Set up an Everdrive on the Super Nintendo
An Everdrive (or SD2SNES) is a cartridge with an SD card reader. You put the games you want to play on the SD card, insert the cartridge into the SNES, and choose which game to start from a menu. No stack of original cartridges needed — everything on one card.
What you need {#what-you-need}
- Everdrive SNES or SD2SNES / FXPAK Pro — the two most popular choices. The SD2SNES supports more special chips (such as SA-1 for Kirby Super Star)
- MicroSD card — minimum 8GB, formatted as FAT32
- Game ROM files — from your own cartridges
The Everdrive is cheaper but doesn't support all special cartridge chips. The SD2SNES / FXPAK Pro supports virtually all SNES games including those with SA-1, SuperFX and other special chips. If you want to play the full library, go for the SD2SNES.
Step by step
1. Format the SD card
Format a MicroSD card as FAT32. On Windows: right-click the card → Format → FAT32.
2. Download the firmware
Download the latest firmware for your Everdrive model from the manufacturer’s website. Unpack the archive.
3. Copy firmware to SD
Copy the firmware files to the root of the SD card (not in a folder).
4. Copy your games
Create a games folder (or use the structure the firmware expects) on the SD card. Copy your ROM files (.smc or .sfc) into it.
5. Insert the SD card in the Everdrive
Slide the MicroSD card into the slot of the Everdrive cartridge.
6. Insert the Everdrive in the SNES and start up
The SNES boots up with the Everdrive menu. Navigate with the controller to the game you want to play and press Start.
Organise your games in folders by genre or alphabet. With a large collection that's much more manageable than one long list. The Everdrive interface supports folders by default.
Save games
The Everdrive saves games on the SD card (as an .srm file). These are automatically created when you exit a game. Back up your SD card regularly.