IPS File Documentation

Overview

Feature Value
File Format IPS (Internal Patch System Patch File)
File Extension .ips
MIME Type application/octet-stream
Used For Patching ROM files
Main Purpose To apply modifications to video game ROMs
Header Must start with "PATCH"
EOF Marker Ends with "EOF"
Maximum File Size 16MB for target file size
Offset Length 3 bytes
Block Length 2 bytes
RLE Compression Supported
RLE Block Length 2 bytes
Patching Direction Forward only
Compatibility Any system with appropriate patching software
Checksum Not inherently supported
Editable With Hex editors, specific IPS patchers
File Origin Commonly associated with retro or classic games
Advantages Simple format, widely supported
Disadvantages Limited to smaller patches, lacks advanced features
Related Formats UPS, BPS