The Best Emulation Frontend For Windows? - LaunchBox / Big Box

In my opinion, LaunchBox is the best Emulation front end for windows.
Easy to set up and packed with awesome Feature.
In this video, I go over some of my favorite things in the newest releases of LaunchBox and I also show you how to quickly set up your first system.
Get LaunchBox Here: www.launchbox-app.com/
EmuMovies: emumovies.com/
Easy Game Set Up Video: • Easy MAME Install Setu...
Follow Me On Twitter: / theetaprime
Follow Me On Instagram: / etaprime
Equipment I Use:
Screen Capture Device: amzn.to/2STpX4C
Tool Kit: amzn.to/2M6l9WS
Soldering Station: amzn.to/2FtdVeu
Camera: amzn.to/2M6KFLB
Tripod: amzn.to/2CmdYVY
Raspberry Pi 3 B Plus: amzn.to/2DTF0Db
Flirc Case: amzn.to/2OBQTXz
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you!
THIS VIDEO IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY!
#LaunchBox #Emulation #Windows DISCLAIMER: Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. No Games Or Applications Are Included Or Added On Or To Any Device In This Video

[@mikeschneider9462]

Best emulation channel on the tube! Love what you do!

[@stegoboard7495]

I had no idea something this simple existed. Excellent video. Anyone doing emulation on Windows should look at this.

[@randyiron2]

Thanks! I knew nothing about emulated rom files until I bought the atgames arcade. I have been able to figure out how to add roms to this. I’m quickly realizing I want a pc based arcade. With what I already learned in the last week and this video I feel very comfortable not only building my own but setting everything up with the software! This video pulled it all together for me. You sir earned a sub from me. I can’t wait to check your other videos. I can tell you’re a step above the rest!

[@foxhound34]

Love Big Box, can't wait to build a full cab with it.

[@danielpatrick3268]

I've used launchbox and big box for like 2 years. Bought the forever license and I'm glad I did. My collection looks totally dope. I love the themes you can change it up with. I'm not into getting every game ever made. I just grab the best games for ever system that I actually want to play. Scrolling through big box with all my games in coverflow with the emumovies looks incredible. It has gotten a lot smoother scrolling since the beginning. Here's two things I personally swear by in Big box: 1use random game video as platform video. 2 use a theme with a video background and change the background vid to whatever you want. As long as it's named the same as it is in the theme folder it'll work. It's an easy and fun customization.

[@datquietkid5397]

Are bigbox and launchbox the same thing?

[@NickKnack]

@@datquietkid5397 Judging from the video, they run the same and work through Launch Box. I'm about to try it out myself and get a license.

[@baroncalamityplus]

Thank you, I'm going to try this out.

[@Abel-Alvarez]

Thank you so much man I really find this useful, it's amazing and worth getting Big box.

[@colwyn78]

Thanks to your videos I use LB since 1 year, I paied forever and it's the best frontend. Thank you ;)

[@stevend813]

Loving the launch box! Thanks for the info!

[@jong2359]

I am really glad that you posted this video because i was starting to wonder if you still used BigBox. I have been using the free version, and it works nicer than all of the other ones I have tried. I think it is about time I stepped up to the premium version.

[@hardware4all]

With Hyperspin and other front ends you can do basically the same and maybe even more... but Launchbox/BigBox is easy to use, has integrated download of databases, images, etc... yes, you can use steam to launch your games, but for an arcade setup, or retro look, this is the best by far! Hope you make a Jukebox or Rockola tutorial that i've been waiting for

[@kalicci]

Great tutorial as always thanks 👍

[@BigJuffer]

Launchbox really is great. Been using it myself for a while, never really had the need to upgrade to big box.

[@GforceMI1965]

Preaching to the Choir here, bought this last year after seeing one of your videos about it, superb front end, been enjoying some old BBC model B games like the classic "Citadel" with BeebEm, thanks for sharing :-) also the best copy protection I've ever seen, share it and Dox yourself :-D

[@joshuamossman5493]

I would have never known about launchbox or big box if it wasn't for you soon as I saw it I fell in love I'm a forever member and all of your tutorials here and on launchbox's KZbin channel are great thank you

[@currantebob]

Premium version has been one of my BEST money spent! It is an awesome software and It is incredible in a bartop or arcade machine. Could you make a tutorial for pinball fx2 tables? Regards from Spain 😁

[@mikeymozzarella780]

Looks clean. Gonna give it a shot.

