Internationally, MAME is the most important preservation project. In 2015, it officially absorbed MESS, so currently all Amstrad PCW emulation is performed under the single MAME binary.

Technically, the emulator stands out for the following documented contributions:

• Status in 2026: The PCW driver is classified as "Working". It remains under constant development, with frequent updates in its official GitHub repository to correct the clocking of peripherals such as the printer.


• Supported models: Emulates almost the entire range: pcw8256, pcw8512, pcw9256, pcw9512, pcw9512+, pcw10 and pcw16.


• Fidelity: MAME does not seek speed, but exact hardware documentation. It emulates the video controller, disk drive, and keyboard natively.


• Usage: Unlike Joyce or CP/M Box, it requires start-up ROM images (pcw8256.zip, etc.) to function legally.


• Software loading: Uses the -floppydisk1 parameter followed by the .dsk image.