MAME

Official Site

Release Date	1997-02-05

MAME (an acronym of Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator) is a free and open source emulator designed to recreate the hardware of arcade game systems in software on modern personal computers and other platforms. The intention is to preserve gaming history by preventing vintage games from being lost or forgotten. The aim of MAME is to be a reference to the inner workings of the emulated arcade machines; the ability to actually play the games is considered "a nice side effect". Joystiq has listed MAME as an application that every gamer should have.

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Genre

Emulator

Characteristics

Arcade, Game Console, Retro, Single-Player, Vintage Calculator, Vintage Computing

Specs for Recommended levels of performance in MAME

Most software developers publish system requirements, and while they're accurate, they can be difficult to interpret; not everyone's comfortable with the jargon employed and older components are often referred to long after they've left the market.

Here are current specs for pre-built machines capable of handling MAME.

Sadly, there are also no predefined standards for performance; some developers have very high standards while others can be a bit optimistic so your mileage may vary.

Ready-to-Order Smartphones Meeting these Specs Prices range from ∼ US$505 to US$1055, accessories included.

The following Smartphones meet the system requirements set by MAME's developers. There are no performance standards defining how well a recommended system should perform (some developers overestimate them, others can be a bit optimistic), but unless you want framerates above 30fps or run the game above HD resolution, this should do nicely.

Each product below was checked recently for rebates and availability from retailers located in Canada or which at least makes importing easy.

• 

  BlackBerry DTEK60 from US$350;
  ~$505 with accessories

  Bundled with a security suite and Android Marshmallow out-of-the-box, this is a premium smartphone for the security-conscious.

  • the Mobile Gamer
  • the Casual Nomad
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Smartphones standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	1/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	1/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	5/5

  by Large Smartphones and Phablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	1/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  performance in MAME

  3/5

  Meets recommended specs

  Specs

  Processor: Qualcom Snapdragon 820

  Graphics: Qualcom Adreno 530

  Memory: 4.00 GB

  Storage: 32.00 GB

  Screen Size: 5.5"

  Screen Resolution: 2560×1440

  Dimensions: 15.39 x 7.54 x 0.70 cm

  Weight: 0.17 kg

  detailed info

  from US$341.09

  • US$341.09 from Staples (New)
    as of 2019-02-19 10:54:18, EST
  • US$365.18 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2019-02-19 11:55:04, EST
  • US$401.73 from Walmart (New)
    as of 2019-02-20 04:28:42, EST

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Razer Phone (2017) from US$690;
  ~$955 with accessories

  Built for gaming, this smartphone delivers smooth and vivid video and audio for gaming, but also for movies and pretty much everything else... Read More about the RZ35-02150100-R3U1

  • the Mobile Gamer
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Smartphones standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
  Power	4/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	1/5
  Autonomy	0/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	1/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	2.5/5

  by Large Smartphones and Phablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	4/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	2/5
  Autonomy	0.5/5

  performance in MAME

  3/5

  Meets recommended specs

  Specs

  Processor: Qualcom Snapdragon 835

  Graphics: Qualcom Adreno 540

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 64.00 GB

  Screen Size: 5.7"

  Screen Resolution: 2560×1440

  Dimensions: 15.85 x 7.77 x 0.80 cm

  Weight: 0.20 kg

  detailed info

  US$682.18 from Razer (New) as of 2019-02-17 14:56:08, EST

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Razer site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  OnePlus OnePlus 6T from US$550;
  ~$719 with accessories

  With a fingerprint sensor built right into the screen, a long-lasting battery and fast charging, the Oneplus 6t offers a lot of value for the price. Its notch i... Read More about the

  • the Mobile Photographer
  • the Mobile Gamer
  • the Casual Nomad
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Smartphones standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	3.5/5
  Storage	5/5
  Portability	1.5/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	2/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by One-Handed Smartphones standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	3.5/5
  Storage	5/5
  Portability	1/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  performance in MAME

  3/5

  Meets recommended specs

  Specs

  Processor: Qualcom Snapdragon 845

  Graphics: Qualcom Adreno 630

  Memory: 6.00 GB

  Storage: 128.00 GB

  Screen Size: 6.41"

  Screen Resolution: 2340×1080

  Dimensions: 15.75 x 7.48 x 0.82 cm

  Weight: 0.19 kg

  detailed info

  US$544.99 from OnePlus (New) as of 2019-02-19 13:30:33, EST

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the OnePlus site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Samsung Galaxy Note 8 from US$69010% cheaper than usual
  ~$955 with accessories

