diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/fidel6502.cpp b/src/mame/drivers/fidel6502.cpp
index de3bbba4215..1c319eb7c5a 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/fidel6502.cpp
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/fidel6502.cpp
@@ -1367,8 +1367,8 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( csc )
 	PORT_BIT(0x80, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_KEYPAD) PORT_CODE(KEYCODE_R) PORT_NAME("RE")
 
 	PORT_START("IN.9") // hardwired
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, "Language" )
-	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "English" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, DEF_STR( Language ) )
+	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, DEF_STR( English ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "Other" )
 	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x02, 0x00, DEF_STR( Unknown ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, DEF_STR( Off ) )
@@ -1379,8 +1379,8 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( cscg )
 	PORT_INCLUDE( csc )
 
 	PORT_MODIFY("IN.9")
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x01, "Language" )
-	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "English" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x01, DEF_STR( Language ) )
+	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, DEF_STR( English ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "Other" )
 INPUT_PORTS_END
 
@@ -1401,8 +1401,8 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( su9g )
 	PORT_INCLUDE( su9 )
 
 	PORT_MODIFY("IN.9")
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x01, "Language" )
-	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "English" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x01, DEF_STR( Language ) )
+	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, DEF_STR( English ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "Other" )
 INPUT_PORTS_END
 
@@ -1430,8 +1430,8 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( eas )
 	PORT_BIT(0x80, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_KEYPAD) PORT_CODE(KEYCODE_6) PORT_CODE(KEYCODE_6_PAD) PORT_NAME("LV / Pawn")
 
 	PORT_START("IN.9") // hardwired
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, "Language" )
-	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "English" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, DEF_STR( Language ) )
+	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, DEF_STR( English ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "Other" )
 	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x02, 0x00, DEF_STR( Unknown ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, DEF_STR( Off ) )
@@ -1442,8 +1442,8 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( easg )
 	PORT_INCLUDE( eas )
 
 	PORT_MODIFY("IN.9")
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x01, "Language" )
-	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "English" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x01, DEF_STR( Language ) )
+	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, DEF_STR( English ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "Other" )
 INPUT_PORTS_END
 
@@ -1471,8 +1471,8 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( eag )
 	PORT_BIT(0x80, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_KEYPAD) PORT_CODE(KEYCODE_6) PORT_CODE(KEYCODE_6_PAD) PORT_NAME("PB / King")
 
 	PORT_START("IN.9") // hardwired
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, "Language" )
-	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "English" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, DEF_STR( Language ) )
+	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, DEF_STR( English ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "Other" )
 	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x02, 0x00, DEF_STR( Unknown ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, DEF_STR( Off ) )
@@ -1483,8 +1483,8 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( eagg )
 	PORT_INCLUDE( eag )
 
 	PORT_MODIFY("IN.9")
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x01, "Language" )
-	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "English" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x01, DEF_STR( Language ) )
+	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, DEF_STR( English ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "Other" )
 INPUT_PORTS_END
 
@@ -1530,11 +1530,11 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( fexcelv )
 	PORT_INCLUDE( fexcelb )
 
 	PORT_START("IN.9")
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x03, 0x00, "Language" ) PORT_CHANGED_MEMBER(DEVICE_SELF, fidel6502_state, fexcelv_bankswitch, 0)
-	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "English" )
-	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "German" )
-	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x02, "French" )
-	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x03, "Spanish" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x03, 0x00, DEF_STR( Language ) ) PORT_CHANGED_MEMBER(DEVICE_SELF, fidel6502_state, fexcelv_bankswitch, 0)
+	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, DEF_STR( English ) )
+	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, DEF_STR( German ) )
+	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x02, DEF_STR( French ) )
+	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x03, DEF_STR( Spanish ) )
 	PORT_BIT(0x7c, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED)
 	PORT_BIT(0x80, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_SPECIAL) PORT_READ_LINE_DEVICE_MEMBER("speech", s14001a_device, busy_r)
 INPUT_PORTS_END
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/fidelz80.cpp b/src/mame/drivers/fidelz80.cpp
index 3e0c2e18ed7..cf8739ad306 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/fidelz80.cpp
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/fidelz80.cpp
@@ -1424,8 +1424,8 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( vsc )
 	PORT_BIT(0xc0, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED)
 
 	PORT_START("IN.10") // hardwired (2 diodes)
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, "Language" )
-	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "English" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, DEF_STR( Language ) )
+	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, DEF_STR( English ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "Other" )
 	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x02, 0x00, DEF_STR( Unknown ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, DEF_STR( Off ) )
@@ -1436,8 +1436,8 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( vscg )
 	PORT_INCLUDE( vsc )
 
 	PORT_MODIFY("IN.10")
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x01, "Language" )
-	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "English" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x01, DEF_STR( Language ) )
+	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, DEF_STR( English ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "Other" )
 INPUT_PORTS_END
 
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/hh_cop400.cpp b/src/mame/drivers/hh_cop400.cpp
index f7f478acb8a..46bb4676f32 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/hh_cop400.cpp
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/hh_cop400.cpp
@@ -413,7 +413,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( h2hbaskb )
 	PORT_START("IN.0") // G0 port IN
 	PORT_BIT( 0x01, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_JOYSTICK_RIGHT ) PORT_16WAY PORT_NAME("P1 Pass CW") // clockwise
 	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_JOYSTICK_LEFT ) PORT_16WAY PORT_NAME("P1 Pass CCW") // counter-clockwise
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x04, 0x04, "Players" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x04, 0x04, DEF_STR( Players ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x04, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "2" )
 
@@ -425,7 +425,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( h2hbaskb )
 	PORT_START("IN.2") // G2 port IN
 	PORT_BIT( 0x01, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_JOYSTICK_RIGHT ) PORT_COCKTAIL PORT_16WAY PORT_NAME("P2 Defense Right")
 	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_JOYSTICK_LEFT ) PORT_COCKTAIL PORT_16WAY PORT_NAME("P2 Defense Left")
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x04, 0x04, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x04, 0x04, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x04, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "2" )
 
@@ -821,7 +821,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( funjacks )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x01, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_SPECIAL ) // speaker
 	PORT_BIT( 0x04, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_START )
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x08, 0x00, "Players" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x08, 0x00, DEF_STR( Players ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x08, "2" )
 INPUT_PORTS_END
@@ -904,8 +904,8 @@ WRITE8_MEMBER(funrlgl_state::write_g)
 
 static INPUT_PORTS_START( funrlgl )
 	PORT_START("IN.0") // port G
-	PORT_BIT( 0x01, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_BUTTON1 )
-	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_BUTTON2 )
+	PORT_BIT( 0x01, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_BUTTON1 ) PORT_PLAYER(1)
+	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_BUTTON1 ) PORT_PLAYER(2)
 	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x04, 0x04, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x04, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "2" )
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/hh_hmcs40.cpp b/src/mame/drivers/hh_hmcs40.cpp
index 8560fc7eb88..88737aab60c 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/hh_hmcs40.cpp
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/hh_hmcs40.cpp
@@ -432,11 +432,11 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( bambball )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x08, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_SELECT ) PORT_NAME("Display")
 
 	PORT_START("IN.3") // D10 port R0x
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x07, 0x01, "Skill Level")
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x07, 0x01, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x02, "2" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x04, "3" )
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x08, 0x08, "Players" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x08, 0x08, DEF_STR( Players ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x08, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "2" )
 INPUT_PORTS_END
@@ -567,10 +567,10 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( bmboxing )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x08, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED )
 
 	PORT_START("IN.4") // port D
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x0001, 0x0000, "Players" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x0001, 0x0000, DEF_STR( Players ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(      0x0000, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(      0x0001, "2" )
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x0002, 0x0000, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x0002, 0x0000, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(      0x0000, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(      0x0002, "2" )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x0004, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_START )
@@ -1856,10 +1856,10 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( pairmtch )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(      0x0000, DEF_STR( Off ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(      0x0040, DEF_STR( On ) )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x0100, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_BUTTON1 ) PORT_COCKTAIL
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x0800, 0x0800, "Players" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x0800, 0x0800, DEF_STR( Players ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(      0x0800, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(      0x0000, "2" )
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x3000, 0x2000, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x3000, 0x2000, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(      0x2000, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(      0x1000, "2" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(      0x0000, "3" )
@@ -1966,7 +1966,7 @@ READ16_MEMBER(alnattck_state::input_r)
 
 static INPUT_PORTS_START( alnattck )
 	PORT_START("IN.0") // D7 line D5
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x20, 0x00, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x20, 0x00, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x20, "2" )
 
@@ -2230,7 +2230,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( cgalaxn )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x08, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_JOYSTICK_RIGHT )
 
 	PORT_START("IN.1") // R11 port R0x
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x01, "Players" ) PORT_CHANGED_MEMBER(DEVICE_SELF, cgalaxn_state, player_switch, nullptr)
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x01, DEF_STR( Players ) ) PORT_CHANGED_MEMBER(DEVICE_SELF, cgalaxn_state, player_switch, nullptr)
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "2" )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x0e, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED )
@@ -2350,7 +2350,7 @@ READ8_MEMBER(cpacman_state::input_r)
 
 static INPUT_PORTS_START( cpacman )
 	PORT_START("IN.0") // D13 port R0x
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x01, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x01, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "2" )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x0e, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED )
@@ -2467,7 +2467,7 @@ READ8_MEMBER(cmspacmn_state::input_r)
 
 static INPUT_PORTS_START( cmspacmn )
 	PORT_START("IN.0") // D13 port R0x
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "2" )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x0e, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED )
@@ -2606,7 +2606,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( sag )
 	PORT_START("IN.2") // D4
 	PORT_BIT( 0x01, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_JOYSTICK_DOWN ) PORT_16WAY PORT_NAME("P1 Button 3")
 	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_JOYSTICK_UP ) PORT_COCKTAIL PORT_16WAY PORT_NAME("P2 Button 1")
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x04, 0x00, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x04, 0x00, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x04, "2" )
 
@@ -2626,7 +2626,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( sag )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x04, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_BUTTON1 ) PORT_COCKTAIL PORT_NAME("P2 Button 7")
 
 	PORT_START("FAKE") // shared D3/D5
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x03, 0x01, "Players" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x03, 0x01, DEF_STR( Players ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "Demo" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x02, "2" )
@@ -2738,10 +2738,10 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( egalaxn2 )
 
 	PORT_START("IN.3") // D4 port R0x
 	PORT_BIT( 0x01, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED )
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x02, 0x02, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x02, 0x02, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x02, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "2" )
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x0c, 0x00, "Players" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x0c, 0x00, DEF_STR( Players ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x08, "0 (Demo)" ) // for Demo mode: need to hold down Fire button at power-on
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x04, "2" )
@@ -2822,10 +2822,10 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( epacman2 )
 
 	PORT_START("IN.3") // D4 port R0x
 	PORT_BIT( 0x01, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED )
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x02, 0x02, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x02, 0x02, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x02, "2" )
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x0c, 0x04, "Players" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x0c, 0x04, DEF_STR( Players ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x08, "0 (Demo)" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x04, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "2" )
@@ -2971,13 +2971,13 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( eturtles )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_JOYSTICK_LEFT ) PORT_COCKTAIL PORT_CHANGED_MEMBER(DEVICE_SELF, eturtles_state, input_changed, nullptr)
 
 	PORT_START("IN.4") // D5 INT0/1
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x01, "Skill Level" ) PORT_CHANGED_MEMBER(DEVICE_SELF, eturtles_state, input_changed, nullptr)
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x01, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) ) PORT_CHANGED_MEMBER(DEVICE_SELF, eturtles_state, input_changed, nullptr)
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "2" )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_BUTTON1 ) PORT_CHANGED_MEMBER(DEVICE_SELF, eturtles_state, input_changed, nullptr)
 
 	PORT_START("IN.5") // D6 INT0/1
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x03, 0x00, "Players" ) PORT_CHANGED_MEMBER(DEVICE_SELF, eturtles_state, input_changed, nullptr)
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x03, 0x00, DEF_STR( Players ) ) PORT_CHANGED_MEMBER(DEVICE_SELF, eturtles_state, input_changed, nullptr)
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x02, "0 (Demo)" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "2" )
@@ -3094,11 +3094,11 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( estargte )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED )
 
 	PORT_START("IN.4") // D5 INT0/1
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, "Players" ) PORT_CHANGED_MEMBER(DEVICE_SELF, eturtles_state, input_changed, nullptr)
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, DEF_STR( Players ) ) PORT_CHANGED_MEMBER(DEVICE_SELF, eturtles_state, input_changed, nullptr)
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "0 (Demo)" ) // yes, same value as 1-player, hold the Inviso button at boot to enter demo mode
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "2" )
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x02, 0x02, "Skill Level" ) PORT_CHANGED_MEMBER(DEVICE_SELF, eturtles_state, input_changed, nullptr)
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x02, 0x02, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) ) PORT_CHANGED_MEMBER(DEVICE_SELF, eturtles_state, input_changed, nullptr)
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x02, "2" )
 
@@ -3348,7 +3348,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( gckong )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x01, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_BUTTON1 ) PORT_CHANGED_MEMBER(DEVICE_SELF, hh_hmcs40_state, single_interrupt_line, (void *)0)
 
 	PORT_START("IN.5") // port D
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x0010, 0x0000, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x0010, 0x0000, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(      0x0000, "A" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(      0x0010, "B" )
 	PORT_BIT( 0xffef, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED )
@@ -4061,7 +4061,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( vinvader )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x0c, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED )
 
 	PORT_START("IN.1") // port D
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x0002, 0x0000, "Skill Level")
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x0002, 0x0000, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(      0x0000, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(      0x0002, "2" )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x0008, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_BUTTON1 )
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/hh_melps4.cpp b/src/mame/drivers/hh_melps4.cpp
index 1a0663fe254..5e2f507835c 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/hh_melps4.cpp
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/hh_melps4.cpp
@@ -302,7 +302,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( cfrogger )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_JOYSTICK_DOWN )
 
 	PORT_START("IN.2") // K3
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x08, 0x00, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x08, 0x00, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x08, "2" )
 
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/hh_pic16.cpp b/src/mame/drivers/hh_pic16.cpp
index d481ccf11e7..07a8d8d3df9 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/hh_pic16.cpp
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/hh_pic16.cpp
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 // copyright-holders:hap, Sean Riddle, Kevin Horton
 /***************************************************************************
 
-  GI PIC16xx-driven dedicated handhelds or other simple devices.
+  GI PIC 16xx-driven dedicated handhelds or other simple devices.
 
   known chips:
 
@@ -280,13 +280,13 @@ u16 hh_pic16_state::read_inputs(int columns)
 /***************************************************************************
 
   Atari Touch Me
-  * PIC1655A-053
+  * PIC 1655A-053
   * 2 7seg LEDs + 4 other LEDs, 1-bit sound
 
   This is the handheld version of the 1974 arcade game.
 
   known revisions:
-  - Model BH-100 GI C013233 Rev 2 Atari W 1979: PIC1655A-053
+  - Model BH-100 GI C013233 Rev 2 Atari W 1979: PIC 1655A-053
   - Model BH-100 C013150 Rev 6 Atari 1979: AMI C10745 (custom ASIC)
 
 ***************************************************************************/
@@ -403,7 +403,7 @@ MACHINE_CONFIG_END
 /***************************************************************************
 
