Editing Texture packs

For when original low-res sprites or ugly muddy pixellated textures don't cut it anymore, there are some emulators which allow for texture replacement - so that you can play your old games with shiny HD/4K textures to go with HD rendering. It's nice to play more of the retro games in the style of Super Mario All-Stars, the Ducktales remaster, or the N64 Zelda remakes.

Only problem: It's not as widely supported among emulators. This may be slowly changing, though. You'll need to get (or make) a texture pack in addition to the ROM. Goes without saying the game logic won't be altered. Also, this doesn't actually change the data inside the ROM proper, making this enhancement emulator-specific.

Currently, 2D sprite replacements are not as popular, so much of what's available among replacement packs are quite bland in the same fashion as Final Fantasy 6's iOS "remake" or RPG Maker stuff, but they're meant to be a proof-of-concept, no more. As of 2018, 2D sprite replacements have improved in quality with the release of several excellent 8-bit to 16-bit packs for NES.

==Sprite Replacement (2D)==
[[File:cvfacelift.gif|thumb|300px|Example of Castlevania 30th Anniversary]]
===NES===
* [[Mesen]] has support for HDNes HD packs and has made several improvements to it. Also includes [https://www.mesen.ca/docs/hdpacks.html#using-the-hd-pack-builder HD Pack Builder] that can be used to create new HD packs. Most newer packs only work on Mesen and not on HDNes.
* [[HDNes]] an emulator that allows you to overlay custom sprites at 4X resolution over in-game NES sprites. These custom sprites are in true color without any of the palette restrictions inherent to the NES (alpha + 3 colors picked from around 50 possible colors). It can also do music replacement.

====Notable sprite replacements packs====
* [https://www.romhacking.net/forum/index.php?topic=30619.0 Bomberman Remastered]
* [https://www.romhacking.net/forum/index.php?topic=28754 Castlevania 1 HD / SD / VK]
* [https://www.romhacking.net/forum/index.php?topic=30538.0 Donkey Kong Jr. Remastered]
* [https://www.romhacking.net/forum/index.php?topic=30581.0 Ice Climber Remastered]
* [https://www.romhacking.net/forum/index.php?topic=28358 Little Nemo Graphic Pack 0.1]
* [https://www.romhacking.net/forum/index.php?topic=25426.msg348677#msg348677 Megaman: Super]
* [https://www.romhacking.net/forum/index.php?topic=26811.0 Metroid HD Pack (V 1.4 Custom Edition)] 
* [https://www.romhacking.net/forum/index.php?topic=26164.0 Ninja Gaiden 1 HD Beta 1.0]
* [https://www.romhacking.net/forum/index.php?topic=26164.0 Ninja Gaiden 2 HD Graphics Pack]
* [https://www.romhacking.net/forum/index.php?topic=26926.0 Shatterhand HD Pack (WIP)]
* [https://www.romhacking.net/forum/index.php?topic=30670 Twin Bee Remastered]
* [http://www.romhacking.net/forum/index.php?topic=31559.0 Zelda: Remastered 1.0]

===Game Boy===
* [[GBE+|GB Enhanced+]] Works just like HDNES, with custom resolutions up to x10. Can be used to colorize monochrome GB games this way when used with x1 sprite replacements. Doesn't have a stable release yet.
* GameOBJ Based on the Unity3d GB Emulator code "UnityGB". It replaces GB graphics with 3D objects and the result is... unique, certainly worth it. Video [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z93-U6RRHd0 here] and [http://youtu.be/um3W3BWuY5I here].

===Sega Master System===
* [[HiSMS]] - Master System emulator with sprite replacement in HD resolutions.

==Texture Replacement (3D)==

===Nintendo 3DS (Citra)===
*WIP

====Notable HD texture packs====
*Henriko Magnifico (multiple games) [https://www.henrikomagnifico.com/texture-packs Link]
*The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds: [https://www.henrikomagnifico.com/zelda-a-link-between-worlds-4k Link]
*Super Mario 3D Land: [https://www.henrikomagnifico.com/super-mario-3d-land-hd Textures]

Dedicated forum: [https://www.reddit.com/r/Citra/comments/g1hiyg/list_of_hd_texture_packs/ Link]

Citra Community Posts: [https://community.citra-emu.org/c/media/13/l/top Link]

