NEXXT studio 3
A downloadable NES graphics tool
NEXXT is an all-in-one studio for making fully NES compatible graphics.
It's a free to use continuation based off Shiru's classic NES Screen Tool (NESST). The original is in of itself responsible for a huge quality jump in the NES homebrew scene when it was first released, thanks to its focus on tile-efficient screen construction and a fast, modifier key based interface.
Having used NESST for years, when it ceased receiving updates, i decided develop the features I always wanted. Fast forward a couple years, NEXXT now has several factors more features, with 220.000 lines of code improving on the original's 14.500.
The tool emulates the rules of the NES PPU (picture processing unit). This has 2 benefits: You can always be sure that anything you create in NEXXT is NES displayable.
It also helps learning how NES graphics works efficiently, & helps provide many insights how to "outsmart" the restrictions. That said, the NES restrictions emulated in NEXXT shouldn't be taken dogmatically as hard limits. Some things can be bent with cartridge hardware or clever programming.
The tool is free & public domain, though coins in the tip jar are appreciated and will help me set more time aside to continue development. Donations can be made on ko-fi, or through patreon if you prefer to support its development continually.
Download
Install instructions
This tool is designed for windows, but reportedly works fine in Wine for Mac / Linux too. It is portable, so simply start it from wherever you like.
Pro tip: It is sometimes very useful to run multiple instances, where you can use one workspace as scratch space and deposit for assets for use in the other.
Development log
- NEXXT 3.3.1 - "seams checker", selection aware sort actions, and more3 days ago
- NEXXT 3.2 released - 'pattern paint', CHR Editor improvements, and more26 days ago
- Small update - NEXXT 3.1.1 released47 days ago
- NEXXT studo 3.1.0 released - minor new features and bugfixes69 days ago
- NEXXT 3.0.1 released - bugfixes77 days ago
- NEXXT 3.0 released91 days ago
- 5th closed beta - overscan guide, fast pan, fixesAug 11, 2024
- 4th beta (hotfixes for things i broke in 3rd)Aug 05, 2024