• expired

iMAME for iPhone/iPad Free on iTunes Store, Get It before Apple Pull It!

1510

This just hit the app store and will probably be pulled by Apple due to their app store policies (eg http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19512_7-10277725-233.html)

The bargain is not only the free app but the thousands of roms you can play for free by using this app!

iPhone: http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/imame/id485639079?mt=8

bsdll's guide (thanks!):

Search for and download a file called "mame37b7_roms.zip". You'll have to do that bit for yourself, don't worry it's easy to find.

Copy the zip file somewhere, and call it "rom.zip". Also extract the file into seperate folder (which will give you tons of zip files).

Install some program to view your phone. iExplorer, i-FunBox are two free well known programs. Personally I use i-FunBox.

Navigate to "User Applications -> iMame -> Documents". Copy all of the zip files into there.

Navigate to "User Applications -> iMame -> iMAME.app". Copy the rom.zip file into there.

Open iMame on the phone. Press Option, then Options, scroll to the bottom and tap Rescan All ROMS.

Enjoy.

Related Stores

Apple App Store
Apple App Store
Marketplace

closed Comments

    • Thanks for posting the utube vid I'll give it a shot in the morning. Now to find ghosts and ghouls.

  • I have copied new roms zips into the rom.zip and copied over but they are not showing up (yes I force closed the app) is everyone else successfully adding new games to rom.zip and having them work?

  • Hmm, no wonder our iCades being going out the door like crazy today!

  • +8

    So far this has worked for me:

    1. Search for and download a file called "mame37b7_roms.zip". You'll have to do that bit for yourself, don't worry it's easy to find.

    2. Copy the zip file somewhere, and call it "rom.zip". Also extract the file into seperate folder (which will give you tons of zip files).

    3. Install some program to view your phone. iExplorer, i-FunBox are two free well known programs. Personally I use i-FunBox.

    4. Navigate to "User Applications -> iMame -> Documents". Copy all of the zip files into there.

    5. Navigate to "User Applications -> iMame -> iMAME.app". Copy the rom.zip file into there.

    6. Open iMame on the phone. Press Option, then Options, scroll to the bottom and tap Rescan All ROMS.

    7. Enjoy.

  • Thanks OP! i have gone crazy looking for old roms now lol

    Playing Samurai Showdown III on my iPhone…priceless.

    • can you tell me where did you find the rom samurai showdown? and how to install into this app. thanks

  • damns i got to do this before its to late

    nice post OP!!

  • Great find thanks.

  • Sahweeet! currently downloading REALLY slowly! I'm surprised it hasn't been pulled yet! Apple must be pushing apps thru before christmas without really checking them.

    • You'd think they'd at least look at the titles of the apps ???

      Maybe they're changing their policies ???

      • Yeah you'd think so, but I doubt they're changing their policies..

        IIRC they got slack this time last year.. pushing apps thru and then pulling them later..

        This app slipped through then got pulled, looks like crap but works like a treat! http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/60160

    • I was at the local shops when the deal was posted, so I connected to the McDonald's free WiFi to attempt to DL. Seems that they block App Store downloads, because I couldn't even get App Store description images to load properly, but webpages weren't too bad. I was busy doing other stuff when I got home, but it must have downloaded it in the background once it connected to my home WiFi.

      Anyway, I just downloaded it onto my son's new 32GB iPod Touch that he's getting for Christmas. That will freak him out, seeing all the retro stuff. He rejected our first "designer label" christmas tree, because it was black with snow on it (rather than green) and he told us that he didn't want an old-fashioned tree that was "in black and white" ROFL !!!!

      • hahahahahha

        black and white xmas tree

        old school

        LOL

        your son is classic

  • WOW - what a flashback! I just played a few games, boy we've come a long way, eh? Compare "Circus" to even a simple current IOS game, eg: Where's My Water, ROFL!!!

  • can anyone get street fight 3 third strike to work???

  • i cant install this because i have ios 4.0.1 :(

    says i need 4.3

    • +1

      You could always make your OS up to date. You do realise that the upgrade is free, don't you? Or you running some super-old iDevice that is no longer supported?

