MAME - Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator is a free arcade game emulator for PC. This arcade emulation software absorbed its sister project which was previously known as MESS (Multi Emulator Super System). The multi purpose emulation framework can be used to play old arcade games via ROMS on your modern computer. The Game Emulation Software can currently emulate thousands of old classic arcade video games.

Free Games aka; ROMS can be found in the FREE MAME ROMS section of the Authors Site. It can be run from Windows, Apple, and Linux Operating Systems, and can be taken with you on a USB flash drive. Allowing you to play your old arcade games from at any computer.

About the MAME Free Arcade Game Emulator

MAME, which stands for 'Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator', is an open source software project that emulates the hardware of a wide range of arcade machines and video game consoles. It allows users to play a vast library of retro arcade games and console games on their personal computers. Here are some of its features:

Arcade Game Emulation: MAME emulator was designed to accurately emulate the hardware of arcade machines and consoles, allowing it to run games from various platforms as if they were being played on the original hardware. It aims to reproduce the gameplay experience as faithfully as possible.
Is an Open Source Game Emulator: It's an open source project, in that the source code is freely available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute. This has led to the development of numerous MAME variants and front end interfaces.
Huge Library of Arcade Game ROMS: It has a large and continuously growing library of supported games. It covers a wide range of arcade systems, including classics from the 1970s through the 2000s. It has also expanded to support some home console systems.
Legal Considerations: While MAME itself is legal and open source, the legal status of the game ROMs (the game files) is more complex. Downloading or distributing copyrighted game ROMs without the permission of the copyright holder is generally illegal in many jurisdictions. However, some game manufacturers have officially released their games for free or have licensed them for use with MAME.
User Interface: Users interact with this program using command line commands or through third party frontend programs that provide a GUI experience.
Supports Non Arcade Systems: While primarily associated with arcade games, the software has expanded to include support for some non arcade systems, such as early home computers and video game consoles.

In summary, the MAME emulator is popular for playing vintage arcade games and console games on modern computers. It's open source and has a dedicated community of developers. However, users should be aware of the legal implications surrounding game ROMs and seek legal methods to obtain and use them.

Specifications and where to Download

Authors Site: Project Page
Developer: Originally created by Nicola Salmoria
Extracted File Size: 65.4 MB (Before adding any ROMS)
License: Freeware
Supported OS: Windows 11, 10, 8, 7
Rating: 4 Star
Downloading: Get this free arcade game emulator for PC here:
MAME download

If you found this arcade game emulation software useful, you might also want to check out GENS - SEGA Genesis Emulator which is similar.

Final Thoughts

MAME is an essential tool for arcade gaming enthusiasts who want to relive the golden age of arcade games on modern computers. With its vast library of supported games, open source nature, and ability to run on multiple operating systems, this arcade emulator for pc computers provides an authentic arcade emulation experience. However, users should be mindful of the legal considerations surrounding ROMs and ensure they obtain games through legitimate means. Whether you’re a retro gaming fan or an arcade game emulation enthusiast, I think the MAME emulator remains one of the best ways to experience classic arcade games on a standard computer today.