LaunchBox Alternatives for Linux

LaunchBox is not available for Linux but there are plenty of alternatives that runs on Linux with similar functionality. The best Linux alternative is Lutris, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 50 alternatives to LaunchBox and many of them are available for Linux so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Linux alternatives to LaunchBox are RetroArch, Retrom, GameHub and Pegasus.

filter to find the best alternatives

LaunchBox alternatives are mainly Game Emulators, but if you're looking for Game Library Managers or Game Stores you can filter on that. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to LaunchBox.
LaunchBox iconLaunchBox
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LaunchBox was originally built as an attractive frontend to DOSBox, but has since expanded to support both modern PC games and emulated console platforms. LaunchBox aims to be the one-stop shop for...

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LaunchBox alternatives page was last updated Apr 29, 2025
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  1. Lutris icon

    Lutris

     213 likes
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    Lutris is an open source gaming platform for GNU/Linux. It allows you to gather and manage (install, configure and launch) all your games acquired from any source, in a single interface.

    53 Lutris alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • FR flagFrance
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Online
    • Flathub
    Lutris screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Game Launcher
    2.  Custom Scripts
    3.  Multi System Emulator
    4.  Compatibility Layer
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Dark Mode
    7.  Two-factor Authentication

    Lutris VS LaunchBox

     
    Comments about Lutris as an Alternative to LaunchBox
    Most Recent Comment
    Guest
    Negative Jan 20, 2019
    0

    Launchbox is internally capable of batch imports for supported platforms. Lutris can only batch import from a few sources.

    Guest
    Negative Mar 10, 2020
    0

    Launchbox is primarily designed for importing libraries of retro game roms and then setting up as a frontend to launch external emulators.

    Lutris is primarily a community driven frontend for managing wine and proton emulation configs for modern windows games.

    Guest
    Positive Jul 11, 2016
    0

    Lets you collect and run all your games, no matter how you are running them, from one place.

    LaunchBox Icon
    Lutris icon

    • Most users think Lutris is a great LaunchBox alternative.

    • Lutris is the most popular Web-based & Linux alternative to LaunchBox.

    • Lutris is Free and Open SourceLaunchBox is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Lutris is LightweightLaunchBox is not according to our users
  2. RetroArch icon

    RetroArch

     293 likes
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    A fast, modular emulator frontend offering portability and extensive support for systems from arcade consoles to mobile platforms, featuring game engines like Doom and Quake, and capabilities for real-time rewinding and shader support on a variety of devices.

    134 RetroArch alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • FR flagFrance
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Blackberry
    • iPad
    • F-Droid
    • Steam
    • Raspberry Pi
    • Playstation
    • Xbox
    Main view

    RetroArch Features

    1.  Multi System Emulator
    2.  Multiplatform
    3.  Emulation
    4.  Controller Support
    5.  Modular System
    6.  Gameboy emulation
    7.  Dark Mode
    8.  Variety
    9.  Rewind button
    10.  Portable

    RetroArch VS LaunchBox

     

    • RetroArch is the most popular Android, Mac, iPhone & iPad alternative to LaunchBox.

    • RetroArch is Free and Open SourceLaunchBox is Freemium and Proprietary
  4. Retrom icon

    Retrom

     28 likes
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    Centralized game library management service, allowing you to host games on one device and connect multiple clients, supporting cross-platform play and emulation. Easily manage emulator profiles, with web client access for metadata and artwork showcase.

    40 Retrom alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Self-Hosted
    • Docker
    Retrom screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Dark Mode
    2.  Ad-free
    3.  No Tracking
    4.  No registration required
    5.  Achievements Supported

    Retrom VS LaunchBox

     

    • Retrom is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to LaunchBox.

    • Retrom is Free and Open SourceLaunchBox is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Retrom is Privacy focusedLaunchBox is not according to our users
  5. GameHub icon

    GameHub

     40 likes
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    Games library manager. Supports: Steam, GOG, Humble Bundle, Humble Trove, Wine and RetroArch.

    41 GameHub alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • UA flagUkraine

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • AppImageHub
    • Flatpak
    GameHub allows to view, download, install, run and uninstall games from supported sources.
    Discontinued

    Their GitHub repository was archived on Apr 19, 2025.

