Igir

Igir is a free ROM collection manager for organizing, filtering, patching, and reporting on game files. It scans DATs, ROMs, and ROM patches, including files stored in archives, then organizes ROMs by console with consistent names. Users can remove duplicates or unwanted titles from consideration, including ROMs in languages they do not understand, and create multi-disc playlists. Igir applies patches in batches and reports which ROMs are present or missing for each console; it can also create fixdats for missing files. For arcade libraries, it builds or rebuilds MAME sets by un-merging, splitting, or merging them. Documentation includes configuration guides for tools such as Batocera, LaunchBox, RetroArch, OpenEmu, and RomM. Igir runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and other operating systems supported by Node.js. It is distributed as an executable and through npm, Homebrew, and Scoop; a Node.js Docker image is also described, though there is no officially published Igir Docker image. Installation options require baseline command-line understanding.

Igir provides collection organization, patching, and reporting tools across Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its command-line requirement is an important consideration for anyone choosing how to install and use it.

Igir suits people managing ROM collections who are comfortable using a command line. Its tools cover ordinary console libraries as well as MAME sets.

Overview

Igir is a free, open-source tool for maintaining ROM libraries against DAT files. It suits collectors who need to organize large collections or reshape MAME sets, provided they are comfortable working from a command line.

Its breadth is the draw: scanning, filtering, patching, and reporting sit alongside arcade-set management. The trade-off is that “zero-setup” does not mean a graphical, beginner-friendly workflow; every installation option assumes basic command-line knowledge.

Key features

Igir scans DATs, ROMs, and patches, including files inside archives, and organizes ROMs by console with consistent names. That combination makes it useful for bringing a mixed library into order. Duplicate detection and hash verification support collection maintenance, while filters can exclude unwanted titles, including ROMs in languages the user does not understand.

For collectors working with multi-disc games, Igir can create playlists. It can also apply patches in batches, reducing repetitive work across a collection. Archive support is described as advanced, so users with heavily archived libraries should expect a more involved workflow than basic file organization.

MAME users can un-merge, split, or merge ROM sets. Reports identify which ROMs are present or missing for each console, and Igir can create fixdats for missing ROMs. Those tools make it a stronger fit for systematic collection upkeep than for simply browsing or launching games.

Documentation includes configuration guides for Batocera, LaunchBox, RetroArch, OpenEmu, and RomM. Igir's stated defaults are non-destructive: it will not delete files unless users supply relevant commands and options. The project also says it should make no network requests beyond those requested by the user, including no usage or telemetry data.

Pricing

Igir is free under the GNU General Public License, version 3. Its free plan costs nothing and has no stated usage or collection-size limit. There is no paid tier to unlock, and no free trial is offered because the software is already free.

The license and stated lack of collection-size caps make it a practical option for collectors who want to manage extensive libraries without a subscription. The cost is operational rather than monetary: users need command-line familiarity, and downloaded executables do not update automatically. The project describes npm, Homebrew, and Scoop as installation methods that can be used to keep Igir updated.

Platforms

Igir supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as other operating systems supported by Node.js. It can be downloaded as an executable or run through npm, npx, Homebrew, or Scoop; documentation also describes using a Node.js Docker image, though there is no officially published Docker image. Each route requires baseline command-line knowledge, so users seeking a point-and-click installer experience should look elsewhere.

Who it's for

Igir is best suited to ROM collectors who maintain libraries across consoles, work with DATs, or need to rebuild MAME sets. Its reporting, fixdat creation, batch patching, and archive scanning serve people doing ongoing collection maintenance rather than casual users looking for a simple catalog.

It is a weaker fit for anyone who wants a graphical workflow or automatic updates for a downloaded executable. The project provides a private GitHub security advisory channel for reporting vulnerabilities; its policy says GitHub releases have been immutable since v4.3.2 and npm releases include provenance statements and require OIDC publishing.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Broad collection-maintenance toolkit: Scanning, consistent naming, duplicate filtering, batch patching, and missing-ROM reports cover several recurring tasks in one tool.
• MAME set controls: Un-merging, splitting, and merging sets give arcade collectors specific options beyond basic organization.
• No stated collection-size cap: The free plan does not impose a published usage or collection limit.
• Non-destructive defaults: Files are not deleted unless users explicitly supply relevant commands and options.

Cons

• Command-line knowledge is required: Every installation method assumes CLI familiarity, which raises the barrier for less technical collectors.
• Executable updates are manual: Downloaded builds do not update automatically, so users need to manage updates themselves.
• Advanced archive support: Working with files inside archives may be less straightforward than routine collection cleanup.

Alternatives

ROM Management Software is the broader category for comparing collection tools. RomM is another free option, with Android, iOS, web, API, self-hosted, and desktop platform support; choose it when those platform options matter more than Igir's described command-line collection-maintenance tasks.

Rom Cleaner Python Script is a free alternative for readers considering a narrower ROM-cleaning tool. ClrMamePro is free and supports Linux and Windows, making it an option for collectors comparing another desktop tool.

myOrganizer-CURATOR is a free Windows option. No-Intro DAT Matcher is a free Linux option that requires Python 3 plus xmltodict and tqdm. OxyROMon is free and supports Linux, macOS, Windows, web, API, and self-hosted use. RomCenter is a free Windows alternative, while ROMie is free for Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Verdict

Igir is a strong choice for technically comfortable ROM collectors who want one free tool for organizing libraries, patching batches, tracking missing files, and rebuilding MAME sets. Its range and lack of a stated collection-size cap are compelling; the command-line requirement is the clearest reason to choose a more accessible alternative.