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MAME vs 48-in-1 benefit analysis....
Lutus:
I have a DK machine with DK3 in it.
Vertical monitor, 4 way joystick, 1 button.
What is the benefit of getting a 48-in-1 vs using MAME, computer, ArcadeVGA etc...
What games would I miss out on by doing this?
Let the discussion begin!
EDIT: Removed initial cost from the consideration
FrizzleFried:
48-in-1 = 48 games
MAME = about 800+ vertical games
I'd say you'd be losing out on 750+ games.
Also take in to consideration that the 48-in-1 boards do not save anything but the highest score...no initials...no 2nd place...etc...
They ARE much easier (plug and play with a vertical JAMMA cabinet)...and they do have their uses, but trying decide between a 48-in-1 and going MAME is like comparing a nice warm log cabin to a 8,000 sq ft mansion.
CheffoJeffo:
I'm not quite as ascerbic about the 48-in-1 as Frizzle is, but that is mostly because my 48-in-1 gets more play than my vertical MAME ever did.
It covers most of the vertical classics that I want and people, for whatever reason, play it more than they did the vertical MAME. Same cabinet -- I just swapped the MAME rig for the 48-in-1.
divemaster127:
I'm using a 48 in 1 in my cocktail, the board is perfect for that application
dm
shardian:
I don't know about 800 games. I narrowed a list for vert, single player, 4-way, 2 buttons to be roughly 100 games. I have a whole disc set up and ready to go for that at home. First off, I can't bring myself to dedicate a good computer to a 4-way vertical machine, so arcadevga is out due to no agp slot. If you have a pc with agp to use, then more power to you.
The cost of the 48-1 has dropped drastically and still is dropping. The price point is becoming negligible in choice. Lets put it this way, you can get a 48-1 for less than an arcadevga/jpac right now.
Setup wise, the 48-1 wins hands down. If you have jamma, you plug it in, and go thru a quick set of setup screens. 5-10 minutes and you are done for good with setup. In your case, you would need to address the fact that you don't have jamma - but a nintendo wiring harness and a Nintendo monitor. So it won't exactly be a plug and play environment.
If you go simplistic, MAME can be set up fairly quick, but front ends can be a pain in the ass to set up. you also have to sort and trim a romset, download software, set up software, blah, blah, etc.
Long story short, it is really your preference. With a Nintendo cabinet, the setup will be about the same either way.
I can also give you one last point of interest. The resale value of a cabinet with a 48-1 is higher than a cabinet with an old beater pc in it.