Reminds me of the classic emulation device folder structure/workflow; drag and drop ROMs, and good to go! The import process was one of the very few initial learning curves I had when I first got Launchbox years and years ago; this will be fantastic for new users
Already updated, the issue i'm facing with the new auto imports: - Removed/Moved roms doesn't automatically removed from the library - Subfolders still scanned even when I check the "Import files from the specified folders only (No subfolders)" on my first import, already known because the "Scan for added roms" behave the same Nice to have: - Extension manager for platforms, I like putting chdman and other compressing tools inside the rom directory for convenience, so for example it's nice if i can exclude .exe file in my rom directory
I like to keep my file structure as clean as possible, but this new update doesn't check to see what games are already there and without adding extra game directories for non-existent ROM files. I'd like it to only add the existing directories for the ROM files that are already there. Does the automatic import check live or only when Launchbox loads? A live check would be ideal. It's good to see you doing a video again. Your videos are always the most informative without being to long winded.
For existing Platforms, you can set your monitored game folders to wherever you want. So if you still want to keep your folders neat and tidy, somewhere else, this is entirely possible. Also, yes, there's an active monitor that will import the games instantly without the need to restart LaunchBox.
Great add. Does it add the emulators too? If I didn't setup a PSP emulator, if I enable this and add roms, is it automatically up and running? FYI, I have a license. I just haven't use LB in a while. 🙂
Really awesome update, but I do have 2 questions. Basically, can I do an all-platform import of ROMs on a separate drive? And can I export/import all the metadata for when I wipe my PC? === External 1-Folder Import === So I install LaunchBox (and all programs) on C: as it's a speedy SSD. But I keep all ROMs (and Steam games) on D: as it's a slower but larger magnetic drive. As such, I normally have to set up each platform independently to point each console to a folder of ROMs, even though they are predictable (e.g. D:\ROM es, D:\ROM\snes, etc). Is there a way for me to mirror your folder structure on my D: drive, and then just point LaunchBox to that 1 folder and have it do a scan of all platforms? (again, assuming I perfectly mirror the folder structure that LaunchBox has for the various platforms) === Metadata Backup === While scanning the internet for metadata is convenient, it can also be really costly on bandwidth. This is especially true if you have a metered connection and several PCs with LaunchBox (which I do). So I'd love a way to export/import metadata only. This helps not only when I wipe/rebuild a PC, but it helps with setting up various PCs with LaunchBox. ...BUT, some PCs might be lower spec and only be set up with 8-bit consoles. So I'd love to be able to export the "master list" of all my games from my highest spec PC, import that to my other PCs, and have those PCs either ignore metadata for games they don't have, or just cache the metadata so that if I ever did add that ROM the metadata would already exist for it. Alternately, I'd be fine with hosting the metadata (including DBs or JSON files) on my local web server, and just being able to point each LaunchBox install to my local server for the metadata, and if it isn't there then try to hit the internet for the data. This is extra handy for PCs that have LAN access but that I don't grant internet access to. I know this is a more niche use case, but I'm just listing that either alternative would be awesome for me.
I upgraded and the Automatic ROM import was enabled! Was shocked when it started importing new titles. If you are using m3u files from before LB added auto M3U creation, those all get imported again it seems.
While it's not enabled for existing users, there is a prompt that will appear indicating to users that a change in one of the game folders has been noticed, and it will allow you to turn on the feature at that point in time.
While all previous updates have worked perfectly, I've encountered one or two issues with this one: -1. When I click on the search bar, the information that is supposed to appear in the dropdown menu, where it says "Start typing to search by title," does not display.- 2. This may not necessarily be an error, but rather a misunderstanding on my part: I've located the folder and information regarding Pico-8, but I couldn't find anything related to the SNES MSU-1. Has it been integrated as a new console, or is support provided within the base SNES? I ask because I had specifically created a new platform solely for my MSU-1 games. Thank you in advance for your assistance, and I appreciate all the hard work you put into this software! -Edit : I forgot to mention, but my Launchbox is in French. Perhaps this is related to the issue concerning the search bar?- Edit 2 : I've found the issue regarding the search bar; in fact, I simply needed to update my theme (Big Details for me), and now it works perfectly. Hopefully, this will help others
Glad you got the theme updated. Yes, it's a new themeable element, so all theme devs will need to update their theme for users to see it. SNES MSU-1 is not its own system, but when you run a manual import, you can name it whatever you like. Just make sure to set the "scrape as" value as SNES, and you should be good to go.
