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| Metric | Split Set | Non-Merged Set | |--------|-----------|----------------| | | 1.2 GB | 1.8 GB | | Standalone clone compatibility | No (requires parent) | Yes | | Transfer to handheld | Must keep parent ROMs | Copy any ROM anywhere | | Management complexity | High (parents can't be renamed/moved) | Low (every file is independent) |
| Type | Description | Pro | Con | |------|-------------|-----|-----| | | Parent ROM contains the main files; each clone only contains the files different from the parent. | Smallest file size. | Clones won't work without the parent ZIP present. | | Merged | Parent + all clones compressed into a single ZIP file named after the parent. | Organised for archival. | Browsing clones is confusing; large individual ZIPs. | | Non-Merged | Every game (including clones) is fully self-contained. Each clone has all the files needed to run, even if the parent is missing. | Plug-and-play . You can grab one ROM and it works standalone. | Largest total size (about 30% larger than split). |
MAME ROMs are stored in ZIP archives. To save space, emulation communities created three packaging methods:
This article will serve as your complete encyclopedia. We will explore what MAME 2003-Plus is, why the "Reference" set matters, the structural differences between non-merged and merged ROMs, and finally, a safe and legal guide to acquiring this massive archive. Before discussing the ROMset, you must understand the emulator.
