HalfNES is a free NES and Famicom emulator for Windows, Linux, macOS, and other Java-compatible platforms. Its supported mapper numbers are listed in the README, which says almost all US releases will start, though some may show graphics problems or freeze. Audio features include a sound core and an NSF player; display options include full-screen mode and an NTSC filter. You can remap controls in Preferences, and connect joysticks through DirectInput or xInput. HalfNES supports battery saves, but not savestates. GitHub releases provide a Windows executable and a JAR for other platforms; both require Java 8 or newer. Linux users need to set execute permissions on the JAR. A gamepad must be connected before a game loads to be detected, and its buttons cannot be configured. PAL games are supported, though they may have more issues; select PAL in Preferences to run them. The README says all games require a 2 GHz Athlon 64 or better for full-speed play, and the NTSC filter needs much more processing power.
Who it is for
HalfNES suits players looking for a free emulator for NES or Famicom games on a supported desktop platform. It may also suit users who want remappable controls, battery saves, and an NSF player, but do not need savestates.
What is good
- Free plan is available.
- Supports Windows, Linux, macOS, and Java-compatible platforms.
- Controls are remappable through Preferences.
- Includes an NSF player and NTSC filter.
- Supports battery saves and joysticks.
What to know first
- Savestates are not supported.
- Requires Java 8 or newer.
- Gamepad buttons cannot be configured.
- Some games may show graphics corruption or freeze.
Verdict
HalfNES offers NES and Famicom emulation with several audio, display, and control options at no cost. Check its Java requirement and lack of savestates before choosing it, and note the stated performance needs for full-speed play and the NTSC filter.
HalfNES plans and pricing
All plansCompared on NES emulators
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported platforms
- Windows; Linux; other Java-compatible platforms
- Save states
- No
- Shader support
- Yes
- Cheat support
- Yes
