Head-to-head · ROM Hacking Tools
YY-CHR vs HxD
YY-CHR leads on 0 checks, HxD on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 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 featuresYY-CHR · 2 of 3
YY-CHR scores higher on our rubric for rom hacking tools: 8.4 against 7.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.
YY-CHR is the better fit for editing ROM graphics across multiple systems. HxD is the better fit for general-purpose Windows hex editing.
- YY-CHR fits best
Editing ROM graphics across multiple systems
- HxD fits best
General-purpose Windows hex editing
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Side by side
| Feature | YY-CHR 8.4/10 Visit ↗ | HxD 7.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.4 | 7.2 |
| Ranking | #1 in ROM Hacking Tools | #3 in ROM Hacking Tools |
| Best for | Editing ROM graphics across multiple systems | General-purpose Windows hex editing |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | None |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows |
| Support | Community | Community |
| Built for | Solo | Solo, Small business |
| Features YY-CHR 2/3 · HxD 0/3 | ||
| ROM editing | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Tile/sprite editing | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Hex editor | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Patch formats | Not checked yet | 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 | 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 → |
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
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
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
- YY-CHR8.4/10 · Free plan
A focused Windows dot editor for viewing and editing graphics in retro-game ROMs.
Visit YY-CHRFull 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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- NUPS vs HxD
- 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