HalfNES vs Jnes
HalfNES
github.comJnes
jabosoft.comSide by side
| Figure | HalfNES | Jnes |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · NES Emulators | 8.0 (#6) | 7.7 (#10) |
| Downloads | The README directs users to GitHub releases, which include a Windows executable and a JAR for other platforms. | The downloads page lists Windows releases, including version 1.2.1 dated January 15, 2017, and x64 binaries. |
| Game compatibility | It supports the mapper numbers listed in the README and says almost all US released games will start, though some still have graphics corruption or freezing. | Compatibility focuses on North American and European games, with support for many popular Japanese games. |
Plans
In their own words
HalfNES
HalfNES is a free NES and Famicom emulator for Linux, macOS, Windows, and other Java-compatible platforms. It supports the mapper numbers listed in its README, and says nearly all US releases will start, though some can show corrupted graphics or freeze. Its audio features include a sound core and an NSF player; display options include full screen and an NTSC filter. Controls can be remapped in Preferences, and joysticks work through DirectInput and xInput. HalfNES supports battery saves, but not savestates. GitHub releases provide a Windows executable and a JAR for other platforms, and both require Java 8 or newer. Linux users need to set execute permission on the JAR. Gamepads must be connected before a game loads to be detected, and their buttons cannot be configured. PAL games are supported but may have more issues; users need to select PAL in Preferences. The README gives a 2 GHz Athlon 64 or better as the requirement for full-speed play across all games, and notes that the NTSC filter needs substantially more processing power.
Jnes
Jnes is a free Windows emulator for the original 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System. Its interface is translated into 20 languages, and it can instantly save game progress. Jnes records gameplay movies for sharing with other Jnes users and converts those recordings to AVI files with video and audio. Compatibility centers on North American and European games, with many popular Japanese games also supported. Cheat support includes Game Genie and Pro Action Replay codes, multiple codes in one entry, and a Cheat Search tool for examining game memory values and creating custom codes. The ROM browser can show game artwork when artwork is available, but artwork is not included with the software. Downloads include Windows version 1.2.1, dated January 15, 2017, and x64 binaries. Netplay and save states are supported. The Android app was removed from Google Play in late 2024, and Android is no longer supported. Freeware terms allow downloading and use but prohibit sale or commercial distribution.