EmulationStation vs ES-DE Frontend
EmulationStation
emulationstation.org
ES-DE Frontend
es-de.orgSide by side
| Figure | EmulationStation | ES-DE Frontend |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 4 |
| Spec score · Game Library Managers | 7.1 (#29) | 9.2 (#1) |
| Spec score · Emulation Frontends | 7.2 (#20) | 9.2 (#1) |
| Spec score · Game launchers | 6.7 (#59) | 9.3 (#3) |
| Controller navigation | Its interface can be used with a four-button controller without a keyboard, and controller setup is done within the program. | The interface provides full controller navigation. |
| Platforms | The download page lists Windows, Debian, Arch, and Raspberry Pi options. | Officially supported platforms are Android, Linux, macOS, Windows and Haiku; FreeBSD has an unofficial ports package. |
| Purpose | EmulationStation is a graphical, themeable front end that brings games from different emulators together in one place. | ES-DE browses and launches games from a multi-platform collection and can also run locally installed games and applications. |
| Support | The maker directs users to the GitHub issue tracker to report bugs or seek help. | The official installation page directs users to the user guide, FAQs and Discord for support. |
| Themes | The theming system lets users customize screens separately for each system. | Users can download themes through a built-in theme downloader and customize the interface extensively. |
Plans
ES-DE Frontend
- Windows, macOS and LinuxFree
- Windows, macOS and Linux desktopFree
- Android (Samsung Galaxy Store)$6.50, paid once
- AndroidPrice not published
In their own words
EmulationStation
EmulationStation has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
ES-DE Frontend
ES-DE Frontend browses and launches games from a multi-platform collection and can also run locally installed games and applications. It supports more than 150 game systems and comes configured for a large selection of emulators, game engines, game managers, and gaming services. Its built-in scraper downloads game details and media, including images, videos, and manuals. Users can adjust configuration options and themes, and download additional themes through the built-in theme downloader. The interface supports full controller navigation. Windows, macOS, and Linux editions are free to download and use, fully open source, and may be distributed freely. The Android release is a paid, partially closed-source app, and no price is listed. It is available through Patreon, Samsung Galaxy Store, and Huawei AppGallery. The Android FAQ gives 64-bit Android 10 or later as the basic requirement and says one purchase can be used on all of the buyer’s devices without a subscription or additional costs. Support links include a user guide, FAQs, and Discord.