Mini Consoles Theme - RetroSai Nostalgia - Form over Function 2.2.5

On 8/24/2023 at 4:00 PM, EggBirds8432 said:

I'm loving exploring all of the little nuances of this theme. A couple questions:

1. Am I able to improve performance of the horizontal scroll? I have my coverflow box art set to medium quality in hopes that that would affect the horizontal view box art too. I was hoping that would make scrolling through games more responsive. I currently have all of my content on a very responsive SSD storage device on a powerful pc.

Thank you!

Hello @EggBirds8432 with the most recent release of v1.1.1 this should have all of the performance improvements I've been working towards. Please give it a try and let me know if you notice any improvements; if you can name specific platforms you've seen improvements on and any problem platforms that would be very helpful. Thanks!

On 8/20/2023 at 5:23 AM, NOMAD0P said:

Love this theme! Could we add Amiga (A500 Mini), Commodore 64 (The C64 Mini) and MS-DOS (Exodos)? 

Hello @NOMAD0P! As requested the A500 Mini and The C64 Mini console dashboards have been adapted and implemented for Commodore 64 and Commodore Amiga, as well as Commodore Amiga CD32 platforms in the most recent release, v1.1.1. Feel free to check them out and let me know what you think!

Edited August 28, 2023 by Saieno

15 hours ago, Saieno said:

This should be resolved in v1.1.1, just released.

Hey, @Saieno just wrapped up testing each view, there has been a noticeable performance improvement on the Nintendo views i.e. Famicom, NES, etc. Haven't run into any other issues so far related to this update or otherwise. So smooth sailing with this update so far. Text details seem to all function correctly as well. The only view I couldn't test is the Amiga as I do not own any Amiga games.

3 hours ago, vahn65 said:

Hey, @Saieno just wrapped up testing each view, there has been a noticeable performance improvement on the Nintendo views i.e. Famicom, NES, etc. Haven't run into any other issues so far related to this update or otherwise. So smooth sailing with this update so far. Text details seem to all function correctly as well. The only view I couldn't test is the Amiga as I do not own any Amiga games.

Fantastic to hear! Thanks so much for taking the time to test and hope you enjoy the update!

New theme features video out now, and updated in the file description!
 

 

On 8/26/2023 at 1:09 AM, okamigen108 said:

But there is a small request about Super Nintendo EU. I read the Comments, where someone requested with the EU, but I´m also from the EU but I don´t want to have it on. I just want to have it as Super Nintendo.

Hello @okamigen108!

As requested, in the latest release, v1.1.2, this is now an option! Please let me know if you have any issues!

7 hours ago, Saieno said:

Hello @okamigen108!

As requested, in the latest release, v1.1.2, this is now an option! Please let me know if you have any issues!

Hello again. Now it´s really perfect. I have no Issues and have alot of fun with this Theme. 

Also I made a Custom Wheelbox for Playstation, because of the Region differences. After I finished it, I thought some other EU/PAL PS1 Gamer (who uses your Theme) would also like it. Because I found the "Edge" (Sorry had to use Googletranslator, so I don´t know if it´s the correct Name for that) Online, I Am NOT the official Creator. Hope you like it.

 

The Silent Hill is just a example made by  phenix14000

@Saieno Hey, noticed there is another great update! I was curious, when I go into Bigbox we don't have the option to update the Theme directly in Bigbox, do we need to redownload the Theme and apply? 

8 minutes ago, zartan13 said:

@Saieno Hey, noticed there is another great update! I was curious, when I go into Bigbox we don't have the option to update the Theme directly in Bigbox, do we need to redownload the Theme and apply? 

That's correct. The theme hasn't been submitted to be included in the BigBox theme manager download directly yet, its not quite complete enough for that just yet.

8 minutes ago, Saieno said:

That's correct. The theme hasn't been submitted to be included in the BigBox theme manager download directly yet, its not quite complete enough for that just yet.

Not quite complete?! I politely disagree  

Thanks for confirming, I didn't know if it was a "me" issue or expected behavior.  Again, amazing work can't wait to see where this goes! 

MSU-1?
MD+ ?? 
OMG So many options lol

41 minutes ago, okamigen108 said:

Hello again. Now it´s really perfect. I have no Issues and have alot of fun with this Theme. 

Also I made a Custom Wheelbox for Playstation, because of the Region differences. After I finished it, I thought some other EU/PAL PS1 Gamer (who uses your Theme) would also like it. Because I found the "Edge" (Sorry had to use Googletranslator, so I don´t know if it´s the correct Name for that) Online, I Am NOT the official Creator. Hope you like it.

