MAME update brings speed gains and more retro games

The version 0.274 of MAME is finally available. It includes a new 64-bit ARMv8 copier which improves performance and speed on macOS, Linux and Android devices equipped with RISC-based processors.

Unlike other updates, which have mainly focused on emulating older computers or games, the main improvement in this update concerns performance. MAME version 0.274 also includes performance improvements for x86-64 systems, although the performance difference may depend on the specific hardware and the emulated system. Some bugs have been fixed and existing systems have also been optimized.

For Windows users, the new binaries now require the x86-64-v2 feature. This will remain unchanged in the future. Work is underway to emulate first-generation Power Macintosh systems. The Heath/Zenith emulators now support fixed sector floppy disks and fully functional joysticks. Mouse support has been added for the JUKU, and Silicon Graphics Professional IRIS 4D workstations now function correctly. Efforts to improve Amiga graphical emulation are ongoing.

MAME testers have fixed several game system bugs, particularly regarding sound, graphics, controls, and other functions. These fixes affect various systems from companies such as Namco, Konami, Irem, and Sega. The issues they worked on included incorrect sound effects, music problems, animation bugs, and unresponsive controls. They also resolved some memory access out-of-bounds issues.

Apart from bug fixing, the latest update introduces a large number of newly supported systems. This includes various virtual pet devices, portable games from brands like Bandai, Casio, Hasbro, JAKKS Pacific, Takara, and Techno Source, as well as several musical instruments such as the Casio Casiotone, Oberheim DMX, and Oberheim OB8 models.

Some previously non-functional systems have now been updated to work correctly, including arcade systems and computer systems. Progress has also been made in managing graphics and CD-i video emulation for the Philips Minitel 2 terminal. Additionally, NEC µPD17771C emulation has been completely revised, leading to better performance in games like Star Speeder on Epoch Super Cassette Vision.

Furthermore, several clones of existing systems have been added or improved in emulation. The software library has been updated with new additions to the lists of emulated software for systems such as the Amiga, Apple II, CD-i, IBM 5170, JUKU E5104, and various personal computers like the ZX Spectrum and ZX81.