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Head-to-head · ROM Hacking Tools

HexManiacAdvance vs DSPRE

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score HexManiacAdvance #4 in ROM Hacking Tools 7.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Try HexManiacAdvance
DSPRE #6 in ROM Hacking Tools 6.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 3 features Visit DSPRE

HexManiacAdvance leads on 0 checks, DSPRE 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 scoreHexManiacAdvance · 7.1/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresHexManiacAdvance · 3 of 3

HexManiacAdvance scores higher on our rubric for rom hacking tools: 7.1 against 6.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #6.

HexManiacAdvance is the better fit for broad Pokémon ROM editing and patching. DSPRE is the better fit for editing Pokémon Nintendo DS ROMs.

  • HexManiacAdvance fits best

    Broad Pokémon ROM editing and patching

  • DSPRE fits best

    Editing Pokémon Nintendo DS ROMs

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Side by side

Feature HexManiacAdvance 7.1/10 Visit ↗ DSPRE 6.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 7.1 6.9
Ranking #4 in ROM Hacking Tools #6 in ROM Hacking Tools
Best for Broad Pokémon ROM editing and patching Editing Pokémon Nintendo DS ROMs
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows
Built for Solo Solo
Features HexManiacAdvance 3/3 · DSPRE 1/3
ROM editing ✓ ✓
Tile/sprite editing ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Hex editor ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Patch formats IPS, UPS Not checked yet
Supported platforms Windows Windows 7 or later
Game scope Game series Game series
Our review
Pros
  • Combines byte editing with Pokémon data, maps, text, graphics, and scripts
  • Imports and exports PNGs for image and tilemap work
  • Creates and applies IPS and UPS patches
  • Edits maps, events, scripts, encounters, trainers, and Pokémon data.
  • Extracts NDS ROM data and repacks edited changes.
  • Open-source desktop app with VS Code script compatibility.
Cons
  • Focused on Pokémon Game Boy Advance games
  • Supports Windows only
  • Community support may not suit users seeking dedicated assistance
  • Windows only; supports Windows 7 or later.
  • Focused on Generation IV Nintendo DS Pokémon games.
  • Support varies by region, with only partial hg-engine support.
Our verdict

For Pokémon Game Boy Advance ROM projects, HexManiacAdvance brings a hex editor together with specialized tools for game content. Its documented support covers English Ruby, Sapphire, FireRed, LeafGreen, and Emerald, making it relevant to…

Read the review →

DSPRE (DS Pokémon Rom Editor Reloaded) is a Windows desktop application for editing Nintendo DS Pokémon games, aimed at solo ROM editors working with Generation IV titles. It supports Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, and…

Read the review →
  1. HexManiacAdvanceROM Hacking Tools 7.1Free plan
  2. DSPREROM Hacking Tools 6.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • HexManiacAdvance — where it wins

    • Combines byte editing with Pokémon data, maps, text, graphics, and scripts
    • Imports and exports PNGs for image and tilemap work
    • Creates and applies IPS and UPS patches

    Where it doesn't

    • Focused on Pokémon Game Boy Advance games
    • Supports Windows only
    • Community support may not suit users seeking dedicated assistance

  • DSPRE — where it wins

    • Edits maps, events, scripts, encounters, trainers, and Pokémon data.
    • Extracts NDS ROM data and repacks edited changes.
    • Open-source desktop app with VS Code script compatibility.

    Where it doesn't

    • Windows only; supports Windows 7 or later.
    • Focused on Generation IV Nintendo DS Pokémon games.
    • Support varies by region, with only partial hg-engine support.

More comparisons

All ROM hacking tools comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update