Download Guide
How to safely download ROMs, BIOS files, and navigate common download sources.
This guide covers how to navigate ROM download sources safely and efficiently. We do not host any ROMs or copyrighted content. The sources mentioned are community-maintained archives focused on game preservation.
Always use an ad blocker when browsing ROM sites, and never download executable files (.exe) bundled with ROMs.
Primary Download Sources
The emulation community primarily uses two trusted sources for ROM downloads. Both are non-profit focused on preservation.
Myrient
Myrient is the fastest and most convenient source for downloading ROMs and BIOS files. It mirrors content from other preservation sources and offers several advantages:
- No account required - Download immediately without registration
- No download limits - Grab as much as you need
- No ads - Clean, straightforward interface
- Fast speeds - Optimized for quick downloads
- No-Intro and Redump verified - Curated, verified ROM sets
Myrient hosts complete ROM sets organized by system and verification standard (No-Intro for cartridges, Redump for discs).
Internet Archive
The Internet Archive is a non-profit digital library with a mission of universal access to knowledge. Their software preservation section contains vast ROM collections.
Advantages include massive collections spanning decades of gaming, historical documentation and manuals often included, and established non-profit status with legal standing.
Some items show a lock icon next to files when the content generates high traffic or is at risk of takedown. To download locked files, create a free Internet Archive account or use Myrient instead where the same content is often available unrestricted.
Understanding ROM Sets
No-Intro Sets
No-Intro is a preservation project that catalogs and verifies ROM dumps for cartridge-based systems. When you see "No-Intro" in a collection name, it means ROMs are verified against original cartridge data, no modifications or trainer hacks are included, and consistent naming conventions are used.
Systems covered: NES, SNES, N64, Game Boy, GBA, DS, Genesis, Master System, Game Gear, and many more cartridge-based platforms.
Redump Sets
Redump is the equivalent for disc-based systems. These are bit-perfect copies of original game discs verified using multiple checksums (CRC, MD5, SHA-1) that preserve exact disc structure and layout.
Systems covered: PlayStation 1-3, Saturn, Dreamcast, GameCube, Wii, Xbox, and other disc-based platforms.
TOSEC Sets
TOSEC (The Old School Emulation Center) catalogs everything including variants, prototypes, and alternative dumps. These sets are larger but more comprehensive, useful for completionists and researchers.
Extracting Downloaded Files
Archive File Types
Most ROM downloads come as compressed archives. These are not the actual game files - you need to extract them first.
| Extension | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| .zip | ZIP Archive | Most common, widely supported |
| .7z | 7-Zip Archive | Better compression, needs 7-Zip to extract |
| .rar | RAR Archive | Older format, 7-Zip can extract these too |
Using 7-Zip
7-Zip is a free, open-source tool that handles all archive formats. Download it from 7-zip.org and install it. It integrates into your right-click menu automatically.
To extract files, right-click the archive file, select 7-Zip from the menu, and choose "Extract Here" or "Extract to [folder name]".
On Steam Deck, use the built-in Ark archive manager in Desktop Mode, or install 7-Zip via Flatpak.
What NOT to Extract
Some file types look like archives but are actually ROM formats. Do NOT extract these:
- .chd - Compressed disc image (used directly by emulators)
- .rvz - Compressed GameCube/Wii format (used directly)
- .nsp / .xci - Switch formats (do not extract)
- .pkg - PS3 package files (do not extract)
- .vpk - Vita package files (do not extract)
When in doubt, check the File Formats page to see if your file type should be extracted or used directly.
Internet Archive Tips
Metadata Files
When browsing Internet Archive items, you will see extra files with extensions like .xml, .sqlite, _meta.xml, and _files.xml. These are metadata files used by the Internet Archive website itself. You do not need to download these.
Direct Downloads vs Torrents
Some Internet Archive items offer torrent files as an alternative download method. However, torrent file listings are often incomplete compared to the website and seeders may be limited. Direct downloads are usually faster and more reliable. Only use torrents if direct downloads are unavailable.
Download Managers
For large files or slow connections, a download manager helps by resuming interrupted downloads, managing multiple downloads, and accelerating speeds through multiple connections.
Recommended free download managers:
- Free Download Manager (FDM) - Cross-platform, handles most protocols
- JDownloader - Great for batch downloads, handles captchas
- aria2 - Command-line tool, very fast
Bypassing Download Limits
Google Drive Quota Exceeded
Sometimes when downloading from Google Drive, you see: "Download quota exceeded, so you can't download this file at this time."
This happens when too many people download the same file. Here is the workaround:
- Sign in to your Google account
- Open Google Drive and go to My Drive
- Create a new folder
- Go back to the quota-exceeded file
- Right-click the file and select "Add Shortcut to Drive"
- Navigate to My Drive, find your folder, click Add Shortcut
- Go to My Drive, right-click your folder, select Download
- A .zip file containing your file starts downloading
This works because Google allows downloading your own Drive content without quota restrictions.
MEGA Download Limit
MEGA enforces a 5 GB download limit every 24 hours for free accounts. Options to bypass this:
- Wait - The simplest solution. Wait 24 hours and your quota resets.
- Use a VPN - MEGA tracks your IP address. Connecting to a VPN gives you a new IP and resets your limit.
- Use Myrient instead - Same files, no limits.
Blocking Ads with uBlock Origin
Many ROM sites (not Myrient or Internet Archive) are covered in ads, pop-ups, and potentially malicious scripts. uBlock Origin protects you by blocking intrusive advertisements, preventing malicious scripts from running, stopping tracking, and making pages load faster.
Installing uBlock Origin
| Browser | Installation |
|---|---|
| Chrome | Chrome Web Store - search "uBlock Origin" |
| Firefox | Firefox Add-ons - search "uBlock Origin" |
| Edge | Edge Add-ons - search "uBlock Origin" |
| Android | Install Firefox for Android, then add uBlock Origin |
Safe Downloading Practices
Red Flags to Avoid
- Executable files (.exe) - ROMs are never .exe files. If a site asks you to download an .exe, leave immediately.
- Bundled emulators - Legitimate ROMs do not come with emulators attached.
- Account requirements with personal info - Myrient and Internet Archive only need email at most.
- Payment requests - ROMs should never cost money from download sites.
- Multiple URL shorteners - Legitimate sources use direct links.
- Files way smaller or larger than expected - Could indicate fake or malicious files.
Recommended Download Process
- Start with Myrient - Fast, no limits, verified files
- Fall back to Internet Archive - If Myrient does not have what you need
- Check the r/Roms Megathread - Community-maintained links for everything else
- Verify file integrity - Use No-Intro or Redump DAT files when possible
- Extract if needed - Use 7-Zip for .zip, .7z, and .rar files
- Organize your files - Follow the folder structure guide
Quick Reference
| Source | Best For | Account Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Myrient | Everything - fastest option | No |
| Internet Archive | Large collections, historical content | Sometimes |
| Vimm's Lair | Individual games with manuals | No |
| hShop | 3DS games in CIA format | No |
| NoPayStation | PSP, PS3, Vita content | No |