: Clones only contain the files that differ from the parent. You have the parent ZIP for the clone to work. Non-Merged

Keep the files compressed in their .zip or .7z format. Do not extract individual game zips. MAME reads the compressed contents directly. Step 4: Configure CHDs (If Applicable)

Only if you have a hardware limitation. For PC users, always update to the latest MAME and maintain a corresponding ROM set via tools like mame-getter or manual updates. The arcade preservation project moves fast—0.235 missed over 300 newly dumped games and 100+ driver fixes present in modern versions.