MESS

MESS is a multi-system emulator integrated into MAME since 2015, designed to preserve hundreds of vintage machines, ranging from arcade cabinets to retro computers (Apple II, Commodore, Atari, etc.). It relies on in-depth technical documentation to accurately replicate the original hardware, with a focus on software compatibility.

On macOS, compiling from source remains the recommended method, although support for Apple Silicon (ARM64) is under development. Universal builds for Intel are no longer officially maintained, and recent versions require a recent system (macOS 10.15 or later). For advanced users, tools like ia-Mame or community forks (e.g., XMESS) can simplify installation. The Ample interface offers a dedicated experience for the Apple II.