Super ZSNES adds RetroAchievements and OBC1 support in its latest update
The modern GPU-powered SNES emulator from the original ZSNES creators now supports RetroAchievements and the obscure OBC1 coprocessor.
The developers behind Super ZSNES have released version 0.320b, bringing initial RetroAchievements support and OBC1 chip compatibility to the GPU-accelerated Super Nintendo emulator. Original creators zsKnight and _Demo_ dropped the update on Friday, adding new audio enhancement packs and tweaking the mobile control layout for the iOS and Android ports.
The original DOS-based ZSNES launched in 1997 and relied on hand-coded x86 assembly to run Super Nintendo games at full speed on Pentium processors. ZsKnight and _Demo_ walked away from that project in 2007, but reunited in April 2026 to launch Super ZSNES. Instead of modifying the old assembly code, they built a new GPU-powered emulator from scratch. It keeps the classic blue-and-gray interface and falling snow, but adds a Super Enhancement Engine. This engine allows the emulator to apply high-resolution Mode 7 graphics, widescreen viewports, and 3D height-mapped data to supported games. It also supports overclocking to eliminate the hardware slowdown that plagued action-heavy titles on the original console.
Super ZSNES v0.320 update trailer. (Credit: zsKnight)
One chip for one Super Scope game
The 0.320b update introduces emulation for the OBC1 coprocessor. This is a highly specific hardware addition. Nintendo and Intelligent Systems only ever used the Object Controller 1 chip in a single commercial release: the 1993 Super Scope shooter Metal Combat: Falcon's Revenge. The chip was designed to handle advanced sprite manipulation for the game's massive enemy mechs. The emulator now runs the light-gun sequel without issue.
The update also integrates RetroAchievements. The implementation is in its early stages, displaying achievement popups during gameplay. Hardcore mode is not available yet. The developers plan to enable the strict achievement tracking once they verify the base system is stable across the user base.
Audio packs and mobile layout tweaks
Super ZSNES expanded to iOS back in August 2026 with version 0.300. This week's 0.320b patch does not introduce the mobile ports, but it does adjust the touchscreen button layout on iOS and Android to reduce accidental presses. Playing fast-paced platformers on a glass screen is difficult enough without a cramped interface getting in the way.
The patch brings in new uncompressed audio enhancement packages created by contributor Milon Luxy. The Super Nintendo originally relied on heavily compressed audio samples to fit soundtracks onto small cartridges. The Super Enhancement Engine bypasses this limitation by swapping in studio-quality uncompressed audio. The new audio packs cover Mega Man X, Secret of Mana, and Super Metroid. To support these packs, the emulator now uses Gaussian and cubic interpolation for enhanced audio playback. Disabling visual enhancement textures now automatically disables the custom Star Fox 3D textures as well.
Other quality-of-life adjustments include a load state confirmation popup, a fix for upper memory RAM address Pro Action Replay cheat codes, and a new seasonal falling leaves effect for the main menu. The developers note that the PC version may trigger a false positive in certain antivirus scanners, a common occurrence with emulation software.
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