This article is about how to install Citra 3DS Emulator on a Windows PC. There are lots of emulators for the Nintendo 3DS console for all the available platforms: computers, Macs, Androids, and iOS. However, there are the best emulators that stand out above the rest, like Citra 3DS Emulator PC.
To download, install, and play this Citra 3DS Emulator for Android. First, you will need to ensure that you have removed any Citra emulator that may be installed on your Android device, as this may cause conflict.
Installing the Citra 3DS emulator for PC is an easy, rapid, and reliable process. Even so, I will explain everything you want to know to start enjoying this magnificent Android emulator step by step. First, we must distinguish that it is a different process for Android and computers.
Table of Contents
Features of Citra 3DS Emulator
The Citra 3DS Emulator for Windows comes with a lot of features that we will enjoy after installing the app. It supports HD graphics if you are going to run any game. It will support the Macintosh as well as the Windows operating systems. The main purpose of the Citra 3DS is to replace the hardware, so you would not need to worry about compatibility.
Download Citra 3DS Emulator for Windows
How to download Citra 3DS Emulator and then install Citra Emulator for Android
Download Citra 3DS Emulator Free for Windows and Android
To download the Citra 3DS Emulator Free you have lots of options. To download, you need to decide on which platform you need to use it on: your computer or an Android device. On both platforms, you can run/play Nintendo 3DS games with the Citra Emulator.
If you would like to download the Citra 3DS for Mac x64 or Linux x64, then please click on the other platforms.
Install Citra 3DS Emulator
Open your download folder, and then double-click on the Citra-setup-windows.exe file to install the Citra 3DS Emulator on your PC.
Security warning: click run.
Citra Updater Setup: Click on Settings.
Citra Network settings
Repositories settings.
Install Citra 3DS emulator and click next
Select the installation directory for the Citra app player, and then select Next.
The Citra emulator has two builds (Citra Canary and Citra Nightly).
I am selecting the Citra Canary version; click next.
Accept the Citra 3DS license agreement, and then select Next.
Citra emulator starts menu shortcut options; choose next.
Citra updater setup: now we are ready to install the Citra 3DS emulator. Click install.
Installing the Citra 3DS Emulator.
After completing the Citra setup wizard, click Finish.
Citra Canary 2192
Configure Citra 3DS Emulator Controller
How to Set Up the Citra 3DS Emulator Select the Emulation tab, and then click on Configure.
Citra Configuration Graphics Settings.
Configuring the Citra 3DS controller using the Citra emulator is very easy.
How to update Citra 3DS Emulator
To update the Citra 3DS emulator, click on the help tab and then select Check for Update.
No update has been found; it has already been updated.
Related: Add Games in Citra 3DS Emulator
Follow: Your ROM is Encrypted Error
Related: Uninstall Citra 3DS Emulator Completely
Refer to this article for more details on how to install the Citra Emulator on a PC.
Jamilhttp://jamiltech.com
A Professional Technology Blog Writer | An energetic professional with more than 20+ years of rich experience in Technology, Planning, Designing, Installation, and Networking.
Citra is the world’s most popular, open-source, Nintendo 3DS emulator.
It is written in C++ with portability in mind and builds are actively maintained for Windows, Linux, Android and macOS.
This is Citra Nightly version 2104, which was released on March the 4th, 2024.
This
archive includes Android, Linux, macOS, Windows executables of Citra
Nightly, including the source code for those who want to continue the
project, or for those who want to build from source.
Changelog
tools: Add reset submodules script (#7465)
Co-authored-by: merry <8682882+merryhime@users.noreply.github.com>
Executable
- Windows: To use the Windows executable, download the
«citra-windows-msvc-20240303-0ff3440.zip»/»citra-windows-msys2-20240303-0ff3440.zip» file, extract it with your
program of choice, and execute the «citra.exe» file. - Linux:
To use the Linux executable, either use the AppImage file or build from source. - Steam Deck: To use this
archive on a Steam Deck, switch to desktop, open up a web browser,
download either the source or the AppImage, then either build from source or use the AppImage. Optionally you may be able
register the Citra binary as a non-Steam game. - Android: To run on an Android device, download the APK file, install it using your prefered method of installing APKs, and run Citra. You must have a 64-bit Android device, 32-bit devices do not work.