[@karlmee1234]

I 100% agree with you that it's the best windows front end available. I tried to set up hyperspin and it was a nightmare and time consuming to set up, I used attract mode and it was ok but didn't look all that good in my opnion in my arcade set up. I was on the fence about paying for Big Box but I bit the bullet and I love it, there's no need for rocketlauncher like other front ends and it's a lot less time consuming to set up. I only found out about Big Box because of watching your videos so thank you ETA :)

[@GuyJustChillin]

Wow... Legit pretty awesome. I'll give this a go Thx :-)

[@MrWarwounds]

I've been using launch box and big box for 4 years never been disappointed. You can't go wrong with it.

[@kenk039]

I agree! I’ve messed with many of the front end programs, and LaunchBox is the easiest IMO. Slowly saving funds to buy the premium version. I know they do a give away once in a while, but have been unlucky so far😁

[@KrisCoolmod]

YOU ARE THE BEST BIG THX !!!!

[@Cyrus_Nagisa]

The pause screen has to be my favorite new feature, with it, I have no reason to access retroarch at all unless I am tweaking settings

[@ETAPRIME]

+Cyrus Nagisa yeah I’ve never really used the save function in the past but with this I got tons of states now.

[@Galaxiancerberus]

thats what am looking for . i really like it and an gonna purchase the life time license .

[@TrexCharlieX]

With LaunchBox it will turn up PC into a game console that you'll love. I been using it for bout 5 years and it's my go to

[@skumbino]

I use it mainly as a launcher for pc games, since i have STEAM, GOG,Uplay,Origin,Twitch.

[@Guitario666]

What do you think of gog galaxy 2.0?

[@noface24]

Prime these tutorial videos are as great as they are helpful. Here's an idea for a future tutorial, and one that I think would be very helpful. There's plenty of tutorial videos out there that help you get started, however there is nothing to help iron out the wrinkles once you're done. Common issues such as similar game titles with duplicate videos, missing wheel art for certain consoles and games, etc. Keep up the good work!

[@noface24]

@Scratch Looper I've looked at his videos, haven't seen anything pertaining to some of the tweaks I mentioned. Then again, maybe I didn't look deep enough?

[@noface24]

@Scratch Looper thanks man. Mame, I have the Neo Geo version of Double Dragon showing up as the arcade version (wrong video theme and wheel art etc). I was wondering if there was an easier way to correct aside from hunting down the correct media and then applying in the right locations. Funny thing is the actual arcade Double D populated correctly.

[@noface24]

@Scratch Looper Yes everytime I do that, it updates both versions for some reason. This time I went further and re-updated the arcade version back to its initial version (which was arcade) and it worked. The Neo Geo version stayed as the correct version. However the video theme stays the same for both versions. If I then update the video for one version, it also updates the other version 😐

[@noface24]

Scratch Looper I have an official release of 203 Mame roms. This pops up with an older version too (201). Lol I thought this is common for Mame roms. Thanks for your help dude 👍

[@noface24]

@Scratch Looper it's probably a good idea to do that. Arcade Punks would be the place to keep an eye out for it?

[@Stuke51]

Once I finish my HTPC I'm putting BigBox on there immideately. Couch gaming will be so great on this thing.

[@azgorath7641]

I've never regretted buying the lifetime license but the only problem I have with LB/BB is how slow and sluggish it is if you have a HUGE collection with a TON of artwork and videos on a NORMAL hard drive. However, installing LB/BB and all the videos and artwork to an SSD instead, gives a MAJOR speed boost to performance so thats recommended. I have also bought a yearly license for mgalaxy and gameex just to try them out and I love where mgalaxy is going with its current and future features. If only they would release more updates more often though. Gameex is ok but combining Kodi with BB plugin is a better option.

[@Ur2ez4me81]

Definitely replacing my hyperspin front for this.

