MAME | Download, System Requirements & Installation Guide
MAME, short for Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator, is a software program that allows gamers to play classic arcade games on their computers. It is an open-source project that has been around since 1997 and has since become one of the most popular emulators available. In this article, we will explore the history of MAME, its different versions, how to use it, system requirements, how to download and install it, how to run ROMs, configure it, assign plugins, use cheat codes, and troubleshoot common issues.
1. What is MAME?
MAME is an emulator that allows users to play classic arcade games on their computers. It is an open-source project that has been around since 1997 and has since become one of the most popular emulators available. It supports a wide range of arcade games and is constantly being updated to support new games and improve performance.
2. History of MAME
MAME was first released in 1997 by Nicola Salmoria. Since then, it has been constantly updated and improved by a team of developers. The project has gone through several major revisions, with the latest version being MAME 0.235, released in December 2020. Over the years, MAME has become one of the most popular emulators available, with a large community of users and developers.
3. Versions of MAME
Below are the versions of MAME:
- MAME 0.1
- MAME 0.2
- MAME 0.3
- MAME 0.4
- MAME 0.5
- MAME 0.6
- MAME 0.7
- MAME 0.8
- MAME 0.9
- MAME 0.10
4. How to use MAME
Using MAME is relatively straightforward. Once you have downloaded and installed the emulator, you can run it and select the game you want to play. MAME supports a wide range of arcade games, and you can browse through the list of supported games to find the one you want to play. Once you have selected a game, you can configure the controls and start playing.
5. System requirements
The system requirements for MAME vary depending on the version you are using and the games you want to play. Generally, you will need a computer with a decent processor and graphics card, as well as enough RAM to run the emulator and the game. You can check the system requirements for each version of MAME on the official website.
6. MAME download
To download MAME, you can visit the official website and download the latest version. The download is free, and the installation process is relatively straightforward.
7. How to install MAME
Installing MAME is relatively straightforward. Once you have downloaded the installer, you can run it and follow the on-screen instructions. The installer will guide you through the process of installing the emulator and any necessary dependencies.
8. How to uninstall MAME
To uninstall MAME, you can use the standard uninstallation process for your operating system. On Windows, you can go to the Control Panel and select “Uninstall a program.” On macOS, you can drag the MAME application to the trash. On Linux, you can use the package manager to remove the emulator.
9. ROMs
MAME supports a wide range of ROMs, which are essentially digital copies of arcade games. There are several different types of ROMs that MAME supports, including parent ROMs, clone ROMs, and BIOS ROMs. Each type of ROM serves a different purpose and is required to run certain games.
10. How to run a ROM on MAME
To run a ROM on MAME, you will need to have the ROM file and any necessary BIOS files. Once you have these files, you can open MAME and select the game you want to play. MAME will automatically detect the ROM and BIOS files and load them into the emulator.
11. How to configure MAME
To configure MAME, you can use the built-in configuration options. These options allow you to adjust the graphics settings, audio settings, and control settings, among other things. You can also configure MAME to use plugins, which can improve performance and add new features.
12. How to assign plugins to MAME
To assign plugins to MAME, you will need to download the plugin and place it in the appropriate directory. Once you have done this, you can open MAME and select the plugin from the configuration options.
13. List with plugins
Below are plugins you can use for MAME:
- Direct3D
- OpenGL
- SDL
- XMAME
- XMAME SDL
- XMAME X11
- XMAME SVGALIB
- XMAME DGA
- XMAME GGI
- XMAME FBDEV
14. Input devices
To configure input devices in MAME, you can use the built-in configuration options. These options allow you to map the controls to your keyboard, mouse, or gamepad. You can also configure MAME to use external input devices, such as arcade joysticks and buttons.
15. How to use cheat codes
To use cheat codes in MAME, you will need to download the cheat file and place it in the appropriate directory. Once you have done this, you can open MAME and select the cheat file from the configuration options. You can then enable or disable individual cheats as needed.
16. List with cheat codes
Below are some cheat codes for MAME:
- Infinite Lives: 80000001 0009
- Infinite Health: 80000001 0008
- Infinite Ammo: 80000001 0007
- Unlock All Levels: 80000001 0006
- Unlock All Characters: 80000001 0005
17. Popular games
Some of the most popular games that can be played using MAME include Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Street Fighter II, Mortal Kombat, and Galaga. MAME supports a wide range of arcade games, so there is something for everyone.
18. How to save in MAME
To save settings in MAME, you can use the built-in save state feature. This feature allows you to save your progress in a game and resume it later. You can also save your configuration settings and load them later.
19. Troubleshoot
If you encounter any issues while using MAME, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take. These include checking your system requirements, updating your drivers, and checking for compatibility issues with your operating system. You can also consult the MAME documentation or seek help from the MAME community.
