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ZSNES

ZSNES is an open-source Super Nintendo emulator for Windows, Linux, and OS X. Originally released in 1997, it allows users to play SNES games on modern platforms with features like custom controls, filters, and cheats support.

What is ZSNES?

ZSNES is a Super Nintendo emulator that was first released in 1997. It quickly became one of the most popular and widely-used SNES emulators due to its high compatibility with games, customizable controls, and robust feature set.

As an open-source emulator, ZSNES is available free of charge for Windows, Linux, and OS X operating systems. It uses a plugin architecture that allows enthusiasts and developers to create addons that can enhance the graphics, sound, and functionality.

Key features of ZSNES include:

  • High game compatibility and emulation accuracy
  • Save states and rewind features
  • Graphics filters for enhanced visuals
  • Network play for multiplayer gaming
  • Cheat code support
  • Customizable input, including gamepad support
  • Ability to take screenshots and record video

Although development slowed down over the years, ZSNES v1.51 represents one of the most stable releases that can run virtually all SNES titles without issues. It remains popular with retro gamers who appreciate its depth of control options compared to simpler emulators.

The Best ZSNES Alternatives

Top Apps like ZSNES

RetroArch, Kosmi, Snes9x EX, Happy Chick, Provenance, RetriX, Ares (Formerly Higan / BSNES), CD-i Emulator, Nostlan, SNESbox, Super NES - Nintendo Switch Online, snes4iphone, SNESoid, SNEShout, TigerSNES, Super Sleuth, F-Zero VS, Snes9k, NO$SNS, SNESGT, SNEeSe, Snes9X Direct3D, uosnes, Snes9xpp are some alternatives to ZSNES.

RetroArch

RetroArch is an open-source, cross-platform frontend for emulators, game engines, video games, media players and other applications. It's designed to be fast, lightweight, customizable and extensible.Some key features of RetroArch include:Supports many emulators and video game console cores for systems like NES, SNES, Genesis, N64, PS1, etc.Advanced...

Kosmi

Kosmi is a free and open-source virtual workspace manager software for Windows and Linux operating systems. It provides users the ability to create multiple virtual desktops to better organize their applications and windows.With Kosmi, users can group their work into separate desktops - for example, one for communication apps...

Snes9x EX

Snes9x EX is an enhanced fork of the popular Snes9x Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) emulator. It builds on the accuracy and compatibility of Snes9x with the goal of delivering the best possible SNES emulation experience on modern platforms.Some key features of Snes9x EX include...

Happy Chick

Happy Chick is a feature-packed video game emulator that enables users to play classic games from multiple retro gaming consoles on modern platforms. Originally launched in 2014 for Android devices, Happy Chick has expanded support to also include Windows PCs, iOS devices, and Mac computers.At its core, Happy Chick is...

Provenance

Provenance is an open source data lineage platform aimed at providing transparency and auditability into data pipelines. It allows users to track the origins and processing details of data as it moves through complex systems.Some key capabilities and benefits of Provenance include:Automated capture of data pipelines and workflows...

RetriX

RetriX is an open-source and cross-platform emulator that allows you to play classic games from vintage home computers, gaming consoles, and arcade machines on modern operating systems like Windows, MacOS, and Linux.Unlike closed-source commercial emulators, RetriX is completely free to download and use. It emulates systems like the Commodore...

Ares (Formerly Higan / BSNES)

Ares is an open-source, cross-platform Nintendo emulator that aims for accuracy and preservation of classic games. It is capable of emulating a variety of Nintendo systems including the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, N64, and more.The emulator was originally known as BSNES, which focused...

CD-i Emulator

CD-i Emulator is a free, open source emulator that replicates the environment and functionality of consumer appliances made by Philips in the 1990s that played CD-i (Compact Disc Interactive) format discs. It enables users to enjoy the games, edutainment programs, and other software originally authored for stand-alone CD-i players on...

Nostlan

Nostlan is an open-source knowledge management and note taking application. It provides users with a variety of tools to capture, organize, share, and reuse information.Some of the key features of Nostlan include:Flexible note taking with support for text, markdown, sketches, images, web clips, and morePowerful tagging and linking...

