ROM Hacks
What Are ROM Hacks?
ROM hacks are modified versions of existing video game ROM images—digital dumps of cartridge or disc-based games—altered to change gameplay, graphics, levels, story, difficulty, music, or other elements. Created by fans using tools like hex editors, IPS patchers, and specialized editors (e.g., Lunar Magic for Super Mario World), they breathe new life into classics without requiring full engine rebuilds. This ranges from simple bug fixes and translations to massive overhauls like new campaigns or randomizers, making them a cornerstone of preservation: rescuing forgotten titles, improving accessibility, and expanding universes for modern audiences. Unlike standalone fan games, ROM hacks build directly on official ROMs, preserving the original engine and assets while adding creative twists. They're popular for retro systems like NES, SNES, Game Boy, and GBA, thriving in communities focused on disassembly and patching. Legal note: Always use your own legally obtained ROMs as bases, as distributing modified ROMs can infringe copyrights—patches are safer for sharing.
Brief History of Well-Known Projects
ROM hacking traces back to the late 1980s and early 1990s, when enthusiasts began experimenting with hex editors to tweak game data on emulators, starting with simple sprite swaps or text changes. The scene exploded in the late 1990s with Pokémon's release, as modders created early hacks like Pokémon Trep Edition (1998). Online hubs like ROMhacking.net (launched ~2000) and SMW Central (2005) centralized tools and patches, enabling complex assembly-level edits. The 2010s saw peaks with "Kaizo" difficulty hacks, randomizers, and full story conversions, fueled by YouTube showcases and speedrunning. Notable examples include:
- Kaizo Mario World (2010): A brutally challenging Super Mario World hack by Joshua "TKO" Chia, with pixel-perfect platforming that popularized the "Kaizo" genre and inspired countless difficulty mods.
- Pokémon Unbound (2018+): A massive FireRed (GBA) overhaul by Skeli with a new region, story, and mechanics like Mega Evolutions, blending nostalgia with modern QoL features.
- The Legend of Zelda: Parallel Worlds (2007): An expansive SNES hack expanding A Link to the Past's world with new dungeons, items, and non-linearity, showcasing advanced mapping tools.
- Super Mario World: Return to Dinosaur Land (2017): A sequel-like SMW hack with 96 exits, new bosses, and secrets, demonstrating community-driven level design evolution.
- Pokémon Prism (2015): A Crystal (GBC) hack introducing dual regions and 250+ Pokémon, highlighting early 2000s-style innovation before takedowns.
- Metroid: Project Base (2010s): A preservation-focused hack restoring cut content from Super Metroid, emphasizing hacking's role in uncovering developer intent.
These projects highlight ROM hacking's growth from lone tweaks to collaborative masterpieces, vital for fan preservation.
Browse ROM Hacks
Explore our collection of ROM hacks:
- ROM Hacks by Series - Organized by the base game's series.
- ROM Hacks by Platform - Organized by the original hardware.
- ROM Hacks by Developer - Organized by the hacker or team.
- ROM Hacks by Type - Organized by hack style.
- ROM Hacks by Status - Organized by completion.