A new arcade machine emulator called iMAME (free, App Store link) has just hit the App Store, bringing the classic arcade experience to the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
While the app ships with only nine not-so-exciting game, it is possible to load third-party ROMs into the app using utilities such as iExplorer, potentially allowing you to play games like Super Mario, Donkey Kong, and other arcade classics previously unavailable on iOS devices. TouchArcade reports:
It seems that the same method used to get games into iDOS also works in iMAME. Twitter user @mattlukens mentions, “Yep, add a .zip rom to the Docs folder through PhoneView and it works perfect! Just tried Crime Fighters!” He also provided a screenshot. The clock is really ticking now on Apple pulling this down.
What’s even more interesting is that iMAME works with the ThinkGeek iCade, allowing a true arcade-like experience on the iPad with real arcade games, making the accessory much more practical.
iMAME is available now as a free universal app on the App Store (free, App Store link), but act fast – Apple is usually pretty restrictive about open emulators on the App Store, and will likely be removing this sooner rather than later.
