Dendy vs GoNES
Dendy
github.comGoNES
github.comSide by side
| Figure | Dendy | GoNES |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 1 |
| Spec score · NES Emulators | 7.6 (#12) | 8.7 (#1) |
| Browser version | A WebAssembly version runs in modern browsers, but it does not currently support netplay. | The emulator can run in a web browser by compiling to WebAssembly, and the README links to a hosted instance. |
| Controls | The emulator supports keyboard controls, likely detects connected gamepads, and emulates the Zapper with a mouse. | The README lists configurable keyboard controls, including Player 1 and Player 2 bindings. |
| Downloads | Prebuilt binaries are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, though the maker says they are not guaranteed to work on Windows. | The README says automated builds are uploaded during releases and links to release download files. |
| License | The GitHub repository identifies the project as MIT licensed. | The repository identifies its license as Apache-2.0. |
| Maker | The GitHub profile identifies Max Poletaev as the maker and lists Belgrade, Serbia. | The GitHub profile identifies Gabe Cook as the project maker and lists Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA as his location. |
Plans
In their own words
Dendy
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.
GoNES
GoNES is a free, open-source NES emulator written in Go. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and web browsers; the browser version compiles to WebAssembly, and the project links to a hosted instance. At startup, the app opens a file picker for selecting a .nes ROM, and it can also be launched from a terminal with a ROM file argument. The project lists support for mappers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 69 and 71, which it says cover 84.34% of official NES games. Keyboard controls for two players are configurable. Save-state, load-state and undo bindings are listed. GoNES creates a configuration file on first run, with its location documented for each desktop platform. Release downloads are provided, and macOS installation through Homebrew is documented. Source installation is also documented. Building requires OpenGL development libraries because rendering uses Ebitengine. The project says its GUI renders, but menu options still need to be added.