Fully Self-Contained Portable Version of LaunchBox 💼

Summary:

Create a completely portable version of LaunchBox that includes all required dependencies—such as .NET, DirectX, and media codecs—within the installation folder. This would allow users to run LaunchBox from a USB drive or external disk on any Windows machine, without needing to install anything on the host system 🔌🖥️.

❗ Problem

While LaunchBox is technically portable today, it still relies on external system-level components that aren’t guaranteed to be available on every Windows install:

• .NET Runtime – Required for LaunchBox to run, but may not be present on locked-down or older systems

• DirectX – Needed for various rendering functions, but not always fully up-to-date

• K-Lite Codecs – Installed separately and necessary for video previews to work correctly

This becomes a major hurdle in environments where users can’t install software—such as school/work PCs, public computers, or temporary setups at events.

💡 Proposal

Develop a truly portable version of LaunchBox that includes:

• A bundled, local copy of the .NET runtime

• A portable or embedded version of required DirectX components

• Either bundled media codecs or support for a fallback decoder that doesn’t require system-wide installation

This version would run independently of the host system’s configuration, allowing users to plug in a drive and start LaunchBox instantly—no installation, no admin rights, no headaches.

✅ Benefits

• Makes LaunchBox usable in restricted or admin-locked environments

• Perfect for conventions, LAN parties, demo stations, or public displays

• Eliminates setup time across multiple machines

• Provides greater flexibility for power users and emulation archivists who prefer to keep everything self-contained

• Strengthens LaunchBox’s role as a true plug-and-play frontend 🧳🎮