.ROM File Extension
Read Only Memory Image
Developer | N/A |
Popularity |
4.1 | 187 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.
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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.
Programs that open ROM files
N64 Game ROM File
Developer | N/A |
Popularity |
3.3 | 55 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.
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Programs that open ROM files
Killing Floor Map File
Developer | Tripwire Interactive |
Popularity |
2.4 | 28 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.