MAME Update Wizard Improvements

❗Problem

The current MAME Import Wizard is excellent for first-time imports but lacks robust support for routine updates. Users who wish to update their MAME version or ROM set must either re-import the entire set—risking the loss of manual metadata, controller configurations, and curated artwork—or perform a tedious manual update. This creates friction for users who want to keep up with MAME’s monthly release cycle while preserving their customized setups.

💡Proposal

Enhance the existing MAME Import Wizard to support a dedicated Update Mode that intelligently handles incremental updates and preserves user customizations.

Suggested Features:

• Auto-detect existing MAME version, ROM set type (merged, split, non-merged), and configuration paths

• Compare current and new ROM sets to detect new, updated, or removed games

• Allow selective updates of:

  • Emulator version (with option to keep config files like mame.ini)

  • ROMs only (skip media and metadata)

  • Media and metadata for new games only

• Preserve custom changes:

  • Skip overwriting existing media and manually edited metadata

  • Retain emulator assignment and platform associations

• Offer a preview screen with a checklist of games being added or updated

• Optional toggle to “Use previous import settings” for faster batch updates

• ROM path-based duplicate detection (useful for non-arcade categories like handhelds and devices)

• Prompt user to remove or ignore deprecated games no longer in the latest MAME set

✅Benefits

• Enables easy, safe monthly MAME updates without losing customized data

• Reduces the risk of duplicate entries, especially for non-Arcade platforms

• Saves time by automating repetitive steps in the update process

• Supports more advanced workflows (e.g., using non-merged sets, keeping hacks/clones)

• Encourages users to stay current with MAME releases while maintaining a clean library

This would give LaunchBox users a powerful, user-friendly way to keep their MAME library up to date without starting from scratch each time.