Simple Launcher

Simple Launcher is an open-source emulator frontend.

Main Window in Grid View

Main Window in List View

Global Search Window

Favorites Window

Play History Window

If you like the software, please give us a star and consider making a donation.

Installation

Download the application from the release page.
Extract the ZIP file into a writable folder. We do not recommend using a network folder or installing it inside C:\Program Files.
If necessary, you may need to grant "Simple Launcher" administrative access. The application requires write access to its own folder.

Basic Usage

• Click the Edit System menu item.
• Click the Easy Mode menu item.
• Follow the steps to install a system.
• Add ROM files for that system in the designated folder.
• Add cover images for that system in the designated folder.
• Return to the Main Window.
• Select the added system from the dropdown menu.
• Click the All button to display all games for that system.
• Click the game you wish to launch.

Where to Find ROMs or ISOs

We do NOT provide ROMs or ISOs.

Where to Find Game Cover Images

We provide an image pack for some systems.
If the image pack is not available, you can download cover images from websites like Libretro Thumbnails or EmuMovies.

Advanced Usage

Simple Launcher also offers Expert Mode for advanced users.
In this mode, you can manually add, edit, or delete systems in the frontend.
Users can customize folders, add multiple emulators for the same system, and specify custom parameters.
For more details, refer to our Wiki.

Additional Features

• Edit Systems: Edit, add, or delete a system.
• Automatic Installation of Most Emulators: The application can automatically install emulators that do not require BIOS or other copyrighted files.
• Search Engine: Search for games directly within the frontend.
• Right-Click Context Menu: Load cover images, title snapshots, gameplay snapshots, manuals, walkthroughs, cabinet images, flyers, or PCBs for the selected game.
• Edit Links: Customize the video and info search engines used within the UI.
• Control Thumbnail Size: Easily adjust the size of the cover images in the UI.
• Automatic Update: The application features an automatic update mechanism.

Related Utilities

• MAME Utility: A tool for managing full MAME driver information in XML format available on the MAME website. It can generate multiple simplified (and smaller) XML subsets and copy ROMs and image files based on the generated XML.
• FindRomCover: An application that helps organize your cover image collection. It attempts to match image filenames with ROM filenames, and users can choose from different similarity algorithms.

Technical Details

Simple Launcher is developed in C# using Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) and Microsoft .NET Core 9 Framework.
This program is Windows-only and has been tested on Windows 11.

Support the Project

Did you enjoy using the Simple Launcher frontend?
Consider donating to support the project or simply to express your gratitude!

Contributors

• Peterson Fernandes - GitHub Profile
• RFSVIEIRA - GitHub Profile