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MAME vs RetroArch: catalog facts
MAMERetroArch
Free

Free and open source under the GPL 2.0. No ROMs are included.

Free

Free and open source, funded by donations.

Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
  • Covers thousands of arcade, console and computer systems in one program
  • Accuracy is the stated priority, so behaviour matches the original hardware
  • Configure once and every emulator core inherits the settings
  • Runs on desktops, phones and a long list of games consoles
  • Accurate emulation of later hardware needs a genuinely fast machine
  • ROM sets must match the exact version MAME expects, which frustrates newcomers
  • The settings menu is deep and intimidating the first time
  • You still have to download cores, and some systems need BIOS files you must supply
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Open source
License: GPL-2.0 License: GPL-3.0
No account needed No account needed
Works offline Works offline

Checked September 21, 2026

Checked September 20, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.