EmulationStation vs GOG Galaxy
EmulationStation
emulationstation.org
GOG Galaxy
gog.comSide by side
| Figure | EmulationStation | GOG Galaxy |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 1 |
| Spec score · Game Library Managers | 7.1 (#29) | 8.7 (#5) |
| Spec score · Game launchers | 6.7 (#59) | 8.7 (#14) |
| Purpose | EmulationStation is a graphical, themeable front end that brings games from different emulators together in one place. | GOG GALAXY combines game libraries and friends from multiple gaming platforms in one app. |
| Support | The maker directs users to the GitHub issue tracker to report bugs or seek help. | GOG directs users to an in-app issue reporter, feedback option, support tickets and community forums. |
Plans
In their own words
EmulationStation
EmulationStation has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
GOG Galaxy
GOG Galaxy brings game libraries and friends from different gaming platforms into one app for Windows and macOS. It can collect PC and console games, including titles that are not installed, and track achievements, play time, and owned games across connected services. For PC games, it can install and launch titles owned on different platforms. Library tools include filtering, sorting, tagging, changing game visuals, saving views, and editing metadata. Galaxy combines friends lists, online status, activity, and cross-platform chat. Games can enter the library through official or community-made integrations, or be added manually; community integrations are open source, and GOG provides documentation for creating them. Library changes sync between devices, and offline mode is available. GOG says it does not share imported personal data with third parties and removes it from its servers when a platform is disconnected. GOG-specific features include auto-updates, cloud saves, multiplayer, matchmaking, and rollbacks. Other platforms’ client software is needed for their platform-specific features. The app is free with a GOG account.