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Vertical Rotation Lock & Momentum for 3D Box Models

LaunchBox for Windows

Overview

Currently, 3D box models in LaunchBox can be rotated freely in all directions. While this allows users to see all sides of the box, it also makes flipping between the front and back covers less intuitive. The ability to lock vertical rotation would simplify navigation and improve the user experience.

Proposed Features

1️⃣ Vertical Rotation Lock (User Option)

  • Lock rotation to the horizontal axis, allowing users to easily flip between the front and back of a game box.

  • Optional per-platform setting, so users can keep vertical rotation enabled for systems where top and bottom spines matter (e.g., SNES).

  • Toggle setting in preferences, allowing users to enable or disable it based on personal preference.

2️⃣ Smooth Momentum Effect

  • Add a small inertia effect so that when rotating a box, it gradually slows down and stops instead of halting abruptly.

  • This would provide a more organic and realistic feel, making box rotation smoother and more enjoyable.

Benefits

✅ Easier & more intuitive flipping between front and back covers.

✅ Reduces accidental vertical flipping, improving usability.

✅ Enhances realism with a more natural, physics-based feel.

✅ Gives users control over rotation behavior with platform-specific settings.

Posted by Retrofrogg ·
Status: Completed5 comments

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Comments5

  • AstroBob changed status to Completed
    Team•

    Jan 27

    Pinned

    Hi Folks,

    With today’s release of 13.25, this feature has now been implemented. The 3D Model viewer adds a new rotation lock menu with Free Rotation, Lock Horizontal, and Lock Vertical options, saved across both LaunchBox and Big Box

    Thanks for bearing with us while we got this implemented. For more info on this release, check out the summary here:
    LaunchBox for Windows - 13.25

    Cheers,

  • AstroBob changed status to Planned
    Team•

    Oct 10, 2025

    Pinned

    Hi there,

    Vertical and Horizontal orientation lock is now available as part of our latest beta (LaunchBox 13.25 Beta-1). If you’d like to get an early look, you can follow this guide to update to the latest beta.

    🔗 LaunchBox Beta Versions

    We’d love to hear any thoughts, suggestions, or improvements you might have. If you’re not able to jump on the beta, no worries — we’ll update this post again once the official release is out.

    • Retrofrogg

      •

      Oct 10, 2025

      Thanks so much for this! The locks seem to work as intended. Rotating the box to see the front and back is now a much more pleasant experience! There doesn’t seem to be a momentum effect though - is that yet to be implemented?

      Also - it might be my imagination, but wasn’t there a slight shine/light reflection effect before? I don’t see that now.

  • Retrofrogg

    •

    Jan 27

    This has been marked as completed, but the momentum aspect doesn’t seem to be there yet?

    • AstroBob

      Team•

      Jan 28

      Apologies, these are 2 different requests and yes, the release only covers the rotation locks. I’ve split a seperate request for the smooth motion, you can upvote it here:

      Smooth Momentum Scrolling for 3D Box Rotation