binjnes vs Dendy

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.

Dendy is a free NES/Famicom emulator written in Go, with desktop versions for Windows, macOS, and Linux and a WebAssembly version for modern browsers. The desktop program has no graphical interface and runs from the command line with a .nes ROM file. Player one can use a keyboard or a detected gamepad, and a mouse can emulate the Zapper light gun. Options include save-state control, rewind, screenshots, CRT effects, and Game Genie codes. Network multiplayer uses rollback networking and peer-to-peer connections. A public relay can help players behind NATs find peers and connect, though it will not work if both players are behind symmetric NATs. Users can also build and run their own relay. The browser version does not currently support netplay. The maker cautions that Dendy may not match established emulators in accuracy or compatibility, so some games may not run. Sound emulation is still in progress and may produce pops and crackles. The project is MIT-licensed.