 

The Silent Hill is just a example made by  phenix14000

 

Oooo thats interesting! I didn't realize there might be regional style cases aside from the box art! I can make a variation for the wheelbox to use something similar with games that are PAL or European region no problem! I'll work on that later today or tomorrow

49 minutes ago, Saieno said:

Oooo thats interesting! I didn't realize there might be regional style cases aside from the box art! I can make a variation for the wheelbox to use something similar with games that are PAL or European region no problem! I'll work on that later today or tomorrow

Gla you liked it 😁

1 hour ago, zartan13 said:

Not quite complete?! I politely disagree  

Thanks for confirming, I didn't know if it was a "me" issue or expected behavior.  Again, amazing work can't wait to see where this goes!

Thanks @zartan13! Please do let me know if you notice a performance improvement when browsing through your games in different platforms. I've done essentially all of the optimization I can without drastically changing the structural components of the theme.

10 hours ago, okamigen108 said:

Hello again. Now it´s really perfect. I have no Issues and have alot of fun with this Theme. 

Also I made a Custom Wheelbox for Playstation, because of the Region differences. After I finished it, I thought some other EU/PAL PS1 Gamer (who uses your Theme) would also like it. Because I found the "Edge" (Sorry had to use Googletranslator, so I don´t know if it´s the correct Name for that) Online, I Am NOT the official Creator. Hope you like it.

Heya @okamigen108! So I just finished up the region specific game cases for PlayStation 1 and should be releasing them shortly! Here's a sneak peek!

Default/Japan

North America

Europe

 

And a shot of it all within the theme!

I'm doing some last minute testing but should have it released shortly! Thanks again for letting me know!

Edited September 13, 2023 by Saieno

6 hours ago, Saieno said:

Heya @okamigen108! So I just finished up the region specific game cases for PlayStation 1 and should be releasing them shortly! Here's a sneak peek!

Default/Japan

North America

Europe

 

And a shot of it all within the theme!

I'm doing some last minute testing but should have it released shortly! Thanks again for letting me know!

Looks really great and no Problem. Glad I could help.

9 minutes ago, okamigen108 said:

Looks really great and no Problem. Glad I could help.

It’s released now in version 1.1.3, hope you like it but of course feel free to use your own if you prefer that instead

Just a quick work in progress update! Many have asked for Intellivision and a Windows/PC Games/Steam Platform view and here's the progress on those! Let me know what ya think and if you have any feedback I'll do my best to accommodate. The Intellivision platform view updates the controller overlays for each game if they are available as well! And I will say that right now I'm currently held up on the Windows Platform view due to how metadata is handled and I'm doing my best to work around that, but once thats figured out it'll be in the next release.

Windows/PC Games/Steam Platform View


Windows/PC Games/Steam Game Details View

 

Intellivision

Intellivision Game Details View

Looks fantastic! No real criticisms as far as I can see. Looks really authentic as usual! The only thing I can see for the  Windows/PC Games/Steam Game Details View The user should be able to see fanart or banners. I am not sure which is which in the example but if users do not have a background a banner gets used and vice versa so there's no blank space unless they have neither.

24 minutes ago, vahn65 said:

Looks fantastic! No real criticisms as far as I can see. Looks really authentic as usual! The only thing I can see for the  Windows/PC Games/Steam Game Details View The user should be able to see fanart or banners. I am not sure which is which in the example but if users do not have a background a banner gets used and vice versa so there's no blank space unless they have neither.

That's part of what I'm having trouble working with, as currently I don't have any access to the Steam specific metadata folders, but working to get that resolved just going to take some time. But yeah right now its not ready as it is and the main holdup is the metadata.

And just like with the Playstation Region Game Cases, and as suggested by @vahn65 I've created region specific Dreamcast Game Cases as well! I plan to have this in the next release!

Default/North America


North America Alt


Europe


Japan


Japan Alt


And here's how they look in the platform view!

Quick Work In Progress Update! The footage is from a older Work in Progress build so please disregard any weirdness or oddities, a lot of work has been done to the Windows/Steam and Arcade themes specifically, but the finished release is currently under early access testing and should be released by the end of the week!
 

 

 

I'm excited to introduce the latest update of the "Mini Consoles Theme" for Launchbox BigBox. This version brings several new features that will elevate your game collection presentation to new heights!

