Our verdict: MAME is the reference emulator for arcade hardware and covers far more machines than any other project. It aims for accuracy and documentation first, so its built-in interface is basic and ROM sets must match the MAME version. You have to dump the ROMs from hardware you own.
About MAME
MAME started as an arcade emulator and has grown into a multi-purpose emulation framework covering arcade machines, consoles, home computers and other vintage hardware. Its main purpose is to document how the original machines work and to preserve historical software, so accuracy takes priority over speed shortcuts. New versions are released about once a month.
MAME contains no game code or system firmware. To run software you must dump the ROMs, discs or hard disks from original hardware you own; the images are copyrighted by their original makers. A small set of classic Exidy arcade games is offered as free ROM downloads on the official site with the rights holder's permission, for non-commercial use.
What it does well
- Thousands of machines. Emulates arcade boards, consoles, computers and other vintage hardware.
- Accuracy focus. Built as a reference to how the original hardware works.
- Built-in menu. Simple machine list with filters, plus an in-game menu for inputs and settings.
- Shaders and artwork. HLSL and BGFX effects, bezels and cabinet artwork.
- Monthly releases. Regular updates that add and improve emulated machines.
Who it is for
Good fit
Arcade and retro computing fans who want the most accurate emulation of a very wide range of machines.
Look elsewhere
Beginners who want a polished game library out of the box, or players without their own ROM images.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Largest range of emulated arcade hardware
- Accuracy and preservation focus
- Monthly releases
- Free and open source
Cons
- Needs ROM sets that match the MAME version
- Basic interface; many users add a separate frontend
- Windows package is a self-extracting archive, not an installer
How to install MAME
The button downloads the official 64-bit Windows package, a self-extracting archive. Run it, choose a folder such as C:\MAME and extract. Put the ROM ZIPs dumped from your own hardware into the roms folder without unpacking them, then start mame.exe. ROM sets must match your MAME version, so an old set may show missing files.
Questions about MAME
Is MAME free?
Yes. MAME and its source code are free. The project is under the GNU GPL v2, with most code also available under the BSD 3-Clause license.
Does MAME come with games?
No. You must dump the ROMs from original hardware you own. A few Exidy arcade games are available as free downloads on mamedev.org with the rights holder's permission.
Why does MAME say files are missing?
ROM sets change between MAME versions. A set made for an older version may lack files the current version expects.
