Fan-Built Archive · Nintendo 3DS
Citra Emulator – The Open-Source Nintendo 3DS Emulator
Citra is a free, open-source Nintendo 3DS emulator that lets you play your favorite 3DS games on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. Written in C++, it was the first emulator to bring stable 3DS gameplay to PC and mobile, opening the door to higher resolutions, sharper visuals, and features the original handheld never had.
This fan-built archive exists to preserve Citra’s legacy. We are not affiliated with Nintendo or the original Citra development team.
About Citra Emu
What Is Citra?
Citra started in 2014 as a passion project by a developer named “bunnei.” The name comes from “CTR,” the internal model code for the Nintendo 3DS. Over the next decade, dozens of volunteer developers turned it into the most complete 3DS emulator ever made.
The project was released under the GNU General Public License v2, which means the source code is open for anyone to study, modify, or build upon.
In March 2024, the official Citra repository was taken down following a legal settlement involving its parent project. Development on the original Citra has stopped, but the open-source code lives on through community forks.
Legacy
Why People Still Love Citra
Citra was the gold standard of 3DS emulation for almost ten years. Here is why fans still install it today:
- Wide game compatibility across most retail 3DS titles
- HD upscaling that makes old games look brand new
- Save states so you can save anywhere, anytime
- Local and online multiplayer through network play
- Custom textures and modding support
- Cross-platform builds for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android
- Free and open-source with no paywalls or ads
Features
Key Features of Citra
Citra was the gold standard of 3DS emulation for almost ten years. Here is why fans still install it today:
Enhanced Graphics
Citra upscales 3DS games far beyond the original 400x240 resolution. You can play in 1080p or even 4K, depending on your hardware.
Performance Settings
The emulator gives you control over CPU, GPU, and audio settings. Older laptops can run lighter titles, while powerful PCs can push every game to its limit.
Save States and Cloud Saves
Pause your game at any moment and pick up right where you left off. You can also import save files from a real 3DS console.
Multiplayer Support
Citra supports network multiplayer for many compatible games. You can host or join public rooms and play with friends online.
Custom Textures and Mods
The community has built high-resolution texture packs that sharpen classic visuals, along with game mods and ROM hacks that breathe new life into older 3DS titles.
Comparison
Citra vs. Modern Forks
After Citra’s shutdown, the community created several forks to keep 3DS emulation alive. Here is how Citra compares to the most popular successors as of 2026.
| Feature | Citra (Original) | Azahar | Mandarine-Neo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status | Discontinued (March 2024) | Actively developed | Actively developed |
| Base code | Original | Merged from Lime3DS + PabloMK7 fork | Based on Mandarine, includes Azahar code |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android |
| HD upscaling | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Online multiplayer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Amiibo support | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Custom GPU drivers (Android) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Updates | None | Frequent | Frequent |
If you are setting up 3DS emulation today, an actively maintained fork is usually the better choice. If you already own a stable Citra build that runs your favorite games well, there is no urgent reason to switch.
Hardware
System Requirements for Citra
Citra runs on a wide range of hardware, but a modern setup gives the smoothest experience.
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10, macOS 10.13, Ubuntu 18.04, Android 8 | Windows 11, macOS 12+, Ubuntu 22.04, Android 12+ |
| CPU | Intel Core i3 (4th gen) or AMD equivalent | Intel Core i5 / Ryzen 5 or newer |
| GPU | OpenGL 3.3 support | Dedicated GPU with Vulkan support |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB or more |
| Storage | 200 MB for emulator | 10 GB+ for games and saves |
Under the Hood
How Citra Works
Citra recreates the behavior of the Nintendo 3DS hardware in software. It mimics the CPU, GPU, audio chip, and input system so 3DS games think they are running on real hardware. Because the emulator runs on more powerful machines, it can stretch the graphics, smooth frame rates, and add modern conveniences that the original console never offered.
You will need a legally dumped ROM from a 3DS console you own. Citra supports decrypted .3ds and .cia files. The emulator itself does not include any copyrighted Nintendo files.
Legality
Is Citra Safe and Legal?
Yes, Citra itself is legal. Emulation software is protected under fair use in most countries. The legal gray area is the game files. You can only use ROMs that you have dumped from your own physical 3DS or 3DS games you own.
Downloading ROMs you do not own is piracy and violates copyright law. This fan site does not host or link to copyrighted ROMs.
Getting Started With Citra
Here is the basic flow for setting up Citra:
01
Download the Citra installer or archive from a trusted source
02
Install the emulator on your PC or Android device
03
Dump your 3DS games using a hacked 3DS console
04
Place your game files in a folder that Citra can access
05
Open Citra, point it to your games folder, and click to play
06
Configure your controller, graphics, and audio settings
For first-timers, the default settings work well. You can tweak them later as you learn what your hardware can handle.
Download
Download & Next Steps
If you’re ready to start using Citra, the next step is simple: choose a trusted build and set up your emulator.
For most users, the goal is to get into gameplay with minimal setup quickly. The default configuration is already optimized for general use, so you can start playing almost immediately after installation.
If you want a smoother experience, it’s recommended to use a stable, well-maintained build and keep your graphics drivers updated. Developers who prefer to compile the emulator themselves can work through the Windows build instructions or the macOS build guide, while Linux users can follow the step-by-step Linux compilation guide to create their own build from source.
You can:
- Install the emulator on your device
- Add your legally dumped game files
- Launch your first game within minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yuzu still available to download?
No. The original Citra project was shut down in March 2024. The final official build is the last one you will get. Active development has moved to community forks like Azahar.
Is it legal to use Citra?
Yes, using the emulator is legal. You are only allowed to play game files you have dumped from 3DS cartridges or games you legally own.
Can Citra play every 3DS game?
Most popular 3DS titles run well, including Pokemon X/Y, Pokemon Sun/Moon, The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, Animal Crossing: New Leaf, and Super Mario 3D Land. A small number of games still have issues like graphical glitches or slowdowns.
Do I need a powerful PC to run Citra?
Not really. A mid-range laptop from the last five years can handle most games at native resolution. For HD upscaling and 60 FPS hacks, a dedicated GPU helps a lot.