    • Thanks for the tip. iPhone3G can only go to 4.2.1, so it will mean no good for me too. :(

      • I think devs do that intentionally to limit it from running only on 3GS or newer.

  • Nice find. My kid brothers are going to be zombies for these holidays :)

  • Amazing work - fantastic flashback for me… well done!

  • what a brilliant find. me love you long time

  • +1
  • +1

    This is a list of games i have successfully working on iMame4All + iCade:

    1941.zip
    1942.zip
    1943.zip
    3wonders.zip
    720.zip
    alexkida.zip
    area88.zip
    arkanoid.zip
    baddudes.zip
    badlands.zip
    batman.zip
    batsugun.zip
    bionicc2.zip
    blkdrgon.zip
    blktiger.zip
    bmaster.zip
    burningf.zip
    captcomm.zip
    cawing.zip
    cischeat.zip
    citycon.zip
    cobracom.zip
    commando.zip
    contra.zip
    crimec.zip
    crimfght.zip
    ctribe.zip
    cyberlip.zip
    ddragon.zip
    ddragon2.zip
    ddragon3.zip
    dduxbl.zip
    digdug.zip
    dino.zip
    dir.txt
    dotron.zip
    drgninja.zip
    elevator.zip
    esb.zip
    eswatbl.zip
    exprraid.zip
    fatfury1.zip
    fatfury2.zip
    fatfury3.zip
    ffight.zip
    fhawk.zip
    finalb.zip
    finehour.zip
    gaiden.zip
    galag88b.zip
    gangwars.zip
    gardia.zip
    gaunt2.zip
    gauntlet.zip
    gberet.zip
    ghouls.zip
    gng.zip
    goldnaxe.zip
    gryzor.zip
    gunforce.zip
    gyruss.zip
    hbarrel.zip
    hook.zip
    indytem4.zip
    jedi.zip
    joust2.zip
    joustwr.zip
    jumping.zip
    jungleh.zip
    junglek.zip
    karatblz.zip
    karnov.zip
    karnovr.zip
    kchamp.zip
    knights.zip
    kod.zip
    kof97.zip
    kof98.zip
    kotm.zip
    kotm2.zip
    kungfum.zip
    kuniokun.zip
    lethalth.zip
    lresort.zip
    maglord.zip
    makaimur.zip
    mbombrd.zip
    mbombrdj.zip
    mercs.zip
    metrocrs.zip
    midres.zip
    mk.zip
    moonwalk.zip
    mpatrol.zip
    mslug.zip
    mslug2.zip
    msword.zip
    mysticri.zip
    narc.zip
    nbajam.zip
    nbajamte.zip
    ncombat.zip
    ncommand.zip
    neodrift.zip
    neogeo.zip
    nspirit.zip
    outrun.zip
    pacland.zip
    pacmania.zip
    paperboy.zip
    pitfight.zip
    popeyebl.zip
    print.txt
    punisher.zip
    raiden.zip
    rainbow.zip
    rambo3.zip
    rampage.zip
    rampart.zip
    rastanu2.zip
    rbffspec.zip
    renegade.zip
    riotcity.zip
    rmpgwt.zip
    roadrunn.zip
    roboarmy.zip
    robocopb.zip
    rthun2.zip
    rthunder.zip
    rtype2.zip
    rtypeleo.zip
    rtypeu.zip
    rygar.zip
    rygar2.zip
    rygarj.zip
    ryukendn.zip
    samsho.zip
    samsho2.zip
    samsho3.zip
    samsho4.zip
    scontra.zip
    sengoku.zip
    sengoku2.zip
    sf2.zip
    sf2accp2.zip
    sf2ce.zip
    sf2rb.zip
    sf2red.zip
    sf2t.zip
    shadoww.zip
    sharrier.zip
    shdancer.zip
    shinobi.zip
    silkwrm2.zip
    simpsons.zip
    slammast.zip
    slyspy.zip
    solarwar.zip
    spartanx.zip
    splatter.zip
    spyhunt.zip
    ssideki3.zip
    ssriders.zip
    starwars.zip
    streetsm.zip
    strhoop.zip
    strider.zip
    superman.zip
    superspy.zip
    term2.zip
    tmnt.zip
    tmnt2.zip
    topsecrt.zip
    tron.zip
    uccops.zip
    unsquad.zip
    vendetta.zip
    vigilant.zip
    wbdeluxe.zip
    wbml.zip
    wboy4.zip
    wexpress.zip
    wh1.zip
    wh2.zip
    wh2j.zip
    whp.zip
    willow.zip
    wof.zip
    wofa.zip
    wofj.zip
    xenophob.zip
    xmen.zip
    xsleena.zip
    yiear2.zip

