File System Access via CIFS Documents Provider on Android Devices

Make LaunchBox for Android compatible with the CIFS Documents Provider so that ROMs on a NAS are seen as part of the Android file system? Here is the Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wa2c.android.cifsdocumentsprovider&hl=en_US Then allow direct access to Android’s file system so users can play ROM’s even if not home with their NAS via a combination of CIFS Documents Provider and TailScale VPN.

JamesAndersonJr About 1 month ago

Add Ability to Mute Background Videos

📋 Summary Add an in-app option on LaunchBox for Android to mute background videos independently of the device’s global media volume. This would let users silence theme and gameplay videos without affecting audio in other apps. 🎯 Feature Overview Currently, background videos in LaunchBox for Android can only be muted by lowering or disabling the device’s system media volume — which also mutes audio across all other apps. This request proposes: A dedicated “Mute Background Videos” toggle inside LaunchBox Android settings. Option could be placed under: Settings → Media → Background Videos When enabled, all platform/game background videos play silently while leaving system media audio untouched. (Optional) Per-theme or per-view toggle for more granular control. 🛠 Example Use Case A user is browsing their collection in LaunchBox on a handheld or phone. They want the UI to remain quiet while still being able to hear notifications, music, or audio from other apps. With this feature, they simply toggle “Mute Background Videos” inside LaunchBox — no Android-level workaround required. 📦 Benefits Provides finer control over audio inside the app Avoids muting system-wide media audio Improves usability for handheld PC users and mobile gamers Reduces annoyance in public or shared spaces Handy for users with loud or looping theme videos

dolfan058 3 months ago

1

Include Ability to Filter Games Not Connected to the LaunchBox Games Database

📋 Summary Add a filter in LaunchBox for Android that allows users to easily identify games that were not matched to the LaunchBox Games Database during import. 🎯 Feature Overview Provide a toggle or filter option such as “Unmatched Games” in the game list. Highlight or group any titles that: Did not automatically match to a LaunchBox Games Database entry. Require manual assignment. Helps users quickly correct mismatches or missing metadata. 🛠 Use Case A user imports a folder of ROMs. Some titles do not match the database due to naming differences or strict matching rules. Instead of manually scanning the entire library, the user enables Unmatched Games, instantly seeing which games need attention. 📦 Benefits Much faster cleanup after imports. Prevents games from remaining permanently unmatched without the user realizing. Improves metadata accuracy across Android collections.

dolfan058 3 months ago

1

Include ability to "auto-hide" completed games

For those who leverage the “mark completed” function in LB Android, please also include the ability to hide those games so we can focus on other unplayed games in the library.

dolfan058 3 months ago

1

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.

AstroBob 4 months ago

Android Kiosk / Simple Mode

📋 Summary Add a Kiosk Mode / Simple Mode option for LaunchBox on Android. This mode would lock down the interface so users (especially children) cannot change settings, delete content, or exit LaunchBox without a password or PIN. It would also hide advanced menus and simplify navigation for family-friendly or dedicated handheld setups. ❗ Problem Kids or casual users can easily: Change settings unintentionally Delete or modify games or playlists Exit LaunchBox entirely and get stuck in Android’s UI Get lost in menus not intended for them Rebuilding or restoring configuration takes time, and there is currently no way to lock down or simplify the LaunchBox Android UI. Other frontends like Batocera and RetroArch offer similar kiosk or simple modes, making LaunchBox less accessible for family or public setups. 💡 Proposal Introduce a Kiosk Mode / Simple Mode toggle in LaunchBox Android settings. When enabled: Hide all settings menus unless unlocked with a PIN or password Block deletion or editing of games, platforms, playlists, or metadata Prevent exiting LaunchBox without authentication (useful for home screen launcher mode) Simplify the UI by hiding advanced options and showing only core navigation Optional: allow selecting which features remain visible (e.g., Favorites, Resume, Recently Played) This mode should work seamlessly with Faeran’s new home screen launcher support so LaunchBox can be used as a child-friendly primary launcher. 🧩 Use Cases Parents giving kids Android handhelds want a safe, locked-down environment where nothing can break Users setting up retro handhelds or TV boxes want LaunchBox to act like a simple console UI Arcade cabinets or public setups need protection from accidental changes Home screen launcher users need to prevent accidental exits to Android menus 📦 Benefits Protects library setups from accidental changes or deletion Makes LaunchBox far more family-friendly Offers a clean, simplified interface for handheld or living-room devices Brings LaunchBox Android closer to feature parity with other frontends that already include kiosk or simple modes Works hand-in-hand with home screen launcher support for a true console-like experience

