Where do the games come from?
From you. Playbox plays game files you already have, read from a shared folder on your NAS, Mac, or PC. It doesn't include games, doesn't download them, and doesn't link to places that do.
Which systems does it play?
The NES at launch. Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance are next. Playbox only ships systems whose emulation it can license for a paid app, so bigger consoles are not on the roadmap.
How do I set up the folder?
Put your game files in any shared folder, then open Playbox and choose Find My Games. It lists the computers and NAS boxes on your network; pick one, sign in if it asks, and choose the folder. Subfolders are included.
If nothing shows up, turn on file sharing where the games are: on a Mac, System Settings, General, Sharing, File Sharing. Synology, QNAP, and TrueNAS have SMB on by default. Make sure the Apple TV is on the same network.
How do I get box art?
Put a picture next to the game with the same name: Alter Ego.nes and Alter Ego.png. A covers folder alongside the games works too. Games without a picture show the last screen you played.
Which controllers work?
The Siri Remote (touch surface for the d-pad, click for A, play/pause for B, Menu to pause), and any Xbox, PlayStation, or Switch controller paired to the Apple TV. Start and Select are in the pause menu for remotes that lack them.
How is my progress saved?
Automatically. Pausing, going back to the library, or leaving the app snapshots the game, and opening it again resumes right there. Cartridge saves are kept as well. To start over, choose Restart from the beginning in the pause menu.
Contact
Email support@boringware.com.