Set 0.240 includes crucial BIOS files that are not "games" but hardware drivers. Do not delete these:
Without these, many games will fail to boot with a "missing ROM or CHD" error.
The MAME ROMs Set 0.240 is a comprehensive collection of arcade and retro system data designed for use with MAME (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator) version 0.240, which was released on January 30, 2022. This specific release marked the 25th anniversary (Silver Jubilee) of the project. Overview of MAME 0.240
MAME 0.240 is more than just a software update; it represents a significant milestone in digital preservation. Unlike standard emulators, MAME's primary goal is to serve as a reference for how arcade hardware functions, with playability considered a "nice side effect". Key additions in the 0.240 set include:
Nintendo Game & Watch: Rare versions of Helmet, Judge, and Mario’s Cement Factory.
Igrosoft Slots: Dozens of versions of five-reel slot machines. SNK Rarity: The rare Mahjong Block Jongbou 2.
Software List Updates: Prototypes for console games, Apple II floppies, Commodore 64 cassettes, and NES/Famicom cartridges. Understanding ROM Set Types
When looking for a "0.240 set," you will typically encounter three organizational formats. Choosing the right one is critical for storage management and ease of use: mame roms set 0240
MAME 0.240, released in January 2022, was a landmark "silver jubilee" update marking 25 years of the project's history
. This set is notable for filling several high-profile gaps in handheld emulation and vintage computing while refining core system performance. Key Highlights of the 0.240 Set Silver Jubilee Milestone : This release celebrated 25 years since was first released on 5 February 1997. Handheld Emulation Completism : This set added the remaining missing versions of rare Nintendo Game & Watch series titles, including specific versions of Mario's Cement Factory Rare Arcade & TV Games Mahjong Block Jongbou 2 : A rare SNK title was added as a working machine. Igrosoft Slot Machines
: Support was added for dozens of versions of these five-reel slot machines. TV Game Systems
: Added preliminary support for six TV games utilizing GeneralPlus SoCs. Significant Software List Additions Prototypes
: A massive influx of console prototypes was added for Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, SNES, Game Boy, and Atari Lynx. Vintage Computers : Steady updates for Apple II floppies , Commodore 64 cassettes, and FM Towns CDs. System Improvements CD-i Overhaul
: Continued performance fixes significantly improved disc support and reduced audio crackling. Mega Drive Refinements
: Improved emulation for timing-sensitive games and fixed specific graphical glitches. Technical & Set Structure Available in , Merged, and Non-Merged formats. Dependencies Without these, many games will fail to boot
Requires a matching MAME 0.240 emulator; using older sets with this version can lead to missing file errors. Notable Changes Removal of Akai Katana Dodonpachi Saidaioujou from certain builds due to licensing. Setup and Management MAME 0.240 ROMs (split) : Various - Internet Archive 1 Feb 2022 —
The MAME 0.240 ROM set does not officially include a "draft feature." In the context of MAME development and distribution, terms like "draft" usually refer to pre-release metadata work-in-progress (WIP) drivers community-made documentation drafts
rather than a functional software toggle within the emulator itself. Key Context for MAME 0.240
MAME 0.240 was released in February 2022. Significant additions in this version included: New Systems : Support for the Casio Loopy (a 1990s console aimed at girls), the VTech Socrates , and additional Elektronika calculators. Driver Improvements : Major updates to the Sega Saturn drivers, and fixes for various arcade games like The King of Fighters '98 Why "Draft Feature" Might Appear
If you are seeing this term in a specific ROM set or frontend (like LaunchBox or Retropie), it likely refers to one of the following: Software Lists (Softlists)
: MAME uses XML "software lists" to manage non-arcade ROMs. A "draft" entry in these lists often signifies a title that is known to exist and has been documented but is not yet fully working or verified. Metadata/Drafting
: In community ROM managers (like Clrmamepro), a "draft" might refer to a temporary database file used to verify your set against the 0.240 standard before officially renaming or moving files. Technical Documentation The MAME ROMs Set 0
: Development notes for 0.240 included "draft" sections regarding newer emulated CPUs or unreleased internal components that weren't ready for a full "working" status. If you found this term in a specific menu or website, could you share where you saw it?
It might help pinpoint if it’s a specific feature of a third-party tool.
Use ClrMAME Pro or ROMVault with a MAME 0.240 XML dat file to:
| Problem | Fix |
|---------|-----|
| Game shows as missing ROMs | BIOS missing, or ROM is a clone needing parent |
| Red game name in UI | Missing or incorrectly named ROM zip |
| CHD not found | Put CHD in a folder matching the ROM name inside roms/ |
Disclaimer: This article does not promote piracy. MAME is a legal emulator. However, distributing commercial ROMs is illegal in most jurisdictions. You should only download ROMs for games you physically own or that are in the public domain. Several ROMs in set 0.240 (e.g., early 1970s computer demos) are legally redistributable.
This is the default format used by most frontends and the MAME developers.
Many games in set 0.240 are not just ROM chips—they require CHD files (Compressed Hunks of Data). These are often several gigabytes each (e.g., Killer Instinct, Dance Dance Revolution, CarnEvil).