    • do these work with this app? i tried getting kof and metal slug, files were missing so no luck

      • strange.. they all work for me

  • When I go into iMAME.app there already exists a file called rom.zip. Do I just delete this one and drop in the other rom.zip file?

    • yes

      • thank you. all is working well

  • Hi All
    Had a play last night….Find the OP's original file on teh interwebz (mame37b7_roms.zip)
    It looks like the following will work if you try it

    unzip the contents of that file 9312 zip files) to your iphone directory xxxx’s iPhone/Apps/iMAME/Documents/
    you will then have all the below zip files in the folder (and more)

    3stooges.zip
    005.zip
    99lstwar.zip
    600.zip
    1941.zip
    1942.zip
    1943.zip
    abaseb.zip
    airwolf.zip
    alpine.zip
    ambush.zip
    amidar.zip
    anteater.zip
    arabiana.zip
    arkanoid.zip
    arkarea.zip
    arkbloc2.zip
    armwrest.zip
    astdelux.zip
    asteroid.zip
    astrob.zip
    atarifb.zip
    atetris.zip
    avalnche.zip
    badlands.zip
    bagman.zip
    bankp.zip
    beastf.zip
    berzerk.zip
    bigprowr.zip
    billiard.zip
    bking2.zip
    blaster.zip
    blktiger.zip
    blueprnt.zip
    bnj.zip
    bombjack.zip
    bosco.zip
    brain.zip
    brix.zip
    btime2.zip
    bubbles.zip
    bubl2000.zip
    bublbobl.zip
    bwidow.zip
    bzone.zip
    canyon.zip
    capbowl.zip
    carnival.zip
    cavenger.zip
    ccastles.zip
    centiped.zip
    champbas.zip
    checkman.zip
    citycon.zip
    ckongs.zip
    clbowl.zip
    cloak.zip
    cobracom.zip
    commando.zip
    copsnrob.zip
    crush2.zip
    csprint.zip
    dangerz.zip
    dday.zip
    ddragon.zip
    defender.zip
    depthch.zip
    devilfsh.zip
    diamond.zip
    digdug2.zip
    digdug.zip
    dkong3.zip
    dkongjp.zip
    dkongjr.zip
    docastle.zip
    domino.zip
    dominos.zip
    dorunrun.zip
    dotron.zip
    dowild.zip
    dyger.zip
    eagle.zip
    earthinv.zip
    elevatob.zip
    elim2.zip
    esb.zip
    eyes.zip
    f1dream.zip
    fantasy.zip
    fastfred.zip
    fax.zip
    fhawk.zip
    flashgal.zip
    frenzy.zip
    frogger.zip
    froggers.zip
    funkybee.zip
    futspy.zip
    galag88b.zip
    galaga.zip
    galaxian.zip
    galxwars.zip
    gaplus.zip
    getstarb.zip
    gimeabrk.zip
    gng.zip
    gorf.zip
    gravitar.zip
    gravitr2.zip
    gteikoku.zip
    gundealr.zip
    gunsmoke.zip
    gyruss.zip
    hal21.zip
    hbarrel.zip
    headon.zip
    hexa.zip
    hopprobo.zip
    hotshock.zip
    hustler.zip
    hyperspt.zip
    hyprolym.zip
    ikari.zip
    insectx.zip
    intrepid.zip
    invaddlx.zip
    invaders.zip
    invho2.zip
    invrvnge.zip
    irobot.zip
    jack.zip
    jedi.zip
    jjack.zip
    journey.zip
    joust.zip
    joyfulr.zip
    jrpacman.zip
    jumpbug.zip
    jungleh.zip
    jungler.zip
    kangaroa.zip
    kchamp.zip
    kchampvs.zip
    kick.zip
    kickridr.zip
    konamigx.zip
    kroozr.zip
    krull.zip
