If you need to convert a VGZ file to VGM, the process is surprisingly simple. A VGZ file is just a compressed VGM file, so converting it doesn’t involve re-encoding audio or using a specialized converter. All you need to do is extract the compressed file, and you’ll instantly have the original .vgm file with no quality loss.
What Is a VGZ File?
A VGZ file is a gzip compressed VGM (Video Game Music) file.
The VGM format stores the exact commands sent to classic video game sound chips, allowing authentic playback of retro console music. Since VGM files can become fairly large, they’re commonly compressed using Gzip, resulting in the .vgz extension.
This means:
- VGZ = Compressed VGM
- VGM = Original uncompressed file
Because VGZ is simply compressed data, converting it back to VGM is completely lossless.
Why Convert VGZ to VGM?
You may need the uncompressed version for several reasons:
- Better compatibility – Some older VGM players and hardware only support
.vgmfiles. - Editing – Tools that modify or analyze VGM data usually require uncompressed files.
- Development – Homebrew developers often work directly with VGM files.
- Archiving – Some users prefer storing original, uncompressed files.
Method 1: Convert VGZ to VGM Using 7-Zip or WinRAR (Windows)
This is the easiest method.
- Locate your
.vgzfile. - Rename the extension from:
song.vgztosong.vgm.gz - Right-click the file.
- Choose Extract Here using 7-Zip, WinRAR, or your operating system’s archive utility.
- You’ll receive:
song.vgm
Tip: Many recent versions of 7-Zip can open .vgz files directly without renaming them first.
Method 2: Convert Using the Command Line (macOS & Linux)
Open Terminal and run:
cp song.vgz song.vgm.gz
gunzip song.vgm.gz
After extraction, you’ll have:
song.vgm
Method 3: Batch Convert Multiple VGZ Files
If you have an entire soundtrack collection, use:
for f in *.vgz; do
cp "$f" "${f%.vgz}.vgm.gz"
gunzip "${f%.vgz}.vgm.gz"
doneThis converts every.vgzfile in the folder into its corresponding.vgmfile.
Method 4: Play VGZ Without Converting
If your goal is simply listening to the music, conversion may not be necessary.
Many popular VGM players support .vgz files directly, including:
- VGMPlay
- foobar2000 (with the VGM plugin)
- Winamp (using the in_vgm plugin)
These programs automatically decompress the file during playback.
Quick Reference
- One-time conversion: Use 7-Zip or WinRAR. If the file isn’t recognized, rename
.vgzto.vgm.gzbefore extracting. - Command-line conversion: Use the
gunzipcommand on macOS or Linux to decompress the file. - Batch conversion: Run a Bash loop to convert all
.vgzfiles in a folder at once. - Just want to listen? Use VGMPlay, foobar2000 (with the VGM plugin), or Winamp (with the in_vgm plugin). These players can open
.vgzfiles directly, so no conversion is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VGZ different from VGM?
No. A VGZ file is simply a gzip-compressed VGM file.
Does converting VGZ to VGM reduce audio quality?
No. The process is completely lossless because you’re only decompressing the file.
Can Windows open VGZ files?
Yes. Programs like 7-Zip and WinRAR can usually extract VGZ files directly.
Do I need a VGZ to VGM converter?
No. Since VGZ is just compressed VGM data, any tool capable of extracting Gzip archives can perform the conversion.
Can I convert VGM back to VGZ?
Yes. Simply compress the .vgm file using Gzip and rename the resulting file with the .vgz extension.
Final Thoughts
Converting VGZ to VGM is one of the simplest file conversions you’ll encounter because VGZ isn’t a separate audio format it’s simply a compressed VGM file. Whether you use 7-Zip, WinRAR, or the gunzip command, the process takes only a few seconds and preserves the original file perfectly.
