Floating IPS (Flips)

Floating IPS (Flips) is a free patcher for applying and creating IPS and BPS files on Linux, macOS, and Windows. It suits ROM patchers who want a desktop interface or command-line workflow, especially when processing several patches at once. Its flexible tools are offset by an archived, maintenance-mode project.

Overview

Flips combines patch creation and application with graphical and command-line options. The GUI can apply multiple patches to one ROM and save multiple results, a useful fit for comparing or preparing several patched versions without repeating the workflow manually. BPS users may also benefit from the GUI remembering prior ROM selections and reusing one when it judges the match correct.

Key features

Patch creation and formats

Flips handles IPS and BPS patches. Its project describes its BPS output as smaller than that of any other known tool and faster to create than comparable tools; for IPS, it claims very small output while acknowledging Lunar IPS as another good option. Those are project claims, not guarantees for every file, but they make Flips a compelling creator for users who care about patch size and speed.

GUI and command line

Windows and GTK+ graphical interfaces sit alongside command-line support, and a command-line-only build is available. The GUI can launch another program after patching, so a BPS file can be applied before opening an emulator. That streamlines a patch-to-play sequence, while command-line users can choose a workflow without the GUI.

Maintenance and licensing

Flips is licensed under GNU General Public License version 3.0 or higher. The project is in maintenance mode: bug reports and pull requests will be read, but feature requests are unlikely to be implemented. GitHub marks the repository archived and read-only since May 21, 2025. Releases are automated for each commit, and the project describes their timing as erratic, sometimes producing identical releases. Choose it for existing capabilities, not a roadmap of new features.

Pricing

Flips is free, with IPS and BPS patching included. There is no free trial because the software is free. The community-provided Flathub package is not verified, affiliated with, or supported by Alcaro. No seat or usage quota is given for the free plan.

Platforms

Flips supports Linux, macOS, and Windows. Its interface choices include Windows and GTK+ graphical versions as well as command-line support and a command-line-only build.

Who it's for

Flips is a strong fit for ROM patchers who need both IPS and BPS support, want to batch several patches through a GUI, or prefer command-line operation. Its BPS ROM recall and post-patch program launch make it especially practical for repeat workflows that lead into an emulator. Users seeking ongoing feature development should look elsewhere.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free IPS and BPS patching across Linux, macOS, and Windows keeps it accessible across desktop systems.
• Pros: GUI batch application can produce several patched ROMs from one ROM, reducing repetitive work.
• Pros: GUI, command-line support, and a command-line-only build accommodate different workflows.
• Cons: Archived, read-only status and maintenance mode make future feature work unlikely.
• Cons: Erratic release timing and sometimes-identical releases offer little predictability for users tracking updates.

Alternatives

For a wider set of ROM patching options, browse ROM Patching Software. Pick EZ ROM Patcher if a free browser-based tool across Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows is a better fit; no account or installation is stated. IUBPatchLib is a free Linux, macOS, and Windows alternative under the MIT license, with no pricing or usage limits stated. Choose rom-weaver for free, open-source browser or command-line versions across Linux, macOS, self-hosted, web, and Windows, without an account.

Gaming Optimizer is another free Windows option with a public repository carrying an MIT license. MultiPatch is a free option for macOS 10.9 or newer. Consider Patcher64+ Tool for N64, NES, and SNES patching; it supports Linux, macOS, and Windows, with a stated requirement of 64-bit Windows 7 or newer and PowerShell 5.1+. Rompatcher is a free Linux and Windows alternative. ROM Bin Patcher (rombp) is a free Linux and self-hosted alternative.

Verdict

Choose Flips if you want a free, cross-platform IPS and BPS patcher with both GUI and command-line workflows, particularly for batch work or a patch-to-emulator routine. Its established feature set is capable, but its archived, maintenance-mode status is the clearest reason to choose another tool if future development matters.