@@UnbrokenSoftwareLLCOkay, thank you! So, ultimately, there's no issue on my end, which is great! As for the SNES MSU-1 games, I'll continue to integrate them into a separate platform. I prefer them to be considered as a physical extension, similar to the Mega-CD or the 32X. I just need to find a dedicated icon, and it'll be perfect. Thanks again!
Hi ETAprime Hi Jason. Great work. But...How is it possible to trigger the automated folder creation for the plattforms - for an existing install/setup?
Excellent folks! Is there a method to specify custom directory paths for ROMS? - I do not use and will not plan to use the default Launchbox directories. Thanks.
You can specify alternate folders. Edit any platform, go to the folders tab and change the game's folder. The app will monitor whatever folder is there.
I have a whole bunch of og controllers, N64, Dreamcast etc pretty much all of them. Are there usb adaptors that would allow me to use these on my laptop and launchbox? 🤔
What about non specific “rom” games. For example, games for Original XBOX emulation like CXBX or PS3 emulation like RPCS3, all have folders and multiple files in them. Will it detect the .xbe and .boot file? If not, automatic imports could be a headache.
PS3 is fine, along with Wii U, Xbox emulation using Xemu is fine, but the .xbe may still be a problem. This is something we'll work on for a future update. In most other cases, if it doesn't make sense for this feature to be on for a platform, it automatically will not be.
@@UnbrokenSoftwareLLC i appreciate the reply. I updated launchbox, my mugen cxbx platforms were messed up with extra files in them. I had to create shortcuts for my mugen games and separate that. The only thing for cxbx is I had to bulk edit “hide”, on those other files, so they won’t show up in BB. Hopefully that can be fixed later.
there was some trouble exiting "abuse" on launchbox, after program exit there was some error report popup multiple times that could not be closed. anonymous error report submit would be better than a link to a forum which you have to register to. effort issue. the whole program and computer needed to be restarted to be able to run launchbox 13.12 again.
Hi friend, I try to run flash game on launchbox using Ruffle. I try to run it as full screen and scale mode=true. Here is my commande line in the emu but nothing work: -- fullscreen -- forceScale=true Any idea?
hey there guys there seems to be an issue with the latest launchbox install theres an error that comes up during installation and then when it does install retroarch take a while to install and then when importing your rom collection none of the box art is being downloaded plz fix these critical erors \
bitbucket is for crash reports. So if you keep getting crashes, post the report there. If it's more user related or specific to your build you should get help over on our community forums. forums.launchbox-app.com/ If you don't know what kind of issue it is, best to start on the forums.
Windows 7 support was unfortunately dropped as of version 13.8. Check your LaunchBox\Updates folder for that update to roll back. If you need help in doing so (there may be some quirks) I'd head to our community forums: forums.launchbox-app.com/
During a manual import, you can name the platform however you want. Therefore, you can have both libraries in LaunchBox at once. If you need help with this, you can ask over on our forums: forums.launchbox-app.com/
Automatic rom importing is an awesome new feature! However, I keep all my roms on a huge drive on a NAS. If we take one of the created folders and make it a shortcut with the same name, will it know to still "Import" or I assume that will not work?
Can you PLEASE release a version that won't allow my kids to spam the button in BigBox and load the same game multiple times in the background? It would be super appreciated! :)
So if you have your rom folders all set and working but want to use the naming from this auto scan feature how can you convert/re name what folder names you already have?
I'm having trouble. Mame roms will not launch with Launchbox. I'm using latest version 0.263. I have the correct roms. All other emulators and roms work perfectly.
