December Update 2: MAME Import, External Marquee Display, and Steam Integration

[fr0stbyt3]

Hey everyone!

This release brings major improvements to MAME setup, Steam integration, and our marquee system, along with complete UI redesigns the make the install process a bit more polished.

This release packs in 76 commits with improvements spanning faster MAME setup for existing installations, smarter Steam asset handling, an all-new external marquee application, modern toast notifications, and quite a bit more. Whether you’re managing a massive MAME collection or just getting started with HyperHQ, there’s something here for you.

Let’s dive in and see what’s new!

MAME - Faster Setup

Import from Existing Installation

• Point to Existing MAME: Select your current MAME installation instead of re-downloading
• Dramatically Faster Setup: Seconds instead of minutes for users with MAME already installed
• Preserved ROM Paths: Your existing configuration stays intact
• Safe Uninstall: System prevents accidental deletion of your MAME files

Steam - Smarter Integration

Smart Asset Fallback System

• No Configuration Required: System automatically fetches metadata and falls back seamlessly
• As steam updates its artwork, we will pick up those changes as well.

Performance Improvements

• Smarter metadata update events. Metadata downloads now use both our data and steam store data to ensure you have the best available info. 

External Marquee Display

One of the biggest architectural changes in this release—marquees now run as an external standalone application. This also means you will be able to start Marquee with windows independent of hyperspin itself - creating a better looking cabinet install experience. 

The Change

• Real-Time Updates: HyperHQ sends live updates as you browse games and systems
• Independent Window Management: Marquee app manages its own window lifecycle
• Clean Shutdown: Proper cleanup on app quit with HyperSpin process detection

Centralized Service

• Code Reduction: Eliminated ~200 lines of duplicate code across components (84-95% reduction per file)
• Single Source of Truth: All marquee logic centralized for easier maintenance
• Smart Fallbacks: ROMs without backgrounds automatically use system background images

Developer/Artist Features

• Windowed Mode: Run marquee in regular window instead of fullscreen for easier testing/debugging
• Real-Time Settings Sync: Marquee settings sync instantly
• Plugin Integration: Marquee plugin starts automatically on launch if enabled

Modern UI Redesigns

Intro/Outro Video Settings

• Card-Based Layout: Modern 16:9 video thumbnails with numbered badges showing playlist order
• Drag & Drop: Reorder videos and drop files directly from file system to add them
• Video Preview: Cleaner modal for previewing videos with playlist indicator

Systems List View

• The main systems page (where you browse games) now supports viewing systems as well
• Toggle Views: Switch between traditional wheel view and new card layout
• New card view displays systems horizontally with background images and wheel logos
• Adjustable card size slider lets you control how many systems display on screen at once
• Marquee Integration: Card clicks and arrow key navigation update marquee display

Bug Fixes & Stability

Navigation Fixes

• ROM Details Back Button: Now correctly navigates to system’s ROM list
• Delete Navigation: Proper navigation to correct system after ROM deletion
• Accidental Clicks: Fixed accidental navigation when clicking ROM title text

Media & Assets

• Theme Downloads: Fixed theme download issues preventing correct downloads

Your Feedback Matters

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this release:

• Which features are you most excited about?
• How’s the new MAME setup working for you?
• What do you think of the redesigned video settings and toast notifications?
• Are there any issues you’re encountering?
• What would you like to see in future releases?

Thank you for being part of the HyperSpin community and for all your support, feedback, and enthusiasm. Every bug report, feature suggestion, and word of encouragement helps make HyperSpin better.

Here’s to many more improvements ahead!

Stay awesome,
-fr0stbyt3