===Nintendo 64===
* [[Project64]] - You will need a plugin such as Glide64, Rice, or GLideN64 to replace textures. GLideN64 is the only plugin that can do [[Widescreen_Hack|widescreen hacks]] and custom textures at the same time, though it has a high system requirement.
* [[Mupen64Plus]] (standalone PC version) - Both Glide64 (and GLideN64) and Rice plugins support texture replacements, though not enabled by default. To enable the custom textures, change "LoadHiResTextures" to true and "ghq_hirs" to 1 in your mupen64plus.cfg. Note that the custom texture related features are removed from RetroArch port of Mupen64Plus. Custom Texture folder location:
: Windows XP and older: <pre>C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Application Data\Mupen64Plus\hires_texture</pre>
: Windows Vista and newer: <pre>C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Mupen64Plus\hires_texture</pre>
: Mac, Linux, and others: <pre>~/.local/share/mupen64plus/hires_texture</pre>

* [[Mupen64Plus|Mupen64Plus AE]] - This Android fork of Mupen64 also have texture replacement, but only on Rice plugin. The setting file does have "ghq_hirs" for Glide64, but changing it to 1 has no noticeable effect. Custom Texture folder location:
: Google Play Free Version: <pre>/sdcard/Android/data/paulscode.android.mupen64plus.free/data/hires_texture/</pre>
: Google Play Donate Version: <pre>/sdcard/Android/data/paulscode.android.mupen64plus/data/hires_texture</pre>

====Notable texture packs====
* Zelda Ocarina of Time: [http://www.emutalk.net/threads/55307-Zelda-Ocarina-of-time-Community-Retexture-Project-V7 Community Retexture Project V7],  [http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?0u3dd122055vbb8 Cel-Shaded]
* Zelda Majora's Mask: [http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?fihaaawe7a70asj Cel-Shaded], [http://herbalcell.com/blog/nintendo-64#texture-packs Realistic]

Dedicated forum: [http://www.emutalk.net/forums/134-Completed-Projects Link].

===GameCube/Wii===
[[File:WW_HD_HUD_Kilt.png|thumb|352px|Example of WW HD UI]]
* [[Dolphin]] has a game-specific directory somewhere under "Documents\Dolphin Emulator\Load\Textures" with your game's ID (check the ISO properties to what it is) where you can put your custom sprites. Under "Graphics", go to the "Advanced" tab and enable "Load Custom Texture", then set "Texture Cache Accuracy" to "Safe". While running, it will replace that texture when the game loads it with the image files under that directory. Texture packs for Dolphin come as tons of image files to put in that directory. 

====Notable texture packs====
* Animal Crossing HD: [https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-animal-crossing-hd-texture-pack-october-7th-2018 Textures]
* Zelda Wind Waker HD: [https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-hypatia-s-tloz-the-wind-waker-hd-pack-v2-0001a Textures]
* Zelda Twilight Princess HD: [https://www.henrikomagnifico.com/zelda-twilight-princess-4k Textures]
* Super Mario Sunshine: [http://www.mediafire.com/?3ad1bt71s2u0222 HUD], [http://www.mediafire.com/?ad9g6496dm22p20 Textures]
* Xenoblade HD
* Tales of Graces Wii
* Resident Evil 4 Wii HD [https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-resident-evil-4-wii-edition-high-res-textures?page=7 Textures] Notice is Pg7, the original OP's links are not available, but a kind soul reuploaded them in 1 single pack, also, if you know a texture pack exists, don't just write the name of the game to send a lurker into a confusing search, especially for a game like RE4 which seems to have like 3 texture packs, 1 for PC, 1 for Wii except the links where dead and the other I don't remember. Feel free to edit this rant but don't ignore its content.
* No More Heroes 2: [https://mega.co.nz/#!HZFWhTSD!KX-dwkvKb6IQ8sL4syDUBGZd0xkxkpnFGgi3G5pwNV8 PS3/360 Button Replacement]
* Paper Mario TTYD HD: [https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-paper-mario-ttyd-hd-texture-pack-v1-9-april-1st-2020]

Dedicated forum: [http://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Forum-hd-texture-projects Link].

===Nintendo Switch===
* [[Ryujinx]] has a LayeredFS mod system which is found under "Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Ryujinx\mods\contents\" followed by the game's ID. This folder can be accessed directly by right-clicking the game title and selecting "Open Mods Directory". Texture packs can be placed in this folder.
* [[Yuzu]] has a very similar LayeredFS mod system which is found under "Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\yuzu\load".