Overview Trailer

 

New Features

1. Arcade/MAME View:

Imagine walking into a dimly lit room, only to be greeted by the vibrant glow of neon lights, screens reflecting off sleek surfaces and rows of brightly colored cabinets. The energizing cacophony of game sounds, chiptunes, and playful challenges fills the air, beckoning players to try their hand at conquering pixelated realms. This was the magic of a 90s arcade – a sanctuary for gamers, where stories were not just told but lived, one coin at a time.

Diverse Cabinet Showcase: Just as arcades offered a smorgasbord of games, this view boasts over 48 unique arcade cabinets, each presenting a doorway into the past.
Variants Included: The 90s arcade was never just about the joystick and buttons. Racing wheel games that simulated high-speed chases and light gun cabinets that brought first-person shooter scenarios to life were all the rage. This view recreates these specialties, ensuring that every gamer finds their niche.
Atmospheric Navigation: It's not just about the games; it's about the experience. As you navigate from one cabinet to another, the shifting atmosphere and audio ambiance transport you back in time, simulating the sensation of wandering through an arcade, deciding where to drop your next coin.
Detailed Reflections: Attention to detail is key. The glow of the game screen softly reflecting off the control panels, especially in the game details screen, doesn't just add to the visuals—it revives memories of intense focus and fingers dancing over buttons in rhythmic gameplay.
Arcade BIOS Game Details Menu: To round off this authentic trip down memory lane, the game details menu mirrors the look and feel of an Arcade BIOS. It's not just about playing; it's about immersing oneself in the entire arcade ethos.

Notes: "Screenshots", "Marquees", "Clear Logos", and "Videos" are utilized for the view. The cabinet style is designated by the game "Publisher" metadata. Racing cabinets are designated by the "Racing" and "Driving / ..." variant genres and Lightgun cabinets are designated by the "Shooter / Gun" genre.

If you wish to manually change the cabinet to fit a specific aesthetic for a game, here are the supported publishers you can update the metadata for the specific game to:

   "Arika"
   "Atari Corporation"
   "Atari Games"
   "Atari"
   "Bally Midway"
   "Capcom Co., Ltd."
   "Capcom"
   "Cave (AMI license)"
   "Cave (Atlus license)"
   "Cave (Capcom license)"
   "Cave (Nihon System license)"
   "Cave"
   "Data East Corporation"
   "Data East"
   "Irem Corp."
   "Irem"
   "Konami Industry Co. Ltd."
   "Konami"
   "Midway Games"
   "Midway"
   "Namco"
   "Nintendo R&D3"
   "Nintendo"
   "SNK Corporation" (This is the red SNK cabinet)
   "SNK" (This is the MVS cabinet)
   "Sega AM1"
   "Sega AM2"
   "Sega AM3 R&D Division"
   "Sega Enterprises Ltd."
   "Sega"
   "Taito America Corporation" (Black Buttons)
   "Taito Corporation Japan" (Red Buttons)
   "Taito Corporation" (Red Buttons)
   "Taito" (Black Buttons)
   "Williams Entertainment"
   "Williams"

2. Steam/PC Games/Windows/Microsoft Windows View:

Especially designed for Windows/PC Games/Steam enthusiasts, this view is inspired by the UI of the Steam Deck. Currently, I'm harnessing the metadata provided by LaunchBox, but hopefully in the future I'll be able to integrate the Steam, GOG, and Epic metadata for a richer experience. Until then, I'm confident you'll love what you see.

Steam Deck Inspiration: This view is designed after the Steam Deck version of Steam OS.
Library View: A seamless browsing experience to navigate through your games.
Game Details View: Get all the information you need about a game with a visually appealing presentation.
Overlay Menu: An intuitive overlay menu for the Game Details Menu, so you get all the additional details without any hassle.

Notes: "Box - Front", "Clear Logo", "Screenshots", "Videos" and "Banners" are utilized for this theme. Unfortunately Fan Background and Steam/Epic/GOG metadata is not available for me to use for the theme currently. Screenshots are utilized first, then Banners as a fall back.

3. Mattel Intellivision View:

This view brings the nostalgia right to your fingertips. Every time you select a game, the Controller Overlay will change to match that specific game. This is perfect for those who love authenticity. But there's more! This view also includes the iconic "My Intellivision" track from Intellivision Lives! which will hopefully set the mood.

Classic Console Presentation: Experience the nostalgic Mattel Intellivision console front and center.
Dynamic Controller Overlays: Game-specific controller overlays are showcased, ensuring that the controls displayed are accurate for each game if available.
Accurate Cartridge Port: With the Mattel Intellivision's cartridge port usually on the side of the console, its been placed at the top with accurate cart insertion depth!
"My Intellivision" Theme Song: Fans of Intellivision Lives! will be delighted to hear the "My Intellivision" theme song incorporated into the theme.

