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 | Skinnable2 | Monitor Orientation | Emulators3 | Other Features4 |
| AdvanceMenu |   
|
Open Source | Advanced |  
|
CMD | AM MR CAB VID LR |
| ArcadeFE |
|
Freeware | No |
|
MAME only | None |
| ArcadeFX |
|
Freeware | Basic |
|
MAME only | MR |
| ArcadeOS |
|
Open Source | Basic |
|
CMD | AM MR LCD CAB LR |
| ArcadEpic |
|
Freeware | Full |
|
CMD | MR JB CAB VID |
| AtomicFE |
|
Freeware | Full |
|
CMD PC | LR MR JB CAB DEV VID |
| Dragon King |
|
Freeware | Full |
|
CMD | MR CAB |
| EmuLaunch | 
|
Software | Skinnable | Orientation | 15 arcade and console emulators | Other Features |
| Emulaxian/3D Arcade |
|
Freeware | Full |
|
CMD | MR CAB |
| Emuloader |
|
Freeware | No |
|
MAME Daphne Zinc AGEMAME PinMAME | None |
| GameLauncher |
|
Open Source | Basic |
|
CMD | MR CAB LR |
| GameEx |
|
Nagware | Full |
|
CMD PC | MR VID DEV JB LCD CAB |
| Kymaera |
|
Open Source | Full |
|
CMD | AM MR CAB JB? VID? LR |
| MaLa |
|
Freeware | Full |
|
CMD PC | MR LCD CAB DEV VID JB LR |
| Maximus Arcade |
|
Commercial ($25) | Full | Orientation | 39 arcade and console emulators | Other Features |
| MAME32 |
|
Freeware | Basic |
|
MAME only | DEV |
| Mamewah |
|
Freeware | Full |
|
CMD PC | LR MR CAB VID DEV |
| Ultrastyle |
|
Open Source | Advanced |
|
MAME only | MR CAB VID |
| Wah!Cade |
|
Open Source | Full |
|
CMD | LR MR CAB DEV |
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 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
- MR - Multiple Resolutions
- LR - Low Resolutions (below 640 pixels wide)
- 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)
