How to set up ROMs for netplay

Why Exact ROMs Matter

Netplay requires both players to have the exact same ROM file. If the files differ by even one byte, netplay will desync or fail to connect.

This means:

• Filenames must match exactly (including region tags)
• ROM versions must be identical (no hacks, no translations, no custom patches)
• Arcade ROMs must come from the correct romset version

Where to Place ROMs

Place ROMs in the standard Batocera ROM directories. You can transfer them via network share (SMB), USB drive, or SCP.

Arcade ROMs (FBNeo & MAME)

Arcade ROMs are not like console ROMs. They require specific romset versions:

• FBNeo — Use a FBNeo v1.0.0.03 non-merged romset. This is the most common format. Each .zip is self-contained (no parent/child dependencies).
• MAME — Use a MAME 0.78 romset for the 10 MAME-only games.

Console ROMs (NES, SNES, Genesis, etc.)

Console ROMs must use the No-Intro naming convention. This is the standard used by most ROM archives.

Example filenames:

• Contra (USA).zip
• Street Fighter II Turbo (USA).zip
• Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (USA).zip

The Supported Games page shows the exact filename expected for every game. The filename column shows what Outbreak looks for (without the .zip extension).

Using the ROM Checker

The web panel has a built-in ROM checker that scans your ROM folders and shows exactly which games you have and which are missing.

• Open the web panel at http://<your-IP>:8765/ui
• Click the gear icon in the top-right corner
• The ROM Status grid shows found/missing counts per system
• Click any system row to see the list of missing ROMs

This is the fastest way to verify your ROMs are correct and named properly.

Tips

• Both players must have the same ROM file — share your set with your friend to ensure they match
• Zipped ROMs are preferred (saves space, loads the same)
• Batocera's network share is the easiest way to transfer ROMs: \\<IP>\share\roms\ from Windows
• After adding ROMs, the boot scanner will detect them automatically on next reboot (or you can restart the server)
• The Outbreak Host collection in the ES carousel only shows games you have ROMs for