Interesting. Not sure if its because ive been long time user, but the auto imports for a new user set by default with no prompt (assuming there isnt) just seems bad. Seems like there should at least be something to ask "do you want to import steam, epic, etc," same with media. Sometimes too much automation not good.
i get a error of check your internet and make sure your settings are on public, when i want to import games from steam of the 3.12 , which i have double check that, the steam is online and settings are on public, anybody else having same promblem
There are no current issues with our Steam integration. If you haven't already, I'd head over to our community forums for help: forums.launchbox-app.com/
Only thing that I didn't like about the automatic import was it automatically imported roms I had already deleted from my games list...for every single platform, without prompting. I had to go in, turn off the automatic import, and then go back through and clean out each of the platforms one by one. Only took like....thirty minutes so it's not a huge hassle, but just a heads up that this is going to be a thing for some users. Love the application.
BUT.....the best change? It now boots up in about 7 seconds instead of closer to a minute and the scrolling through games lists is way WAY smoother. I don't know what was changed that made such a huge impact, but I love you, mystery code-person.
It is disabled by default for all existing users, but it sounds like some users are getting confused by the prompt that pops up asking users if they would like to turn on the feature.
There should never be a popup after an update to enable a new feature that could potentially impact an end user's setup. LB has never done this before, normally you provide a changelog and leave it up to the user to enable a feature later. Prepare for a lot of angry forum posts!
So I have updated and restarted (and checked automatic rom import etc) but it hasn't generated the folders of roms for systems I have not yet created (if that makes sense).
Make sure the feature is still on in options. If you are still running into issues, head over to our community forums for help: forums.launchbox-app.com/
Last update was all about Big Box, this update does have an improvement to Big Box that was not covered in the video that you can see in our full changelog. More Big Box updates to come.
Well 13.11 a little bit buggy the Big Details theme is very buggy but with Default Plus it'll work just fine, hopefully 13.12 will fix some of it. Btw Sega Saturn are very buggy hopefully RetroArch will update its setting for it, Virtua Fighter 2 no sound at all 😢 and etc.
@@darianstaruk237 can you also do this for Emu Media ? I noticed the import Did Do my Collection But I couldn't find an Option to use existing Emu Media that I already have for the games So I had to download (although I Did This just the front Box.) My Collection is over 20tb and this will Still Take Alot of hard drive space... Your thoughts ?
Reminds me of the classic emulation device folder structure/workflow; drag and drop ROMs, and good to go!
The import process was one of the very few initial learning curves I had when I first got Launchbox years and years ago; this will be fantastic for new users
I have wanted automatic rom imports for years. So happy about that! New search is great too. Two truly useful improvements. Thanks guys!
Such an awesome system. Thanks for the ongoing improvements!
Already updated, the issue i'm facing with the new auto imports:
- Removed/Moved roms doesn't automatically removed from the library
- Subfolders still scanned even when I check the "Import files from the specified folders only (No subfolders)" on my first import, already known because the "Scan for added roms" behave the same
Nice to have:
- Extension manager for platforms, I like putting chdman and other compressing tools inside the rom directory for convenience, so for example it's nice if i can exclude .exe file in my rom directory
The automatic import is great. Would be even better if the notifications told you what system(s) and game(s) got imported instead of just the number.
There's a button on the notification called View Results. When you press that you get a breakdown of the systems and games that got imported.
Awesome update. Always looking Forward to these Videos
I like to keep my file structure as clean as possible, but this new update doesn't check to see what games are already there and without adding extra game directories for non-existent ROM files. I'd like it to only add the existing directories for the ROM files that are already there. Does the automatic import check live or only when Launchbox loads? A live check would be ideal.
It's good to see you doing a video again. Your videos are always the most informative without being to long winded.
For existing Platforms, you can set your monitored game folders to wherever you want. So if you still want to keep your folders neat and tidy, somewhere else, this is entirely possible. Also, yes, there's an active monitor that will import the games instantly without the need to restart LaunchBox.
looks good. really like the search update
Great add. Does it add the emulators too? If I didn't setup a PSP emulator, if I enable this and add roms, is it automatically up and running? FYI, I have a license. I just haven't use LB in a while. 🙂
Emulator setup does happen after, when you launch a game. There will be more improvements here as well in the near future ;)
i use bigbox on my steam deck and this is PERFECT for my use case.
how do we do this on BigBox?
amazing work guys love it
Really awesome update, but I do have 2 questions. Basically, can I do an all-platform import of ROMs on a separate drive? And can I export/import all the metadata for when I wipe my PC?
=== External 1-Folder Import ===
So I install LaunchBox (and all programs) on C: as it's a speedy SSD.
