Does Playnite replace Steam?
No, it acts as a frontend. You still need Steam installed to launch Steam games, but Playnite manages the library organization.
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Playnite – Universal Open Source Game Library Manager
Video game library manager with one unified interface
Unify your entire video game collection from Steam, Epic, GOG, and consoles into one beautiful, customizable, and completely free interface.
About Playnite
Playnite is an open-source video game library manager with one simple goal: to provide a unified interface for all of your games. It automatically imports games from popular libraries like Steam, Epic, Origin, GOG, Battle.net, Ubisoft Connect, and many others, including emulated console games.
The application is designed to be highly customizable, allowing users to write scripts, create themes, and develop plugins to extend functionality. Unlike proprietary launchers, Playnite respects user privacy, requiring no account creation and storing all data locally on your machine.
System Requirements
- Operating System: Windows 7, 8, 10, 11 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64 X2
- RAM: 2 GB
- Disk Space: 500 MB
- Additional Requirements: .NET Framework 4.6.2
Features Of Playnite
- Universal Library Import: Connects 10+ major launchers
- Fullscreen Mode: Controller-ready interface for TV use
- Emulation Support: Auto-detects and configures emulators
- Extension Support: Hundreds of community-made plugins
- Portable Architecture: Run directly from USB drives
- Play Time Tracking: Unified counters across all platforms
- Theme Engine: Fully customizable YAML-based styling
- Metadata Loader: Fetches covers, backgrounds, and icons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Completely free and open-source forever
- Lightweight with minimal system resource usage
- Does not require a proprietary account
- Supports virtually every game launcher and emulator
- Active community developing new extensions daily
Cons
- Requires 3rd party launchers to be installed to play
- Fullscreen mode themes can be complex to edit
- No built-in cloud sync for save games (local only)
- Automatic emulator setup can occasionally fail
Changelog
Version 10.37 (June 2025):
- Added JGenesis emulator profile
- Fixed background music not restoring after game exit
- Improved reliability of library updates from Epic Games
- Resolved focus issues in Fullscreen mode
- Updated IGDB metadata fetcher API compatibility
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Playnite safe to use?
Yes, it is open-source (MIT License) and the code is publicly auditable on GitHub. It does not collect personal user data.
Can I use it on a TV?
Yes, Playnite features a 'Fullscreen Mode' specifically designed for controllers and large screens, similar to Steam Big Picture.
Does it support console games?
Yes, via emulation. You can import ROMs and link them to emulators like RetroArch or PCSX2 within Playnite.