OjjoWireDroid 5 months ago

2

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.

AstroBob 9 months ago

3

Custom Playlists on Android

📋Summary Introduce the ability to create, manage, and view custom playlists directly in LaunchBox for Android. This would match existing functionality in the Windows version and allow users to organize their libraries in more personal and dynamic ways. ❗Problem Currently, there’s no way to create or view custom playlists on the Android version of LaunchBox. Users can’t group games by theme, series, or favorites, which is a major missing feature—especially for those who rely on playlists as part of their daily experience on Windows. Many have expressed disappointment that this feature is still absent after years of development. 💡Proposal Add support for the following: Manual creation of custom playlists Add/remove games from playlists on Android Display playlists in the sidebar like other platforms (Optional) Sync playlists created on Windows via cloud or local copy ✅Benefits Brings Android feature parity with Windows Offers much-needed library organization tools Satisfies one of the most requested Android features Improves usability for both casual users and collectors

AstroBob 9 months ago

3

A Central NAS Management where one would Update NAS IP Addresses for all games associated with locations

Problem: I add games from my NAS into LaunchBox for Android. My NAS was not set as a static IP and therefore received a different IP Address, breaking the link to all the games I’ve already imported. Solution: A place that shows you IP Addresses used across your library, with the ability to edit the IP Addresses, which in turn updates all games in your library to use that new IP Address. Original: My NAS IP was not static and I could not find a way to change NAS Rom Paths. Setting a static IP address on the NAS that matched what it was fixed this issue for me, but I think it’s strange there is no way to quickly change paths in the app.

SpiritedUsual 9 months ago

Add MAME Import Filters to Android

📋Summary Bring LaunchBox for Android in line with the Windows version by adding filtering options during MAME import to exclude incompatible or unwanted games—such as light gun titles, casino games, prototypes, or mechanical games. ❗Problem LaunchBox on Windows includes powerful MAME filters to help users reduce library clutter and skip importing games that aren’t relevant to their setup. On Android, however, these filters are currently unavailable. This is especially problematic on mobile devices, where storage space is limited and the user experience can be hindered by excessive or unplayable game entries. 💡Proposal Add the same MAME import filters from the Windows version to Android, allowing users to: Exclude light gun games Exclude casino/gambling machines Exclude mechanical/electro-mechanical games Exclude adult, bootleg, or prototype versions Exclude games not marked as “working” This filtering should apply during the import process to prevent unnecessary media downloads and clutter in the user’s game library. ✅Benefits Saves space by avoiding media downloads for unwanted games Improves performance and storage efficiency on lower-end devices Streamlines the user experience with a cleaner, more relevant game library Mirrors useful features from the Windows version, improving platform parity

ChunkyLoverMark 9 months ago

2

Support for Additional Image Types on Android (e.g. Cart - Front)

📋Summary Expand media support in LaunchBox for Android to include additional image categories—specifically Cart - Front—and ensure they’re available for download and usable within Android themes. ❗Problem Currently, the Android version of LaunchBox does not support all image categories available in the Windows version, such as Cart - Front. This limits personalization and prevents users from displaying media that holds nostalgic or aesthetic value—particularly for platforms like NES, SNES, and N64 where cartridge art is often more meaningful than box art. Themes on Android also don’t account for these image types, which means even if users manually add them, they can’t be surfaced visually. 💡Proposal Enable Cart - Front as a supported image type in LaunchBox for Android Ensure users can download these images from the LaunchBox Games Database or EmuMovies Update default and community themes to optionally display Cart - Front as the primary visual in game views Allow users to prioritize image types (e.g. use Cart - Front instead of Box - Front) ✅Benefits Improves support for nostalgic and historically accurate media Offers users greater visual customization of their libraries Brings Android version closer to feature parity with Windows Enhances theme flexibility and creative options for designers

