bsnes
bsnes: A feature-rich, open-source SNES emulator for users who value platform coverage. Ranked #2 of 29 in SNES Emulators by our editors (9.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for SNES users wanting broad platform coverage.
At a glance
- Editor score9.2 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forSNES users wanting broad platform coverage
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Supported platformsWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS
- Includes rewind, run-ahead, shaders, cheats, and recording
- Emulates Satellaview and SNES coprocessors
Where it doesn't
- Mobile builds are distributed through RetroArch guidance
- Its focus is limited to SNES and Super Famicom emulation
- Advanced features may require more configuration than basic playback
Our verdict on bsnes
bsnes is an open-source emulator for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Famicom. It is aimed at players who want accurate hardware emulation across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. The feature set covers core playback as well as save-state management, rewind, controller mapping, cheats, filters, screen capture, and movie recording. Its broad platform coverage makes it a practical choice for users who move between desktop and mobile devices while staying within the SNES ecosystem.
The emulator’s standout strength is the depth of its emulation and playback controls. bsnes supports SNES coprocessors and Satellaview, along with HD Mode 7 and widescreen support. Save states include management and undo/redo support, while run-ahead, frame advance, turbo, and speed controls give users more control over how games run. OpenGL multi-pass shaders and software filters provide visual customization, and the built-in cheat-code database and editor add another layer for players who want to modify or inspect gameplay.
Platform breadth is a major part of bsnes’s appeal, though the mobile experience follows a different distribution path: Android and iOS builds are documented through RetroArch guidance and a bsnes core. That makes bsnes a strong fit for SNES users who want detailed emulation features across several operating systems and do not need a broader multi-console focus. Users seeking a simpler, single-platform setup or an emulator centered on systems beyond the SNES and Super Famicom should consider a different tool.
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bsnes pricing
bsnes fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Online multiplayer | Not verified |
| Rewind | Yes |
| Shader support | Yes |
| Cheat support | Yes |
| RetroAchievements | Not verified |
| Emulation format | Both |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | bsnes.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to bsnes
- Snes9xA free, open-source SNES emulator with broad hardware, graphics, save, and cheat support.9.4
- bsnes-mercury AccuracyA focused SNES/SFC core with netplay, rewind and cross-platform Libretro support.8.8
- RetroArchA broad, free emulator hub with unified controls, scanning, shaders, and netplay.8.6
bsnes vs the competition
- bsnes vs Snes9x
- bsnes vs bsnes-mercury Accuracy
- bsnes vs RetroArch
- bsnes vs Snes9x EX+
- bsnes vs nSide Balanced
- bsnes vs Super Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Classics
Compare bsnes with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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