Floating IPS (Flips)

Floating IPS (Flips) is a free IPS and BPS patching tool for ROM projects, with both graphical and command-line ways to work. It is most suited to users who want batch patching or patch creation alongside direct command-line control. Its useful workflow options come with a clear trade-off: the project is archived and in maintenance mode.

Overview

Flips handles both applying and creating IPS and BPS patches on Linux, macOS and Windows. Its GUI can apply several patches to the same ROM and produce multiple patched ROMs, which suits people preparing alternate versions without repeating each step individually. For BPS work, the GUI can remember earlier ROM choices and reuse one when it identifies a correct match.

The GUI can also launch another program after patching. That makes it possible to patch a BPS file and then open an emulator as part of the same workflow. Users who prefer scripts or terminal-based work can use command-line support, including a command-line-only build.

Key features

IPS and BPS patch creation

Flips supports both formats and emphasizes compact patch output. Its project claims it creates the smallest BPS patches of any known tool and does so faster than comparable creators. It also says its IPS patches are very small, while recognizing Lunar IPS as another capable option. These claims make Flips a sensible choice when patch size and creation speed matter, though actual results will depend on the files being patched.

Maintenance and licensing

Flips is licensed under GNU General Public License version 3.0 or higher. The project is in maintenance mode: bug reports and pull requests will be read, but feature requests are unlikely to lead to new work. GitHub marks the repository archived and read-only since May 21, 2025. Releases are automated for every commit, and the project describes their timing as highly erratic, with some releases identical. That makes Flips less suitable for users who need an actively developed tool or predictable release schedule.

Pricing

Free — free. The plan covers IPS and BPS patching, with no paid plan or free-trial period. The project notes that a community-provided Flathub package is not verified, affiliated with, or supported by Alcaro, so users should not treat that package as an officially supported distribution channel.

Platforms

Flips supports Linux, macOS and Windows. Its interfaces include Windows and GTK+ graphical versions as well as command-line support; a command-line-only build is also available. That range suits desktop users who want a GUI and those who prefer terminal workflows, though the project’s archived status may matter more than platform coverage to users seeking ongoing updates.

Who it's for

Choose Flips if you need to create or apply IPS and BPS patches, value batch processing, or want a GUI that can continue from patching into launching another program. It is also a reasonable fit for command-line users who are comfortable with a maintenance-mode project. Look elsewhere if you depend on new feature development or an active, predictable release cycle.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Supports both IPS and BPS, with GUI and command-line workflows, so it accommodates different patching habits.
• Pros: The GUI can apply multiple patches to one ROM and create multiple outputs, reducing repeated manual work.
• Pros: Remembered BPS ROM selections and post-patch program launching can streamline a patch-to-emulator workflow.
• Cons: Feature requests are unlikely to be implemented, limiting its appeal if your needs may change.
• Cons: The repository is archived and read-only, so users should not expect ongoing feature work.
• Cons: Release timing is erratic and some releases are identical, making it a poor fit for users who value predictable updates.

Alternatives

ROM Patching Software is a broader directory of options for readers comparing patching tools.

• EZ ROM Patcher is a free browser-based tool with no account or installation stated; consider it if you want a browser workflow across its listed platforms, including mobile.
• IUBPatchLib is free, MIT-licensed software for Linux, macOS and Windows; it may suit readers seeking a different open-source option, though no usage limits are stated.
• rom-weaver is free and open source, with browser and command-line versions and no account required; choose it if those access modes fit your workflow better.
• Patcher64+ Tool supports N64, NES and SNES on Linux, macOS and Windows; it requires 64-bit Windows 7 or newer and PowerShell 5.1+.
• Gaming Optimizer is a free Windows option; consider it if Windows is your platform of choice.
• MultiPatch is a free option for macOS 10.9 or newer.
• ROM Bin Patcher (rombp) is a free option for Linux and self-hosted use.
• Rompatcher is a free option for Linux and Windows.

Verdict

Flips is a strong fit for ROM patchers who need IPS and BPS support, batch GUI workflows, or command-line access without paying. Its practical workflow features are the main reason to choose it; its archived repository and low likelihood of feature work are the main reasons to look elsewhere if ongoing development matters.