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MAME

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Overview

MAME (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator) is the accuracy-first framework behind most arcade emulation on REG-Linux. The mame system group covers native MAME builds and the relevant libretro ports so that arcade ROMs, samples, artwork and settings remain consistent regardless of which core you choose.

Quick reference

  • Accepted ROM formats: .zip, .7z
  • ROM folder: /userdata/roms/mame
  • Emulators: libretro: imame4all, libretro: mame078plus, libretro: mame0139, libretro: mame, standalone MAME
  • System group: arcade
Emulator/Core Sample path Artwork path
libretro: imame4all /userdata/bios/mame2003/samples not used
libretro: mame078plus /userdata/bios/mame2003plus/samples /userdata/bios/mame2003plus/artwork
libretro: mame0139 /userdata/bios/mame2010/samples /userdata/bios/mame2010/artwork
libretro: mame /userdata/bios/mame/samples /userdata/bios/mame/artwork
standalone MAME /userdata/bios/mame/samples /userdata/bios/mame/artwork

BIOS and samples

Some ROM sets require BIOS files or audio samples. Place them under the directories listed above so RetroArch/MAME can locate them. When a game calls for samples, drop the necessary .wav/.rom files into the samples folder for that core (e.g., /userdata/bios/mame2010/samples). Artwork can sit inside the matching artwork folder if you want bezels or overlays.

ROMs

Store your ROMs in /userdata/roms/mame. You can create subfolders for each ROMset version (e.g., mame78plus, mame2010, latest) to keep legacy and modern sets separate. Always match the ROMset version to the core you’re running:

  • libretro: imame4all: MAME 0.37b5 ROMset
  • libretro: mame078plus: MAME 0.78+ ROMset
  • libretro: mame0139: MAME 0.139 ROMset (removed in v41+)
  • libretro: mame and standalone MAME: the current MAME version shipped with REG-Linux

Refer to the arcade guide to identify the ROMset required for each emulator release.

Emulators

RetroArch

RetroArch hosts the libretro MAME cores. Each core shares the Quick Menu ([HOTKEY] + south face button) for remapping, shaders, overrides and hotkey configuration. Additional libretro-specific options (frameskip, input interface, Neo Geo BIOS selection, etc.) appear in EmulationStation’s advanced menus when available.

Core highlights

  • libretro: imame4all – stripped-down 0.37b5 build for weaker hardware; use for very old titles but expect compatibility gaps. No extra configuration inside EmulationStation.
  • libretro: mame078plus – the favored middle ground combining accuracy and performance; exposes options such as analog/digital mapping, frameskip, TATE mode, Neo Geo BIOS selection and more.
  • libretro: mame0139 – MAME 2010 core that provides a larger library than 0.78 while still being lighter than the latest builds. Removed in v41+; available only on older images.
  • libretro: mame – the latest stable MAME release. Use it when you need the newest ROMsets, hardware support or additional MESS systems.

MAME (standalone)

The standalone mame binary wraps the same driver stack but exposes the full set of internal menus, dip switches, device options and system configuration. Access the menu via [HOTKEY] + south face button or [Tab] to change inputs, load multimedia (disk, CD, BIOS) and save per-game settings.

CLK (Clock Signal) and other helpers

Some REG-Linux releases bundle complementary tools (e.g., Clock Signal for home computers). For pure arcade work, focus on the cores above unless a specific system documentation instructs otherwise.

Controls

Arcade inputs map to the REG-Linux Retropad by default. Each core and the standalone MAME menu allow you to remap buttons, analog sticks, light guns, and toggle dip switches for individual games.

Troubleshooting

  • Consult the generic arcade guide before editing ROMs or BIOS files.
  • Match ROMset versions carefully; mixing 0.78 ROMs with a 0.139 core will fail to boot.
  • If samples or artwork fail to load, verify they’re stored under the exact path expected by the core.