings Options Videos. Change the Video Playback Engine from VLC to Windows Media Player. Make sure to restart Big Box for the changes to take effect • Monitor if the issue persists across different video players. 🚨 Please note: The settings to control the playback engine in Big Box and LaunchBox are different. Changing this setting in LaunchBox, will have no effect in Big Box Status: ✅ Resolved. With the release of 13.21, we’re considering this issue resolved. To close the loop, WMP is now the default video playback engine, and our installer has been updated to include the necessary codecs (K-Lite) to ensure everything works properly.We understand there are some concerns about moving away from VLC. We’ve provided a detailed explanation of the issue and why we made this decision in our article, which you can check out below: Understanding Video Playback for LaunchBox & Big Box in 13.21 and Beyond Now that WMP is the default playback engine, if you’re still experiencing freezing issues, we’ll assume you’re no longer using VLC. Please open a new report so we can diagnose the problem further. Thanks for bearing with us while we got this sorted out!
Dual-Screen Device Support for LaunchBox on Android
📋 Summary Add official support for dual-screen Android devices, ensuring LaunchBox for Android displays and functions correctly across both screens on modern and upcoming handhelds. 🎯 Feature Overview Optimize the LaunchBox Android interface for dual-screen devices such as: AYN Thor Aya Neo Pocket DSS Retroid Pocket Dual Screen Add-On Ensure UI elements and navigation adapt seamlessly between single-screen and dual-screen modes. Provide flexible display options, such as: Game list or platform view on one screen, game details or media on the other. Optional mirrored or extended view modes depending on user preference. 🛠 Example Use Case A user running LaunchBox on an Aya Neo Pocket DSS could browse games on the top screen while viewing details, videos, or manuals on the bottom screen. Another user might prefer to use one screen for navigation and the other for a fullscreen controller overlay or quick-access menu. 📦 Benefits Future-proofs LaunchBox Android for the next generation of dual-screen handhelds. Provides a more console-like and immersive browsing experience. Enhances usability and organization for devices with unique form factors. Strengthens LaunchBox’s standing as the most versatile Android frontend for retro and modern handhelds.