NET-NES
NET-NES is a free Nintendo Entertainment System emulator written in C# that can run some NES games.
What NET-NES is
NET-NES is a free Nintendo Entertainment System emulator written in C# that can run some NES games. It has downloadable builds for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with options for several processor architectures. Opening the executable brings up a basic graphical interface with commands to open a ROM and view the manual. Terminal options include loading a ROM, running a CPU JSON test, scaling the window, showing an FPS counter, and enabling debug mode. Mapper 0 is supported, while Mappers 1, 2, and 4 are implemented experimentally. The project says it passes nestest CPU instruction tests and lists tested games that work, though some games may glitch or freeze. Its PPU uses scanline timing rather than dot-by-dot timing, so it is not cycle accurate and may affect some games. A debugger, Mapper 3, player 2 controller support, and audio are listed as planned features. It is distributed under the MIT License.
Good
- Free software under the MIT License.
- Builds are listed for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Includes both graphical and command-line options.
- Project reports passing nestest CPU instruction tests.
Watch out
- Some games may glitch or freeze.
- Mappers 1, 2, and 4 are experimental.
- The emulator is not cycle accurate.
- Audio and player 2 support are planned.
Who it suits
NET-NES may suit retro-game enthusiasts, Nintendo fans, emulation experts, and newcomers who want a free NES emulator on Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Verdict
NET-NES provides a free way to run some NES games across three desktop platforms. Its experimental mapper support and timing limitation are worth considering if a particular game matters.
Plans and prices
From NET-NES's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| NET-NES | Free | Free software under MIT License |
The facts
Each one read from NET-NES's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Accuracy limitation
- The PPU uses scanline timing rather than dot-by-dot timing, so the emulator is not cycle accurate and some games may be affected.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Compatibility
- The README says it passes nestest CPU instruction tests and lists many tested games as working, while noting some games may show glitches or freeze.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The project lists downloadable builds for win-x64, win-x86, osx-x64, osx-arm64, and linux-x64.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Integration
- The project says it uses raylib-cs, with Rlimgui-cs and ImGui.NET also used for its GUI.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Intended audience
- The maker says the project is freely available to contributors including emulation experts, Nintendo fans, retro enthusiasts, and newcomers.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Interface
- Launching the executable opens a basic GUI with File → Open ROM and Help → Manual.checked 4 Oct 2026
- License
- The software is distributed under the MIT License, which permits use, copying, modification, and distribution subject to the license conditions.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- NET-NES is a Nintendo Entertainment System emulator written in C# and capable of running some NES games.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Support and feedback
- The README directs users to open issues for bugs or feature requests and invites contributions through pull requests.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Terminal options
- The command-line options include loading a ROM, running a CPU JSON test, scaling the window, showing an FPS counter, and enabling debug mode.checked 4 Oct 2026
The company
- Maker location
- The maker's GitHub profile lists Toronto, Canada.checked 4 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Mapper support
- Mapper 0 is supported; Mappers 1, 2, and 4 are implemented but described as experimental.checked 4 Oct 2026
Money
- Planned features
- The listed upcoming features include a debugger, Mapper 3, player 2 controller support, and audio.checked 4 Oct 2026