Resources
Where to find ROMs, BIOS files, tools, and community help.
Emulation itself is completely legal. Emulators are legitimate software that recreate console hardware behavior without using any proprietary code. However, downloading copyrighted games you do not own is piracy and illegal in most jurisdictions.
The legally safest approach is to dump ROMs from cartridges and discs you personally own using appropriate hardware. That said, this guide acknowledges that most people do not have dumping equipment, and will point you toward community resources that exist for game preservation purposes.
We do not host, link directly to, or provide any copyrighted material.
ROM Resources
These are community-curated resources for finding game files. Always verify your downloads match known good dumps using No-Intro or Redump databases.
r/Roms Megathread
The Reddit r/Roms community maintains a comprehensive megathread that serves as the primary starting point for most people looking for ROMs. This community-maintained resource is regularly updated and organized by system.
The megathread is hosted at r-roms.github.io. The megathread contains organized links to various ROM sources by platform, recommendations for which ROM sets to download, guidance on file formats, and community-verified sources that are kept up to date.
Myrient
Myrient is a large-scale ROM preservation archive that hosts verified ROM sets. It is one of the most comprehensive sources available and specializes in complete, organized collections.
- No-Intro Verified Sets - Cartridge-based systems with verified, unmodified dumps
- Redump Verified Sets - Disc-based systems with bit-perfect copies
- No account required - Download immediately without registration
- No download limits - Fast speeds without artificial restrictions
Internet Archive
The Internet Archive is a non-profit digital library with a mission of "universal access to all knowledge." Their software preservation section contains a vast collection of games and software for historical and educational purposes.
To find ROMs, go to archive.org and search for the system name plus "ROM set" or "collection". Include "No-Intro" or "Redump" to find verified sets. Some items may require a free account to download.
Vimm's Lair
Vimm's Lair is one of the oldest ROM sites still operating, having been around since 1997. It focuses on providing individual game downloads rather than complete sets, making it ideal for people who only want specific games. It includes box art, screenshots, descriptions, and scanned instruction manuals for many games.
System-Specific Sources
Some platforms have dedicated sources that are better than general ROM sites.
NoPayStation (PlayStation)
NoPayStation is the best and fastest source for PSP, PS3, and PS Vita content. It is a database of games from Sony's CDN along with decryption keys so you can use the files directly. Always check NoPayStation first before looking elsewhere for these systems.
hShop (Nintendo 3DS)
hShop provides 3DS games in CIA format, which is the easiest format to use with 3DS emulators like Citra/Lime3DS. Games are ready to use without conversion, and updates and DLC are included.
Mariocube (Nintendo Wii/Wii U)
Mariocube hosts WiiWare, Virtual Console, DLC, Channels, and IOS files for Wii and Wii U. These are the digital-only titles that are not included in standard disc ROM sets.
PleasureDome (Arcade/MAME)
PleasureDome is a torrent tracker specializing in MAME and arcade ROM sets. It provides complete, verified sets that match specific MAME versions. Requires registration. Alternatively, use Myrient for MAME sets without needing an account.
Verification Databases
These databases maintain checksums of known good ROM dumps. Use them to verify your ROMs are accurate, unmodified copies.
No-Intro
No-Intro is a preservation project that catalogs and verifies ROM dumps for cartridge-based systems. Their DAT files contain checksums that can verify whether your ROM is an accurate, unmodified dump.
Systems covered include NES, SNES, N64, Game Boy, GBA, DS, 3DS, Genesis, Master System, Game Gear, and many more. Download DAT files from Datomatic and use a ROM manager like RomVault or clrmamepro to verify your collection.
Redump
Redump is the equivalent of No-Intro but for disc-based systems. They maintain a database of verified disc dumps, ensuring you have bit-perfect copies of optical media.
Systems covered include PlayStation 1-3, Saturn, Dreamcast, GameCube, Wii, Wii U, Xbox, and more. When downloading disc games, look for sets labeled "Redump" to ensure you are getting accurate dumps.
BIOS Files
Many emulators require BIOS files to function. These are small firmware files dumped from original hardware that emulators need to boot games.
Where to Find BIOS Files
- r/Roms Megathread - Has a dedicated BIOS section
- Internet Archive - Search for "BIOS collection" or specific system BIOS
- Myrient - Often includes BIOS files with system ROM sets
See the BIOS Files Guide for detailed information on which systems need BIOS files and their specific requirements.
BIOS Placement
| Setup | BIOS Location |
|---|---|
| RetroDeck | ~/retrodeck/bios/ |
| EmuDeck | ~/Emulation/bios/ |
| RetroArch Standalone | ~/.config/retroarch/system/ |
| PCSX2 | ~/.config/PCSX2/bios/ |
| RPCS3 | ~/.config/rpcs3/dev_flash/ |
ROM Management Tools
These tools help organize, verify, and manage your ROM collection.
