The PSP is older hardware with limited RAM and processing power. Consequently, the PSP versions of MAME (specifically builds like or the newer MAME 2000/2003 cores for RetroArch) are based on older MAME cores. They generally cannot run the latest "split" ROMs designed for modern PC MAME versions.
MAME is version-sensitive. A ROM that works in MAME 0.200 will crash in MAME 0.37. Reliable PSP packs are based on (for MAME4ALL) or 0.97 (for NJEmu). psp mame roms pack
Ready to get started? Follow this exact process. The PSP is older hardware with limited RAM
MAME4ALL: A general emulator for classic 80s titles like Pac-Man or Donkey Kong. The Importance of ROM Sets psp mame roms pack