Head-to-head · ROM Hacking Tools
YY-CHR vs Lazy Shell
YY-CHR leads on 0 checks, Lazy Shell 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 featuresLazy Shell · 3 of 3
YY-CHR scores higher on our rubric for rom hacking tools: 8.4 against 7.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #5.
On game scope, YY-CHR gives you Multiple games where Lazy Shell offers Specific game.
YY-CHR is the better fit for editing ROM graphics across multiple systems. Lazy Shell is the better fit for editing Super Mario RPG ROM content.
- YY-CHR fits best
Editing ROM graphics across multiple systems
- Lazy Shell fits best
Editing Super Mario RPG ROM content
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Side by side
| Feature | YY-CHR 8.4/10 Visit ↗ | Lazy Shell 7.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.4 | 7.0 |
| Ranking | #1 in ROM Hacking Tools | #5 in ROM Hacking Tools |
| Best for | Editing ROM graphics across multiple systems | Editing Super Mario RPG ROM content |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows |
| Built for | Solo | Solo, Small business |
| Features YY-CHR 2/3 · Lazy Shell 3/3 | ||
| ROM editing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tile/sprite editing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hex editor | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Patch formats | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Supported platforms | Windows | Windows |
| Game scope | Multiple games | Specific game |
| 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 → |
Lazy Shell is a free Windows desktop editor for modifying elements in the US version of the Super Mario RPG ROM. Its audience is hackers working on that game who want a single application for maps, graphics, scripts, audio, and other ROM… 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
Lazy Shell — where it wins
- Edits maps, NPCs, exits, event fields, and map layers.
- Combines sprite, palette, script, audio, and hex editors.
- Previews levels and scripts through SNES9X or ZSNES.
Where it doesn't
- Focused on the US version of Super Mario RPG, not multiple games.
- Requires Windows and Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 or higher.
- Previewing depends on SNES9X or ZSNES.
- YY-CHR8.4/10 · Free plan
A focused Windows dot editor for viewing and editing graphics in retro-game ROMs.
Visit YY-CHRFull verdict → - Lazy Shell7.0/10 · Free plan
A free, game-specific toolkit for editing Super Mario RPG maps, graphics, scripts, audio, and data.
Visit Lazy ShellFull verdict →
More comparisons
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- YY-CHR vs Echoes of Eolis
- NUPS vs Lazy Shell
- HxD vs Lazy Shell
All ROM hacking tools comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update