MAME software lists vs arcade ROM sets: choose the right launch model
Use an arcade short name when the game is represented as a complete machine driver. Use a software list when MAME first emulates a host system and then mounts a cartridge, disk, tape, or other item described by that system's list. Audit arcade machines with `-verifyroms`; audit software-list items with `-verifysoftware` or a named `-verifysoftlist`. Neither model provides the copyrighted media.
Do this in order
- 01
Identify whether the target is an arcade cabinet/board or software that ran on a computer, console, handheld, or other host system.
- 02
Use the exact MAME build's system selection and software selection menus; record the host short name, list name, software short name, and required media part.
- 03
For an arcade machine, inspect and audit the machine short name with the build's ROM tools.
- 04
For a software-list item, confirm the host exposes the required media slot and inspect the list with the current UI or `-getsoftlist`.
- 05
Run `-verifyroms` for machine data and `-verifysoftware` or `-verifysoftlist listname` for software-list media; keep both results when the host also needs ROMs.
- 06
Obtain every required machine ROM and software image lawfully, then preserve the build, list, item, slot, source, and audit date together.
Decision and diagnostic table
| Question | Arcade machine set | Software-list item |
|---|---|---|
| What is selected first? | Machine/game short name | Host system, then software |
| Typical dependency | Parent, BIOS/device ROM, CHD | Host ROMs plus cartridge/disk/tape media |
| Primary audit | `-verifyroms pattern` | `-verifysoftware pattern` or `-verifysoftlist listname` |
| Does the XML/list provide media? | No | No; it documents expected software |
Machine and mounted software are different objects
MAME's system menu selects emulated machines. For systems that use software lists, a second menu selects an item to mount into a compatible slot. The software remains distinct from the host's firmware and devices.
Treating a cartridge short name as an arcade driver produces misleading not-found searches. Treating every arcade game as mounted software adds a host layer that does not exist.
Audit both sides of a software launch
The host can require its own ROM or device data even when the selected software image is correct. MAME therefore provides separate commands for machine ROM sets and software-list media.
A software-list support flag and a successful media audit describe technical status in that build. They do not prove the host emulation is perfect or the media may be redistributed.
Lists are preservation metadata, not a download catalog
Software lists describe titles, parts, features, expected filenames, sizes, hashes, and support status so MAME can identify and mount media consistently. They do not include the software bytes.
Use list metadata to verify your own dump or a rightsholder-authorized release. Do not turn a list name or expected filename into a search for unreviewed downloads.
MAME machine definitions and software-list metadata do not grant rights to ROMs, firmware, cartridges, disks, tapes, manuals, artwork, or music. A valid audit is a compatibility result, not a distribution license.