Les Jones

I used to play with MAME about 5 years ago. It is a blast. Are you going to use a Linux box?

I think there is a Live distribution just for MAME.

Also, I saw a website that had the no-hardware X-box mod running Linux and XMAME.

For authentic controls try http://happcontrols.com/.

I don't plan on using Linux mainly for practical reasons. I'm recycling a lot of old hardware to build the machine because I'm doing it for fun and I don't want to spend a lot of money. I have an older Windows box that has just been gathering dust. While it is way too outdated to be a regular computer it is just fine for MAME. The video card in it is pretty old and drivers aren't released for it anymore. I doubt drivers are made for it for Linux. The monitor is an old Dell refurb that has sat unused in my basement for 3 years. I figure this is a better use than as a footrest.

Happ undoubtedly make the finest arcade controls. They also are the most expensive. 1 joystick costs 3 times what I paid for all 20 controls I got in my kit. I chose X-Gaming's controls because they are sturdy enough to stand up to the limited usage of a home machine, inexpensive, easy to wire up (the harness is numbered) and with the adapters they are compatible with the X-Box and other consoles. So far X-Gaming's instructions have been easy to follow and their customer support was fast to get back to me on questions about customizing the wiring a bit. I'm taking care to use licensed ROMs. I don't want the guilt and hypocrisy of complaining about the quality of stolen software. ROFL =-)