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Attract-Mode

attractmode.org

  • Free
  • Windows
  • Linux
  • Open source
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What it is

Attract-Mode is a free, open-source graphical frontend for command-line emulators such as MAME, MESS, and Nestopia. It is designed for arcade cabinet setups and control through a joystick, gamepad, or spin dial. The project lists Windows, OS X, and Linux support, including Raspberry Pi and Odroid. Users can import game lists, create lists from emulator directories, and set launch commands for individual games. The frontend can also retrieve missing game details and artwork from TheGamesDB, Progetto-Snaps, and adb.arcadeitalia.net. A built-in configuration menu provides on-screen help, with settings stored in text files. Layouts can be scripted in Squirrel and customized with themes, animations, and GLSL shaders. Media formats supported by FFmpeg are supported, as are SWF files through gameswf. The feature list also names Steam support and plug-ins for extending the frontend or connecting external programs. Pause and resume functionality for returning to the frontend is listed only for Linux and Windows versions. The software is licensed under GNU General Public License v3.

Good, and not so good

  • Free and open source under GPL v3
  • Supports Windows, OS X, and Linux
  • Imports and generates emulator game lists
  • Custom layouts, themes, animations, and shaders
  • Can retrieve game details and artwork
  • Pause and resume listed only for Linux and Windows
  • RetroPie availability is experimental

Who it suits

It suits players building an arcade-style interface for command-line emulators, especially those using joystick, gamepad, or spin-dial controls. It is listed for Windows, OS X, and Linux, including Raspberry Pi and Odroid.

Attract-Mode brings emulator lists, launch commands, controls, and customizable layouts into a graphical frontend. Its pause and resume feature is listed for Linux and Windows only.

Plans

  • Attract-ModeOpen source · GNU General Public License v3Free
  • Freefull frontend · open source · GPL-3.0-or-laterFree

As attractmode.org lists them, read 5 Oct 2026.