Head-to-head · ROM Hacking Tools
YY-CHR vs NUPS
YY-CHR leads on 1 check, NUPS on 0, 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 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 7.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.
YY-CHR offers tile/sprite editing; NUPS doesn't.
YY-CHR is the better fit for editing ROM graphics across multiple systems. NUPS is the better fit for applying or creating UPS patches.
- YY-CHR fits best
Editing ROM graphics across multiple systems
- NUPS fits best
Applying or creating UPS patches
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Side by side
| Feature | YY-CHR 8.4/10 Visit ↗ | NUPS 7.3/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.4 | 7.3 |
| Ranking | #1 in ROM Hacking Tools | #2 in ROM Hacking Tools |
| Best for | Editing ROM graphics across multiple systems | Applying or creating UPS patches |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows |
| Built for | Solo | Solo |
| Features YY-CHR 2/3 · NUPS 1/3 | ||
| ROM editing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tile/sprite editing | ✓ (best) | — |
| Hex editor | Not checked yet | — |
| Specs | ||
| Patch formats | Not checked yet | UPS |
| Supported platforms | Windows | Windows |
| Game scope | Multiple games | Multiple games |
| 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 → |
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 → |
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
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
- YY-CHR8.4/10 · Free plan
A focused Windows dot editor for viewing and editing graphics in retro-game ROMs.
Visit YY-CHRFull verdict → - NUPS7.3/10 · Free plan
A free Windows desktop utility focused on creating and applying UPS patches.
Visit NintenlordFull verdict →
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- YY-CHR vs Echoes of Eolis
- NUPS vs HxD
- NUPS 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