During the late 1970s to early 1980s, the world saw massive technological development and cultural influence in arcade video games, which led to this era called the golden age of gaming. We saw some of the best video game releases during this time, some of which are still adored by many in today’s day and age. However, due to hardware restrictions and newer consoles, not everyone can enjoy those class video games. Or can they?

Previously, suppose someone wanted to go play any of the classic video games. In that case, they’ll have to scavenge the internet for a working console, along with the game cartridge they are interested in, both of which are usually priced at a premium due to their rarity. Once found, they then have to find a compatible display or get specific adapters to make the console run on modern TVs. All of this can get too much for someone who just wanted to play a game they used to play as a kid. So, what other option do they have? Well, it’s the 21^st century. We have the means to recreate whatever we want, and that’s exactly what Nicola Salmoria did.

Meet MAME (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator), a free and open-source emulator designed to recreate the hard of arcade, older-generation game systems, and consoles in software, giving people the option to run class games on modern hardware. This means that those who loved the games of the past can now freely and easily enjoy all of those games. These games for online play include classic titles like Spy Hunter, Super Mario Bros, Street Fighter II, Kung Fu Master, Donkey Kong, and many more.

The intention of this brilliant invention is to give people the option to all of those games for online play and allow for the preservation of such titles to safeguard our gaming history from getting lost or forgotten. So, if you are someone who previously enjoyed playing those classic arcade titles, either from the old NES, or SEGA, or even the Atari, MAME your white knight.

Plus, since MAME does this by actually emulating the inner workings of the emulated arcade machine inside your modern device, the experience is exactly the same. Same graphics, same nostalgic feeling. Plus, since it’s mostly software-based, you don’t have to worry about constantly upgrading your hardware, as you do with modern games.

The people at Joystiq have stated that whether you are a Windows or a macOS gamer, having MAME on your device is a must. It’s a massive library of free, classic games for online play. Why wouldn’t anyone be interested? Play a Game in our Arcade here.