.NES File Extension
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) ROM
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What is a NES file?
An NES file is a Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) game ROM. Typically, it contains a complete copy of the game stored on an NES game cartridge. Gamers often use NES files to play NES games on their PCs and mobile devices, using NES emulators.
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Various utilities allow gamers to copy (or "dump") the game stored on an NES game cartridge to a single NES file. They can then use this file as a backup, if they lose their game cartridge or the cartridge's data becomes corrupt. They can also use the NES file to play the game in an NES emulator, which simulates the NES on a PC or mobile device.
Additionally, homebrew developers who have created their own NES games (using programs like NESmaker) often save those games as NES files. They then distribute these NES files online, so other gamers can download and use them.
How to open a NES file
You can open an NES file with many NES emulators, to play the game it contains. Some popular NES emulators include:
- RetroArch (multiplatform)
- OpenEmu (Mac)
- Nestopia (multiplatform)
- Delta Emulator (iOS)
Additionally, you can use NESmaker (Windows) to flash an NES file onto an NES game cartridge, so you can play the game the file contains on an actual NES.