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Import a MAME ROM List

Use a plain-text list to add selected games to an existing MAME system. HyperHQ matches each line against the MAME catalog, adds the matched games, and preserves the rest of your game list.

This workflow supports one game or a large curated list. Keep the text file for later edits or reuse.

Prerequisites​

Before you start, confirm these items:

  • HyperHQ 2.0.320 or later
  • An existing MAME system in HyperHQ
  • A working MAME emulator linked to the system
  • ROM paths configured for the system
  • Internet access for the MAME catalog lookup
  • A .txt file saved as plain text

See MAME Arcade Setup if you still need to create the system.

Create the text file​

Enter one MAME XML machine name per line. The machine name usually matches the ROM archive name.

pacman
galaga.zip
sf2

File extensions are optional. HyperHQ accepts entries such as galaga and galaga.zip. Letter case does not affect matching.

Use machine names, not display titles. For example, use sf2, not Street Fighter II.

Import the list​

  1. Open Systems in HyperHQ.
  2. Select the plus button in the Systems sidebar.
  3. Select MAME.
  4. On MAME Installation Detected, select Manually Add a Game.
  5. If HyperHQ shows more than one MAME system, select the target system.
  6. On Add Games by XML Name, drag your .txt file onto the upload area. You also have the option to select the area and browse for the file.
  7. Review the import summary.
  8. Remove any matched entry you do not want to add.
  9. Select Next.
  10. Wait for matching, game creation, verification, and configured media downloads to finish.

For one game, enter the machine name under or add one game, then select Add.

Review the import summary​

HyperHQ reports these results before adding games:

ResultMeaning
MatchedValid MAME machine names ready to add
Duplicates skippedRepeated names in the file or names already in the current entry list
Blank lines ignoredEmpty lines removed from the import
Unmatched ROM namesNames missing from the current MAME catalog

Only matched names appear in the entry list. At least one matched name must remain before Next becomes available.

Expected behavior​

HyperHQ adds the matched games to the selected MAME system. Existing games stay in place. The new entries receive MAME catalog metadata and parent or clone information where available.

During processing, HyperHQ shows matching, adding, and verification progress. A success message appears after every requested game reaches the system database. HyperHQ then follows the system's media download settings and returns to the MAME system.

The import updates the HyperHQ game database. ROM archives remain in their existing folders.

Verify the result​

  1. Open the target MAME system.
  2. Search for each imported game by display name or machine name.
  3. Open a game and confirm the title, year, manufacturer, and ROM path.
  4. Launch the game to confirm the required ROM files exist in a configured ROM path.

For more library checks, see Working With Games.

Troubleshooting​

The file is rejected​

Save the list with a .txt extension. HyperHQ rejects other file types.

A name is unmatched​

  • Compare the entry with the ROM archive name.
  • Remove folder paths, display titles, and comments.
  • Use the MAME XML machine name.
  • Check for spelling errors.
  • Try the matching parent or clone machine name.

Example: use pacman, not Pac-Man.

HyperHQ cannot load the MAME catalog​

Check your internet connection, then import the file again. Existing matched entries remain in the entry list after a catalog error.

No games are added​

Confirm at least one matched entry appears before selecting Next. If processing reports a missing name, compare the text file with the current MAME catalog and retry with the corrected name.

A game appears but does not launch​

The catalog match creates a game entry. The match does not supply a missing ROM archive, clone archive, CHD, or BIOS file. Confirm all required files exist under a configured MAME ROM path.

Limitations​

  • The upload accepts one plain-text .txt file at a time.
  • Each line should contain one machine name. Comments and headings are treated as names and fail matching.
  • Matching uses the current online MAME catalog.
  • Catalog matching does not confirm every required game file exists on disk.
  • HyperHQ does not edit or store the source text file. Keep your own copy for later use.