But I keep all ROMs (and Steam games) on D: as it's a slower but larger magnetic drive.
As such, I normally have to set up each platform independently to point each console to a folder of ROMs, even though they are predictable (e.g. D:\ROM
es, D:\ROM\snes, etc).
Is there a way for me to mirror your folder structure on my D: drive, and then just point LaunchBox to that 1 folder and have it do a scan of all platforms? (again, assuming I perfectly mirror the folder structure that LaunchBox has for the various platforms)
=== Metadata Backup ===
While scanning the internet for metadata is convenient, it can also be really costly on bandwidth. This is especially true if you have a metered connection and several PCs with LaunchBox (which I do).
So I'd love a way to export/import metadata only. This helps not only when I wipe/rebuild a PC, but it helps with setting up various PCs with LaunchBox.
...BUT, some PCs might be lower spec and only be set up with 8-bit consoles.
So I'd love to be able to export the "master list" of all my games from my highest spec PC, import that to my other PCs, and have those PCs either ignore metadata for games they don't have, or just cache the metadata so that if I ever did add that ROM the metadata would already exist for it.
Alternately, I'd be fine with hosting the metadata (including DBs or JSON files) on my local web server, and just being able to point each LaunchBox install to my local server for the metadata, and if it isn't there then try to hit the internet for the data.
This is extra handy for PCs that have LAN access but that I don't grant internet access to.
I know this is a more niche use case, but I'm just listing that either alternative would be awesome for me.
You are saying a lot here, and the answer to mostly all of it is yes. For more details probably better to ask over on our community forums.
This is great. Really works well. It's been a wild few months of updates and I'm blown away how awesome it's been.
Good looking out and gonna try it out
I upgraded and the Automatic ROM import was enabled! Was shocked when it started importing new titles. If you are using m3u files from before LB added auto M3U creation, those all get imported again it seems.
While it's not enabled for existing users, there is a prompt that will appear indicating to users that a change in one of the game folders has been noticed, and it will allow you to turn on the feature at that point in time.
@@UnbrokenSoftwareLLC Could be that inadvertendly got accepted. Was working in lots of windows while LB was updating in the background. :)
While all previous updates have worked perfectly, I've encountered one or two issues with this one:
-1. When I click on the search bar, the information that is supposed to appear in the dropdown menu, where it says "Start typing to search by title," does not display.-
2. This may not necessarily be an error, but rather a misunderstanding on my part: I've located the folder and information regarding Pico-8, but I couldn't find anything related to the SNES MSU-1. Has it been integrated as a new console, or is support provided within the base SNES? I ask because I had specifically created a new platform solely for my MSU-1 games.
Thank you in advance for your assistance, and I appreciate all the hard work you put into this software!
-Edit : I forgot to mention, but my Launchbox is in French. Perhaps this is related to the issue concerning the search bar?-
Edit 2 : I've found the issue regarding the search bar; in fact, I simply needed to update my theme (Big Details for me), and now it works perfectly. Hopefully, this will help others
Glad you got the theme updated. Yes, it's a new themeable element, so all theme devs will need to update their theme for users to see it.
SNES MSU-1 is not its own system, but when you run a manual import, you can name it whatever you like. Just make sure to set the "scrape as" value as SNES, and you should be good to go.
@@UnbrokenSoftwareLLCOkay, thank you! So, ultimately, there's no issue on my end, which is great!
As for the SNES MSU-1 games, I'll continue to integrate them into a separate platform. I prefer them to be considered as a physical extension, similar to the Mega-CD or the 32X. I just need to find a dedicated icon, and it'll be perfect.
Thanks again!
wow, nice! I keep the dream that i have as less as possible to do to get old Systems get running. It is still a lot of to do for some systems
Hi ETAprime Hi Jason. Great work. But...How is it possible to trigger the automated folder creation for the plattforms - for an existing install/setup?
Turn on the feature in options, like you see in the video. If you need help, head over to our community forums. forums.launchbox-app.com/
Excellent folks! Is there a method to specify custom directory paths for ROMS? - I do not use and will not plan to use the default Launchbox directories. Thanks.
Yes, edit a platform, go into the folders tab, and change the game folder path to whatever you want.
