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binjnes

binji.github.io

Free plan WebmacOSLinux
Visit binji.github.io
Spec score 8.0 #5 of 26 in NES Emulators

What it is

binjnes is a free NES emulator written in C, available in a browser or through source builds for Linux and macOS. Its cycle-accurate emulation passes many timing tests and supports numerous cartridge mappers using a built-in cartridge database. Mappers 19, 24, and 26 receive additional audio channels. Playback controls include pausing, advancing one frame, rewinding, and seeking to a specific cycle. Users can save and load battery backup data and emulator state files. The browser version is built as WebAssembly and lets users upload a file to play. Desktop build instructions use make or CMake; building requires CMake and sokol, and the WebAssembly instructions also require Emscripten. The project includes a Python test harness that validates tests with hashes, and the source code is distributed under the MIT License. The GitHub releases page lists no packaged downloads, so desktop users need to build from source.

Spec sheet

Purpose
binjnes is a simple NES emulator implemented in C that also runs in a browser.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The source code is distributed under the MIT License.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Accuracy
The emulator is cycle accurate and passes many timing tests.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Audio
Additional audio channels are supported for mappers 19, 24, and 26.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Build requirements
Building requires CMake and sokol; the WebAssembly build instructions also require Emscripten.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Desktop builds
The README gives Linux and Mac build instructions using make or CMake.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Download availability
The GitHub releases page states that there are no releases packaged for download.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Mapper support
It supports numerous cartridge mappers and includes a built-in cartridge database.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Playback controls
The emulator supports pausing, stepping one frame, rewinding, and seeking to a specific cycle.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Save support
Users can save and load battery backup data and emulator state files.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Testing
The repository includes a Python test harness that uses hashes to validate tests.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Web use
The project can be built as a WebAssembly module, and its linked browser version lets users upload a file to play.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Free Free NES emulator; web and build-from-source versions Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every binjnes plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and usable in a browser.
  • Supports numerous cartridge mappers.
  • Can rewind and seek to a specific cycle.
  • Saves battery backup data and emulator states.
  • Source code uses the MIT License.

Limits

  • No packaged downloads are listed on the releases page.
  • Desktop use requires building from source.
  • Builds require CMake and sokol.

Who it suits

It suits NES players who want browser play or are comfortable building software from source on Linux or macOS. Its rewind, cycle seeking, and save-state functions may also suit users who want finer playback control.

Verdict

binjnes offers browser play and detailed playback controls, with a broad mapper set and save support. Desktop users should account for the source-build requirements and lack of packaged releases.

Where Specifiction places it

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