MAME 2014 Reference Set (MAME 0.159) is a specific collection of arcade game data designed to work with the 2014 version of the Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator (MAME). It is widely used by performance-conscious gamers on Android devices, older hardware, or platforms like
that use the "MAME 2014" core to achieve better speeds on less powerful systems. Core Components of the 0.159 Set
A complete reference set consists of three primary file types: : These are compressed files (usually
) containing the code from the arcade machine's memory chips. Non-Merged
: A full collection of 0.159 non-merged ROMs is approximately CHDs (Compressed Hunks of Data)
: These are disk images for arcade machines that used hard drives, CDs, or DVDs (e.g., Street Fighter III Killer Instinct : The 0.159 CHD collection is massive, roughly
: Sound files for older arcade games that used analog audio circuitry that MAME cannot perfectly emulate via code alone. Setup and Management
To ensure the games run correctly, your file structure must match what the emulator expects:
The MAME 0.159 reference set is a frozen moment in emulation history—a reliable, well-documented, and performant snapshot. Paired with the right ROMs and CHDs, it breathes life into thousands of arcade classics.
Whether you’re building a bartop arcade or just want a tidy RetroArch setup, tracking down a complete 0.159 non-merged set plus the common CHDs is a weekend project you won’t regret.
Happy emulating – and don’t forget to credit the MAMEdev team for their incredible preservation work. mame 2014 reference set mame 0159 roms chds top
Have you built a cab around MAME 2014? Which game gave you the most trouble with CHDs? Drop a comment below.
The Ultimate Guide to the MAME 2014 Reference Set (MAME 0.159)
For retro gaming enthusiasts using platforms like RetroArch, OpenEmu, or Raspberry Pi (RetroPie), the term MAME 2014 Reference Set is legendary. Specifically tied to MAME version 0.159, this collection represents a "sweet spot" in emulation—balancing modern accuracy with the performance needed for mid-range hardware.
If you are looking to build the ultimate arcade cabinet or handheld library, understanding the nuances of the 0.159 ROMs and CHDs is essential. What is the MAME 2014 (0.159) Reference Set?
MAME (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator) is constantly evolving. As the developers update the code to be more accurate to the original arcade hardware, the requirements for the ROM files change.
The MAME 2014 Reference Set is a snapshot of every supported game as of late 2014. It is widely considered the standard for:
Libretro/RetroArch Cores: It is the specific version used by the mame2014_libretro core.
Mobile Devices: Great for Android and iOS emulation where newer MAME versions might be too resource-heavy.
Single Board Computers: The go-to for many Raspberry Pi 3 and 4 builds. ROMs vs. CHDs: Understanding the Difference
When downloading a "Full Set," you will encounter two primary types of files. To have a "Top" tier setup, you need both. 1. The ROMs (.zip or .7z) MAME 2014 Reference Set (MAME 0
These are the small files containing the data dumped from the arcade machine's silicon chips (PROMs, EPROMs). These handle the game logic, sprites, and basic sound. A full 0.159 ROM set typically includes thousands of games but is relatively small in disk space compared to the media-heavy titles. 2. The CHDs (Compressed Hunks of Data)
As arcade technology advanced in the 90s, machines began using Hard Drives, CD-ROMs, and Laserdiscs. Examples: Killer Instinct, Area 51, and Street Fighter III.
Size: These files are massive. While a ROM might be 2MB, a CHD can be several hundred MBs or even GBs.
Placement: CHDs must be placed in specific sub-folders named after the ROM (e.g., roms/kinst/kinst.chd) for the emulator to recognize them. Why Version 0.159 is the "Top" Choice
While there are older sets (like 0.78 for MAME 2003) and much newer ones, the 2014 reference set is favored for several reasons:
Expanded Compatibility: It supports many 90s-era games that the older 2003 sets struggle with.
Stability: The 0.159 core is incredibly stable and has been "fixed" over years of community use.
Performance Balance: It offers better sound emulation and graphical accuracy than 0.78 without requiring the high-end PC specs needed for the latest MAME releases. How to Manage Your 0.159 Set
Managing a full reference set can be daunting. To ensure your set is "Clean" (meaning it contains no broken or redundant files), many users utilize tools like clrmamepro or RomCenter.
Full Non-Merged: Each zip file contains every file needed to run the game (best for beginners). Final Thoughts The MAME 0
Merged: Parents and clones are combined into one zip (saves space).
Split: The "Clone" game relies on the "Parent" zip to run (standard for most reference sets).
A proper MAME 0.159 (MAME 2014) reference set requires version-locked ROMs strictly matching the 0.159 XML datfile, CHD version 4 images stored in parent-named subdirectories, and strict adherence to non-merged or split set structures. This configuration ensures deterministic operation within the MAME 2014 libretro core and is the recommended baseline for historical arcade emulation documentation.
End of Paper
Before downloading, you must understand the structure of the files. MAME ROMs come in three types. For a "Reference Set," you generally want Non-Merged.
pacman.zip to your device and it works.Recommendation: Build or download a Non-Merged set. It is the most reliable format for handhelds and single-game transfers.
These are the standard game files. For MAME 0.159, these are typically stored in .zip format. MAME does not like it when you unzip these files; the emulator reads the data directly from the compressed archive.
To understand the hype, you first need to understand how MAME works. MAME (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator) is constantly evolving. Every month, the development team releases a new version. Sometimes, this fixes bugs, but often, it changes the internal naming conventions of ROMs or adds new required files (BIOS files, device dumps) for games to work.
Because of this constant shifting, a ROM that works on MAME version 0.150 might not work on version 0.160.
A Reference Set is a complete collection of ROMs that perfectly matches a specific version of the MAME emulator. It is the "gold standard" for that version. If you have the MAME 0.159 emulator, you need the MAME 0.159 Reference Set to ensure every game in the list is playable.
In the world of arcade emulation, few terms generate as much confusion—and as much demand—as the "Reference Set." For retro gaming enthusiasts and preservationists, the MAME 2014 Reference Set (specifically version 0.159) represents a specific snapshot in time that is highly sought after by users of specific emulation frontends like RetroArch.
This article explores what this set is, why the "0159" version is significant, the role of CHDs, and how to ensure your setup is accurate.
mame0159.xml – partial)<game name="sf2">
<description>Street Fighter II (World 910522)</description>
<rom name="sf2.03d" size="524288" crc="aa889b60" sha1="56aaba24c..." />
...
</game>