[@IAmWarN]

100% agree! LB/BB has been the best front-end experience for me. I've tried a few other FEs and LB/BB definitely stands out as THE best/easiest to setup. I love that the developers continue to release new content/features. I get excited every time ETA Prime or Unbroken Software releases new videos to talk about the new updates. The forever license is totally worth it so if anyone is on the fence, don't hesitate! Keep up the good work ETA Prime and UB Software!

[@AsadRehman1993]

New sub thank you for launch box will be buying soon just need a pc 1st

[@vincent9476]

Man I always thought you were the guy behind Launchbox ! I’m nearly disappointed ^^

[@grant78uk]

Thanks for another great video. Could you do a tutorial in how you can update the emulators you use in launchbox without messing up existing settings etc please

[@neil_9000]

You just need to go to Tools/Manage Emulators and point Launchbox at the new .exe, you dont need to change any settings other than telling it where the updated emulator is.

[@grant78uk]

neil9000 thank you. I’ll try that.

[@TexasToyReviews]

I need to go back in and drop my extra thirty

[@pierregrobbelaar9116]

I am using the free version as my currency's really bad.But it's by far the best emulator program that i used.It's easy and simple that everyone can use it.

[@IRWPD]

Every time is see a video on LaunchBox. The more I want a arcade cabinet.

[@wyattlive83]

Dont get a cab trust me use xbox controllers and a pc much more user friendly

[@kaelajoshua7188]

This is the best video to date! I want to setup a launchbox. Can you tell me what is the best PC to buy that can handle all the emulators and games to date. I built a bartop with raspberry pi, but I think launchbox would be my next project. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge!!!

[@sdlemire]

So it’s your favorite front end for windows. Would that include a living room HTPC setup running windows mostly controlled with a controller, too?

[@cwarner5909]

If I keep watching these videos I'm either going to have to buy or build a game console. I got the premium version of Launchbox last November but playing the games with a hand held controller just doesn't give the retro arcade experience I'm looking for.

[@thegamerboy1000]

I don’t know why but I love the way you end your videos with ”but always..*insert dramatic pause*..thanks for watching” it just puts a smile on my face.......but that means....... your the Joker!! 😮🤭

[@mattwall4149]

Its beautiful and is my next project. I just picked up a cheaper optiplex specifically to do a big box build. Only thing I wish it would do is include bezel project.

[@goldkirby]

Hey, me too! Picked up a 9020 for a steal after hunting around. Has worked great for LB. One thing I’d recommend is using Windows Media Player as the video player, seems to help maximize performance and not use as many resources as the default VLC. Best of luck on your build!

[@MrLeslie2007]

thanks.

[@MrJDuro]

Definitely the best

[@PinkFlowers365]

thanks

[@CJPayton]

You should do a video on the Pegasus Frontend with GameOS theme. I know it has RetroPie support but Windows PC's are supported. Hope to see a new video soon @ETA Prime

[@damienretro4416]

Two years later and Pegasus is still in alpha and very buggy. Crashes with no error messages.

[@andyvanelverdinghe1812]

could you do a video with launchbox/bigbox with a self made fightstick/arcade stick for windows 10? i would like to see how you set up those buttons as i have problems with it.

[@nononono12345]

I’ve wanted to get into this but damn it’s like Japanese to a Spanish speaker lol your vids definitely helped!

[@pontusthuren2197]

Inuse Batocera right now, and I think that is awesome. But then ChatGPT told me about this! I'm thinking about switching to Bigbox =D

[@MrDeemann8]

Hello ETA. I installed everything. At the very end I see my game but when I click on the game box. The game title pops up but no game play? Why is that? THANKS

[@SlickNickBA]

Are there pillarbox themes for Launchbox? One thing I have seen is that other front ends have themed pillarboxes that match whatever game is being played instead of just the standard black pillarboxes. It adds a nice touch. Something I haven't seen for Launchbox.

[@Mario-tm6uv]

I love Big Box and how easy it is to customize virtually every aspect of the front end. As a result the variety has kept boredom at bay.

[@FlintG]

Mario Yup this easilly replaces the raspberry pi.