    kungfum.zip
    ladybug.zip
    lastday.zip
    ldrun.zip
    levers.zip
    liberatr.zip
    lizwiz.zip
    lkageb.zip
    llander.zip
    lnc.zip
    locomotn.zip
    looper.zip
    losttomb.zip
    lrescue.zip
    lwings.zip
    magspot2.zip
    mappy.zip
    mariner.zip
    mario.zip
    matmania.zip
    megazone.zip
    metrocrs.zip
    mhavoc.zip
    milliped.zip
    minigol2.zip
    minigolf.zip
    missile.zip
    mooncrst.zip
    mpatrol.zip
    mplanets.zip
    mrdo.zip
    mrtnt.zip
    mspacman.zip
    mtrap.zip
    mystston.zip
    natodef.zip
    naughtyb.zip
    nrallyx.zip
    omegrace.zip
    orbitron.zip
    ozmawars.zip
    pacland.zip
    pacman.zip
    pacmania.zip
    pacnpal.zip
    pang.zip
    panic.zip
    paperboy.zip
    pbaction.zip
    pcktgal.zip
    pengo.zip
    phoenix.zip
    pinbo.zip
    pingpong.zip
    pipedrm.zip
    piranha.zip
    pisces.zip
    pitfall2.zip
    pkladies.zip
    playch10.zip
    pleiads.zip
    plgirls.zip
    polepos2.zip
    polepos.zip
    pooyan.zip
    popeyebl.zip
    popflame.zip
    pulsar.zip
    puzznic.zip
    qbert.zip
    qbertqub.zip
    qix.zip
    quantum.zip
    rackemup.zip
    radarscp.zip
    rainbow.zip
    rainbowe.zip
    rallyx.zip
    rampage.zip
    rampart.zip
    reactor.zip
    redbaron.zip
    redufo.zip
    ripoff.zip
    robby.zip
    robotron.zip
    rocnrope.zip
    rtype.zip
    rygar.zip
    satansat.zip
    scobra.zip
    scramble.zip
    seawolf.zip
    sectionz.zip
    shollow.zip
    shootout.zip
    silkworm.zip
    sinistar.zip
    slapbtuk.zip
    smooncrs.zip
    snapjack.zip
    solomon.zip
    spacduel.zip
    spaceinv.zip
    spdcoin.zip
    spnchout.zip
    sprint2.zip
    sqix.zip
    sqixbl.zip
    starcas.zip
    starforc.zip
    stargate.zip
    startrek.zip
    starwars.zip
    superbon.zip
    superpcm.zip
    superqix.zip
    suprmatk.zip
    szaxxon.zip
    tailg.zip
    tankbatt.zip
    tapper.zip
    tazmania.zip
    tehkanwc.zip
    tempest.zip
    temptube.zip
    tetrist.zip
    theend.zip
    theglob.zip
    thehustl.zip
    timeplt.zip
    tiptop.zip
    tnzs2.zip
    tnzs.zip
    tnzsb.zip
    trackfld.zip
    triplep.zip
    triviag1.zip
    triviag2.zip
    tron.zip
    turbo.zip
    turtles.zip
    tutankhm.zip
    uniwars.zip
    vanguard.zip
    vanvan.zip
    vulgus.zip
    warlord.zip
    warofbug.zip
    warpwarp.zip
    waterski.zip
    wboy.zip
    wc90.zip
    wow.zip
    xenophob.zip
    xevious.zip
    xsleena.zip
    xybots.zip
    yiear.zip
    zaxxon.zip
    zektor.zip
    zoar.zip
    zookeep.zip

  • i follow the op isntruction, i can play all the rom inside mame37b7_roms.zip
    but what if i download separate rom game let say samurai showdown from emuparadise?
    i drop it into document folder,imame found it but when i run it says missing files

    • I haven't tried it yet, but if it's definately a 37b7 rom then you can try putting it in both the rom.zip file and the seperate folder and see if that works.

