fixNES
What fixNES is
fixNES is a free, open-source NES emulator for Windows and Linux. It handles NTSC and PAL .nes ROMs and creates .sav files for games that support saving. It can also play .fds and .qd titles when a FDS BIOS named disksys.rom is in the same folder, as well as .nsf music files; the left and right keys change music tracks. Supported files can be opened by dragging them in, passing them as command-line arguments, or loading them from ZIP archives. The project lists support for a range of NES mappers and the VRC6, VRC7, FDS, MMC5, N163, and Sunsoft 5B audio expansions. Controls are keyboard-only, though Windows users can use joy2key if they want controller support. The standalone version can be compiled with supplied build scripts and requires freeglut and openal-soft. A Makefile in the libretro folder allows it to be used as a RetroArch core. The README cautions that the emulator is not in its most complete or cleanest state. A Windows binary is listed in Releases.
Who it suits
fixNES suits Windows and Linux users looking for a free NES emulator, including those who want to play supported ROMs or NSF music. It may also suit people who want to use it as a RetroArch core or compile the standalone version.
What it does well
- Supports NTSC and PAL .nes ROMs.
- Loads supported files from ZIP archives.
- Plays .fds, .qd, and .nsf files.
- Can be used as a RetroArch core.
What to know first
- Controls are keyboard-only.
- FDS and QD titles require disksys.rom.
- Standalone builds require freeglut and openal-soft.
- The README says it is not fully complete or clean.
Limits
The listed plan is free. The README says the emulator is not in its most complete or cleanest state; FDS and QD playback also depends on a FDS BIOS file named disksys.rom in the same folder.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| fixNES | No price listed · project described as an NES emulator | Free |
As github.com lists them, read 4 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Open the fixNES GitHub repository.
- For Windows, get the binary from Releases; the repository lists a Windows build.
- On Linux or when building the standalone version, use the supplied build scripts and provide freeglut and openal-soft.
- Open a supported file by dragging and dropping it, passing it as a command-line argument, or loading it from a ZIP archive.
- For .fds or .qd titles, place a FDS BIOS named disksys.rom in the same folder.
- To use fixNES as a RetroArch core, use the Makefile in the libretro folder.
Verdict
fixNES covers NES ROMs, disk-system titles, and NSF music, with file-opening options that include ZIP archives. Its keyboard-only controls and the README’s caveat about its state are worth considering first.
Questions
How much does fixNES cost?
The listed plan is free.
Which platforms does fixNES support?
Windows and Linux.
What file types can it play?
It supports NTSC and PAL .nes ROMs, .fds and .qd titles with a FDS BIOS named disksys.rom in the same folder, and .nsf music files.
Is fixNES open source?
Yes. The repository includes an MIT License, subject to its conditions.
Who publishes fixNES?
The repository is published under the GitHub account FIX94.
Can fixNES be used with RetroArch?
Yes. The README describes using it as a RetroArch core through the Makefile in the libretro folder.
Facts from fixNES's own pages
- Build requirements
- The standalone version can be compiled with the supplied build scripts and requires freeglut and openal-soft. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Compatibility
- The README lists support for a range of NES mappers and the VRC6, VRC7, FDS, MMC5, N163, and Sunsoft 5B audio expansions. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Controls
- Controls are keyboard-only; the README says Windows users can use joy2key if they want controller support. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Creator
- The repository is published under the GitHub account FIX94, whose profile says the creator is in Germany and develops projects when ideas arise. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The repository README points to a Windows binary in Releases, whose newest listed release is titled “fixNES Alpha v1.3.1 - Windows Build.” · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- FDS support
- It can play .fds and .qd titles when a FDS BIOS named disksys.rom is placed in the same folder. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository includes an MIT License granting permission to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and sell the software, subject to its conditions. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Loading files
- Files can be opened by drag and drop or as a command-line argument, and the README also describes loading supported files from ZIP archives. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Music
- It can play .nsf music files, with track changes on the left and right keys. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- fixNES is an NES emulator the author wrote to learn about the NES, and the README says it is not in the most complete or cleanest state. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- RetroArch
- The README says fixNES can also be used as a RetroArch core via the Makefile in the libretro folder. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- ROM support
- It supports NTSC and PAL .nes ROMs and creates .sav files for games that support saving. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Where fixNES stands on Freedom251
- NES Emulators#6 of 26