[@Middcore]

Do you know what might cause an issue with box/cover art not showing up in some themes? In my CriticalZone default theme for example, it shows the screenshots for games but there is nothing above them where the box art should be.

[@serock3]

I think it's nice with proper payed software that isn't riddled with ads and such. 50$ is a bit steep perhaps, I'd be more comfortable with paying 20-30$, but I guess they've priced it there for a reason.

[@4573rtey]

I wanted to know is there anything I can do to trim down windows 10 for a dedicated emulation PC?

[@ratmdex]

ETA BOIZ

[@tommycaldwell6953]

Awesome video!! Just got a few questions. Is there a way to boot straight to Launchbox on startup? Also, is there a way to pick how big the cover art files will be when you download them? Perfer small, low res (100kb) covers so they will load faster. High res pictures take to long to load. In addition, is there a way to use multiple displays? My video card will allow me to display to 3 screens. Would like to display to the TV and to another screen that will act as a marquee. Would like this to display cover art of the game being played.

[@apemoon1731]

I've got a system dedicated entirely to emulation via Launchbox. My build is up to 13tb so far.

[@phoder1]

I'll always choose open source software if the difference is not to horrible. Like Playnite, on the long run supporting open source projects will win over closed source, company owned software. and Playnite is pretty good, future options should approve it even more, and right now it can include pretty much any emulator you want and fullscreen mode free for life :P

[@KSPNico]

I love launchbox but i can't play 2 players with epcsxe, when player 1 push a button both players do the same action, any idea here please ? Can't find a solution on the web

[@boomerps2]

I dedicated 5 years to Hyperspin. I will say that Hyperspin is much more customizable and runs faster but unfortunately BadBoyBill has all but given up on Hyperspin and that's a shame. I have purchased several LaunchBox license's and love the support there. I'm thinking about trying GameEx Evolution as well.

[@boomerps2]

@guyverjay ... EXACTLY!!

[@Greg-J]

Probably time for another review of this. Pricing - and probably interface/featureset - are outdated.

[@zed8888]

I just started experimenting with launchbox. I normally use everything on raspberry Pi like retropie, recalbox, batocera etc. I recently was trying to fix a friend's arcade build that used hyperspin that decided it didn't want to play the games anymore, after I messed around with it for hours trying to figure out the issue, I figured I'd try to maybe transition it to launchbox. I've got 2 questions for you if you could possibly help me with them. #1 is there a way to incorporate his rocketlauncher portion to work with launchbox that's not too painful (I know rocketlauncher is so painful so I doubt it lol) and #2 is there a way of just adding your gaming files to the launchbox folders and then setting them up to with with the emulators, or do I have to spend forever just importing them? Thanks. Love your channel, I watch it constantly and I just bought a refurbished m93p SFF and GTX 1030 to experiment with the PC side of things. I've never messed around with PC's hardware before. I appreciate everything you and others on KZbin do to help the retro gaming community!

[@giovannivanhaaren9885]

So, I use my Nvidia Shield TV's and Steam to play Retroarch that is on my PC. Retroarch is not supporting PCSX2. Is launchbox the ultimate solution? Would be great if it has multiple controller support that works with Steam or the Nvidia game stream.

[@bobbypropes5346]

I have a question about LaunchBox/RetroArch and since you have so many informative videos about it, I thought I'd ask you: What is the best way to handle using multiple, physically different controllers for each emulator? For example, I have a USB NES controller that I want to use to play NES games and a Genesis controller to play Sega. When I map the controls for these, the Auto-config is usually way off. When I finally get things how I like them (editing actual auto-config files and making sure it's recognizing right device), I have to change them again just to play another console because the mappings are so different on the platform-specific controller I'm going to use for that particular core/emulator. Any suggestions? Eventually I'd like to build my own cabinet and have the arcade controls to use for controlling the front end and then controllers to play consoles on. Is that possible or will I run into same issues I'm describing here?

[@bebotepuknot2631]

Thank you for tutorial, do you have a link of all retro games of all console?

[@JonPYbanez]

interesting video and the software looks pretty solid. but, does a front end really need all the updates this is advertising?

