Better Visual Navigation for Multiple Versions of a Game

📋 Summary

Introduce a more intuitive, visual way to navigate between multiple versions of the same game—such as different regions, updates, translations, or ROM hacks—directly from the main game view. Rather than relying solely on the right-click “Play Version” context menu, this feature would present versions using a carousel, stacked card layout, or hover-expandable thumbnail UI, allowing users to quickly see and switch between variants.

❗ Problem

LaunchBox currently supports combining multiple versions of a game into a single entry, but:

• The “Play Version” option is hidden behind a right-click menu.

• The badge indicator showing multiple versions is subtle and easily overlooked.

• There’s no visual preview or quick way to flip through the variants from the game view itself.

This creates friction, especially for users managing collections with many versions of the same game—like regional releases, fan translations, mods, and updates.

💡 Proposal

Add a carousel or card-style preview UI for combined game entries:

• Display small stacked thumbnails or a scrollable strip next to/behind the main game art.

• Clicking or hovering reveals available versions (Disc 1, JP version, v1.1 patch, etc.).

• Option to set a default version.

• Fade out or collapse visuals when not in focus to preserve aesthetics.

Example: A user hovers over Final Fantasy VI, and sees stacked thumbnails for:

• Final Fantasy VI (USA)

• Final Fantasy III (SNES)

• Final Fantasy VI T-Edition (JP Translation)

• Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster (PC)

Example Mockup

✅ Benefits

• 🎮 Easier and more appealing navigation of multi-version titles

• 🖼️ Improves visual feedback—users immediately know multiple versions exist

• 🧹 Reduces library clutter by encouraging game combining

• 🧭 Encourages exploration of lesser-known versions (hacks, betas, translations)

• 🖱️ Fewer clicks—quicker access to the exact version you want