Running LaunchBox and Big Box on Linux

[winterwulf]

I will try it in Garuda.

[unPuzzler]

Isn't it possible or doable to just port the android version to 'regular' linux distros?

[elwooha6]

I'm glad to see people making headway with this, currently with Steam allowing good support for linux the only reason I even use Windows still is Launchbox. Would really like to ditch the telemetry machine eventually.

@Crossfader The problem with just porting the Android version is you still would need a windows install to setup the data for it, though I suppose if someone were able to get the performance worked out in linux it would provide that.

[Ryoda]

Man I wish launchbox had a native Linux version.

[AxelTerizaki]

I'm not going to add much to this thread other than I really would pay another license juste for a Linux port of Launchbox/Bigbox. I really like it, and now that my Windows emulation machine is dead (SSD crashed) I was thinking about installing Linux instead because Windows is getting worse and worse as time goes by and given how hostile Microsoft is being I don't see this improving at all.

On the other side, Linux has made big improvements and while it's far from perfect, it's made lots of progress.

Being a dev myself I understand how big of a rewrite would be considering the tech used to build Launchbox to begin with, so all I can do is add my voice to the crowd who would like a Linux version of launchbox.

[Ryoda]

Yeah I'd also pay for a seperate Linux license.

[Y_B_A_FOOL]

Though the topic is stale, maybe a new approach might be possible for the Launchbox team. Identifying the needs vs the wants for Launchbox on Linux by ignoring feature parity with the current client.

There isn't any other front end with a competent meta data ecosystem on any platform. This is truly what makes Launchbox unique and special compared to it's competition, not to ignore all it's amazing features it provides. The second best front end is Emulation Station which is open source, but the meta data is not free and Skraper horribly slow/limited considering they want payment.

Maybe forking Emulation Station (Launch Station?) and using the license key to access the Launchbox db could be a realistic solution that can be brought forward? Even if Emulation Station would require payout for using their code, just mark up the Linux license to cover the difference?

Feature parity can be ignored as long as the meta data system works properly, it's honestly why everyone is here.

Considering the popularity of the Steam Deck and Linux moving forward, a fork of trusted open source software might be the better solution. Most issues can be addressed with Emulation Station as the main product here is the meta data system that needs to be implemented.

[roxsonixx]

I would just like to add that I would be willing to pay for a license on Linux, I moved to Linux two years ago and I haven't used Launchbox since, I am using ES-DE. I would happily pay for a Linux License if this were working proper in Linux. Thanks for all you do. 

[arcan3kn1ght]

I too would like to throw my money at a Linux version of launchbox. Heck, just being able to get it to run only in desktop mode initially would be a tremendous start.

[AstroBob]

Hi Folks,

I wanted to provide an update on Linux, given we discussed it during last week's closing stream and AMA. I'm attaching the response that we just added to our recent AMA, and you can also see where we discuss this in a lot more detail on our closing stream. It's linked to start at the timestamp where we discuss it

⏰ 45:55

 

Q: What is your stance on supporting Linux in the future?

We hear you loud and clear, and we understand there is strong interest in Linux support, especially from Steam Deck users and others in the Linux community.

We are actively exploring this possibility, but there are significant challenges due to the app’s foundation in Microsoft .NET and WPF, which were originally designed for Windows environments and aren’t fully compatible with Linux. Supporting Linux isn’t impossible, but it does present a large technical hurdle. It would likely require a substantial rewrite of the app from the ground up, and we have to carefully balance this effort with the need to maintain and improve the existing functionality and experience for our current users.

That said, we’re experimenting with various UI frameworks to ensure we can deliver cross-platform compatibility while preserving the powerful customization and theming options that set LaunchBox apart. We want to make sure that whatever we build for Linux—whether it’s for Steam Deck or other platforms—retains the quality and flexibility users expect, without compromising on features.

In short, Linux support is something we’re working toward, but due to the complexity of the project, we can’t commit to a specific timeline right now. Rest assured, it’s on our radar, and we’re taking steps in the right direction.

[Eschaton]

Extremely happy to hear this. I'll be an instant buyer of lifetime on the linux platform.

[Mr.Miguardi]

I can't wait to hear new info about that!
I completely trashed Windows an year and half ago and since then my arcade cabinet is left unused without update or any type of work.
I keep using windows on that machine because there are not many option that support LED and marquee second screen on Linux.
Now I have one more reason to think about trying to moving my cabinet to linux.

Edited December 3, 2024 by Mr.Miguardi

[j.b]

Curios - if we have an Android version of Big Box that works fine, and Android is essentially Linux with extra steps, why can't the Android version be ported to Linux?

[rdscarlisle]

On 12/12/2024 at 4:14 PM, j.b said:

Curios - if we have an Android version of Big Box that works fine, and Android is essentially Linux with extra steps, why can't the Android version be ported to Linux?

On 9/6/2024 at 9:25 AM, AstroBob said:

 

We are actively exploring this possibility, but there are significant challenges due to the app’s foundation in Microsoft .NET and WPF, which were originally designed for Windows environments and aren’t fully compatible with Linux. Supporting Linux isn’t impossible, but it does present a large technical hurdle. It would likely require a substantial rewrite of the app from the ground up, and we have to carefully balance this effort with the need to maintain and improve the existing functionality and experience for our current users.

That said, we’re experimenting with various UI frameworks to ensure we can deliver cross-platform compatibility while preserving the powerful customization and theming options that set LaunchBox apart. We want to make sure that whatever we build for Linux—whether it’s for Steam Deck or other platforms—retains the quality and flexibility users expect, without compromising on features.

In short, Linux support is something we’re working toward, but due to the complexity of the project, we can’t commit to a specific timeline right now. Rest assured, it’s on our radar, and we’re taking steps in the right direction.

Maybe read the other posts before trying to oversimplify things that aren't as simple as you think?