  The Note 8 might not be the most cost-effective smartphone out there, but if you sketch on the go, take handwritten notes or have to work with signatures on a r... Read More about the SM-N950WZKAXAC

  • the Mobile Gamer
  • the Casual Nomad
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Smartphones standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
  Power	3.5/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	1/5
  Autonomy	1/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	1/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	3/5

  by Large Smartphones and Phablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	3.5/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	2/5
  Autonomy	1/5

  performance in MAME

  3/5

  Meets recommended specs

  Specs

  Processor: Qualcom Snapdragon 835

  Graphics: Qualcom Adreno 540

  Memory: 6.00 GB

  Storage: 64.00 GB

  Screen Size: 6.3"

  Screen Resolution: 1440×2960

  Dimensions: 16.25 x 7.48 x 0.86 cm

  Weight: 0.20 kg

  detailed info

  from US$682.18

  • US$682.18 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-02-18 11:56:50, EST
  • US$682.18 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2019-02-18 14:13:26, EST
  • US$961.88 from Freedom Mobile (New)
    as of 2019-02-20 04:21:10, EST
  • US$984.62 from Newegg (New)
    as of 2019-02-18 12:03:17, EST
  • US$985.34 from Videotron (New)
    as of 2019-02-18 15:38:37, EST
  • US$985.37 from Tiger Direct (New)
    as of 2019-02-20 04:26:51, EST

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Samsung Galaxy S8 from US$570;
  ~$805 with accessories

  A great phone to take with you on life's many adventures, the Galaxy S8 will do a great job capturing your best moments while enduring the splashes and long hou... Read More about the G950W

  • the Mobile Photographer
  • the Mobile Gamer
  • the Casual Nomad
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Smartphones standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	3/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	5/5
  Autonomy	3.5/5

  by One-Handed Smartphones standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	3/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	2/5

  performance in MAME

  3/5

  Meets recommended specs

  Specs

  Processor: Qualcom Snapdragon 835

  Graphics: Qualcom Adreno 540

  Memory: 4.00 GB

  Storage: 64.00 GB

  Screen Size: 5.8"

  Screen Resolution: 1440×2960

  Dimensions: 14.89 x 6.81 x 0.80 cm

  Weight: 0.16 kg

  detailed info

  from US$568.48

  • US$568.48 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2019-02-18 12:13:56, EST
  • US$568.48 from Samsung (New)
    as of 2019-02-18 15:45:02, EST
  • US$644.28 from Bell (New)
    as of 2019-02-20 04:15:21, EST
  • US$720.09 from Telus (New)
    as of 2019-02-18 15:19:42, EST
  • US$720.09 from Koodo (New)
    as of 2019-02-15 11:04:02, EST

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Samsung Galaxy S8+ from US$710;
  ~$984 with accessories

  This larger variant of the Galaxy S8 is especially appealing if you do a lot on your phone, want even better battery endurance or if smaller screens tend to str... Read More about the G955W

  • the Mobile Photographer
  • the Mobile Gamer
  • the Casual Nomad
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Smartphones standards

  Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	3/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	2/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	1/5
  Versatility for the Price	2/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  by Large Smartphones and Phablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	2.5/5

  performance in MAME

  3/5

  Meets recommended specs

  Specs

  Processor: Qualcom Snapdragon 835

  Graphics: Qualcom Adreno 540

  Memory: 4.00 GB

  Storage: 64.00 GB

  Screen Size: 6.2"

  Screen Resolution: 1440×2960

  Dimensions: 15.95 x 7.34 x 0.81 cm

  Weight: 0.17 kg

  detailed info

  from US$704.17

  • US$704.17 from Freedom Mobile (New)
    as of 2019-02-20 04:12:56, EST
  • US$735.24 from Bell (New)
    as of 2019-02-20 04:11:10, EST

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Samsung Galaxy S9 from US$650;
  ~$905 with accessories

  With nearly all the bells and whistles and an outstanding camera, the Galaxy S9 embodies the best one can expect from an Android smartphone in 2018.

