ROMs themselves aren't "installed" like software — they're files you:

Example: Download Super Mario World (SNES)

Pro tip: Use JDownloader 2 (free) to batch download multiple ROMs from Internet Archive.

| Aspect | Rating (out of 10) | |--------|--------------------| | Ease of finding ROMs | 9/10 | | Safety | 9/10 | | Download speed | 6/10 (varies) | | Installation clarity | 7/10 (requires learning emulators) | | Completeness of library | 9.5/10 | | Overall for beginners | 7/10 | | Overall for enthusiasts | 10/10 |

Should you use the /r/Roms Megathread?
Yes – if you are comfortable with basic file management and want the safest, most complete archive of retro games. It is the gold standard in the emulation community.

No – if you want one-click play or only need a handful of modern console games. In that case, buy them legally or use official emulation services.

Alternative direct URL (as of 2025):
https://r-roms.github.io/ (the official Megathread mirror)

If you are trying to "install" games onto actual hardware (like a modded Switch, 3DS, or PSP), the process is different: