Head-to-head · ROM Hacking Tools
NUPS vs HxD
NUPS leads on 0 checks, HxD 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 scoreNUPS · 7.3/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresNUPS · 1 of 3
NUPS scores higher on our rubric for rom hacking tools: 7.3 against 7.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.
NUPS is the better fit for applying or creating UPS patches. HxD is the better fit for general-purpose Windows hex editing.
- NUPS fits best
Applying or creating UPS patches
- HxD fits best
General-purpose Windows hex editing
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Side by side
| Feature | NUPS 7.3/10 Visit ↗ | HxD 7.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.3 | 7.2 |
| Ranking | #2 in ROM Hacking Tools | #3 in ROM Hacking Tools |
| Best for | Applying or creating UPS patches | General-purpose Windows hex editing |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | None |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows |
| Built for | Solo | Solo, Small business |
| Features NUPS 1/3 · HxD 0/3 | ||
| ROM editing | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Tile/sprite editing | — | Not checked yet |
| Hex editor | — | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Patch formats | UPS | Not checked yet |
| Supported platforms | Windows | Not checked yet |
| Game scope | Multiple games | Not checked yet |
| 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 → |
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 → |
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
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
- NUPS7.3/10 · Free plan
A free Windows desktop utility focused on creating and applying UPS patches.
Visit NintenlordFull verdict → - HxD7.2/10 · Free plan
A broad Windows hex editor for binary work, rather than a ROM-specific hacking suite.
Visit HxDFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update