The Internet Archive (archive.org) is the safest and most reliable source for full reference sets. It often hosts "Non-Merged" sets, which are easier to manage because each game file contains everything needed to run without requiring parent ROMs.
: While these official sites do not provide direct download links, their documentation pages provide the exact filenames, DAT files, and community-approved search terms needed to locate the correct files. Risks to Avoid
: A popular community-curated pack specifically optimized for RetroPie . MAME_078 directory listing - Internet Archive
Despite being decades old, this specific set is widely used across single-board computers and handhelds for several reasons:
The 0.78 set includes roughly 2,000 to 3,000 unique arcade titles. This covers the absolute pinnacle of arcade history, including classics like Pac-Man , Street Fighter II , Mortal Kombat , Donkey Kong , and Galaga . For the vast majority of retro gamers, this set contains every arcade game they would ever want to play. Navigating the Legality of ROM Downloads