Head-to-head · ROM Hacking Tools
NUPS vs Echoes of Eolis
NUPS leads on 0 checks, Echoes of Eolis on 1, and 3 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 scoreNUPS · 7.3/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresEchoes of Eolis · 2 of 3
NUPS scores higher on our rubric for rom hacking tools: 7.3 against 6.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #8.
Echoes of Eolis offers tile/sprite editing; NUPS doesn't. On game scope, NUPS gives you Multiple games where Echoes of Eolis offers Specific game.
NUPS is the better fit for applying or creating UPS patches. Echoes of Eolis is the better fit for editing maps, graphics, and scripts for Faxanadu.
- NUPS fits best
Applying or creating UPS patches
- Echoes of Eolis fits best
Editing maps, graphics, and scripts for Faxanadu
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Side by side
| Feature | NUPS 7.3/10 Visit ↗ | Echoes of Eolis 6.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.3 | 6.7 |
| Ranking | #2 in ROM Hacking Tools | #8 in ROM Hacking Tools |
| Best for | Applying or creating UPS patches | Editing maps, graphics, and scripts for Faxanadu |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Built for | Solo | Solo |
| Features NUPS 1/3 · Echoes of Eolis 2/3 | ||
| ROM editing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tile/sprite editing | — | ✓ (best) |
| Hex editor | — | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Patch formats | UPS | IPS |
| Supported platforms | Windows | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Game scope | Multiple games | Specific game |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | NUPS is a free desktop utility for creating and applying UPS binary patches, including patches for game ROM files. It is aimed at people who need to apply a UPS patch to a file or produce one from an original and a modified file. The tool… Read the review → |
Echoes of Eolis is a desktop editor for hacking Faxanadu, the NES game, aimed at people who want to change the game’s maps, graphics, data, or scripts. Its scope extends beyond map editing: it covers tilemaps, screen transitions, doors,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
NUPS — where it wins
- Applies UPS patches to selected files
- Creates patches by comparing original and modified files
- Displays details about a UPS patch
Where it doesn't
- Works with UPS patches rather than multiple patch formats
- Does not provide tile or sprite editing
- Does not include a hex editor
Echoes of Eolis — where it wins
- Edits maps, sprites, game data, cinematics, and scripts in one tool
- Exports patched ROMs, IPS patches, and XML project files
- Offers GUI and command-line tools on Windows, macOS, and Linux
Where it doesn't
- Focused on Faxanadu rather than a broad range of games
- Graphic exports for external editing are BMP files
- Precompiled builds are listed for Windows and macOS
- NUPS7.3/10 · Free plan
A free Windows desktop utility focused on creating and applying UPS patches.
Visit NintenlordFull verdict → - Echoes of Eolis6.7/10 · Free plan
A focused desktop editor for changing Faxanadu maps, graphics, game data, and scripts.
Try Echoes of EolisFull verdict →
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- HxD vs Echoes of Eolis
All ROM hacking tools comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update