Building
The Nintendo 3DS has been a beloved handheld gaming console for many years as they offer a wide range of games for
players to enjoy. With the advancement in technology, it is now possible to play 3DS games on your PC using
emulators.
In this article, we will explore the best emulator for 3ds pc in 2024.
Part 1: Overview of the 5 Best 3DS Emulators for PC
| Features | Citra | Yuzu | DeSmuME | RetroArch | NeonDS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows |
| Compatibility | High | Moderate | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Ease of Use | Moderate | Moderate | Easy | Moderate | Easy |
| Customization | Limited | Limited | Limited | Extensive | Limited |
| Updates | Regular | Regular | Occasional | Regular | N/A |
Part 2: 5 Best 3DS Emulator for PC 2024
If you’re a fan of Nintendo 3DS games but don’t have access to the console, fear not! Emulators are here to save
the
day. In 2024, there are several great 3DS emulators available for PC that allow you to play your favourite games
right
on your computer.
1.Citra — Nintendo 3DS Emulator
First on the list is Citra, one of the most popular 3DS emulators out there. Citra offers high compatibility and
performance, allowing you to play a wide range of 3DS games on your PC smoothly. With regular updates and
improvements, this best 3ds emulator for pc continues to be a top choice for many gamers looking to experience their
favourite 3DS titles on their computer.
Features
- Citra is known for its high compatibility with a wide range of Nintendo 3DS games
- Citra offers good performance, with regular updates and optimizations to ensure smooth gameplay, even on
lower-end
PC hardware. - Users can customize graphics settings, controls, and other features to tailor their gaming experience to their
preferences
2. Yuzu
Yuzu is listed among the top contenders in the world of 3DS emulation. Yuzu boasts great performance and
compatibility, along with a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to use. With support for a wide range of 3DS
games, Yuzu is a solid choice for anyone looking to play their favourite titles on their PC.
Features:
- Yuzu continues to make strides in improving graphical fidelity
- Yuzu supports local wireless multiplayer for certain games
- Yuzu has made significant progress in stability and compatibility
3. DeSmuME
DeSmuME is another fantastic option for those looking for a nintendo 3ds emulator for pc. While it may not have the
same level of performance as Citra or Yuzu, DeSmuME is still a great choice for playing 3DS games on your computer.
With a range of settings and options to customize your gaming experience, DeSmuME offers a versatile and reliable
emulation solution.
Features
- DeSmuME is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux
- DeSmuME allows users to save their progress at any point in the game and resume from that exact spot later on
- The emulator supports cheat codes
4. RetroArch
RetroArch is another popular choice for those looking to play 3DS games on their PC. Known for its wide range of
supported platforms and systems, RetroArch offers a robust emulation experience for 3DS games. With easy-to-use
controls and settings, RetroArch makes it simple to get started with playing your favourite 3DS titles on your
computer.
Features
- RetroArch is a frontend that supports multiple emulators, including DeSmuME for Nintendo DS games
- RetroArch features netplay functionality
- RetroArch offers extensive shader support
5. NeonDS
Last but not least, NeonDS rounds out this list of the top 5 best 3DS emulators for PC in 2024. While it may not be
as well-known as some of the other emulators on our list, NeonDS is still a solid choice for playing 3DS games on
your
computer. With a simple and intuitive interface, this 3ds emulator download for pc is easy to use and offers decent
performance for a wide range of 3DS titles.
Features
- NeonDS is known for its speed and efficiency
- NeonDS has a straightforward user interface
- While not as extensive as some other emulators, NeonDS has good compatibility with many Nintendo DS games
Part 3: What Is a 3DS Emulator?
A 3DS emulator is a software program that acts like a Nintendo 3DS, a handheld gaming device. This emulator lets
people play Nintendo 3DS games on other devices like Windows, macOS, Linux, and even Android phones. Emulators work
by
copying the 3DS’s graphics, controls, and processing.
The main benefit of using the best nintendo 3ds emulator for pc is that it makes games more accessible. People who
don’t own a Nintendo 3DS can still enjoy its games. Emulators also offer extra features, like better graphics,
customizable controls, and save states. However, while emulators are legal, downloading game files without owning
the
original game is illegal and considered piracy.
Extra Tip: Best Way to Record 3DS Games [HitPaw Edimakor]
HitPaw Edimakor stands out as the ultimate solution for recording Nintendo 3DS gameplay. With intuitive controls
and
versatile settings, effortlessly captures your gaming adventures in high quality. You can seamlessly use free 3ds
emulator for pc, connect your 3DS to your computer, select your desired recording area, and preserve every moment
with
ease.
