Simple Launcher
Organize and launch games across PC stores and emulators.
At a glance
- Editor scoreNot yet scored
- PricingFree plan
- Best forWindows and Linux users organizing stores and ROMs
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Store coverageMulti-store-plus-emulators
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Brings supported PC storefront libraries into one searchable catalog.
- Organizes games across more than 100 systems with emulator configuration.
- Adds play history, gamepad navigation, and RetroAchievements integration.
Where it doesn't
- Linux support is beta.
- Desktop-only, with no cloud synchronization described.
- Does not provide ROMs, ISOs, or BIOS files.
Our verdict on Simple Launcher
Simple Launcher is an open-source desktop frontend for organizing, browsing, and launching games from PC storefronts and emulators. It is aimed at Windows and Linux players who want a single library for store-bought games and retro collections, rather than a source for game files. The project supports more than 100 gaming systems and connects with stores including Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Microsoft Store, Amazon Games, and itch.io. Its Windows version is joined by a cross-platform Avalonia app; the project describes Linux support as beta.
Its main strength is the combination of breadth and library tools. Simple Launcher can inject configuration settings into supported emulators, show games in customizable grids or sortable lists, and search with AND/OR operators. It also tracks play count, playtime, and last-played timestamps, with favorites and Xbox or PlayStation gamepad navigation for browsing. Cover-art discovery uses fuzzy image matching and includes download tools. RetroAchievements integration adds user profiles and game matching. This makes the launcher a fit for players who want organization and emulation features together, rather than a narrow launcher for one storefront.
Simple Launcher is free and open source, so there are no paid tiers described. It is a desktop product, and cloud synchronization is not described; players who need libraries synced across devices should look for an alternative with an explicit sync feature. Linux users should also weigh the beta status before making it their primary setup. It does not include ROMs, ISOs, or BIOS files, so players must bring their own game and system files. Choose it if consolidating storefronts and emulator collections locally is the priority; consider another option if cross-device sync or a mature Linux release is essential.
Simple Launcher pricing
Simple Launcher fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Store coverage | Multi-store-plus-emulators |
| Emulator support | Yes |
| Platform support | Multi-platform |
| Controller support | Yes |
| Offline mode | Not verified |
| Metadata editing | Not verified |
| Cloud sync | No |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 12 integrations: Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Microsoft Store, Amazon Games, Battle.net … |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
Simple Launcher integrations
Simple Launcher lists 12 integrations on its own site.
- Steam
- Epic Games Store
- GOG
- Microsoft Store
- Amazon Games
- Battle.net
- EA App
- Humble Bundle
- itch.io
- Rockstar Games
- Uplay
- RetroAchievements
Alternatives to Simple Launcher
- LaunchBoxA polished Windows hub for storefront libraries, emulators, metadata, and controller-first browsing.8.2
- GOG GalaxyA free GOG-centered launcher with connected libraries, offline support, and community integrations.—
- LutrisA free Linux hub for storefront games, emulators, runners, and Steam libraries.—
See all Simple Launcher alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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