Couch launchers compared
Couch game launchers for Windows, compared
Turning a PC into a sofa-friendly console can mean Steam Big Picture, Playnite, Microsoft's Xbox mode, LaunchBox Big Box or Onyro. They all do the job differently. Here is an honest look at what each does best, as of October 2026.
At a glance
| Onyro | Steam Big Picture | Playnite fullscreen | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free, no paid tier | Free | Free, open source |
| Setup | None: reads installed games | None for Steam; shortcuts for other stores | Set up each store's library first |
| Stores on the shelf | Steam, Xbox app, Epic, GOG, EA, Ubisoft, Battle.net, Rockstar, Riot, itch.io, folders | Steam, plus manual shortcuts | Many stores, through integrations and add-ons |
| Controllers | Xbox, DualSense, DualShock 4, XInput controllers | Almost any controller, through Steam Input | XInput and DirectInput controllers, through SDL |
| Mouse from the controller | Built in (Select and Start) | Steam Input desktop layout | Not built in |
| Opens when a controller turns on | Built in, with the start-up helper | Guide button, while Steam runs | With the ControlUp add-on |
| Artwork and metadata | Art your launchers already saved | Steam library art | Metadata downloads, themes and add-ons |
| Account | None | Steam account | None for Playnite itself |
Onyro
Best if you want zero setup and the full couch loop: switch the controller on, pick any installed game from any launcher, and shut down from the sofa. Free, private and updated through the Microsoft Store. It shows installed games only, uses the artwork your launchers already saved, and reads Xbox, PlayStation and XInput controllers.
Steam Big Picture
Best if your library is mostly Steam. Steam Input makes almost any controller work and gives you a desktop mouse while Steam runs. Games from other stores need manual shortcuts.
Playnite fullscreen
Best if you love tuning things. Playnite is free and open source, imports libraries from many stores, downloads metadata, and has themes and add-ons. Expect to spend time on setup, and to add an add-on such as ControlUp if you want it to open when a controller connects.
Xbox mode
Best if you're on Windows 11 and live in Game Pass. Microsoft's full-screen mode includes the Game Pass catalogue and installed games from major PC stores. It's rolling out in select markets and doesn't cover Windows 10. Xbox mode on Windows 10 explains the gap.
LaunchBox Big Box
Best for emulation and retro collections, with deep theming. Big Box is the paid upgrade to LaunchBox.
Which should you pick?
- Zero setup, every launcher, power from the sofa: Onyro.
- Mostly Steam games: Steam Big Picture.
- Customising everything: Playnite.
- Windows 11 and Game Pass: Xbox mode.
- Emulation and retro: LaunchBox Big Box.
Get Onyro free from Microsoft Store
Sources: Playnite fullscreen documentation, ControlUp add-on, Xbox mode announcement, checked in October 2026.
Updated 23 October 2026.