The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls

Main => Software Forum => Topic started by: MaseMan on February 11, 2018, 01:39:06 pm

Title: Help me choose a new front end!
Post by: MaseMan on February 11, 2018, 01:39:06 pm
So I've had a built-from-a-kit arcade cabinet for a couple years now. Still love the thing...mostly use MAME and occasionally play NES games on it. Also use The Pinball Arcade.

I've had Maximus Arcade since I started in this hobby. I'm tired of it, and want something newer and I guess "prettier" to show off my arcade machine. I'm also not impressed that Maximus Arcade is still selling licenses, but no longer offering any sort of official customer support.

So many options to pick from...I run a Windows 10 PC. Seems like GameX and Hyperspin are very popular. I'm decent with computers, but would like something that doesn't require a degree in software management to set up.

All suggestions and ideas would be much appreciated!
Title: Re: Help me choose a new front end!
Post by: B2K24 on February 11, 2018, 03:34:49 pm
There's a "New RetroFE modular installation on EmuMovies FTP" which is basically extract and go. It's got thousands of RL and other bezels all converted for MAME usage as well as other artwork/videos. It's the most complete and convenient package I've ever seen. It's definitely worth a look.

It's got a really clean look and am enjoying it very much.

Here's a couple pics of how it looks.

 
Title: Re: Help me choose a new front end!
Post by: MaseMan on February 11, 2018, 04:13:19 pm
There's a "New RetroFE modular installation on EmuMovies FTP" which is basically extract and go. It's got thousands of RL and other bezels all converted for MAME usage as well as other artwork/videos. It's the most complete and convenient package I've ever seen. It's definitely worth a look.

It's got a really clean look and am enjoying it very much.

Here's a couple pics of how it looks.

 
Cool! Any opinions on how it compares to the more well known front ends?
Title: Re: Help me choose a new front end!
Post by: smass on February 11, 2018, 05:10:31 pm
RetroFE looks a lot like a retropie skin.  Nothing wrong with that, but seems like it would look better on a 16:9 monitor.
Title: Re: Help me choose a new front end!
Post by: MaseMan on February 11, 2018, 06:52:30 pm
RetroFE looks a lot like a retropie skin.  Nothing wrong with that, but seems like it would look better on a 16:9 monitor.
Actually, yeah, I noticed that it does look a lot like the RetroPie on my little RaspberryPi box. I think I'd rather have something a bit different.
Title: Re: Help me choose a new front end!
Post by: mike boss on February 12, 2018, 07:01:53 am
I'm still a huge fan of Mala. All my builds use Mala with a custom layout.
I like the simplicity and the fact that really any feature I can think of has been included.
I like a simple skin, less is more type approach.
Mala allows for easy set up of the different emulators.
Worth a look IMHO.
Title: Re: Help me choose a new front end!
Post by: gildahl on March 27, 2018, 01:27:54 pm
I found GameEx easier to setup than Hyperspin and you can make the ui as clean or verbose as you like (and easily switch between such modes if you want).  It has always been well supported and updates are easy to apply.  I used to use Maximus Arcade too and found the switch easy.