Head-to-head · Game Console Emulators
bsnes vs Snes9x
bsnes leads on 0 checks, Snes9x on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scorebsnes · 7.8/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresSnes9x · 3 of 3
bsnes scores higher on our rubric for game console emulators: 7.8 against 7.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #14 and #15.
On license type, Snes9x gives you Source-available where bsnes offers Open-source.
bsnes is the better fit for accuracy-focused SNES emulation. Snes9x is the better fit for SNES multiplayer and peripheral support.
- bsnes fits best
Accuracy-focused SNES emulation
- Snes9x fits best
SNES multiplayer and peripheral support
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Side by side
| Feature | bsnes 7.8/10 Visit ↗ | Snes9x 7.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.8 | 7.7 |
| Ranking | #14 in Game Console Emulators | #15 in Game Console Emulators |
| Best for | Accuracy-focused SNES emulation | SNES multiplayer and peripheral support |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Support | Community, Docs | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features bsnes 2/3 · Snes9x 3/3 | ||
| Netplay | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Graphics upscaling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Supported console systems | Super Nintendo, Super Famicom, Super Game Boy, Satellaview | Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and Super Famicom |
| Desktop operating systems | Cross-platform | Cross-platform |
| License type | Open-source | Source-available |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Our verdict | bsnes is a free, open-source emulator for Super Nintendo and Super Famicom software, with additional support for Super Game Boy and Satellaview. It is aimed at desktop users on Windows, macOS, or Linux who want configurable and… Read the review → |
Snes9x is a free, portable emulator for Super Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Famicom games. It is aimed at players who want desktop emulation on Windows, macOS, or Linux, as well as Android access through Libretro builds. The… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
bsnes — where it wins
- Supports SNES, Super Famicom, Super Game Boy, and Satellaview
- Includes coprocessor emulation, HD Mode 7, shaders, rewind, and run-ahead
- Free, open-source software with Windows, macOS, and Linux builds
Where it doesn't
- Its scope is specialized around Nintendo's SNES-era systems
- Desktop support excludes mobile platforms
- Advanced graphics and emulation options may require configuration
Snes9x — where it wins
- Supports SNES and Super Famicom games with custom-chip emulation
- Handles SNES Mouse, Super Scope, Justifier, and multitap peripherals
- Includes save states, recording, cheats, filters, and Libretro builds
Where it doesn't
- Netplay documentation says the feature may be broken
- Focuses on SNES and Super Famicom rather than multiple console systems
- The official website is largely archival and directs users to download mirrors
- bsnes7.8/10 · Free plan
A free, feature-rich desktop emulator for accuracy-focused SNES and Super Famicom players.
Visit bsnesFull verdict → - Snes9x7.7/10 · Free plan
A feature-rich SNES emulator with broad peripheral and custom-chip support.
Visit Snes9xFull verdict →
All game console emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update