   Caprice Pro-Action Baseball (manufactured by Calfax)
-  * PIC1655A-043
+  * PIC 1655A-043
   * x
 
 ***************************************************************************/
@@ -475,7 +475,7 @@ MACHINE_CONFIG_END
 /***************************************************************************
 
   GAF Melody Madness
-  * PIC1655A-094
+  * PIC 1655A-094
   * 2 lamps under tube, 1-bit sound
 
   Melody Madness is a tabletop music memory game, shaped like a jukebox.
@@ -590,7 +590,7 @@ MACHINE_CONFIG_END
 /***************************************************************************
 
   Ideal Maniac, by Ralph Baer
-  * PIC1655A-036
+  * PIC 1655A-036
   * 2 7seg LEDs, 1-bit sound
 
   Maniac is a reflex game for 2-4 players. There are 4 challenges:
@@ -657,10 +657,10 @@ WRITE8_MEMBER(maniac_state::write_c)
 
 static INPUT_PORTS_START( maniac )
 	PORT_START("IN.0") // port A
-	PORT_BIT( 0x01, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_BUTTON1 ) // top button, increment clockwise
-	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_BUTTON2 )
-	PORT_BIT( 0x04, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_BUTTON3 )
-	PORT_BIT( 0x08, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_BUTTON4 )
+	PORT_BIT( 0x01, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_BUTTON1 ) PORT_PLAYER(1) // top button, increment clockwise
+	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_BUTTON1 ) PORT_PLAYER(2)
+	PORT_BIT( 0x04, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_BUTTON1 ) PORT_PLAYER(3)
+	PORT_BIT( 0x08, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_BUTTON1 ) PORT_PLAYER(4)
 INPUT_PORTS_END
 
 static const s16 maniac_speaker_levels[] = { 0, 0x7fff, -0x8000, 0 };
@@ -690,7 +690,7 @@ MACHINE_CONFIG_END
 /***************************************************************************
 
   Lakeside Le Boom
-  * PIC1655A-061
+  * PIC 1655A-061
   * 1 led, 1-bit sound with RC circuit for volume decay
 
   This is a tabletop timebomb defusion game. It's shaped like an aerial bomb,
@@ -847,7 +847,7 @@ MACHINE_CONFIG_END
 /***************************************************************************
 
   Tandy Electronic Basketball (model 60-2146)
-  * PIC1655A-51
+  * PIC 1655A-51
   * 2 7seg LEDs + 21 other LEDs, 1-bit sound
 
   The ROM is nearly identical to hccbaskb, the shell/overlay is the same as
@@ -926,7 +926,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( tbaskb )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x08, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_BUTTON1 )
 
 	PORT_START("IN.5") // port A2
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x04, 0x04, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x04, 0x04, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x04, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "2" )
 INPUT_PORTS_END
@@ -956,7 +956,7 @@ MACHINE_CONFIG_END
 /***************************************************************************
 
   Tiger Electronics Rocket Pinball (model 7-460)
-  * PIC1650A-110, 69-11397
+  * PIC 1650A-110, 69-11397
   * 3 7seg LEDs + 44 other LEDs, 1-bit sound
 
   known releases:
@@ -1073,7 +1073,7 @@ MACHINE_CONFIG_END
 /***************************************************************************
 
   Tiger Electronics Half Court Computer Basketball (model 7-470)
-  * PIC1655A(no serial), 69-11557
+  * PIC 1655A(no serial), 69-11557
   * 2 7seg LEDs + 26 other LEDs, 1-bit sound
 
   known releases:
@@ -1153,7 +1153,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( hccbaskb )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x08, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_BUTTON1 )
 
 	PORT_START("IN.5") // port A2
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x04, 0x04, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x04, 0x04, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x04, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "2" )
 INPUT_PORTS_END
@@ -1183,16 +1183,16 @@ MACHINE_CONFIG_END
 /***************************************************************************
 
   Toytronic Football (set 1)
-  * PIC1655A-033
+  * PIC 1655A-033
   * 4511 7seg BCD decoder, 7 7seg LEDs + 27 other LEDs, 1-bit sound
 
   (no brand) Football (set 2)
-  * PIC1655-024
+  * PIC 1655-024
   * rest same as above, 1 less button
 
   Hello and welcome to another Mattel Football clone, there are so many of these.
-  The PIC1655-024 one came from an unbranded handheld, but comparison suggests
-  that it's the 'prequel' of PIC1655A-033.
+  The 1655-024 one came from an unbranded handheld, but comparison suggests that
+  it's the 'prequel' of 1655A-033.
 