[@clintshelefontiuk2862]

I ran an older version with no issues at all , I updated to the latest build which is v9.9 and am sorry it sucks , everything runs great with in launchbox/bigbox but once game play starts the sound and games lag and sputter so bad its not playable . Can you do a video on fixing these issues , i have googled this issue and lots of people are dealing with it but not much help on how to fix it .

[@bajra79]

guess i'll have to give Launchbox another go

[@MrDeemann8]

Hello ETA, NEED YOUR HELP. Everything on my Launch/ Big Box 10.10 is working fine except for one thing. In options menu, then to Controller menu, when I try to assign a button to a certain task it's not working. The task is highlighted in blue but when I hold down button to assign it, it simply won't work. Where did I go wrong? I am using MAME for my emulator. Hope you can help. Thanks!!!

[@jrc9648]

I don't know if it is the best front end for Windows. But I do know after watching many of your videos on the program that I got a license. I'm not sure if people debating on getting a license or not know that you can get a significant discount on EmuMovies if you purchase the lifetime license for Launchbox.

[@ohhjuststfu4773]

I have a few questions can you have multiple save states? is it best to use 1 controller for everything (id like to use a few controllers types snes sega genesis playstation xbox etc) and can you set up different emulators for the same system?

[@sracer]

I really like Launchbox but it is pretty slow on lower end systems, like the Asus VivoBook E203MA that you showcased on another video.

[@jmarshall1144]

I'm wanting to build 2 bartop arcades with Bigbox. My question is will I have to pay twice [$100] or can I just get the 1 license and copy the software and games to the 2nd build?

[@wyattlive83]

I have been a paid member for 2 years and never looked back tried many diffrent frontends but this is the dogs nuts big box is awsome but for my 5 year old he likes the launchbox as he can quickly see all his games using a playlist and xbox controller. Cant say enough about this software.

[@adamrandell7946]

I have both Bigbox and Hyperspin on a cab, I still think Hyperspin looks better in some way. It also runs as a windows GUI which Bigbox wont do as it needs windows in the background to run, Bigbox though is a breeze to setup and get running which is a big plus. I now use Bigbox on my PC and Hyperspin on my cab, I've got a Coinops setup as well just to experiment with at the moment.

[@drewjbx228]

Coming from hyperspin yes this is easier... but for a cab mapping controllers for exiting Pc games or arcade Rips like sega ring edge or taito type x it’s a pain. Each game has to be setup to Load and unload a controller profile like xpadder, very tedious. Hope they add ability to do this with platforms without a default emulator, meaning load controller profiles system wide rather that having to do for each game.

[@Ravioko]

Why does the video say the $20 option is for a year, but on the website, seen in this video, it says you get it forever, you just don't get updates?

[@lilsquidgaming39]

does launchbox put the files it finds on your main drive because my secondary is bigger and would be better suited if so how do I fix that

[@mohamedboudjerda7609]

Interesting 😊 Do you know Coinops? This is a fantastic Front-end emulator and a great and stable system😊

[@chrismussel399]

Never messed with it is it easy? Would love to know more can you hook me up?

[@mohamedboudjerda7609]

@@chrismussel399 really easy to use 😊 Coinops is really stable because this front-end exist from Xbox first generation. The last release is Forgotten World's and you can grab a package from ArcadePunk 😊 You can see a video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZKuqHqwmN2Ip8k

[@watsoft70]

I tried it a couple of years back and it was cumbersome so gave up and went with the EmulationStation front end.

[@nrnoble]

I shall note that in his 2019 video the price was $50 for a lifetime license, and currently in Feb 2022 is has been raised to $75.

[@chriskim457]

Is there a way to use this front end and set up some kind of wiimote setup for ps2 guncon games?

[@derekmoore1612]

Its on sale right now for their 10 year anniversary.

[@ien2023]

So you can set the Big Box and put it in as many computer as you can? How do you do that? Do you copy the whole folder?