You guys kick ass.. you all rock! Thanks!
Does auto-import only work with the default games directory in LB, or will it work when I specify alternate game locations?
You can specify alternate folders. Edit any platform, go to the folders tab and change the game's folder. The app will monitor whatever folder is there.
Awesome additions.
I have a whole bunch of og controllers, N64, Dreamcast etc pretty much all of them. Are there usb adaptors that would allow me to use these on my laptop and launchbox? 🤔
What about non specific “rom” games.
For example, games for Original XBOX emulation like CXBX or PS3 emulation like RPCS3, all have folders and multiple files in them. Will it detect the .xbe and .boot file?
If not, automatic imports could be a headache.
PS3 is fine, along with Wii U, Xbox emulation using Xemu is fine, but the .xbe may still be a problem. This is something we'll work on for a future update. In most other cases, if it doesn't make sense for this feature to be on for a platform, it automatically will not be.
@@UnbrokenSoftwareLLC i appreciate the reply. I updated launchbox, my mugen cxbx platforms were messed up with extra files in them.
I had to create shortcuts for my mugen games and separate that. The only thing for cxbx is I had to bulk edit “hide”, on those other files, so they won’t show up in BB. Hopefully that can be fixed later.
Go i gave to imprt some games manually before it will work? Mine does nothing! Moved all my games across and launchbox just sits there.
there was some trouble exiting "abuse" on launchbox, after program exit there was some error report popup multiple times that could not be closed. anonymous error report submit would be better than a link to a forum which you have to register to. effort issue. the whole program and computer needed to be restarted to be able to run launchbox 13.12 again.
Can you just add a shortcut to the Dir? This would be very useful for someone who has more than one drive. If not how can you request it?
Hi friend, I try to run flash game on launchbox using Ruffle. I try to run it as full screen and scale mode=true. Here is my commande line in the emu but nothing work:
-- fullscreen -- forceScale=true
Any idea?
hey there guys there seems to be an issue with the latest launchbox install theres an error that comes up during installation and then when it does install retroarch take a while to install and then when importing your rom collection none of the box art is being downloaded plz fix these critical erors
\
Is bitbucket still the place for reporting issues for launchbox, as i have had an issue since 2023-05-10 without any dev looking into the issue?
bitbucket is for crash reports. So if you keep getting crashes, post the report there. If it's more user related or specific to your build you should get help over on our community forums. forums.launchbox-app.com/ If you don't know what kind of issue it is, best to start on the forums.
I got a problem with Launchbox not updating to newest version, I'm running Windows 7 Pro, do I need to be on Windows 10 to update ??
Windows 7 support was unfortunately dropped as of version 13.8. Check your LaunchBox\Updates folder for that update to roll back. If you need help in doing so (there may be some quirks) I'd head to our community forums: forums.launchbox-app.com/
So how do you add FBNEO and MAME their directories or ARCADE doesn't exist?
During a manual import, you can name the platform however you want. Therefore, you can have both libraries in LaunchBox at once. If you need help with this, you can ask over on our forums: forums.launchbox-app.com/
Automatic rom importing is an awesome new feature! However, I keep all my roms on a huge drive on a NAS. If we take one of the created folders and make it a shortcut with the same name, will it know to still "Import" or I assume that will not work?
If you edit a platform and go into the folders tab, it will monitor whatever the Game folder is there.
@@UnbrokenSoftwareLLCperfect! Thank you!!! Keep up the great work guys.
Can you PLEASE release a version that won't allow my kids to spam the button in BigBox and load the same game multiple times in the background? It would be super appreciated! :)
So if you have your rom folders all set and working but want to use the naming from this auto scan feature how can you convert/re name what folder names you already have?
Edit any platform and check the folders tab. You'll see which game folder is being actively monitored for that platform, and can change it from there.
Does the auto import work for Xbox360 games in GOD folder format (not single iso)
Great addition in this version, but I'm still waiting for the fix and achievement improvements!
Launch box the best front for all emulators fantástico easy player everebody...thanks developers ...us Brazilian Citizen like like like😂
Great frontend. But I have a problem, send them an email but never answered. What should I do? I am a premium user.
I'm having trouble. Mame roms will not launch with Launchbox. I'm using latest version 0.263. I have the correct roms. All other emulators and roms work perfectly.
