MAME is an emulator that allows you to play classic arcade games on your computer. It's designed to preserve the history of arcade games and make them accessible to people who no longer have access to the original hardware.
Some classic arcade and console manufacturers now offer their games through official channels on modern platforms. For Neo Geo classics, SNK has re-released many of its titles through services like the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, often as part of their Arcade Classics or NEO GEO CLASSIC COLLECTION series.
You'll need to acquire the Neo Geo ROMs. This can sometimes be challenging due to the nature of emulation and copyright laws.
The Neo Geo is a legendary arcade system known for its high-quality graphics and sound. It was popular in the 1990s and was home to many iconic games like "King of Fighters," "Art of Fighting," and "Garou: Mark of the Wolves." The system was unique because it used cartridges, which allowed for nearly arcade-quality games at home with the Neo Geo console.
ROMs (Read-Only Memory) are essentially digital copies of the games that are stored on the original arcade game boards or cartridges. In the context of Neo Geo and MAME, ROMs refer to the game data that can be used to play Neo Geo games on an emulator.
The most common mistake when setting up MAME is forgetting the BIOS. Unlike standard arcade games, every Neo Geo game requires a central file to run: neogeo.zip . How to play MAME and neo geo games? - ClockworkPi Forum