ChunkyLoverMark 9 months ago

2

Remove media playing notification on Android

Whenever a ‘Platform Theme video’ plays in Android LaunchBox, a box shows up in the Notification shade telling me that ‘LaunchBox is running’ This stays in the notifications until I dismiss it. Clicking the notification does nothing. I asked if this could be fixed on a LaunchBox stream. I was told this was happening due to the way Android works but they’d look to see if this could be changed in the future. Please look into fixing this:

ChunkyLoverMark 9 months ago

Add option to not have text under the notch

In Android Launchbox some letters of words are cut off underneath the camera notch of my phone. This makes the app look like a beta and unfinished. I know not all devices have this notch so it doesn’t make sense to move the text on all devices. RetroArch solves this by having an option to ‘Enable fullscreen over notch in Android and iOS devices’ My request is to have this same toggle in Android Launchbox. As you can see in the below screenshots, without this toggle it makes Android LaunchBox look unpolished:

ChunkyLoverMark 9 months ago

2

Add ability to “Scan for Added/Removed ROMs”

Summary: Introduce a Scan for Added/Removed ROMs feature in the Android version of LaunchBox, similar to the functionality available in the Windows version. This would make it easier to keep game libraries clean and up to date 📂📲. Problem: On Android, when users add new ROMs, there’s currently no simple way to scan a directory and update the library. More critically, if ROMs are deleted from storage, LaunchBox still displays them as if they exist—leading to broken entries and confusion. The only current workaround is to manually remove each game one by one, or dig into each emulator’s folder to clean things up. This can be especially frustrating for users who frequently manage large or rotating collections on SD cards or internal storage. Proposal: Add a “Scan for Added/Removed ROMs” option in the Android app. When triggered, it would: Detect and import any new ROM files found in monitored folders Identify and remove entries for ROMs that no longer exist Optionally prompt the user for confirmation before deleting broken entries This could be exposed in a similar location to the import tools or as a long-press/refresh option on a platform. Benefits: Keeps Android libraries clean and in sync with local storage Saves time for users managing collections on mobile or handheld devices Improves reliability and reduces frustration from broken or outdated entries Brings LaunchBox Android closer to feature parity with the Windows version 🔄🧹

dolfan058 10 months ago

1

Support Launching Emulator-Generated Game Shortcuts from Within LaunchBox

Summary: Enable LaunchBox for Android to recognize and launch emulator-generated home screen shortcuts (e.g., from Citra MMJ, Lemuroid, Winlator) from within the app—offering a workaround for emulators that don’t launch games properly via standard LaunchBox commands 📲🎮. Problem: Certain Android emulators, like Citra MMJ and Lemuroid, struggle to launch specific games directly from LaunchBox. Instead, they open to the emulator’s main menu, requiring the user to manually select the game again. However, these same emulators offer reliable home screen shortcuts that launch games directly. Currently, there’s no way to use these working shortcuts inside LaunchBox, which limits compatibility and user convenience. Proposal: Allow users to create or import these emulator-generated shortcuts into LaunchBox as launchable entries—similar to how apps like idtech4a++ support game-specific shortcuts. This would give users a clean, centralized way to launch games that don’t work well through normal methods, without needing to clutter the Android home screen. Benefits: Improves compatibility with tricky emulators like Citra MMJ and Winlator Offers a workaround for launching games that don’t behave properly through LaunchBox’s standard integration Keeps everything neatly managed within the LaunchBox UI Enhances flexibility and makes LaunchBox feel more robust and user-friendly for Android setups 🤖👍

