Skip to main content

Welcome to HyperHQ

HyperHQ is the setup side of a HyperSpin build. It gives you one place to manage systems, games, media, controls, and a bunch of cabinet-specific extras without living in config files all day.

On this page​

What HyperHQ is for​

If you've ever built a HyperSpin setup the old way, you already know the usual pain points:

  • paths scattered across different folders
  • emulator settings living in different places
  • media coming from multiple sources
  • big ROM sets that need cleanup before the wheel feels usable
  • cabinet extras like marquees, LEDs, and custom controls needing extra attention

HyperHQ pulls those jobs into one app so you can:

  • add and configure systems
  • point each system at the right emulator and ROM folders
  • import games and organize the library
  • download artwork, videos, themes, and manuals
  • set up keyboard and controller mappings
  • adjust display, audio, overlay, and marquee behavior
  • extend things with plugins when you need more than the built-in tools

HyperHQ gives you a guided place to make those choices. You still choose your folders, emulators, and media strategy, but the setup work stays visible and manageable.

What you can do in HyperHQ​

Set up systems​

Add arcade boards, consoles, handhelds, computers, or PC launch targets. For each one, you can dial in:

  • ROM locations
  • file extensions
  • emulator choice
  • system-specific settings
  • media refresh options

That matters because one clean system setup saves cleanup later.

Build a usable game library​

Once a system knows where your files live, HyperHQ can scan and populate the games list. From there you can:

  • search and sort big libraries
  • fix names and metadata
  • favorite the games you actually play
  • hide entries you don't want on the wheel
  • create manual entries for unusual launches or custom setups
  • organize things for a cleaner HyperSpin experience

If you're working with a huge MAME or No-Intro style set, this is where HyperHQ really earns its keep.

Handle media without the usual mess​

HyperHQ works with HyperSpin and EmuMovies media workflows, so you can manage the visual side of the setup in the same place as the library itself.

That includes things like:

  • wheel art
  • videos
  • themes
  • marquees
  • manuals
  • system artwork

You can refresh what you need, check the results, and avoid downloading everything blindly when you only need to fill gaps.

Configure controls and cabinet extras​

HyperHQ is not just for desktop setups. If you're building a cabinet or a dedicated machine, it also helps with the setup details that need extra attention:

  • controller mappings
  • keyboard mappings
  • marquee display behavior
  • HyperOverlay timing
  • LEDBlinky-related setup
  • intro and outro media choices

You can keep it simple for a desktop build, or go deeper if you're wiring a full cabinet.

Add plugins when built-in tools are not enough​

Some setups need extra integrations, automation, or hardware support. HyperHQ's plugin system gives those features room to grow without crowding the core app.

If a plugin exists for the thing you're trying to do, you can usually keep that work inside HyperHQ instead of bolting on another separate tool.

Who it suits best​

First-time builders​

If you're new to HyperSpin, HyperHQ gives you a much clearer place to start. You still need to understand your ROMs and emulators, but you don't need to learn every folder layout up front.

Long-time HyperSpin tinkerers​

If you've been managing setups manually for years, HyperHQ helps with the repetitive parts:

  • scanning libraries
  • refreshing media
  • editing lots of game entries
  • keeping settings organized

Cabinet builders​

This is where a lot of the extra value shows up. Marquees, overlays, controls, and cabinet-friendly behavior are easier to manage when they're visible in one interface.

Desktop users who just want a clean frontend​

You do not need a full cabinet to get something out of HyperHQ. If you just want a solid HyperSpin setup on a PC, it still makes the job easier.

Where to go next​

A good next step is the Getting Started guide, then these pages depending on what you're doing:

If you need help, head to Troubleshooting or check in with the community at HyperSpin-fe.com.