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Set LaunchBox as a Default Home App on Android

📋Summary

Introduce the option for LaunchBox on Android to be set as the default home launcher, enabling users to boot directly into LaunchBox when powering on their handheld device or pressing the home button.


❗Problem

Many users running LaunchBox on Android-based handhelds (e.g. Retroid, Anbernic, Odin) want a console-like experience, where the device boots directly into the frontend without passing through the standard Android launcher.

Currently:

  • LaunchBox cannot be selected as a default home app.

  • Users must manually open LaunchBox after each reboot or wake.

  • Competing frontends like Daijisho support this feature and are gaining traction among handheld users.

However, past attempts to implement this were rolled back due to compatibility issues with Samsung DeX and similar Android desktop modes, which rely on their own launcher environments. Enabling launcher functionality could break setups for users on tablets or phones using these extended modes.


💡Proposal

Offer optional support for LaunchBox to register as a launcher, with the ability to:

  • Be set as the default home app by the user.

  • Boot directly into LaunchBox at startup or after waking the device.

  • Include a toggle in the settings so it’s completely opt-in, minimizing impact on users with incompatible setups (e.g., Samsung DeX).


✅Benefits

  • Enables a console-style experience for handheld users.

  • Provides parity with competing frontends on Android.

  • Makes LaunchBox feel more immersive and device-native.

  • Still preserves compatibility for users who opt out or use hybrid tablet/desktop modes.

Status: Completed3 comments

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Comments3

  • AstroBob changed status to Completed
    Team•

    Jan 27

    Pinned

    Hi Folks,

    With the release of 1.21, this feature has now been implemented. LaunchBox for Android can now be used as an optional Home Screen launcher. Enable this feature from the Options menu.

    Thanks for bearing with us while we got this implemented. For more info on this release, check out the summary here:
    LaunchBox for Android - 1.21

    Cheers,

  • ChunkyLoverMark

    •

    Jul 7, 2025

    Again it’s not something I would use as I use Launchbox on my phone but if I had a

    dedicated Android gaming machine this feature would be essential.

  • Eyebrows Cat

    •

    May 27, 2025

    It's a feature I don't need, but I understand some people need it and some don't, and it should be an option rather than forcing it into the home app.