Jeno_Jodi 10 months ago

3

Dynamic search for YouTube videos in Android

As discussed on today's stream, my request is a change to the YouTube streaming for the Android version of Launchbox. One issue with the current version is the DB pointing to delisted YouTube videos and no video is played. It also relies on someone manually adding a URL to every game ever made any keeping it up to date. My suggestion is to add a fallback for when a game doesn't have a URL or when a video is delisted. Android Launchbox could be set up to automatically search for a video when one isn't found from the URL. So pull the following; Game name, platform, and something like trailer So as an example; Super Mario Kart, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, trailer. The first result for me from that search brings up this: https://youtu.be/dyz4tJAmhc8?si=HhF3kn4rKB_WM0wL Advantages: No need to have a user enter a URL into the DB Dynamic, always up to date. A video will always play Should always return results No issue with http and https links like current version (currently some videos don't play but will work if adding or removing the S from HTTP. This could be a fallback for when videos don't work from current version. Best of both worlds.

ChunkyLoverMark 11 months ago

Save changes when no changes made?

In the edit metadata page, when I haven't made any changes and back out of the page I get this pop up: This may be expected behaviour but isn't the case in other menus like the main options page. Can the app recognise if any changes have been and not show if they haven't? Also if changes have been made can this pop up just include the save and cancel options to save the user having to scroll to the bottom of the page?

ChunkyLoverMark 11 months ago

1

Add N64DD

Please add support for Nintendo 64DD in Android Launchbox to match Windows Launchbox https://gamesdb.launchbox-app.com/platforms/games/194-nintendo-64dd (Sorry I didn’t think of this platform when I requested the last two) Thank you.

ChunkyLoverMark 11 months ago

2

Add Long-Press Shortcut for Recently Played Games in LaunchBox App

Originally posted here: https://forums.launchbox-app.com/topic/89514-recently-played-games-shortcuts-on-long-press-on-launchbox-app/#comment-485657 My request is for long press shortcuts on the Android LaunchBox app. These shortcuts could show the most recently played games and take you straight to them. It’d work similar to how my Discord app in the picture shows below, these are my recent forums and clicking them takes me straight to them: My thought is that this could be an easy way to reopen the a game that you’ve previously played in LaunchBox. So instead of; Pressing and loading Launchbox, Waiting for the startup screen, Choosing the platform, Navigating to the game, Clicking it and pressing play and then your emulator opens The workflow would be; Long press Launchbox Choose recently played game Ideally the game starts playing in your emulator (Or if not possible the game page opens in LaunchBox for that game) I’ve not seen this functionality in any other Android games emulation frontend and it would be a great time saver. Sometimes you just want to get back to your game as quickly as possible and this would be a great feature.

ChunkyLoverMark 11 months ago

Preview Platform Theme Videos

Originally posted here: https://forums.launchbox-app.com/topic/89513-whats-the-best-way-to-see-all-the-platform-theme-videos/#comment-485646 I love the platform themes in Android. They really bring the nostalgic feel of that system. I have my LaunchBox app set to open straight to the platform page. I sometimes just scroll through the systems and let the videos play to get that fuzzy feeling. It’s also the first thing I show off to friends when recommending the app. I love mixing and matching different videos from different sets to keep things feeling fresh. Some sets have standout videos that are better than other, my issue is that there is no easy way to see the videos without downloading them based on their name (no previews) and then restarting the app every time. I even tried to download a few at once for a platform, and view the files in a file manager but it seems to only save one at a time. This is nice to save my storage but I want a way to easily see all the videos before making a selection. Also there’s no way to see what the title of the video you’ve already chosen for each platform, even in a file manager every video has a generic name. So what I’m asking for, is an easy way to preview all the videos for each platform before making a choice. I’m not sure what the best way could be? Maybe streaming it, maybe hosting them on YouTube but I’d like a more efficient way of making informed choices. Whilst on the subject, to change a Platform theme video you have to choose the option ‘Download Theme Videos’ wouldn’t this be better to be renamed ‘Manage Theme Videos’?

ChunkyLoverMark 11 months ago