multigame

Multigame refers to a single game package—whether a physical cartridge, a dedicated device, or a software bundle—that includes multiple distinct video games in one unit. The concept emphasizes convenience, allowing users to switch between titles without swapping media and to access a larger library within a limited hardware footprint.

Historically, multigame variants appeared as physical cartridges for home consoles and handheld systems, produced by third-party manufacturers that compiled several titles onto one ROM bank. Today, multigame solutions also exist as software compilations on personal computers, as digital arcade or emulation front-ends, and as dedicated hardware that runs multiple games from a single user interface.

Software or hardware implementations usually provide a navigable library, a selection screen, and basic playback controls. Emulation-based multicarts may offer save states and retroachievements, whereas dedicated hardware may constrain to a predefined set of titles. The diversity of available titles, emulation quality, and input support influences the user experience.

Because multigame formats often bundle copyrighted games from multiple publishers, their legality depends on copyright status and distribution of the game code. Legitimate compilations are published by rights holders or with proper licenses, while unauthorized ROM sets are generally illegal to distribute and may pose security risks.

Multigame solutions are valued for portability and cost efficiency, enabling players to enjoy a broad catalog in a single package, preserve retro collections, or facilitate arcade-style setups. Critics note that not all titles age well, and the quality of emulation or inclusion varies widely across implementations.