Attract-Mode vs Bezel
Attract-Mode
attractmode.org
Bezel
retrobezel.comSide by side
| Figure | Attract-Mode | Bezel |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 2 |
| Spec score · Game Library Managers | 9.1 (#2) | 8.0 (#10) |
| Spec score · Game launchers | 8.9 (#11) | 7.9 (#24) |
| License | Attract-Mode is released under the GNU General Public License version 3 or later. | The terms grant a personal, non-commercial license and state that Bezel is proprietary. |
| Support | The official site links to a community forum and provides documentation, compile instructions, a layouts manual and a project wiki. | The site directs users to GitHub to download the beta and file feedback, and to Ko-fi to support development. |
| Supported systems | The project says it runs on Windows, OS X and Linux, including Raspberry Pi and Odroid. | Bezel says it supports more than 25 systems and has a catalog of more than 80,000 games. |
Plans
In their own words
Attract-Mode
Attract-Mode is a graphical frontend for command-line emulators such as MAME, MESS, and Nestopia. It is intended for arcade cabinets and control by joystick, gamepad, or spin dial, and runs on Windows, OS X, and Linux, including Raspberry Pi and Odroid. Users can import game lists, generate lists from emulator directories, and set launch commands for individual games. The frontend can retrieve missing game details and artwork from TheGamesDB, Progetto-Snaps, and adb.arcadeitalia.net. Controls can be assigned to joystick, keyboard, or mouse inputs, including combinations. A built-in configuration menu has on-screen help, and settings are stored in text files. Layouts can be scripted in Squirrel and customized with themes, animations, and GLSL shaders. It supports media formats supported by FFmpeg and SWF files through gameswf. The feature list also names Steam support and plug-ins for extensions or integration with external programs. Attract-Mode is free and open source under the GNU General Public License v3. Pause functionality for returning to the frontend and resuming an emulator is listed only for Linux and Windows versions.
Bezel
Bezel is a retro game launcher and library organizer for Linux, macOS, and Windows. It supports more than 25 systems and lists a catalog of more than 80,000 games. Its offline game database supplies titles and metadata without API keys or scraping, and the launcher can capture emulator soundtracks for playback while you browse. The optional AI companion, Bezelie, can watch gameplay, react aloud, remember sessions, chat, and take control to play. Named integrations include RetroArch, RetroAchievements, YouTube, Twitch, ElevenLabs, Google Drive, and Dropbox. Bezel describes itself as offline-first, without accounts or telemetry, and says the library stays on your machine. Some enabled Bezelie features may send screenshots, recorded audio, text, or related context to an AI provider. The app does not include game or BIOS files. Its launcher is free; Bezelie Premium is optional, with no price listed. The Mac build is described as experimental, and the license is personal and non-commercial.