Tools & software

Tools and software

The right equipment makes SNES projects safer and more enjoyable. Below is an overview of the hardware and software commonly used across homebrew, video mods, and repairs. Tools are named in plain text rather than linked.

For homebrew and software

• FXPak Pro flash cartridge for running ROMs, homebrew, and MSU-1 audio from an SD card.
• A quality SD card formatted to FAT32, with a card reader for your computer.
• A patching utility for applying IPS and BPS ROM hack patches to your own game files.

For video mods

• A temperature controlled soldering iron with a fine tip, plus flux and quality solder.
• RGB amp or bypass boards appropriate to your console revision.
• An external upscaler or internal HDMI mod kit for modern displays. soldering

For repairs

• A gamebit security driver to open the console and cartridges.
• Isopropyl alcohol and swabs for cleaning contacts and slots.
• A multimeter for checking power supplies and tracing faults.
• Hot air rework equipment for advanced chip level work such as a PPU swap.