 ***************************************************************************/
 
@@ -1277,7 +1277,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( ttfball )
 	PORT_START("IN.5") // port A
 	PORT_BIT( 0x01, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_START1 ) PORT_NAME("Status")
 	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_START2 ) PORT_NAME("Score")
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x04, 0x04, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x04, 0x04, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x04, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "2" )
 INPUT_PORTS_END
@@ -1301,7 +1301,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( ttfballa )
 	PORT_START("IN.5") // port A
 	PORT_BIT( 0x01, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_START1 ) PORT_NAME("Status")
 	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_LOW, IPT_START2 ) PORT_NAME("Score")
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x04, 0x04, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x04, 0x04, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x04, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "2" )
 
@@ -1335,7 +1335,7 @@ MACHINE_CONFIG_END
 /***************************************************************************
 
   U.S. Games Programmable Baseball
-  * PIC1650A-133
+  * PIC 1650A-133
   * x
 
   known releases:
@@ -1411,7 +1411,7 @@ MACHINE_CONFIG_END
 /***************************************************************************
 
   U.S. Games Football
-  * PIC1650A-144
+  * PIC 1650A-144
   * x
 
   known releases:
@@ -1492,43 +1492,43 @@ MACHINE_CONFIG_END
 
 ROM_START( touchme )
 	ROM_REGION( 0x0400, "maincpu", 0 )
-	ROM_LOAD( "pic1655a-053", 0x0000, 0x0400, CRC(f0858f0a) SHA1(53ffe111d43db1c110847590350ef62f02ed5e0e) )
+	ROM_LOAD( "pic_1655a-053", 0x0000, 0x0400, CRC(f0858f0a) SHA1(53ffe111d43db1c110847590350ef62f02ed5e0e) )
 ROM_END
 
 
 ROM_START( pabball )
 	ROM_REGION( 0x0400, "maincpu", 0 )
-	ROM_LOAD( "pic1655a-043", 0x0000, 0x0400, CRC(43c9b765) SHA1(888a431bab9bcb241c14f33f70863fa2ad89c96b) )
+	ROM_LOAD( "pic_1655a-043", 0x0000, 0x0400, CRC(43c9b765) SHA1(888a431bab9bcb241c14f33f70863fa2ad89c96b) )
 ROM_END
 
 
 ROM_START( melodym )
 	ROM_REGION( 0x0400, "maincpu", 0 )
-	ROM_LOAD( "pic1655a-094", 0x0000, 0x0400, CRC(6d35bd7b) SHA1(20e326085878f69a9d4ef1651ef4443f27188567) )
+	ROM_LOAD( "pic_1655a-094", 0x0000, 0x0400, CRC(6d35bd7b) SHA1(20e326085878f69a9d4ef1651ef4443f27188567) )
 ROM_END
 
 
 ROM_START( maniac )
 	ROM_REGION( 0x0400, "maincpu", 0 )
-	ROM_LOAD( "pic1655a-036", 0x0000, 0x0400, CRC(a96f7011) SHA1(e97ae44d3c1e74c7e1024bb0bdab03eecdc9f827) )
+	ROM_LOAD( "pic_1655a-036", 0x0000, 0x0400, CRC(a96f7011) SHA1(e97ae44d3c1e74c7e1024bb0bdab03eecdc9f827) )
 ROM_END
 
 
 ROM_START( leboom )
 	ROM_REGION( 0x0400, "maincpu", 0 )
-	ROM_LOAD( "pic1655a-061", 0x0000, 0x0400, CRC(5880eea1) SHA1(e3795b347fd5df9de084da36e33f6b70fbc0b0ae) )
+	ROM_LOAD( "pic_1655a-061", 0x0000, 0x0400, CRC(5880eea1) SHA1(e3795b347fd5df9de084da36e33f6b70fbc0b0ae) )
 ROM_END
 
 
 ROM_START( tbaskb )
 	ROM_REGION( 0x0400, "maincpu", 0 )
-	ROM_LOAD( "pic1655a-051", 0x0000, 0x0400, CRC(92534b40) SHA1(7055e32846c913e68f7d35f279cd537f6325f4f2) )
+	ROM_LOAD( "pic_1655a-051", 0x0000, 0x0400, CRC(92534b40) SHA1(7055e32846c913e68f7d35f279cd537f6325f4f2) )
 ROM_END
 
 
 ROM_START( rockpin )
 	ROM_REGION( 0x0400, "maincpu", 0 )
-	ROM_LOAD( "pic1650a-110_69-11397", 0x0000, 0x0400, CRC(d5396e77) SHA1(952feaff70fde53a9eda84c54704520d50749e78) )
+	ROM_LOAD( "pic_1650a-110_69-11397", 0x0000, 0x0400, CRC(d5396e77) SHA1(952feaff70fde53a9eda84c54704520d50749e78) )
 ROM_END
 
 
@@ -1540,24 +1540,24 @@ ROM_END
 
 ROM_START( ttfball )
 	ROM_REGION( 0x0400, "maincpu", 0 )
-	ROM_LOAD( "pic1655a-033", 0x0000, 0x0400, CRC(2b500501) SHA1(f7fe464663c56e2181a31a1dc5f1f5239df57bed) )
+	ROM_LOAD( "pic_1655a-033", 0x0000, 0x0400, CRC(2b500501) SHA1(f7fe464663c56e2181a31a1dc5f1f5239df57bed) )
 ROM_END
 
 ROM_START( ttfballa )
 	ROM_REGION( 0x0400, "maincpu", 0 )
-	ROM_LOAD( "pic1655-024", 0x0000, 0x0400, CRC(9091102f) SHA1(ef72759f20b5a99e0366863caad1e26be114263f) )
+	ROM_LOAD( "pic_1655-024", 0x0000, 0x0400, CRC(9091102f) SHA1(ef72759f20b5a99e0366863caad1e26be114263f) )
 ROM_END
 
