.BFRES File Extension

A BFRES file is an archive that a Nintendo Wii U game uses to store game assets. It typically contains an in-game character or item model, as well as related textures and animations. Large BFRES files are often compressed using Yaz0 compression and saved as .SZS files.

Many Wii U games, but most notably Mario Kart 8, store game models, textures, and animations in BFRES files. Different varieties of BFRES files exist, but all store some combination of:

• Model data
• Texture data
• Skeleton animations
• Shader parameters
• Color animations
• Texture SRT animations
• Texture pattern animations
• Bone visibility animations
• Material visibility animations
• Shape animations
• Scene animations
• Embedded files

Most Wii U players will never encounter a BFRES file. However, Wii U modders and other enthusiasts sometimes extract BFRES files from Wii U games, modify the BFRES files' included assets, and then re-import the files into the game they came from.

NOTE: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild stores 3D models in .SBFRES files, which are compressed BFRES files.

A variety of fan-made utilities allow Wii U players to open BFRES files. For example, you can open BFRES files and edit the assets they contain in Switch-Toolbox (Windows).