File Types

TechNES supports many file types. They are each described in detail below.

*.nes - NES cartridge ROM information file (the game's file)
The games themselves. *.nes files are sometimes corrupt or inaccurate, so this emulator can use an internal database to identify them (you can enable this database in the Preferences dialog.

WARNING: neither download package of TechNES may ever be distributed with *.nes files. This is because *.nes files are proprietary files that are copyrighted by Nintendo Co. and Nintendo Of America, Inc. It is expected that users create their own *.nes files of the game cartridges they already own (using special game cartridge copiers). If such files are attained by any other means (including downloading from peer-to-peer networks and ROM distribution websites,) the author of this program will not be held responsible for any illegal actions a user might partake in.

*.zip - Zip archive file
These are files which compress and contain other files of any type (including *.nes files). When you load a zip file, the emulator looks for *.nes files contained in it. If no files are found, nothing happens. If one file is found, that file is loaded. If multiple *.nes files are found, a dialog will appear which lets you select which file you want to load.

*.ips - Internal Patching System patch file
You can apply an IPS patch to any *.nes file by simply loading the *.ips file while the game is loaded. The patch will be applied, but the original file will not change, and then the emulator will reset. You can also make the patch load automatically by putting it in the ROM folder.

*.pal - Colour palette file
With these files, you can adjust the tint and contrast of the emulator's output window. Some palettes look better on a TV, while others look better on a computer screen; it is a matter of taste. Search for 'NES palette files' on any internet search engine to find one.

*.sav - Battery-backed RAM information file
These files can be used in most emulators. They contain non-volatile data for games such as The Legend Of Zelda, Kirby's Adventure, Crystalis or Final Fantasy.

*.gen - Game Genie codes
These are simple text files with Game Genie codes. After such a file is loaded, you must reset the game before the codes are activated. If you write your own *.gen files, remember that anything after a semicolon is considered a comment. Anything that is not recognized as a valid Game Genie code will be ignored. For example:


PEEAPZGA
GOEEGZPA ; --> This is a comment
These words are not valid codes and will be ignored.
zeeegzpe ; Upper/lower case does not matter

Since all invalid words are ignored, you can simple copy and paste from your browser and TechNES will read the cheat codes:

Section Z

Game Info:
Year: 1987 | Players: 1 | Cart Size: 128KB

Game Genie Codes:

1.) SXOPUIVG
Infinite lives
2.) PEXSIZLA
Start with 1 life
3.) TEXSIZLA
Start with 6 lives
4.) PEXSIZLE
Start with 9 lives
5.) ZAUNUZAE
Energy tube gives full energy boost
6.) NNNOUTSY
Autofiring capability

*.cfg - Emulator configuration file
This file contains button assignments and general preferences pertaining to TechNES.

*.sst - Save State information file
These files contain on-the-fly save information for games a user may save. *.sst files are useful for those who want to save the progress of a particular game for later use. This is particularly helpful when playing games that contain no method of saving onto battery-backed RAM.

TIPS: when saving TechNES' configuration, the configuration file(s) will be saved in a directory called ...\saves\settings. The ...\saves directory is also the place where *.sst and *.sav files are automatically stored (under individual folders named after the games whose progress has been saved). It's good practice to make a folder called ROMs under the same directory as TechNES (to store all of your *.nes files).