====Notable HD texture packs====
* [https://www.hdpacks.com/ The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom]
* [https://www.hdpacks.com/ The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild]
* [https://www.hdpacks.com/ Super Mario Odyssey]
* [https://www.hdpacks.com/ Pokémon Scarlet & Violet]

===Dreamcast===

====Notable HD texture packs====
* [https://www.reddit.com/r/Flycast_texture_packs/comments/fzo0rw/crazy_taxi_1_dreamcastupdated_1242020_size_170mb/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=2&utm_term=1 Crazy Taxi]
* [https://www.reddit.com/r/Flycast_texture_packs/comments/ext3mq/mortal_kombat_4_gold_texture_pack/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=2&utm_term=1 Mortal Kombat Gold]
* [https://www.reddit.com/r/Flycast_texture_packs/comments/fzngx8/power_stone_1_dreamcastupdated_1242020_size_400mb/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=2&utm_term=1 Power Stone]
* [https://www.reddit.com/r/Flycast_texture_packs/comments/fzx2tx/soul_calibur_1_dreamcastupdated_1242020_size_980mb/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=2&utm_term=1 SoulCalibur]

===PlayStation===

====Notable HD texture packs====
*[https://www.chronocompendium.com/wiki/index.php/Chrono_Cross_HD_Installation_Guide Chrono Cross HD]

*[http://prowrestlingmods.io/file/be6490797a1bc1a086307ead959b7db9 NMCM'S WWE Smackdown: Shock Value]

*WIP

===PlayStation 2===
Dedicated forum: [https://gbatemp.net/forums/pcsx2-hd-texture-pack-group.549/ PCSX2 HD texture pack group] (This group is to collect HD texture packs for the PCSX2 emulator, since there's no centralized location for them right now.)

====Notable HD texture packs====
* [https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/5wlpy6gcfd1v033/Devil_May_Cry.7z/file Devil May Cry]
* [https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/gzmjt15tze2479m/God_of_War.7z/file God of War]
* [https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/ukeutvx6m05nnfy/God_of_War_2.7z/file God of War II]
* [https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/9rbw1vo21zhmdk5/Grand_Theft_Auto_3.7z/file Grand Theft Auto III]
* [https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/7lcwuhq3u8qp8gb/Grand_Theft_Auto_Vice_City.7z/file Grand Theft Auto: Vice City]
* [https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/wf51nw4wr82f7fk/Grand_Theft_Auto_San_Andreas.7z/file Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]
* [https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/v6rnlgixszb1ycx/Metal_Gear_Solid_2_Substance.7z/file Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance]
* [https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/93rjumihrfk47t5/Ratchet_%2526_Clank.7z/file Ratchet & Clank]
* [https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/esy4u2t7qzpod77/Shadow_of_the_Colossus.7z/file Shadow of the Colossus]
* [https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/t7nrnqi11g5k161/Sly_Cooper.7z/file Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus]
* [https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/l8ulq3sqr7v3a8z/SOCOM.7z/file SOCOM U.S. NAVY SEALs]
* [https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/faoltmhvnh6o61p/SOCOM_II.7z/file SOCOM U.S. NAVY SEALs II]
* [https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/mfuh8oyquuyxx08/SOCOM_III.7z/file SOCOM U.S. NAVY SEALs III]
* [https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/w75u4xehhamehh6/Tony_Hawk%2527s_Underground_2.7z/file Tony Hawk's Underground 2]

===PlayStation Portable===
* [[PPSSPP]] has a game-specific directory under "user\Documents\PPSSPP\PSP\TEXTURES" with your game's ID (check the ISO properties to what it is) where you can install texture packs. Under "Tools", go to the "Developer Tools" and enable "Replace Textures". PPSSPP Texture packs consist of textures in .png format, and a textures.ini file.

====Notable HD texture packs====
* [https://superostrich.xyz Ace Combat X & Ace Combat Joint Assault]
* [https://gbatemp.net/threads/ao-no-kiseki-ppsspp-hd-texture-pack.484790/ Ao no Kiseki]
* [https://forums.ppsspp.org/showthread.php?tid=24126 Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix]
* [https://github.com/David-vz/MonsterHunterPortable3rdHDRemake Monster Hunter Portable 3rd]
* [https://forums.ppsspp.org/showthread.php?tid=26691 Persona]
* [https://forums.ppsspp.org/showthread.php?tid=23509 Persona 3 Portable] 
* [https://forums.ppsspp.org/showthread.php?tid=25052 Ridge Racer 2]
* [https://github.com/Ullr8/I.Q-Mania-Revived/releases I.Q Mania]

Dedicated forum: [https://forums.ppsspp.org/forumdisplay.php?fid=36 Link]

==External Links==
* [https://www.reddit.com/r/texturepacks r/TexturePacks] - A subreddit for sharing texture packs.
* [https://www.reddit.com/r/GameUpscale/ r/GameUpscale] - A subreddit for improving older games using machine learning technique.
* [http://6bit.net/shonumi/2013/07/18/emulating-game-boy-games-with-customcolorized-sprites/ An article] by the GB Enhanced+ dev about the technical aspects of replacing 2D graphics.
* [https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/User:Akven/List_of_games_with_AI_upscaled_textures Akven/List of games with AI upscaled textures] List of games with AI upscaled textures.

[[Category:FAQs]]
[[Category:Custom Assets]]