 
 ROM_START( uspbball )
 	ROM_REGION( 0x0400, "maincpu", 0 )
-	ROM_LOAD( "pic1650a-133", 0x0000, 0x0400, CRC(479e98be) SHA1(67437177b059dfa6e01940da26daf997cec96ead) )
+	ROM_LOAD( "pic_1650a-133", 0x0000, 0x0400, CRC(479e98be) SHA1(67437177b059dfa6e01940da26daf997cec96ead) )
 ROM_END
 
 
 ROM_START( usfball )
 	ROM_REGION( 0x0400, "maincpu", 0 )
-	ROM_LOAD( "pic1650a-144", 0x0000, 0x0400, CRC(ef3677c9) SHA1(33f89c79e7e090710681dffe09eddaf66b5cb794) )
+	ROM_LOAD( "pic_1650a-144", 0x0000, 0x0400, CRC(ef3677c9) SHA1(33f89c79e7e090710681dffe09eddaf66b5cb794) )
 ROM_END
 
 
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/hh_tms1k.cpp b/src/mame/drivers/hh_tms1k.cpp
index 03cc1cf95a6..c18884b2008 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/hh_tms1k.cpp
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/hh_tms1k.cpp
@@ -500,7 +500,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( matchnum )
 	PORT_START("IN.2") // R5
 	PORT_BIT( 0x03, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x04, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_SELECT ) PORT_NAME("Change")
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x08, 0x08, "Players" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x08, 0x08, DEF_STR( Players ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x08, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "2" )
 
@@ -662,7 +662,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( mathmagi )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x08, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_KEYPAD ) PORT_CODE(KEYCODE_SLASH_PAD) PORT_NAME(UTF8_DIVIDE)
 
 	PORT_START("IN.5") // R10
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, "Players")
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, DEF_STR( Players ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "2" )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x0e, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED )
@@ -1217,7 +1217,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( cqback )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x02, 0x02, IPT_SPECIAL ) PORT_CONDITION("IN.1", 0x01, EQUALS, 0x00) // run/kick
 
 	PORT_START("IN.2") // K4
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x03, 0x02, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x03, 0x02, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x02, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "2" )
 
@@ -1320,7 +1320,7 @@ READ8_MEMBER(h2hfootb_state::read_k)
 
 static INPUT_PORTS_START( h2hfootb )
 	PORT_START("IN.0") // K1
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x03, 0x01, "Players" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x03, 0x01, DEF_STR( Players ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x02, "2" )
 
@@ -1329,7 +1329,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( h2hfootb )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x02, 0x02, IPT_SPECIAL ) PORT_CONDITION("IN.1", 0x01, EQUALS, 0x00) // run/kick
 
 	PORT_START("IN.2") // K4
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x03, 0x01, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x03, 0x01, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x02, "2" )
 
@@ -1465,7 +1465,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( h2hbaseb )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x08, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_BUTTON1 ) PORT_NAME("Swing")
 
 	PORT_START("IN.5") // fake
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, "Skill Level" ) PORT_CHANGED_MEMBER(DEVICE_SELF, h2hbaseb_state, skill_switch, nullptr)
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) ) PORT_CHANGED_MEMBER(DEVICE_SELF, h2hbaseb_state, skill_switch, nullptr)
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "2" )
 INPUT_PORTS_END
@@ -1572,7 +1572,7 @@ READ8_MEMBER(h2hboxing_state::read_k)
 
 static INPUT_PORTS_START( h2hboxing )
 	PORT_START("IN.0") // R0
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, "Players" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, DEF_STR( Players ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "2" )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x0e, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED )
@@ -1937,7 +1937,7 @@ READ8_MEMBER(cnbaskb_state::read_k)
 
 static INPUT_PORTS_START( cnbaskb )
 	PORT_START("IN.0") // R0
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "1" ) // amateur
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "2" ) // professional
 	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_BUTTON1 )
@@ -2062,7 +2062,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( cmsport )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x01, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_BUTTON1 ) PORT_NAME("Shoot")
 	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_START1 ) PORT_NAME("Score")
 	PORT_BIT( 0x04, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED )
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x08, 0x00, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x08, 0x00, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "1" ) // amateur
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x08, "2" ) // professional
 INPUT_PORTS_END
@@ -2182,7 +2182,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( cnfball )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x01, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_BUTTON1 ) PORT_NAME("Kick")
 	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_START2 ) PORT_NAME("Score")
 	PORT_BIT( 0x04, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_START1 ) PORT_NAME("Status")
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x08, 0x08, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x08, 0x08, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x08, "1" ) // college
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "2" ) // professional
 
@@ -2291,7 +2291,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( cnfball2 )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, DEF_STR( Off ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x02, DEF_STR( On ) )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x04, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_SELECT ) PORT_TOGGLE PORT_NAME("Play Selector") // pass/run
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x08, 0x00, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x08, 0x00, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "1" ) // college
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x08, "2" ) // professional
 
@@ -2446,7 +2446,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( eleciq )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x0e, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED )
 
 	PORT_START("IN.6") // R9
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "1" ) // amateur
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "2" ) // professional
 	PORT_BIT( 0x0e, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED )
@@ -2559,7 +2559,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( esoccer )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x08, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_JOYSTICK_UP ) PORT_COCKTAIL PORT_16WAY
 
