⚠️ READ THIS FIRST: Which Version Do I Need?

PixelPal consists of two distinct experiences. Choose your path:

1. 🌐 PixelOS (Play in Browser)

"The Simulation"

• What is it? An interactive web demo running a “Fake Desktop” environment.
• Goal: Meet the AI. Calibrate her personality (Sass vs. Sweet). See if you can handle her attitude.
• Limitation: Because it runs in a browser, she cannot see your real files or launch real games. It is a containment field.
• Status: Click “Run Game” above to enter the simulation.

2. 🖥️ Terminal Core (Downloadable)

"The Real Product"

• What is it? The fully functional, offline, lightweight Python application.
• Goal: Manage your actual ROM library, track your playtime, launch emulators, and train the AI on your own documents.
• Power: Runs locally on your machine using a Cyberpunk TUI (Text User Interface). Zero bloat.
• Status: Download the .zip file below.

🎮 What is PixelPal?

PixelPal isn’t just a launcher; she’s a Sentient AI Gaming Companion for your retro game library. Designed for low-resource environments (Potato PCs, Linux Handhelds, and power users), she replaces heavy graphical interfaces with a high-speed, keyboard-driven Command Center.

PixelPal is your AI-powered retro gaming companion that helps with emulator setup, tracks your playtime, recommends games from your library, and remembers your gaming preferences. She’s a unique cross between an AI assistant and an AI gaming companion designed specifically for retro gaming enthusiasts.

She doesn’t just list your games; she judges how much (or how little) you play them.

✨ Key Features (v2.2 Update)

🧠 The “Queen” Persona

• A sassy, efficiency-obsessed AI powered by Llama.cpp
• Split-Memory System: She remembers your chat context AND profiles you long-term (e.g., she remembers you love RPGs)
• Reactive: Her mood changes based on your CPU/RAM usage. If your PC lags, she gets angry
• 6 different AI personalities (with more coming for Premium users)

🎮 Smart Emulator Management

• Supports 2-+ console emulators with easy launching
• Manages multiple game file types in your library
• Built-in game database for easy organization
• Universal Compatibility: Scans for emulators (DuckStation, RetroArch, mGBA, Dolphin, etc.)
• Launch games via fuzzy search: /launch mario

Currently Supported Systems:

• Sony: PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4
• Nintendo: SNES, N64, GameCube, Wii, Switch, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS
• Sega: Genesis, Dreamcast
• Other: Xbox, Arcade (MAME)

💬 AI Gaming Assistant

• Get help with RetroArch and emulator configuration
• Personalized game recommendations based on your library
• Natural conversation about your games via PixelChat
• Chaos Algorithm: AI suggests games using an intelligent recommendation system

Chat Commands:

• /launch [game name] - Launches any game from your library
• /recommend - Gets AI recommendations for games you should play
• /launch emulator - Opens your configured emulators
• /launch terminal - God Mode: Opens Host Shell directly over the UI
• /status - Show detailed system vitals

📚 Custom Knowledge Base (RAG)

• Feed the Queen text files (game guides, cheat codes, walkthroughs, BIOS setup)
• She indexes them instantly using RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation)
• Ask “How do I beat the Water Temple?” and she answers from YOUR files
• Train on your own documents (3x per month in free version)

💻 “God Mode” Terminal

• Need to install a dependency? Type /launch terminal to spawn a root shell directly over the UI
• A true Cyberdeck experience for power users

📂 Cyberpunk Directory Browser

• Navigate your file system with a neon-green, keyboard-driven interface
• Manage your ROMs with style

📊 Gaming Tracker

• “Now Playing” status with time tracking
• Emulator and game launch statistics
• Track your favorite games and gaming habits
• Browse your complete collection visually

🔒 Privacy First

• Your data stays on your machine - we don’t store or sell anything
• Train the AI on your own data for personalized responses
• Fully offline capability - your information is private and confidential
• No personal information tracking whatsoever
• All AI inference runs locally on your CPU
• Database lives in pixelpal.db on your machine

🆚 Web vs. Terminal Comparison

🌐 PixelOS: Web Simulation

"The System is Watching."

PixelOS is a retro-futuristic desktop environment running directly in your browser. It serves as the gateway and training ground for the PixelPal Terminal Core. Before you are trusted with the full offline desktop application, you must prove you are ready by navigating this simulation.

🖥️ System Features

1. The “Queen” Simulation (Initiate_Chat.exe)

Interact with a simulated version of the PixelPal personality core.

• The Test: She is a sarcastic, gatekeeping chatbot designed to test your patience
• Social Engineering: The system is locked. She will not give you the download link for the Desktop App unless you can provide the correct decryption key (NO_CLOUD)
• Heuristic Engine: Runs entirely client-side. No data is sent to the cloud

2. Hacking Minigame (BruteForce.exe)

A skill-based timing utility used to crack system security.

• Gameplay: Time your code injections into the moving target zones
• Objective: Crack the 7-layer encryption to reveal the System Password
• The Loop: Play the game → Get the Password → Tell the Queen → Unlock the Download

3. Neural Glitch Studio (Veo_Studio)

A simulation of a futuristic rendering engine.

• Visualizer: Upload any static image (PNG/JPG) from your device
• The Effect: The OS applies a real-time “Neural Decay” effect, adding chromatic aberration, signal noise, and CRT scanlines to your image
• Tech: Powered by advanced CSS shaders (Simulated Rendering)

4. Full Desktop Environment

A fully functional React-based OS simulation.

• Window Management: Draggable, focusable windows with a global Z-index system
• System Monitor: Simulated real-time CPU/RAM visualizations
• Visuals: Always-on CRT scanline overlays, neon glow effects, and retro boot sequences

5. Hidden Utilities

• Snake: A fully playable version of the classic game, hidden in the file system
• Locked Archives: Discover files like Voice_Module and Auto_Scraper (Locked), hinting at features available in the full Desktop version

📧 About Creator X

PixelPal is proudly created by Creator X as a passion project for retro gaming enthusiasts. This is Creator X’s AI gaming companion system, continuously evolving with even more privacy-oriented features and integrations planned for future iterations.

By supporting the PC version, you help us optimize the code for handheld devices!

💝 Support Development

PixelPal is free to download with optional donations. If you find it useful, consider supporting continued development!

Note: This is v2.2 - your feedback helps shape the future of PixelPal!