How to Use?
Step 1: Open HitPaw Edimakor
Launch the HitPaw Edimakor application on your computer. Locate the software in your applications folder or desktop
shortcuts and double-click to open it. Wait for the program to load and display its main interface.
Step 2: Choose Game Recording
In the main interface, navigate to the menu or toolbar options and select the Game option from the Recording
feature.
This action will enable specific settings tailored for recording gameplay sessions.
Step 3: Connect 3DS
To capture your Nintendo 3DS gameplay, you need to establish a connection between your 3DS console and your
computer.
This typically requires a compatible capture card or device.
Step 4: Start Recording
After configuring the settings and selecting the recording area, you’re ready to start recording your 3DS gameplay.
Click the Start Recording button or use the designated hotkey to initiate the recording process.
Step 5: Edit Recording
Once you’ve finished recording your gameplay session, you may want to edit the captured video to enhance its
quality
or remove any unwanted segments. HitPaw Edimakor provides various editing tools and features for this purpose.
Step 6: Export Recording
After completing the editing process, it’s time to export your recorded gameplay video. Navigate to the export
options within HitPaw Edimakor and specify the desired output settings such as file format, resolution, and quality.
Final Words
In 2024, the top 5 3DS emulators for PC that are mentioned above, offer diverse options for gamers. Each presents
unique features, compatibility levels, and user experiences that simplify how to download 3ds emulator for pc. If
you
want to record your 3DS game then HitPaw Edimakor is the
perfect tool
for you.
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Nintendo 3DS emulators for PC are a great way to play your favorite handheld console games on a larger screen with improved features.
In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss some of the best Nintendo 3D emulators for PC and delve into their features and performance to help you make an informed decision.
What features should you look for in an emulator?
- Compatibility – Make sure you choose an emulator that supports a wide range of Nintendo 3DS games.
- Performance, graphics, and resolution – Ensure the emulator comes with high-resolution graphics options for visual enhancements and offers good performance on your PC.
- Customizable controls – Should allow you to map keys or have support for a wide range of controllers for a personalized gaming experience.
- Developer support and updates – Make sure the emulator is actively supported by developers and should get regular updates to address bugs, and issues.
- Simple interface & multiplayer functionality – Should have a user-friendly & easy-to-navigate interface and support online or local multiplayer features.
What are the best Nintendo 3DS emulators for PC?
Citra emulator – Comes with a lot of features
Citra is the best freeware open-source Nintendo 3DS emulator for Windows computers, which is written in C++ with portability in mind.
It also works on macOS, Linux, and Android and can efficiently run homebrew and commercial games.
To run this emulator successfully, you need a computer with Windows 10 (64-bit) or higher, macOS Big Sur or higher, with graphics hardware OpenGL 4.3, or Vulkan 1.1.
It works with 100% efficiency, supports high-resolution rendering, and you can play at 60fps and 400*200 resolution. The wide range of features includes hardware controller support, save state, and in-built cheat support.
The only downside of this emulator is that it uses decrypted ROMs, therefore you can’t use the backups in 3DS or 3DZ format.
More features of Citra
- Easy to use and actively under development
- Has an active & supportive community, including forums and Discord channels
- Provides real-time debugging tools
- Helps you organize the library of 3DS titles
NO$GBA – Even works on older versions of Windows
No$GBA, aka No Cash GBA, is another efficient 3DS emulator that works on Windows 10, XP, and even MS-DOS. You can use it as a Game Boy Advance emulator for Windows.
It comes with a wide range of customization options, including save types and multiple cartridge readings.
This freeware Nintendo DS emulator comes with multiplayer support and can load multiple NDS ROM files for linking games.
It is capable of running both commercial and homebrew Nintendo DS games, like Pokemon Diamond without any glitches in graphics.
The only downside of using this emulator is that it is relatively complex and has a less user-friendly interface.
More features of No$GBA
- Comes with debugging tools that can be valuable for developers or users
- Supports external controllers
- Allows users to save and load game states at any point
- Actively under development and receives regular updates
⇒ Get NO$GBA
RetroArch – Can also be installed on Android phones
RetroArch is an open-source, cross-platform frontend Nintendo 3DS emulator, which can be installed in Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
This emulator for PC is fast, doesn’t hog your system resources, and doesn’t need any additional resources to run. It can run on Windows 7 with Pentium 4, 32 MB RAM, and any compliant OpenGL 2.x.
