Welcome, High Score Hero!
In an age where digital worlds fade as quickly as they appear, a new initiative has begun.
We are the Curators of the Core, the Librarians of the Lost Levels, the Protectors of the Pixels.
We've built The Vault—a digital sanctuary dedicated to preserving the classic video games that defined generations.
macOS 11.0 or later • Free Download • Open Source Ready
Current Features
The Vault is already a powerful tool for any digital archaeologist
The Archivist's Workbench
A robust interface for importing and managing your game library. Add new platforms, from iconic 8-bit consoles to 64-bit powerhouses.
The Holo-Deck (Showcase Mode)
A stunning, controller-first interface for browsing your collection. With rich artwork, detailed metadata, and immersive themes, it's designed for the big screen and your favorite gamepad.
Automated Curation Engine
Our advanced scraping service automatically pulls rich metadata for your games—box art, release dates, descriptions, ratings, and more—turning a simple file list into a beautiful, browsable library.
Universal Emulator Core
Complete RetroArch integration with simplified configuration, plus full support for standalone emulators—your choice, your way. Advanced AppleScript hooks let you customize game launch, runtime behavior, and exit actions. Built for macOS first—delivering the level of integration Windows and Linux frontends have enjoyed for years.
Unified Controller Intelligence
Automatically detect and configure hotkeys for every emulator. Use the same button combinations to manage save states, toggle fullscreen, and exit—no matter which core you're running. Your muscle memory, preserved.
Advanced Profile System
Create, save, and instantly load controller profiles with custom mappings and macros. Switch between arcade fighter setups, speedrun configurations, or casual couch play with a single click.
Instant Jumpgate (Game Launch)
Launch directly into any game in your collection. The Vault manages the connection between your library and the correct emulator, providing a frictionless experience.
Deep Library Integration
Background processing for imports, smart search across your collection, and full controller navigation from list scrolling to the A-Z jump menu.
The Road Ahead
Future enhancements currently in development
The fight to preserve history is never over
Advanced Save State Management
In DevelopmentCreate, label, and automatically sync save states, ensuring you never lose your progress, even if you switch machines.
The Trophy Room (Achievements)
PlannedIntegration with retro achievement platforms. Unlock classic achievements or create new custom challenges for your favorite games.
Multiplayer Lobbies
PlannedBuilt-in support for netplay, allowing you to connect with other Curators for co-op and competitive sessions, just like the arcades of old.
Theme Customization Engine
PlannedA user-friendly interface for creating and sharing your own Showcase Mode themes.
Enhanced Metadata Editor
PlannedA powerful tool for manually editing game details, correcting metadata, and adding personal notes to your collection.
Collection Analytics
PlannedVisualize your library with statistics, see your most-played games, and track your progress across your collection.
Automated Game "Fix-It" Tools
Research PhaseTools to help you automatically find missing ROMs, identify duplicates, and audit your library for integrity.
Want to contribute or suggest a feature?
Get in TouchOur Mission
Inspired by the OASIS, The Vault is not just an application; it is a living museum. It is a high-fidelity archive designed to safeguard the history of interactive entertainment from the corrupting forces of time, bit rot, and corporate neglect.
Built for Mac, Built Right
We didn't port a Windows frontend—we built The Vault macOS-first. While Windows and Linux have enjoyed powerful emulation frontends for years, Mac users deserved the same level of polish and integration. The Vault brings that experience home with native Apple Silicon support, seamless controller integration, and the attention to detail Mac users expect.
Our mission is to ensure that the epic sagas, the 8-bit anthems, and the pixelated battlegrounds of yesterday are never lost.
By using The Vault, you become a Vaulter in the most important hunt of all: the quest to protect our shared digital heritage.
Welcome to the resistance.
Join thousands of digital archaeologists preserving gaming history
Ready to Build Your Vault?
Download The Vault for macOS and start preserving gaming history today
Version 1.0.0 • Requires macOS 11.0 or later • Apple Silicon & Intel
✓ System Requirements
- • macOS 11.0 (Big Sur) or later
- • 4GB RAM minimum (8GB recommended)
- • 500MB available storage
- • Apple Silicon or Intel processor
🎮 What's Included
- • Unlimited game library management
- • RetroArch integration
- • Automatic metadata scraping
- • Controller-first interface
Stay Updated
Get notified about new features, updates, and the preservation initiative