Front-Ends
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 various emulators and a brief description of each. If needed, further information will be found on the individual page for that emulator.
Many frontends make use of a collection of screenshots, photos 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: Any unknown information in the table is filled with placeholders (placeholders are shown in italics).
| Software | OS | Type1 | Monitor Orientation | Emulators3 | Other Features4 |
| XMAME-GUI | Any (Java)] | Open Source | 
|
SDL-MAME Only | Very Easy |
| AdvanceMenu |   
|
Open Source | 
|
CMD | AM CAB LR MR VID |
| Arcade.EXE |
|
Open Source |
|
CMD | Placeholder |
| ArcadeFE |
|
Freeware |
|
MAME only | None |
| ArcadeFX |
|
Freeware |
|
MAME only | MR |
| ArcadeOS |
|
Open Source |
|
CMD | AM CAB LCD LR MR |
| ArcadEpic |
|
Freeware |
|
CMD | CAB JB MR VID |
| AtomicFE |
|
Freeware |
|
CMD PC | CAB DEV JB LED LR MR ST VID |
| Dragon King |
|
Freeware |
|
CMD | CAB DEV LR MR SW VID |
| EmuLaunch | 
|
Placeholder | Placeholder | 15 arcade and console emulators | Placeholder |
| Emulaxian/3D Arcade |
|
Freeware |
|
CMD | CAB MR SW |
| Emuloader |
|
Freeware |
|
MAME Daphne Zinc AGEMAME PinMAME | None |
| Fronty |
|
Shareware |
|
CMD PC | CAB DEV LCD MR ST |
| GameLauncher |
|
Open Source |
|
CMD | CAB LR MR |
| GameEx |
|
Shareware ($25) |
|
CMD PC | CAB DEV JB LCD MR ST SW VID |
| Kymaera |
|
Open Source |
|
CMD | AM CAB LR MR ST SW VID |
| MaLa |
|
Freeware |
|
CMD PC | CAB DEV JB LCD LED LR MR ST SW VID |
| Maximus Arcade |
|
Commercial ($25) |
|
39+ arcade and console emulators | CAB DEV JB MR ST VID |
| PyreCade |
|
OpenSource |
|
xMame | Nice looking, Never made it out of CVS, I think someone shoulld resureect it
|
| MAME32 |
|
Freeware |
|
MAME only | DEV MR |
| Mamewah |
|
Freeware |
|
CMD PC | CAB DEV LR MR ST VID |
| Ultrastyle |
|
Open Source |
|
MAME only | CAB MR VID |
| Wah!Cade |
|
Open Source |
|
CMD | CAB DEV LR MR ST VID |
1) Type:
- Open Source: is fully functional software with source code included.
- Freeware: is fully functional without payment and without nag screens and ads.
- Shareware: has limited functionality (or have nags) 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 be changed (resize, moveable and resolution).
3) Emulators:
- If CMD is shown, this frontend can run all command line based emulators.
- If PC is shown, it can run PC games as well (using bat and/or shortcuts files).
4) Other Features:
- AM - Native arcade monitor support without ArcadeVGA card
- CAB - Mouse and keyboard-free operation (for cabinets)
- DEV - Under active development
- JB - Integrated jukebox
- LCD - LCD screen, such as those found at http://www.seetron.com/
- LED - Frontend can control a LED controller
- LR - Low Resolutions (below 640 pixels wide)
- MR - Multiple Resolutions
- ST - Skin tool included
- SW - Skinnable without tool
- VID - Video snapshots (movies)
