Dashboards overview
Custom Dashboards Overview
On a softmodded Original Xbox, a custom dashboard takes the place of the locked-down retail menu Microsoft shipped. The stock interface only lets you play discs, manage saves, and rip CDs. A homebrew dashboard turns the console into an open platform: a launcher that boots applications, emulators, and games stored on the internal hard drive.
Several community dashboards have become popular over the years, each with its own strengths:
| Dashboard | Best for |
|---|---|
| XBMC4Gamers | Game and emulator front-end with rich artwork |
| EvoX (Evolution X) | Lightweight, fast, classic configuration |
| UnleashX | Highly customizable menus and scripting |
Most dashboards offer the same core conveniences: a built-in file manager, an FTP server for moving files over your network, settings for video and audio output, and a launcher that scans the F and G partitions for installed content.
Which should I install?
Many setups install one dashboard as the default boot menu and keep others as launchable apps. XBMC4Gamers is a common pick for media and game browsing, while EvoX or UnleashX suit users who want a snappy, no-frills launcher. You can switch defaults later, so experiment freely.
All of these are free homebrew projects designed for legally owned consoles and your own backups.