 	PORT_START("IN.2") // R2
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x03, 0x01, "Players" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x03, 0x01, DEF_STR( Players ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "1" ) // Auto
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x02, "2" ) // Manual
 	PORT_BIT( 0x04, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_BUTTON1 )
@@ -2674,7 +2674,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( ebball )
 	PORT_START("IN.0") // R1
 	PORT_BIT( 0x01, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_BUTTON2 ) PORT_PLAYER(2) PORT_NAME("P2 Change Up")
 	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_START ) PORT_NAME("Change Sides")
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x04, 0x04, "Players" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x04, 0x04, DEF_STR( Players ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x04, "1" ) // Auto
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "2" ) // Manual
 	PORT_BIT( 0x08, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED )
@@ -2802,7 +2802,7 @@ READ8_MEMBER(ebball2_state::read_k)
 static INPUT_PORTS_START( ebball2 )
 	PORT_START("IN.0") // R3
 	PORT_BIT( 0x01, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED )
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x02, 0x02, "Players" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x02, 0x02, DEF_STR( Players ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x02, "1" ) // Auto
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "2" ) // Manual
 	PORT_BIT( 0x04, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_BUTTON1 ) PORT_PLAYER(2) PORT_NAME("P2 Fast Ball")
@@ -2972,14 +2972,14 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( ebball3 )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x08, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_BUTTON5 ) PORT_PLAYER(2) PORT_NAME("P2 Steal Defense")
 
 	PORT_START("IN.2") // R2
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x01, "Players" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x01, DEF_STR( Players ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "1" ) // Auto
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "2" ) // Manual
 	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_BUTTON2 ) PORT_NAME("P1 Bunt")
 	PORT_BIT( 0x0c, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED )
 
 	PORT_START("IN.3") // fake
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, "Skill Level" ) PORT_CHANGED_MEMBER(DEVICE_SELF, ebball3_state, skill_switch, nullptr)
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) ) PORT_CHANGED_MEMBER(DEVICE_SELF, ebball3_state, skill_switch, nullptr)
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "Amateur" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "Professional" )
 INPUT_PORTS_END
@@ -3109,7 +3109,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( esbattle )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x01, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_BUTTON1 ) PORT_COCKTAIL PORT_NAME("P2 Fire 1") // F1
 	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_BUTTON2 ) PORT_COCKTAIL PORT_NAME("P2 Fire 2") // F2
 	PORT_BIT( 0x04, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_BUTTON3 ) PORT_COCKTAIL PORT_NAME("P2 Launch")
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x08, 0x08, "Players" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x08, 0x08, DEF_STR( Players ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x08, "1" ) // Auto
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "2" ) // Manual
 INPUT_PORTS_END
@@ -3199,7 +3199,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( einvader )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x01, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_BUTTON1 )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_JOYSTICK_LEFT ) PORT_16WAY
 	PORT_BIT( 0x04, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_JOYSTICK_RIGHT ) PORT_16WAY
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x08, 0x00, "Skill Level" ) PORT_CHANGED_MEMBER(DEVICE_SELF, einvader_state, skill_switch, nullptr)
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x08, 0x00, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) ) PORT_CHANGED_MEMBER(DEVICE_SELF, einvader_state, skill_switch, nullptr)
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "Amateur" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x08, "Professional" )
 INPUT_PORTS_END
@@ -3333,10 +3333,10 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( efootb4 )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x08, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED )
 
 	PORT_START("IN.4") // R4
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x01, "Players" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x01, DEF_STR( Players ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "1" ) // Auto
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "2" ) // Manual
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x02, 0x00, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x02, 0x00, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "Amateur" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x02, "Professional" )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x04, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_START ) PORT_NAME("Status")
@@ -3437,10 +3437,10 @@ READ8_MEMBER(ebaskb2_state::read_k)
 
 static INPUT_PORTS_START( ebaskb2 )
 	PORT_START("IN.0") // R6
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x01, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x01, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "Amateur" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "Professional" )
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x02, 0x02, "Players" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x02, 0x02, DEF_STR( Players ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x02, "1" ) // Auto
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "2" ) // Manual
 	PORT_BIT( 0x04, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_BUTTON2 ) PORT_COCKTAIL PORT_NAME("P2 Shoot")
@@ -3574,7 +3574,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( raisedvl )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x08, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED )
 
 	PORT_START("IN.1") // R1 (only bit 0)
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x31, 0x00, "Skill Level" ) PORT_CHANGED_MEMBER(DEVICE_SELF, raisedvl_state, skill_switch, nullptr)
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x31, 0x00, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) ) PORT_CHANGED_MEMBER(DEVICE_SELF, raisedvl_state, skill_switch, nullptr)
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x10, "2" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x11, "3" )
@@ -3707,9 +3707,9 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( f2pbball )
 	PORT_START("IN.0") // R4
 	PORT_BIT( 0x01, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_BUTTON3 ) PORT_COCKTAIL PORT_NAME("P2 Pick Off")
 	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED )
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x0c, 0x04, "Players" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x0c, 0x04, DEF_STR( Players ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x04, "1" )
-	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "Practice" )
+	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "Practice" ) // middle switch
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x08, "2" )
 
 	PORT_START("IN.1") // R9
@@ -5586,7 +5586,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( simon )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x08, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED )
 
