Head-to-head · ROM Hacking Tools
HxD vs DSPRE
HxD leads on 0 checks, DSPRE on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreHxD · 7.2/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresDSPRE · 1 of 3
HxD scores higher on our rubric for rom hacking tools: 7.2 against 6.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #6.
HxD is the better fit for general-purpose Windows hex editing. DSPRE is the better fit for editing Pokémon Nintendo DS ROMs.
- HxD fits best
General-purpose Windows hex editing
- DSPRE fits best
Editing Pokémon Nintendo DS ROMs
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Side by side
| Feature | HxD 7.2/10 Visit ↗ | DSPRE 6.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.2 | 6.9 |
| Ranking | #3 in ROM Hacking Tools | #6 in ROM Hacking Tools |
| Best for | General-purpose Windows hex editing | Editing Pokémon Nintendo DS ROMs |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | None | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo |
| Features HxD 0/3 · DSPRE 1/3 | ||
| ROM editing | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Tile/sprite editing | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Hex editor | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Patch formats | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Supported platforms | Not checked yet | Windows 7 or later |
| Game scope | Not checked yet | Game series |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | HxD is a Windows desktop hex and disk editor for people who need to inspect or modify binary data. Its scope includes files, raw disks and drives, and main memory, so it suits general-purpose hex editing more than a workflow centered on… 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 → |
Strengths and trade-offs
HxD — where it wins
- Search and replace text, hex values, integers, and floats
- Compare files and generate CRC, SHA-1, SHA-512, and MD5 digests
- Offers portable and installable editions with unlimited undo
Where it doesn't
- Windows desktop software only
- File comparison is described as simple
- General-purpose editing lacks a ROM-specific focus
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.
- HxD7.2/10 · Free plan
A broad Windows hex editor for binary work, rather than a ROM-specific hacking suite.
Visit HxDFull verdict → - DSPRE6.9/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source toolkit for editing maps, scripts, events, and game data.
Visit DSPREFull verdict →
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All ROM hacking tools comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update