RetroArch allows you to run classic games on various computers and consoles and has an intuitive user interface.
This emulator has advanced features like shaders, rewinding, machine translation, next-frame response times, and blind accessibility.
However, the availability of excessive options may overwhelm a user and can also be seen as a drawback of this emulator.
More about RetroArch:
- Comes with a Recording/Streaming option via Twitch.tv, YouTube, or Discord
- Easily customizable and has multiple controller support
- Is available for free and is in active development
- Available in popular stores like Google Play, Amazon App, Steam, & Samsung Galaxy Store
⇒ Get RetroArch
- Recent Windows 11 update lets you disable profanity filter in voice typing
- Microsoft wants Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11 or Copilot + PCs
- Windows 11 KB5055627 update makes File Explorer more fluid
R4 3DS Emulator – Comes with a flash card support
R4 3DS Emulator is a freeware open-source emulator for Windows that has no restrictions on usage and provides an authentic 3D experience.
This flashcard emulator can run smoothly on Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11 on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
R4 3DS Emulator can support a variety of controllers and also lets you play with other players in online battles.
With smooth and fast gameplay, this emulator allows you to store game data on the cloud and lets you customize settings and profiles.
The only downside of this emulator is that it can run custom applications, which can, unfortunately, be used for piracy.
More about R4 3DS Emulator:
- Used to play homebrew games
- Can run custom applications
- Provides preview of DS games on R4 3DS Flash Cards
- Simple to use and has a short learning curve
⇒ Get R4 3DS Emulator
3DMOO – Huge catalog of games
3DMOO is a 3DS emulator that lets you play a wide variety of games for the Nintendo 3DS portable console on your PC.
It is an open-source 3DS emulator that can also be installed on Linux and is only used for running simple homebrew games at low speeds.
You can run this software on Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10 & 11, and it uses special algorithms and graphics acceleration to unlock the computing power.
The additional features of the tool let you change the output resolution and other visual parameters to enhance the image quality.
The disadvantage of using this 3DMOO 3DS emulator is that it needs original ROM files to run the console games.
More about 3DMOO:
- Free to use and comes with support for cheat codes
- Can be used as an experimental Nintendo 3DS emulator
- Lets you change graphics settings
- Saves the list of frequently used games
⇒ Get 3DMOO
TronDS – Works best for homebrew
TronDS is a Nintendo 3DS emulator for Windows that is written in C# and can only be used to play run homebrew games.
It is a simple and lightweight emulator that doesn’t take up much space on your hard drive; however, you will have to download the games on your own.
This emulator comes with HLE support of the base 3DS operating system to help support userland applications.
It can be used from a USB stick or external hard drive; therefore, it doesn’t require any prior installation.
The downside of this software is that it can’t run commercial 3DS games yet and has not gotten any updates for a while.
More about TronDS
- Basic framebuffer rendering
- A ARM11 debugger
- ARM9/ARM11 interpreter for the 3DS app core
⇒ Get TronDS
To sum up, these are some of the best Nintendo 3DS emulators available for your Windows computer, and each of them has its own strengths.
Whether you choose a feature-rich Citra or the reliable No$GBA, the goal remains the same, i.e, recreating the magic of Nintendo games on your computer.
Choosing the Nintendo 3DS emulator for your PC depends on your preferences, system specifications, and the gaming experience you want. However, remember to check the official website for an emulator before making an informed decision.
As we are talking about emulators, you should check out our guide on making emulators run faster on Windows PCs.
If you are looking for emulators for other Nintendo versions, like Nintendo Switch emulators, we have a guide for you.
Or in case you are looking for multiple options in a single software, consider using an all-in-one emulator.
Which one is your favorite Nintendo 3DS emulator? Tell us your thoughts and experience using it in the comments section below.
Srishti Sisodia
Windows Software Expert
Srishti Sisodia is an electronics engineer and writer with a passion for technology. She has extensive experience exploring the latest technological advancements and sharing her insights through informative blogs.
Her diverse interests bring a unique perspective to her work, and she approaches everything with commitment, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. That’s why she’s part of Windows Report’s Reviewers team, always willing to share the real-life experience with any software or hardware product. She’s also specialized in Azure, cloud computing, and AI.