    • The game needs to be supported by MAME version 0.37, and you might need an additional ROM file - the NeoGeo BIOS ROM file in this case.

  • +1

    Hyper Olympics + iPhone = Broken iPhone.

  • I would love to see a PlayStation emulator on the iphone/iPad… hello Final Fantasy!

    • You can play playstation games on the PSP if you put a custom firmware on it.

  • This should be an Android app. I would pay for it

  • Navigate to "User Applications -> iMame -> iMAME.app". Copy the rom.zip file into there.

    You don't need to do this step (or at least I didn't). You just need to copy the extracted ROM zips (i.e. the zip files inside mame37b7_roms.zip) into the "User Applications -> iMame -> Documents" folder.

    I'm pretty sure iMAME is just unzipping the ROMs.zip file into its Documents folder the first time it runs; there's no need to alter the original file after this has happened.

  • And the app is gone :-(

    • Sorry, fat finger negged, and now I can't change it?!

  • how to load metal slug 2

    • metal slug 2 was not a part of the 0.37b5 set….so it may not be possible to add it.

      • you can add it, just download the neogeo.zip

  • App is gone from the app store on iPhone now.

  • Could you also pm the link. thanks

  • So has anyone had any luck getting some of the more advanced games into imame on iphone? e.g. king of fighters or metal slug? they keep coming up as missing files for me. if anyone could share links that have worked on their iphone that'd be great!

    • hi evryone!

      FYI - if you guys have been getting errors on missing files, you just need to download the neogeo.zip file

      metal slug and king of fighters now work! wahooo!!!!!!!

      • Thanks for the tip - where do you place the neogeo.zip? In the ROM.zip file, by itself in the imame.app folder, or in the documents folder of imame?

        I've tried a combo of those and not getting any of the new ROMs showing in the game list.

        Cheers.

  • Truly awesome. I just had my internet unthrottled :-)

    Considering getting one of these now!

    http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/cellphone/e75a/
    http://tenonedesign.com/fling.php

    • got link to dl that zip file?

      Mame-0.37b5/
      Name Size Modified
      Roms
      1.83 GB 07/11/11

  • just checking, how do we preserve this amazing app for those lucky enough to download it. it would really suck if losing a phone or formatying the phone means to lose this app

    • on XP, it is under C:\Documents and Settings\username\My Documents\My Music\iTunes\iTunes Music\Mobile Applications\iMAME 1.0.ipa

    • this!!! :~ Downloaded installed and ready to roll before christmas, christmas day little cousins messes with iPad (too many passcode failures) and I had to restore to last backup = no more iMame :((

      Anyone know how to rectify this situation without the download linking working anymore?

      • Have you got a copy of the ipa file? Otherwise, I think you're stuffed unless you jailbreak.

        I had the same issue as I restored from a backup so iMAME was gone. It was still on my wife's iPad so I transferred it to iTunes then tried to transfer to my iPhone but it said that the install failed on my iPhone! :(

        Luckily for me a guy at work still had it on his iPhone so he transferred the app to his iTunes then I plugged in my iPhone and we were able to transfer it to my iPhone! :)

        The iMAME app from my wife's iPad was ~70MB and the iPhone version ~40MB so I think that's why it failed to install the first time.

        You need to find a mate who has iMAME on their iPad…good luck!

  • Still haven't had any luck running any of the NeoGeo roms using neogeo.zip. Can't get Metal Slug to work -still has missing files.

    EDIT - don't worry - I'm sorted. Lots of neogeo roms out there but have to ensure you use the one compatible with 0.37b5 mame.

  • +2
    • +1

      The zip file mentioned elsewhere in this thread has more than 300 ROMS and was only a 30MB download before unzipping.

      What's in this collection that makes it such a large file - close to 500MB?

      Cheers.

      • Alot better games (worth playing)
        The other zip are all very old basic arcade games.
        All the games mentioned in the list i posted.

    • many thanks dre!!

  • try actually download the file it wont??

    visiting the link shows up OK

  • someone want to upload again for me..

    cheers

  • filefactory seems to be working again :)

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