SNESbox

SNESbox is an open source emulator for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). It enables users to play classic SNES games on modern operating systems like Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.As an emulator, SNESbox replicates the hardware and low-level functionality of original SNES hardware, providing a high level...

Super NES - Nintendo Switch Online

Super NES - Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription-based game library service offered by Nintendo as part of the Nintendo Switch Online membership. It gives subscribers access to a curated selection of classic Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) games to play on their Nintendo Switch consoles.The SNES game library...

Snes4iphone

snes4iphone is an iOS app that functions as an emulator for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). It allows iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch users to play original SNES games on their devices.The app emulates the SNES hardware, enabling users to play hundreds of classic SNES games like...

SNESoid

SNESoid is a popular Super Nintendo emulator app for Android devices. It allows users to play classic SNES video games originally released for the iconic 16-bit Nintendo console on their Android smartphones or tablets.The app emulates the original SNES hardware, enabling Android device owners to enjoy timeless Nintendo classics...

SNEShout

SNEShout is an open-source, self-hosted web application that allows you to easily browse, organize, and play your Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) game library. It is designed to help you manage and gain insights into your SNES game collection.With SNEShout, you can add your SNES game library by simply...

TigerSNES

TigerSNES is an open-source, multi-platform emulator for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Developed in C++, it enables users to play classic SNES games on modern operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.It provides highly accurate emulation of the original SNES hardware, including the CPU, PPU, DSP...

Super Sleuth

Super Sleuth is an easy-to-use investigative software designed for private investigators, law enforcement agencies, journalists, and others who need to conduct in-depth investigations effectively. It provides a central platform to organize all case details, contacts, notes, documents, and multimedia files related to an investigation.Key features of Super Sleuth include...

F-Zero VS

F-Zero VS is a futuristic anti-gravity racing video game released exclusively for the Game Boy Advance handheld in 2004. It was developed by Suzak Inc. and published by Nintendo as a sequel to the long-running F-Zero series that originated on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.The game returns to the series'...

Snes9k

Snes9x is one of the most popular and longest-running Super Nintendo emulator projects. First released in 1997, it aims to emulate the SNES hardware as accurately as possible on modern systems.Some key features of Snes9x include:Excellent game compatibility - It can play most SNES titles without issues...

NO$SNS

NO$SNS is a Super Nintendo emulator and debugger program for Windows operating systems. It enables users to play games made for the original Super Nintendo Entertainment System on a Windows PC.Some key features of NO$SNS include:Accurate emulation of Super Nintendo hardware, allowing most SNES games to...

SNESGT

SNESGT is an open-source, cross-platform Super Nintendo emulator developed by a community of coders and enthusiasts. Its main goal is to emulate the original Super Nintendo hardware and games as accurately as possible for preservation purposes.Unlike other emulators that prioritize performance and enhancement features, SNESGT is focused on replicating...

SNEeSe

SNEeSe is an open-source, cross-platform system emulator and debugger designed for software testing and development. It provides developers the ability to create customized system environments to test how their software will perform across different hardware, operating systems, and configurations.Key features of SNEeSe include:Full system emulation for various processor...

Snes9X Direct3D

Snes9X Direct3D is an open-source, cross-platform Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) emulator that utilizes Microsoft's Direct3D APIs for enhanced graphics rendering and gameplay. Developed as a fork of the popular Snes9X emulator, Snes9X Direct3D provides highly accurate SNES emulation with the added benefit of...

Uosnes

uosnes is an open-source Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) emulator developed specifically for the UORB single-board computer. The goal of uosnes is to enable accurate and performant emulation of SNES games and allow playing classic SNES titles on UORB hardware.As an emulator, uosnes replicates the hardware and software environment...

Snes9xpp

Snes9xpp is an enhanced fork of the popular Snes9x Super Nintendo emulator. It prioritizes performance, compatibility, and new features while maintaining accuracy.Some key capabilities and characteristics of Snes9xpp include:Supports most SNES games with high compatibility and accuracyPerformance optimizations for smooth gameplay on modern systemsSave state...