RomVault
Cross-platform ROM manager that verifies collections against DAT files. Identifies missing, extra, and corrupt ROMs. Supports No-Intro and Redump DAT files, automatic organization and renaming, and compression (7z, zip).
clrmamepro
Powerful Windows ROM manager, the classic tool for managing MAME ROM sets and other collections. Industry standard for MAME management with batch scanning and fixing, split/merge/non-merged set handling.
Romcenter
User-friendly ROM manager with a simpler interface than clrmamepro, good for beginners. Easy to understand with DAT file support and duplicate detection.
JRomManager
Java-based cross-platform ROM manager that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Modern interface with multi-threaded scanning.
Conversion Tools
| Tool | Purpose | Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| chdman | Convert disc images to/from CHD format | All (included with MAME) |
| Dolphin Tool | Convert GameCube/Wii to RVZ format | All (included with Dolphin) |
| nsz | Compress Switch NSP files to NSZ | All (Python) |
| PS3Dec | Decrypt PS3 disc images | Windows, Linux |
ROM Hacks and Translations
Resources for game modifications, fan translations, and patches.
RHDN (ROMhacking.net)
The primary hub for ROM hacks, fan translations, and game modifications. Has been the center of the ROM hacking community for decades. You will find fan translations, improvement hacks, difficulty hacks, and complete overhauls.
ROM hacks are distributed as patch files, not complete ROMs. This keeps distribution legal since patches contain no copyrighted code. To use a patch, download the patch file (.ips, .bps, or .xdelta), obtain the correct base ROM specified by the patch, apply the patch using a tool like Floating IPS or Delta Patcher, then play the resulting patched ROM.
Notable Translation Projects
- Mother 3 - Professional-quality English translation of the Japan-only sequel to EarthBound
- Trials of Mana - English translation of Seiken Densetsu 3 (before the official release)
- Fire Emblem - Translations of Japan-only entries
- Policenauts - Hideo Kojima game never officially localized
Community Resources
Places to get help, stay updated, and connect with other emulation enthusiasts.
Reddit Communities
- r/Emulation - General emulation discussion and news
- r/Roms - ROM resources and help
- r/SteamDeck - Steam Deck discussions including emulation
- r/EmuDeck - EmuDeck support and tips
- r/RetroArch - RetroArch configuration help
Discord Servers
- EmuDeck Discord - Official support and community
- RetroDeck Discord - Official RetroDeck community
- RetroArch Discord - Core development and help
Wikis and Documentation
- Emulation General Wiki - Comprehensive emulator recommendations
- RetroArch Docs - Official RetroArch documentation
- EmuDeck Wiki - Setup guides and troubleshooting
- RetroDeck Wiki - Official RetroDeck documentation
YouTube Channels
- Retro Game Corps - Steam Deck and handheld emulation
- ETA Prime - Emulation device reviews
- Fan The Deck - Steam Deck focused content
Emulator Official Sites
Always download emulators from their official sources to avoid malware.
Multi-System
| Emulator | Systems | Official Site |
|---|---|---|
| RetroArch | Multiple (via cores) | retroarch.com |
| MAME | Arcade, many others | mamedev.org |
Nintendo
| Emulator | System | Official Site |
|---|---|---|
| Dolphin | GameCube, Wii | dolphin-emu.org |
| Cemu | Wii U | cemu.info |
| mGBA | GBA | mgba.io |
| melonDS | DS | melonds.kuribo64.net |
| Lime3DS | 3DS | github.com/Lime3DS/Lime3DS |
Yuzu and Citra development was discontinued in 2024 following legal action. Forks like Suyu, Sudachi, and Lime3DS continue development.
Sony
| Emulator | System | Official Site |
|---|---|---|
| DuckStation | PS1 | github.com/stenzek/duckstation |
| PCSX2 | PS2 | pcsx2.net |
| RPCS3 | PS3 | rpcs3.net |
| PPSSPP | PSP | ppsspp.org |
| Vita3K | Vita | vita3k.org |
Sega
| Emulator | System | Official Site |
|---|---|---|
| Flycast | Dreamcast | github.com/flyinghead/flycast |
| Kronos | Saturn | github.com/FCare/Kronos |
Microsoft
| Emulator | System | Official Site |
|---|---|---|
| xemu | Xbox | xemu.app |
| Xenia | Xbox 360 | xenia.jp |
Tips for Finding ROMs
Best Practices
- Start with the Megathread - The r/Roms megathread is updated regularly and provides curated, working links
- Use No-Intro/Redump Sets - These verified sets ensure your games work correctly and are not corrupted
- Avoid Sketchy Sites - If a site is covered in ads or asks you to run executables, leave immediately
- Verify Downloads - Check file hashes when possible to ensure you got what you expected
- Keep Backups - ROM sites come and go, so back up your collection
Red Flags to Avoid
- Sites asking you to download .exe files for "emulators" bundled with ROMs
- Sites requiring account creation with personal information
- Pop-up heavy sites with misleading download buttons
- Sites asking for payment for ROMs
- Links that redirect through multiple URL shorteners
- Files significantly smaller or larger than expected