Video-Emulators

Mesen – high-accuracy NES and Famicom emulator and NSF player

Mesen is a cross-platform NES/Famicom emulator for Windows and Linux.

The emulator is written in the C++ and C# programming languages.

The Linux version is a standard .NET executable file and requires Mono to run.

Features include:

  • High accuracy.
  • High compatibility: Over 290 mappers supported (all licensed games supported). VS DualSystem games are supported.
  • NES, Famicom, Famicom Disk System, Dendy, VS System, NSF and NSFe emulation is supported.
  • General: Save States (save/load the state to/from any file)
    • Rewinding – rewind functionality with reverse video and audio playback (up to several hours worth of gameplay can be rewound).
    • Movie/Audio Recording.
    • Overclocking.
    • Cheat Codes.
  • Video: Numerous video filters, customizable palettes/overscan, support for HDNes’ HD packs.
  • Audio: Stereo effects, per-channel volume and panning, equalizer, etc. Sound effects (fake stereo, reverb, and more.).
  • Misc: Netplay, 7z/zip support, IPS/BPS patch support, automatic updates, and more.
  • Rotate the display (for homebrew games).
  • Large range of peripherals are supported.
  • Keyboard shortcuts.
  • Supports a large number of command-line options.
  • HD Packs make it possible to replace a game’s graphics and audio with high definition alternatives.
  • NTSC/PAL support.
  • NSF/NSFe support.
  • Video recording/playback.
  • Video filters (xBRZ, NTSC, etc.).
  • Debugging Tools:
    • APU Viewer: Displays every detail of the APU’s current state for each channel.
    • Assembler: Allows you to edit a game’s code or run custom code on-the-fly.
    • Debugger: View the code, add breakpoints, labels, watch values, and much more.
    • Event Viewer: Visualize the timing of a variety of events (register read/writes, nmi, irq, etc.).
    • Memory Tools: Contains a hex editor and performance profiler.
    • PPU Viewer: Displays information on the nametables, sprites, CHR banks and palette. Contains a CHR graphic editor and a palette editor.
    • Script Window: Allows the execution of Lua scripts, which can communicate with the emulation via an API.
    • Text Hooker: Converts text shown on the screen into a text string (useful when trying to translate games.)
    • Trace Logger: View or log to a file the execution trace of the CPU and PPU.
  • Cross-platform support – runs under Linux and Windows.

Website: www.mesen.ca
Support: Documentation, GitHub Code Repository
Developer: M. Bibaud and contributors
License: GNU General Public License v3.0

Learn C++ with our recommended free books and free tutorials. Learn C# with our recommended free books and free tutorials.

Return to Video Console Game Emulators


Popular series
Free and Open Source SoftwareThe largest compilation of the best free and open source software in the universe. Each article is supplied with a legendary ratings chart helping you to make informed decisions.
ReviewsHundreds of in-depth reviews offering our unbiased and expert opinion on software. We offer helpful and impartial information.
Alternatives to Proprietary SoftwareReplace proprietary software with open source alternatives: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Autodesk, Oracle, Atlassian, Corel, Cisco, Intuit, and SAS.
GamesAwesome Free Linux Games Tools showcases a series of tools that making gaming on Linux a more pleasurable experience. This is a new series.
Artificial intelligence iconMachine Learning explores practical applications of machine learning and deep learning from a Linux perspective. We've written reviews of more than 40 self-hosted apps. All are free and open source.
Guide to LinuxNew to Linux? Read our Linux for Starters series. We start right at the basics and teach you everything you need to know to get started with Linux.
Alternatives to popular CLI tools showcases essential tools that are modern replacements for core Linux utilities.
System ToolsEssential Linux system tools focuses on small, indispensable utilities, useful for system administrators as well as regular users.
ProductivityLinux utilities to maximise your productivity. Small, indispensable tools, useful for anyone running a Linux machine.
AudioSurveys popular streaming services from a Linux perspective: Amazon Music Unlimited, Myuzi, Spotify, Deezer, Tidal.
Saving Money with LinuxSaving Money with Linux looks at how you can reduce your energy bills running Linux.
Home ComputersHome computers became commonplace in the 1980s. Emulate home computers including the Commodore 64, Amiga, Atari ST, ZX81, Amstrad CPC, and ZX Spectrum.
Now and ThenNow and Then examines how promising open source software fared over the years. It can be a bumpy ride.
Linux at HomeLinux at Home looks at a range of home activities where Linux can play its part, making the most of our time at home, keeping active and engaged.
Linux CandyLinux Candy reveals the lighter side of Linux. Have some fun and escape from the daily drudgery.
DockerGetting Started with Docker helps you master Docker, a set of platform as a service products that delivers software in packages called containers.
Android AppsBest Free Android Apps. We showcase free Android apps that are definitely worth downloading. There's a strict eligibility criteria for inclusion in this series.
Programming BooksThese best free books accelerate your learning of every programming language. Learn a new language today!
Programming TutorialsThese free tutorials offer the perfect tonic to our free programming books series.
Linux Around The WorldLinux Around The World showcases usergroups that are relevant to Linux enthusiasts. Great ways to meet up with fellow enthusiasts.
Stars and StripesStars and Stripes is an occasional series looking at the impact of Linux in the USA.
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments