# Softpatching

A patch is a file containing a number of modifications to an original ROM, which may be bug fixes, hacks or, more generally, translations. Patches come in various formats: `.UPS` (Universal Patching System), `.IPS` (International Patching System), `.BPS` (Binary Patch Support)...

Softpatching is a function for applying these game patches, without having to modify the original rom. This allows you to define when you want to apply available patches and when you don't.

## Installing patches

Patches can be applied in 3 different ways. Depending on which method you choose, you'll need to select the corresponding option in the RetroBat menu:

<figure><img src="https://i.imgur.com/EGOj6hU.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://i.imgur.com/iAzzbbP.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Patch in the corresponding roms directory
  * The patch file is placed next to the rom. The patch must be named exactly like the rom (except for the extension).

    > Select the AUTO option in the Softpatching menu
* Patch in a sub-directory named `“patches”.`
  * In the system, a patches sub-directory contains patches for the various games. They are named after the roms for which they are intended.

    > Select the PATCH IN PATCH FOLDER option in the Softpatching menu
* Patch in a folder named after the game
  * In the system, a subdirectory is named like the game. It can then contain different patches, all of which will be applied (subject to compatibility).

    > Select the PATCH TO FOLDER BY GAME option in the Softpatching menu.

## Compatible cores

This feature will only work for the following libretro cores: \
\
**Bandai - WonderSwan/Color**\
Mednafen\_wswan&#x20;

**Coleco - ColecoVision**\
Gearcoleco&#x20;

**Nec - PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16** \
Mednafen\_pce - Mednafen\_pce\_fast

**Nintendo - Game Boy / Color**\
Gambatte - Mesen - mGBA - TGB Dual - VBA-M

**Nintendo - Game Boy Advance**\
Meteor - mGBA - VBA-M - VBA Next

**Nintendo - NES / Famicom**\
bnes - FCEUmm - Mesen - Nestopia UE - QuickNES

**Nintendo - Satellaview**\
Mesen-S - Snes9x

**Nintendo - SNES / Famicom**\
bsnes - bsnes HD Beta - bsnes JG - bsnes mercury accuracy - bsnes mercury balanced - mednafen\_snes - Mesen-S

**Nintendo - Nintendo 64**\
mupen64plus - parallel

**Sega - Master System**\
SMS Plus GX - Gearsystem

**Sega - MegaDrive / Genesis**\
Genesis Plus GX - Picodrive

**SNK - Neo Geo Pocket / Neo Geo Pocket Color**\
Mednafen\_ngp


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://wiki.retrobat.org/advanced-features/softpatching.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.