    GameHub Features

    1. Steam icon  Import from Steam
    2. GOG.com icon  Import from GoG
    3.  Multi System Emulator
    4.  Dark Mode
    5.  Controller Support
    6.  Proton support for linux
    7.  Gameboy emulation
    8.  Flatpak

    GameHub VS LaunchBox

     
    Comments about GameHub as an Alternative to LaunchBox
    Guest
    Negative Aug 17, 2020
    1

    It's focus is on launching native linux games. Doesn't support adding a complete no-intro romset, and it's wine/proton support is dismal

    LaunchBox Icon
    GameHub icon
    • GameHub is Free and Open SourceLaunchBox is Freemium and Proprietary
  6. Pegasus icon

    Pegasus

     27 likes
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    Pegasus is a graphical frontend for browsing your game library (especially retro games) and launching them from one place. It's focusing on customizability, cross platform support (including embedded devices) and high performance.

    43 Pegasus alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • HU flagHungary
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Raspberry Pi
    Pegasus screenshot 1

    Pegasus Features

    1.  Portable
    2.  Game Launcher

    Pegasus VS LaunchBox

     
  7. Lakka icon

    Lakka

     33 likes
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    Lakka is the official Linux distribution of RetroArch and the libretro ecosystem. Each game system is implemented as a libretro core, while the frontend RetroArch takes care of inputs and display.

    30 Lakka alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • FR flagFrance
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Cubieboard
    • HummingBoard
    • Raspberry Pi
    • Nintendo Switch
    • Odroid
    Splash screen

    Properties

    1.  Gaming-focused

    Features

    1.  Emulation
    2.  Linux-based

    Lakka VS LaunchBox

     
    Comments about Lakka as an Alternative to LaunchBox
    Guest
    Negative Nov 23, 2020
    0

    Linux-OS not meant to be used as game library organizer.

    LaunchBox Icon
    Lakka icon
    • Lakka is Free and Open SourceLaunchBox is Freemium and Proprietary
  9. RetroDECK icon

    RetroDECK

     4 likes
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    RetroDECK is an all-in-one retro gaming platform with built-in emulators, game engines, and systems. For Steam Deck or Linux Desktop.

    10 RetroDECK alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • IT flagItaly
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • SteamOS
    • Flathub
    • Linux
    • Flatpak
    RetroDECK screenshot 1

    RetroDECK Features

    1.  Achievements Supported
    2.  Ad-free
    3.  Controller Support
    4.  Emulation
    5.  Flatpak

    RetroDECK VS LaunchBox

     
  10. Antstream Arcade icon

    Antstream Arcade

     5 likes
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    Discover a lifetime of gaming, the ultimate retro gaming experience with Antstream Arcade. Dive into a vast collection of over 1300 classic games, with new titles added every week.

    55 Antstream Arcade alternatives

    License model

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Epic Games Store
    • Playstation
    • Xbox
    Antstream Arcade screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Gaming-focused

    Features

    1.  Online Gaming

    Antstream Arcade VS LaunchBox

     
    Comments about Antstream Arcade as an Alternative to LaunchBox
    Guest
    Negative Dec 22, 2024
    0

    Antstream limits you to their own library of games, not your own.

    LaunchBox Icon
    Antstream Arcade icon

    • Antstream Arcade is the most popular Android Tablet alternative to LaunchBox.

    • Antstream Arcade is the most popular commercial alternative to LaunchBox.

    • Antstream Arcade is Paid and ProprietaryLaunchBox is Freemium and Proprietary
  11. Attract-Mode icon

    Attract-Mode

     1 like
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    A graphical front-end for command line emulators that hides the underlying operating system and is intended to be controlled with a joystick, gamepad or spin dial. Ideal for use on arcade cabinet setups.

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Raspberry Pi
    Attract-Mode screenshot 1

    Attract-Mode Features

    1.  Ad-free
    2.  Portable
    3.  Front End Emulation
    4.  Windows XP Compatibility
    5.  Game Launcher

    Attract-Mode VS LaunchBox

     
  12. GameEx icon

    GameEx

     3 likes
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    Feature rich gaming front-end for MAME, GameBase, Daphne, PC Games and all command line based game emulators, along with being a complete Home Theatre PC solution or plug in for windows media center.

    License model

    • Free • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Android
    GameEx screenshot 1

    GameEx Features

    1.  Portable
    2.  Ad-free
    3.  Windows XP Compatibility

    GameEx VS LaunchBox

     
10 of 22 LaunchBox alternatives