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ROM File - What is a .rom file and how do I open it?
Learn about .ROM files and view a list of programs that open them.
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Overview
What is a ROM file? A ROM file is a data file that contains an exact copy of the read-only memory ROM chip for a hardware device, typically from a computer or a video game cartridge. ROM files may be created for various purposes, including software emulation , updating the firmware on a certain device, or backing up or archiving ROM data.
More Information ROMs are acquired from cartridges, discs, or other hardware through a process called "Dumping." There are various devices utilized to dump video game ROMs into a ROM file, however, dumping ROMs from other devices, like arcade games, requires more specialized tools and expertise. If the ROM file is used for emulation, it is typically used to enable older operating system (OS) software to be run on newer Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. Or it may be used to play video games for older consoles, such as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) or Sega Genesis on a computer using a video game emulator. NOTE: Since ROM files are used for different purposes they may use different file formatting. Therefore, a ROM used by one program may not be compatible with another program.
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DeveloperTripwire Interactive
Popularity2.4 | 29 Votes
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In-Depth
.ROM File Extension
3 file types use the .rom file extension.
Read Only Memory Image
| Developer | N/A |
| Popularity |
4.0 | 192 Votes |
What is a ROM file?
A ROM file is a data file that contains an exact copy of the read-only memory ROM chip for a hardware device, typically from a computer or a video game cartridge. ROM files may be created for various purposes, including software emulation , updating the firmware on a certain device, or backing up or archiving ROM data.
More Information
ROMs are acquired from cartridges, discs, or other hardware through a process called "Dumping." There are various devices utilized to dump video game ROMs into a ROM file, however, dumping ROMs from other devices, like arcade games, requires more specialized tools and expertise.
If the ROM file is used for emulation, it is typically used to enable older operating system (OS) software to be run on newer Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. Or it may be used to play video games for older consoles, such as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) or Sega Genesis on a computer using a video game emulator.
NOTE: Since ROM files are used for different purposes they may use different file formatting. Therefore, a ROM used by one program may not be compatible with another program.
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Programs that open ROM files
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Pricing
Program Name
Platform
Reset
X
Windows
Basilisk II
Free
Mini vMac
Free
SheepShaver
Free
Mac
Basilisk II
Free
Mini vMac
Free
SheepShaver
Free
Linux
Basilisk II
Free
Mini vMac
Free
SheepShaver
Free
Android
Mini V II
Paid
Mini vMac for Android
Free
Category: Disk Image Files
Updated: December 24, 2020
N64 Game ROM File
| Developer | N/A |
| Popularity |
3.3 | 56 Votes |
A ROM file may also be a Nintendo 64 (N64) game file playable with an N64 emulator. It stores the contents of an N64 game cartridge in a read-only file format that can be opened and played using a Nintendo 64 emulation program.
More Information
N64 game ROMs more commonly use the .N64 and .V64 file extensions.
Programs that open ROM files
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Pricing
Program Name
Platform
Reset
X
Windows
Project64
Free
1964
Free
UltraHLE
Free
UltraHLE 2064
Free
SupraHLE
Free
Nemu64
Free
Mupen64
Free
Daedalus
Free
Mac
sixtyforce
Free
Mupen64
Free
Category: Game Files
Updated: April 21, 2016
Killing Floor Map File
| Developer | Tripwire Interactive |
| Popularity |
2.4 | 29 Votes |
Game file used by Killing Floor, a co-op survival horror game of the first-person shoot genre; saves the layout of a game map and includes the locations of spawn points, enemies, weapons, and other game objects; sometimes modified by game community members and shared on websites with other players.
Programs that open or reference ROM files
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Pricing
Program Name
Platform
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X
Windows
Tripwire Interactive Killing Floor
Paid
Category: Game Files
Updated: April 26, 2013