I would ask over on our community forums for user related issues. It's much easier to troubleshoot: forums.launchbox-app.com/
Okay, that’s pretty cool.
Cool! Does this also automatically connect to an emulator? thx.
There is a process for this. If you try and launch a game for the first time you'll be presented with options depending on what platform it is.
Interesting. Not sure if its because ive been long time user, but the auto imports for a new user set by default with no prompt (assuming there isnt) just seems bad. Seems like there should at least be something to ask "do you want to import steam, epic, etc," same with media. Sometimes too much automation not good.
Is automatic emulator setup next because i have all the gear and no idea (lifetimer here)
i get a error of check your internet and make sure your settings are on public, when i want to import games from steam of the 3.12 , which i have double check that, the steam is online and settings are on public, anybody else having same promblem
There are no current issues with our Steam integration. If you haven't already, I'd head over to our community forums for help: forums.launchbox-app.com/
@@UnbrokenSoftwareLLC i did and haven't heard from anybody yet
Im not seeing anything new in Launchbox. I installed the new version and it is the same as recent version
Please please please. Can we have an option to change the dates for games to UK format
Only thing that I didn't like about the automatic import was it automatically imported roms I had already deleted from my games list...for every single platform, without prompting.
I had to go in, turn off the automatic import, and then go back through and clean out each of the platforms one by one.
Only took like....thirty minutes so it's not a huge hassle, but just a heads up that this is going to be a thing for some users.
Love the application.
Also the "disabled by default" is incorrect...or at least I experienced unintended function (a bug) as this happened to an existing install.
BUT.....the best change? It now boots up in about 7 seconds instead of closer to a minute and the scrolling through games lists is way WAY smoother. I don't know what was changed that made such a huge impact, but I love you, mystery code-person.
It is disabled by default for all existing users, but it sounds like some users are getting confused by the prompt that pops up asking users if they would like to turn on the feature.
@@UnbrokenSoftwareLLC You know that absolutely could have been the case. Thank you kindly for the heads up.
There should never be a popup after an update to enable a new feature that could potentially impact an end user's setup. LB has never done this before, normally you provide a changelog and leave it up to the user to enable a feature later. Prepare for a lot of angry forum posts!
So I have updated and restarted (and checked automatic rom import etc) but it hasn't generated the folders of roms for systems I have not yet created (if that makes sense).
Make sure the feature is still on in options. If you are still running into issues, head over to our community forums for help: forums.launchbox-app.com/
@@UnbrokenSoftwareLLC Thank you, it's working now! :-)
When will we see this import function come to Android?
How about update bigbox, for your paying customers
Last update was all about Big Box, this update does have an improvement to Big Box that was not covered in the video that you can see in our full changelog. More Big Box updates to come.
awesome
Great
Do you have any new updates for Android users
Yes, the latest release happened about a month ago, and a beta has come out since. Another beta is on its way as well in the coming week.
Would be great if you can make the search like Ninja turtles and then select all those games right click and create a collection from that!
For sure, we agree. This is why you can right click all the games and create a playlist out of them.
Well 13.11 a little bit buggy the Big Details theme is very buggy but with Default Plus it'll work just fine, hopefully 13.12 will fix some of it.
Btw Sega Saturn are very buggy hopefully RetroArch will update its setting for it, Virtua Fighter 2 no sound at all 😢 and etc.
Leave well alone.
Funniest, Garantized
Please bring this to Mac
ETA owns lunchbox or just got paid for this?
Shame You STILL cant just Point to Your Roms that are on other Hard drives Instead Of Importing... Especially If You Have Very Large Collections
You can, you still have to do the import process and just choose not to copy it. This is exactly what I do with my nas
@@STXman89how import but not copy?… Can you explain it or show a video of this? I want to do the same with external HDD 12tb full of games lol
You just select keep in current location during import process.
@@darianstaruk237 can you also do this for Emu Media ? I noticed the import Did Do my Collection But I couldn't find an Option to use existing Emu Media that I already have for the games So I had to download (although I Did This just the front Box.) My Collection is over 20tb and this will Still Take Alot of hard drive space... Your thoughts ?
Of course you can. Just choose to leave them in the same location