A great open source tool for easily sorting your ROMs. On windows, run the EXE. On macOS or Linux run the main.py file (using your python installation) in the source code ZIP file.
MAME Smart ROM Sorter v5.0
https://github.com/Cyborgbob/MAME-Smart-ROM-Sorter
What is this tool?
MAME Smart ROM Sorter helps home arcade builders turn a massive MAME set into a smaller, cleaner, purpose-built folder.
Instead of manually digging through thousands of ZIP files, you choose the kind of arcade setup you are building, and the sorter helps copy or hard-link the matching files into a new curated output folder.
This is meant for people building things like:
- A general-purpose arcade cabinet.
A joystick/button cabinet.
A couch/controller setup.
A light gun-focused setup.
A trackball-focused setup.
A driving/racing-focused setup.
A fighter-focused setup.
A lean "best playable arcade games" style folder.
MAME Smart ROM Sorter does not include, provide, link to, download, or distribute ROMs, BIOS files, CHDs, samples, or copyrighted game content.
You must provide your own legally obtained MAME files.
This project is a sorting/curation tool. It is not a ROM site, downloader, emulator, or legal shortcut.
v5.0 highlights
- Cleaner v5.0 code structure with separated engine, GUI, and shared logic files.
Preset-driven workflow for common cabinet/controller goals.
1G1R-style curation logic to reduce redundant clones/regional duplicates.
God Mode metadata filtering using MAME XML and optional support INI data.
Working arcade focus to avoid stuffing your build with junk, gambling, fruit machines, and non-playable clutter.
Region and language preference logic for better parent/clone selection.
CHD-aware export behavior for games that need disk folders.
Portable deployment support so the sorter can live beside or near a MAME install.
TNT personality layer including app sounds, branding, and arcade-style presentation.