OVERVIEW
Overview
Pixel Arcade is a browser-based retro gaming library and player. It brings game organization, emulation, on-screen controls, save management, and backups into one focused interface for desktop and mobile.
It currently supports NES and selected arcade titles through EmulatorJS / FBNeo. Emulator runtime assets are bundled with the web app, reducing reliance on third-party CDNs. You provide your own game ROMs and any required BIOS files. Compatibility varies by arcade game, ROM revision, parent set, and BIOS.
Pixel Arcade is local-first: no account is needed, and imported ROMs, BIOS files, and save states are stored in the current browser using IndexedDB. Its backup feature can export app-managed game files, BIOS files, manual saves, and supported preferences for import into another browser. No automatic cloud sync is provided.
The app does not include, distribute, or sell commercial ROMs or BIOS files. Import only content you have the legal right to use. The tool is free, and its third-party emulator components remain subject to their respective licenses.
USAGE
Usage
1. Open the online app and enter your game library. No sign-up is required.
2. Import NES (.nes) files or compatible arcade ROM archives (usually .zip) that you are legally entitled to use. Some arcade games require separate BIOS files.
3. Choose a game and launch it. Use a keyboard or gamepad on desktop, or on-screen controls on mobile; landscape is recommended on phones.
4. Use Save Game and Load Save where supported. Save states created by different arcade cores may not be interchangeable.
5. Export a complete local backup regularly. In another browser, import the backup and confirm the operation.
Note: Clearing site data or browser storage eviction can remove local files. Browsers, devices, and domains do not sync automatically. Check the ROM revision and BIOS if an arcade game does not start.
FEATURES
Features
01Unified library: organize NES games and arcade titles supported by FBNeo in one place.
02Bundled emulators: JSNES, EmulatorJS, and FBNeo runtime assets are included, reducing external CDN dependencies.
03Desktop and mobile: keyboard input, touchscreen controls, and a landscape-oriented mobile playing interface.
04Touch controls: D-pad, eight-way joystick, action buttons, and arcade coin/start controls for rapid input.
05External controllers: recognize compatible Bluetooth/USB gamepads and show P1/P2 assignments.
06Local multiplayer input: assign two compatible controllers to separate players in games that support two-player play.
07Manual save states: save and restore supported games; arcade core-specific save slots remain separate.
08Portable backups: export app-managed ROMs, BIOS files, manual saves, and selected preferences.
09Local-first storage: use IndexedDB without requiring registration or uploading game files to an app server.
10Bilingual interface: switch between Simplified Chinese and English.
11Audio and display controls: sound options, fullscreen, and simulated landscape for mobile browsers.
12Diagnostics: inspect runtime information when a core or game fails to start.
