Head-to-head · ROM Hacking Tools
YY-CHR vs HexManiacAdvance
YY-CHR leads on 0 checks, HexManiacAdvance 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 scoreYY-CHR · 8.4/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresHexManiacAdvance · 3 of 3
YY-CHR scores higher on our rubric for rom hacking tools: 8.4 against 7.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.
On game scope, YY-CHR gives you Multiple games where HexManiacAdvance offers Game series.
YY-CHR is the better fit for editing ROM graphics across multiple systems. HexManiacAdvance is the better fit for broad Pokémon ROM editing and patching.
- YY-CHR fits best
Editing ROM graphics across multiple systems
- HexManiacAdvance fits best
Broad Pokémon ROM editing and patching
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Side by side
| Feature | YY-CHR 8.4/10 Visit ↗ | HexManiacAdvance 7.1/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.4 | 7.1 |
| Ranking | #1 in ROM Hacking Tools | #4 in ROM Hacking Tools |
| Best for | Editing ROM graphics across multiple systems | Broad Pokémon ROM editing and patching |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows |
| Support | Community | Community |
| Built for | Solo | Solo |
| Features YY-CHR 2/3 · HexManiacAdvance 3/3 | ||
| ROM editing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tile/sprite editing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hex editor | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Patch formats | Not checked yet | IPS, UPS |
| Supported platforms | Windows | Windows |
| Game scope | Multiple games | Game series |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | YY-CHR is a Windows desktop dot editor for viewing and editing graphics contained in retro-game ROMs. Its audience is people working on graphics across multiple older console and computer formats, rather than users looking for a full ROM… Read the review → |
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 → |
Strengths and trade-offs
YY-CHR — where it wins
- Supports tile formats for NES, Game Boy, SNES, PCE, GBA, and more
- Palette editor can load palettes from emulator state files
- Includes ROM Palette Editor and PRG Pattern Editor utilities
Where it doesn't
- Focused on ROM graphics rather than full ROM editing
- Palette display changes do not alter the graphics themselves
- The latest listed build is dated 2021-06-06
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
- YY-CHR8.4/10 · Free plan
A focused Windows dot editor for viewing and editing graphics in retro-game ROMs.
Visit YY-CHRFull verdict → - HexManiacAdvance7.1/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source toolkit for editing Pokémon GBA data, maps, graphics, scripts, and patches.
Try HexManiacAdvanceFull verdict →
More comparisons
- YY-CHR vs NUPS
- YY-CHR vs HxD
- YY-CHR vs Lazy Shell
- YY-CHR vs DSPRE
- YY-CHR vs DSVEdit
- YY-CHR vs Echoes of Eolis
- NUPS vs HexManiacAdvance
- HxD vs HexManiacAdvance
All ROM hacking tools comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update