Note: The Controller Overlays are handled via the "Arcade - Controls Information" metadata.

4. Dreamcast Region Specific Game Cases:

Now, your Dreamcast game cases will automatically adjust based on the region you've specified in LaunchBox. Here's a breakdown of the region-specific cases:

• North America White: Set region to North America (This is the default setting)
• North America Black: Set region to North America Alt
• European: Set region to Europe
• Japan White: Set region to Japan
• Japan Black: Set region to Japan Alt

Note: Changing regions for games is best handled via LaunchBox by selecting all games you'd like to change to a specific region, then mass editing the Region field and updating them.

5. Supported Views:

To help with the initial configuration of the Theme, if a Platform attempts to utilize a view that is not supported, a customized view displaying supported options will appear. For example, the default view for the theme is Horizontal Wheel 1, however not all platforms utilize this view and a screen displaying the supported views for the specific Platform will be displayed.

Note: Supported Views does not allow for BigBox wide Search. The Platform View Searching works as expected, and so does Game Detail Menu options like Related Games, etc.

Adjustments and Fixes:

1. Playstation 2 Game Details Screen Cleanup:

Improved the visual presentation and fixed minor glitches to ensure a smoother user experience on the Playstation 2 Game Details Screen.

2. Super Famicom View Update:

Background Color: To make it distinct from the European Super Nintendo and North American Super Nintendo views, the Super Famicom view now has a fresh white background.

3. Alternative Naming Options:

Nintendo Super Famicom: For those familiar with the other name variant, an alternative for "Super Famicom" has been added.
Sony Playstation Portable: Implemented "Sony Playstation Portable" as an alternative naming option to the usual "Sony PSP".
Panasonic 3DO Interactive Multiplayer: Implemented "Panasonic 3DO Interactive Multiplayer" as an alternative naming option to the usual "3DO Interactive Multiplayer" and "Panasonic 3DO".

4. Game Disc Animation Fix for PS1, DC, SegaCD/MegaCD, Xbox 360, GameCube:

In rare instances the disc for the selected game would appear at the top of the screen when going into the Game Details Screen and backing out to the Platform View. This should be resolved.

5. PATREON EXCLUSIVE - Japanese Theme Variation:

For my dedicated Patreon supporters, I've created a special Japanese variation of the theme.
Platform Priority: This exclusive variation prioritizes the naming scheme for the Sega Mega Drive, Sega Mega CD, and Sega Saturn, emphasizing their Japanese identities.
Button Adjustments: In alignment with regional specifications, I've adjusted the Playstation Platforms to switch the O and X buttons to the Japanese standard.

Thank you to my Patrons for being an integral part of this journey. Your feedback and  support push me to constantly improve and provide a stellar experience for all gaming enthusiasts. And thank you to everyone who uses the theme and I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed creating them for you. Happy Gaming!

Did a small update, v2.0.1, fixes an issue with Sega CD displaying as Sega Mega CD.

Also, for the BigBox Search, you'll notice the initial view is unsupported, but as it states, switching to CoverFlow Fullscreen will display your results properly and as a bonus the theme changes as you navigate through the games depending on their platform.

Please add:

MS-DOS, Sega SG-1000, NEC PC-FX, Philips CD-i 

Arcade rom is magic, very immersive, I felt the emotion of being there as a kid. 

Edited October 5, 2023 by afskull

Hello.
I tried the new Update and it is really great. The MAME/Arcade Theme brought back some Memories.
The Steam/Windows Theme is simple, but like it too. But if I go to the Bottom to the last games, it only shows half of the Boxart. In my Photo the black boxes are just missing Boxarts. Right now, I´m still adding Custom BAs.

That´s all for now and thanks for the hard work for giving us such a great Theme.

I wanted to provide you with a quick and important update regarding my health. Unfortunately, I became ill a couple weeks ago, and it seems I will require hospitalization and surgery.

While I was eager to get this sorted out last week, it appears that the earliest available date for the procedure is the 27th. I promise I'm doing everything in my power to get this scheduled as soon as possible, and will be reaching out persistently next week to try to expedite things.

I deeply apologize for any inconveniences this might cause and any interruptions in the content or interactions you’ve come to expect. Your patience, understanding, and unwavering support mean the world to me during this challenging time.

Hope to be back at it soon. Thanks.

Edited October 21, 2023 by Saieno