 	PORT_START("IN.3") // R9
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x0f, 0x02, "Skill Level")
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x0f, 0x02, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x02, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x04, "2" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x08, "3" )
@@ -5695,7 +5695,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( ssimon )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x08, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_BUTTON1 ) PORT_NAME("P1 Red Button")
 
 	PORT_START("IN.4") // R9
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x0f, 0x02, "Skill Level")
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x0f, 0x02, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "Head-to-Head" ) // this sets R10 K2, see below
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x02, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x04, "2" )
@@ -7002,7 +7002,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( tcfball )
 
 	PORT_START("IN.2") // R7
 	PORT_BIT( 0x07, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED )
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x08, 0x00, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x08, 0x00, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "1" ) // college
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x08, "2" ) // professional
 INPUT_PORTS_END
@@ -7576,7 +7576,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( copycat )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x08, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_BUTTON1 ) PORT_NAME("Yellow Button")
 
 	PORT_START("IN.1") // R5
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x0f, 0x01, "Skill Level")
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x0f, 0x01, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x02, "2" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x04, "3" )
@@ -7853,7 +7853,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( ss7in1 )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x08, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_JOYSTICK_RIGHT )
 
 	PORT_START("IN.3") // R10
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, "Players" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, DEF_STR( Players ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "2" )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x02, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED )
@@ -8021,7 +8021,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( tbreakup )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x04, "5" )
 
 	PORT_START("IN.3") // fake
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, "Skill Level" ) PORT_CHANGED_MEMBER(DEVICE_SELF, tbreakup_state, skill_switch, nullptr)
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) ) PORT_CHANGED_MEMBER(DEVICE_SELF, tbreakup_state, skill_switch, nullptr)
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "Pro 1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "Pro 2" )
 INPUT_PORTS_END
@@ -8283,10 +8283,10 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( ssports4 )
 
 	PORT_START("IN.2") // R5
 	PORT_BIT( 0x03, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED )
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x04, 0x00, "Speed" )
-	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "Low" )
-	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x04, "High" )
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x08, 0x08, "Players" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x04, 0x00, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
+	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "1" )
+	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x04, "2" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x08, 0x08, DEF_STR( Players ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x08, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "2" )
 
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/hh_ucom4.cpp b/src/mame/drivers/hh_ucom4.cpp
index 37a687f640d..43010dfff21 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/hh_ucom4.cpp
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/hh_ucom4.cpp
@@ -336,7 +336,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( ufombs )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x08, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_JOYSTICK_RIGHT ) PORT_2WAY
 
 	PORT_START("IN.1") // port B
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x07, 0x01, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x07, 0x01, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x02, "2" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x04, "3" )
@@ -609,10 +609,10 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( bmsoccer )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x0c, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED )
 
 	PORT_START("IN.2") // port B
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "2" )
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x02, 0x00, "Players" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x02, 0x00, DEF_STR( Players ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x02, "2" )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x04, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_BUTTON2 ) PORT_NAME("Display/Banana Shoot")
@@ -714,7 +714,7 @@ WRITE8_MEMBER(bmsafari_state::speaker_w)
 
 static INPUT_PORTS_START( bmsafari )
 	PORT_START("IN.0") // port A
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x07, 0x04, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x07, 0x04, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x04, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x02, "2" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "3" )
@@ -865,10 +865,10 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( splasfgt )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x08, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_UNUSED )
 
 	PORT_START("IN.4") // port A
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, "Players" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, DEF_STR( Players ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "2" )
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x02, 0x00, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x02, 0x00, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x02, "2" )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x04, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_START )
@@ -1293,7 +1293,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( efball )
 	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x00, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "Amateur" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "Professional" )
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x02, 0x02, "Players" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x02, 0x02, DEF_STR( Players ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x02, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "2" )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x04, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_START ) PORT_NAME("P1 Down-Field")
@@ -2020,7 +2020,7 @@ WRITE8_MEMBER(tccombat_state::plate_w)
 static INPUT_PORTS_START( tccombat )
 	PORT_START("IN.0") // port A
 	PORT_BIT( 0x01, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_BUTTON1 )
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x02, 0x02, "Skill Level" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x02, 0x02, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x02, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "2" )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x04, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_JOYSTICK_LEFT ) PORT_2WAY
@@ -2154,7 +2154,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( tmtennis )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(     0x001, "Practice" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(     0x100, "Pro 1" ) // -> difficulty_switch
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(     0x000, "Pro 2" )
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x02, 0x00, "Players" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x02, 0x00, DEF_STR( Players ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x02, "2" )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x04, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_KEYPAD ) PORT_CODE(KEYCODE_Q) PORT_NAME("P2 Button 1")
@@ -2619,7 +2619,7 @@ static INPUT_PORTS_START( alnchase )
 	PORT_BIT( 0x08, IP_ACTIVE_HIGH, IPT_JOYSTICK_UP    ) PORT_PLAYER(2)
 
 	PORT_START("IN.2") // port B
-	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x01, "Players" )
+	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x01, 0x01, DEF_STR( Players ) )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x01, "1" )
 	PORT_CONFSETTING(    0x00, "2" )
 	PORT_CONFNAME( 0x02, 0x00, DEF_STR( Difficulty ) )