Mame 0.130 Romset Portable

The MAME 0.130 ROMset is a specific collection of arcade game data files released on March 9, 2009. While much newer versions of MAME exist, this set remains highly sought after by retro gaming enthusiasts because it is the target version for many older or "balanced" mobile emulators. Why MAME 0.130?

Why people use versioned ROMsets

Compatibility: Emulators check ROM checksums against their internal databases. A ROMset matched to 0.130 will load without “missing” or “incorrect” ROM errors for that emulator version.
Preservation: Versioned sets preserve the state of emulation at a given point — useful for archival work, research, and running historical builds.
Reproducibility: Speedruns, tool-assisted runs, and preservation projects often require a specific MAME/ROMset combination to ensure consistent behavior.
Dat-file integrity: Many frontend tools and dat-based utilities expect ROMsets tied to particular MAME releases.

Here's a report on the MAME 0.130 ROM set: mame 0.130 romset

Official binaries and source code for this specific version are archived for historical reference: The MAME 0

Classics: All Capcom CPS-1 and CPS-2 games (Street Fighter II, Darkstalkers) are perfect.
Neo Geo: The entire Neo Geo library is fully supported and runs beautifully.
Pre-2000s: Every major title released before the year 2000 is included and playable. You aren't missing out on any classic hits by sticking to this older version.

Quick checklist to prepare a MAME 0.130 romset

Obtain the official MAME 0.130 DAT file.
Gather ROM ZIPs, CHDs, and samples you already have.
Use ClrMamePro or ROMVault with the 0.130 DAT to scan and verify.
Rebuild into merged or split format as needed.
Place CHD and samples in the directories configured in mame.ini.
Test a few representative games in MAME 0.130 to confirm operation.
Document the source of any replacements or patched ROMs and keep backups.