  • the Mobile Photographer
  • the Mobile Gamer
  • the Casual Nomad
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Smartphones standards

  Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	1/5
  Versatility for the Price	2/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	5/5
  Autonomy	3/5

  by One-Handed Smartphones standards

  Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  performance in MAME

  3/5

  Meets recommended specs

  Specs

  Processor: Qualcom Snapdragon 845

  Graphics: Qualcom Adreno 630

  Memory: 4.00 GB

  Storage: 64.00 GB

  Screen Size: 5.8"

  Screen Resolution: 2960×1440

  Dimensions: 14.77 x 6.87 x 0.85 cm

  Weight: 0.16 kg

  detailed info

  from US$644.25

  • US$644.25 from Newegg (New)
    as of 2019-02-19 11:22:59, EST
  • US$681.43 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2019-02-18 14:30:39, EST
  • US$681.43 from Samsung (New)
    as of 2019-02-17 15:32:57, EST
  • US$726.91 from Freedom Mobile (New)
    as of 2019-02-20 04:13:04, EST
  • US$727.63 from Videotron (New)
    as of 2019-02-17 14:49:56, EST
  • US$727.66 from Tiger Direct (New)
    as of 2019-02-20 04:33:41, EST
  • US$727.66 from Sasktel (New)
    as of 2019-02-20 04:09:09, EST
  • US$773.14 from Bell (New)
    as of 2019-02-20 04:21:30, EST
  • US$799.68 from Telus (New)
    as of 2019-02-18 14:54:47, EST
  • US$799.68 from Koodo (New)
    as of 2019-02-15 10:27:59, EST

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Google Pixel 2 XL from US$6604% cheaper than usual
  ~$914 with accessories

  With a larger screen, this smartphone delivers a great movie-watching and gaming experience for entertainment and productivity on the go. It also features an im... Read More about the

  • the Mobile Photographer
  • the Mobile Gamer
  • the Casual Nomad
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Smartphones standards

  Bang for the Buck	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	3/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	2.5/5
  Autonomy	3/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	1/5
  Versatility for the Price	2/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by Large Smartphones and Phablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	3/5

  performance in MAME

  3/5

  Meets recommended specs

  Specs

  Processor: Qualcom Snapdragon 835

  Graphics: Qualcom Adreno 540

  Memory: 4.00 GB

  Storage: 64.00 GB

  Screen Size: 6"

  Screen Resolution: 1440×2880

  Dimensions: 15.79 x 7.67 x 0.79 cm

  Weight: 0.18 kg

  detailed info

  from US$651.11

  • US$651.11 from Google Store (New)
    as of 2019-02-17 14:55:00, EST
  • US$682.19 from Telus (New)
    as of 2019-02-18 15:04:42, EST
  • US$682.19 from Koodo (New)
    as of 2019-02-17 14:52:12, EST
  • US$985.37 from Bell (New)
    as of 2019-02-20 04:16:37, EST
  • US$985.37 from Virgin Mobile (New)
    as of 2019-02-19 13:33:24, EST

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge from US$760;
  ~$1055 with accessories

  Samsung's latest and greatest flagship phone with a beveled screen. It's a larger phone and definitely a pricey proposition, but it's powerful, has long battery... Read More about the SM-G935WZKAXAC

  • the Mobile Photographer
  • the Mobile Gamer
  • the Casual Nomad
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Smartphones standards

  Bang for the Buck	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	1/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	2/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	1/5
  Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	1/5
  Portability	5/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  by Large Smartphones and Phablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	1/5
  Portability	5/5
  Autonomy	2/5

  performance in MAME

  3/5

  Meets recommended specs

  Specs

  Processor: Samsung Exynos 8890

  Graphics: Qualcom Adreno 530

  Memory: 4.00 GB

  Storage: 32.00 GB

  Screen Size: 5.5"

  Screen Resolution: 1440×2560

  Dimensions: 15.09 x 7.26 x 0.77 cm

  Weight: 0.16 kg

  detailed info

  US$757.95 from Videotron (New) as of 2019-02-19 13:19:36, EST

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Videotron site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×

Narrow down your search

Looking for a specific kind of device?

Were you looking for a laptop instead? You can focus your search on a specific kind of device with the options below:

• Laptops
  (61 results, starting at $800)
• Tablets
  (18 results, starting at $699)
• Stationary Computers
  (27 results, starting at $869)
• Laptops: Netbooks
  (4 results, starting at $698)
• All Smart Devices
  (100 results, starting at $770)
• Stationary Computers: Tower Computers
  (18 results, starting at $710)
• Stationary Computers: Compact Towers
  (5 results, starting at $890)
• Smartphones: One-Handed Smartphones
  (5 results, starting at $750)
• Smartphones: Large Smartphones and Phablets
  (10 results, starting at $900)
• Laptops: Portable Laptops
  (54 results, starting at $849)
• Laptops: Large Laptops
  (4 results, starting at $2065)
• Tablets: Large Tablets
  (18 results, starting at $699)

Looking for a different performance level?

The systems above meet MAME's recommended specs. This should be the sweet spot for most people but if you're a hardcore MAME user, you might benefit from using a stronger machine.

You can look for something more powerful (or cheaper) by picking another performance level below: