Front-Ends
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A frontend is a menu system that allows players to select from a list of games. Once a game is selected from the list, the game is launched using an appropriate emulator. Here is a list of the varioius emulators and a brief description. If needed, further information will be found on the individual page for that emulator.
Many frontends make use of a collection of screenshots, photo's of cabinet and scans of flyers. These additional files can add extra information on the history or appearance of the original arcade cabinet or console game.
Frontend Software
Below is the frontend software comparison table. Click on the software's name for detailed information about that software. Please be aware that this may be incomplete! The individual pages will have the software's homepage for you to verify any information or questions you may have!
Note: the table is currently filled with placeholders (placeholders are shown in italics).
| Software | OS | Type1 | Skinnable2 | Monitor Orientation | Emulators3 | Other Features4 |
| AdvanceMenu |   
|
Open Source | Advanced |  
|
CMD | AM MR CAB VID |
| ArcadeFE |
|
Freeware | No |
|
MAME only | None |
| ArcadeFX |
|
Freeware | Basic |
|
MAME only | MR |
| ArcadeOS |
|
Open Source | Basic |
|
CMD | AM MR LCD CAB |
| ArcadEpic |
|
Freeware | Full |
|
CMD | MR JB CAB VID |
| AtomicFE |
|
Freeware | Full |
|
CMD PC | AM MR JB CAB DEV VID |
| Dragon King |
|
Freeware | Full |
|
CMD | MR CAB |
| Emulaxian/3D Arcade |
|
Freeware | Full |
|
CMD | MR CAB |
| Emuloader |
|
Freeware | No |
|
MAME Daphne Zinc AGEMAME PinMAME | None |
| GameLauncher |
|
Open Source | Basic |
|
CMD | AM (DOS only) MR CAB |
| GameEx |
|
Nagware | Full |
|
CMD PC | MR VID DEV JB LCD CAB |
| Kymaera |
|
Open Source | Full |
|
CMD | AM MR CAB JB? VID? |
| MaLa |
|
Freeware | Full |
|
CMD PC | MR LCD CAB DEV VID JB |
| Maximus Arcade |
|
Shareware ($25) | Full | ?
|
39 arcade and console emulators | Other Features |
| MAME32 |
|
Freeware | Basic |
|
MAME only | DEV |
| Mamewah |
|
Freeware | Full |
|
CMD PC | AM MR CAB VID DEV |
| Ultrastyle |
|
Open Source | Advanced |
|
MAME only | MR CAB VID |
| Wah!Cade |
|
Open Source | Skinnable | ?
|
Emulators | Other Features |
1) Type:
- Open Source: is fully functional software with source code included.
- Freeware: is fully functional without payment and without nag screens and ads.
- Nagware: fully functional with reminders to donate or with advertisements.
- Shareware: has limited functionality until payment is made.
- Commercial: software is fully functional for a limited time, after which payment must be made.
2) Skinnable:
- Basic: change only the background, and maybe text size and/or color
- Advanced: change all artwork. The interface elements are locked in place, although buttons may be able to be resized
- Full: change all artwork, all interface elements can been changed (resize, moveable and resoulution).
3) Emulators:
- If CMD is shown, this frontend can run all commandline based emulators.
- If PC is shown, it can run PC games as well (using bat and/or shortcuts files).
4) Other Features:
- AM - Arcade monitor
- MR - Multiple Resolutions
- LCD - LCD screen, such as those found at http://www.seetron.com/
- CAB - Mouse and keyboard-free operation (for cabinets)
- DEV - Under active development
- JB - Integrated Jukebox
- VID - Video snapshots (movies)
