This is something I've always wanted on the AppleTV. I was lucky enough to get hold of the AppleTV developers kit and here is the result using tvOS beta 2.
The tvOS app is based on Les Bird's code I found here :- http://www.lesbird.com/iMame4All/iMame4All_Xcode.html
The original work is based on iMAME4all which is a iOS universal app, port of MAME 0.37b5 emulator by Nicola Salmoria for all iOS devices (iPad HD, iPhone 4G , iPod touch and older) based on GP2X, WIZ MAME4ALL 2.5 by Franxis.
Videos
Initial Test
Apple TV - remote
To get this to work you need
-
A real Apple TV device, this won't work in the simulator.
-
Drag the rom zip file into the resource folder in the xcode project so they are copied to the device (Should appear as files in Build Phases/ Copy Bundle resources)
Apple TV - Brief guide to using to play game (Tested with 1942,Donkey Kong, Raiden)
- Turn the controller on it's side (It will work both directions but I found this easier)
- Select rom using up down on dpad
- Press play to select
- Swipe left/right for OK message
- Hold play and press dpad for credit
- Hold play and press dpad for start
- Play game :-)
The code needs some work but you can play basic games
Areas that need work
- Sound - fix arm64 assembler which has been commented out
- Apple TV remote support (WIP)