.NES File Extension

Nintendo Entertainment System ROM File

The .NES file format is the standard for NES programs. Use even in emulators like PocketNES and Wii. Created by Marat Fayzullin for an emulator called iNES. An NES file contains NES game data. To pla...

General Information

Title NES File Extension
Extension .nes
Full Form Nintendo Entertainment System ROM File
File Type Game ROM File
Developer Nintendo
MIME Type application/x-nes-rom

File Function

Primary Function Store game data
Additional Functions Emulation, Playback
Features Binary format, Fixed layout

File Characteristics

Quality 8-bit graphics
Supports Layers No
Supports Transparency Limited
Editable With tools

Use Cases

Gameplay Yes
Software Testing Yes
Preservation Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks ROM hacking, Malware
Best Practices Legal usage, Trusted sources

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 1983
Latest Update Ongoing through emulation

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .snes, .gb, .gbc, .gba

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Nestopia Free Windows, Mac, Linux
FCEUX Free Windows, Linux
RetroArch Free Windows, Mac, Linux, Others