[@betosaldivar3941]

Good evening one question why in the program named Launchbox the background images doesnt look well the boxes of the games look normal but the background images of each Game looks fuzzy you know how to fix that issue im in 10.9 free version of Launchbox thanks 👍🏻

[@retrogameboys-rgb]

I can see that you're having wrong covers for some games (like "4 in Raya" for example) due to the actual incomplete flyer packs online. I've done some logos + flyers for many missing games (mostly arcade) you can download here : www.screenscraper.fr/membreinfos.php?membreid=30970 You can find made up flyers (i tried to keep close to the general idea of the games and to the 80's style design), some flyer remakes (real "portrait" ratio or simply croped and enhanced) and some reworked logos as well in "HD" (for the game wheel). Hope you all enjoy. I'll try to make some more from time to time!

[@ETAPRIME]

Awesome! Thank you

[@retrogameboys-rgb]

@@ETAPRIME And thank YOU for all your tutorials, really helpfull.

[@hardware4all]

save and load states works for other emulator than retroarch?

[@AaronThePony]

Is there a way to make this into a build that turns on directly into the launcher like some of your retropie builds?

[@madmadchHP]

Or you can try Attract Mode, run with lower stats pc, and its free

[@anthonypapa8676]

I was inspired by your video to do the same thing to an old PC that I have. Still has Windows XP on it. Do you recommend somewhere I can buy a Windows 10 cheap since I'm just buying it for this. Keep up the videos love them all

[@ryanschaefer4847]

Look for cheap digital key online retailers. Can usually get win 10 for between $10-20.

[@tronalddump8776]

10's decent but unless you take all the bloat out it's hard on resources also it's taxing on a older system, 7 with no bloat ware is 3 times faster than 10 and Microsoft is still updating 7 as well so are software manufacturers.

[@jordimayorgisbert6490]

Is it possible launch Visual Pinball X ? I would like an AIO launcher. And if you're so kind, is there a recommended guide for migrating from my HS+RL Platform? Thank you very much, @ETA PRIME. Good job, like always !! ;-)

[@truemoon4545]

Any huge differences between premium and free in launch box minus the stuff you said in video?

[@mhewett5193]

It is basically the look. Launchbox is basically just a menu system with art and Bigbox is a full blown arcade experience. Which is everything. If your time is worth anything, and you are determined on setting up a top of the line arcade front end... this is it.

[@Kossays]

How do u increase games resolution? Like you did on ur others video when testing integrated video vs dedicated

[@GameInterest]

I swear I read this as Lunchbox and now I'm just hungry. Thanks ETA.

[@ETAPRIME]

😂

[@superdaddy1973]

So gamepad or arcade stick support will only work with the Premium version?

[@petterkallstrom5398]

love your videos, mate! and maybe I've missed it, but are there more themes available for big box? or is there a way to convert the themes on retropie to work on the pc version om ES? personally, I did setup an rpi with retropi and it was bad ass. and there are so many great and more subtle and gorgeous themes out there. but I ultimately wanted to play wii/ps2 games, and I built a mitx-pc just for that recently. now I'm struggling with choices, since I wanted that beautiful front-end that's possible and easy with an rpi setup and I just realized it's not as easy as just downloading a theme. Ä*#ÄÖ¤ÄÖ¤#ÄÖ this though - seems like a good substitute :) unless, you know, like a better way to do it :D anyhow, I'm kinda bummed out, fixing it all on an rpi and making it look great/as I want it to look, realizing it's not powerful enough for ps2/wii and then realizing the themes are not as great on the pc variants. I ask you, what is my best option here? thanks for the great videos either way! super awesome bad ass channel

[@garypranzo9334]

IS this good for a 4:3 arcade cabinet with Street fighter control setup?

[@th45h1zn1t]

I am looking for a Mala replacement for my arcade cabs running CRT's. Mala frustrates me so much but I am used to it's quirks after sticking with it for so long but it looks dated and would love to try Launchbox/BigBox. I can't seem to find anyone that has LB/BB running on a CRT (240P) to see if it's worth investigating as a replacement for Mala. Does anyone have experience of LB/BB on CRT (240P)? is it optimised for higher resolutions etc? I am running Windows 7 64bit and don't plan to change that as I have everything setup nicely.

[@chrismussel399]

How do you combat large collections without running out of space