Sign in Subscribe

3DS on Android/PC

Run 3DS games on Android or PC with Citra. Dump system files, add decrypted games, and apply fast settings.

3DS on Android/PC

Nintendo 3DS on Android & PC — Citra (and Successors)

Install, add games, dump needed system files, and tune performance for modern handhelds and PCs.

1) Project Status (Citra & Forks)

Citra was the leading 3DS emulator for years, including Android builds. In March 2024, after the Yuzu settlement with Nintendo, Citra’s official distribution was taken offline. Community forks emerged; two notable efforts later merged into Azahar, positioned as a continued development path. Lime3DS has been discontinued and points users to Azahar.

  • Background: Citra taken offline alongside the Yuzu settlement.
  • Dumping & general docs remain mirrored on community sites (see below).
  • Successor: Azahar (merge of PabloMK7 fork + Lime3DS).
  • Lime3DS is archived/discontinued; directs to Azahar.

2) Where to Download (PC & Android)

  • Official Citra site (historical reference): general info & Android page snapshots. Verify integrity—do not use shady “Citra + BIOS” bundles.
  • Azahar: active successor project based on Citra (PC & Android builds via their site/GitHub).

3) First-Time Setup

  1. Install a current build (Citra legacy or Azahar successor) for your platform.
  2. Launch and set your game directories (Paths).
  3. On Android, grant storage permissions and point to your ROMs folder.
  4. Skip game scanning until your system archives/fonts are in place for best compatibility.

4) Dump Required System Archives & Fonts

Some titles (e.g., Pokémon) require system archives and shared fonts dumped from your own 3DS. Follow the official Citra wiki instructions, then copy the dumped files into the emulator’s expected folders.

  • Guide: Dumping System Archives and Shared Fonts.
  • General wiki index for saves/DLC/system data dumping.

5) Add Games (3DS/CIA) & Keys

  • Use decrypted game files for the least hassle. Encrypted images require keys.
  • Citra can run encrypted content if you provide aes_keys.txt dumped from your own console; community FAQ notes how keys are used.
  • Always dump from hardware you own; do not download commercial ROMs. (Avoid shady “ROM sites” posing as Citra mirrors.)

6) Sane Defaults & Performance Tips

Graphics

  • Renderer: Start with Vulkan (if available), otherwise OpenGL.
  • Internal Resolution: 2× then scale up to taste.
  • Frame Pacing: Keep VSync off initially to reduce input lag.

CPU Emulation

  • Keep default accuracy first; only try speed-hack toggles if a game demands it.

Per-Game Overrides

  • Use global conservative defaults; override settings only for problem titles.

7) Troubleshooting

Games crash or show odd fonts
Re-check your system archives & shared fonts dump and location.
Encrypted backups won’t boot
Use decrypted dumps, or provide your legally dumped AES keys as described in community FAQ.
What about Lime3DS?
Lime3DS has been discontinued and points to Azahar as the ongoing fork.