Ryujinx | Nintendo Switch Emulator

Ryujinx is an open-source Nintendo Switch emulator for Windows, Mac and Linux devices.

This emulator aims at providing excellent accuracy and performance, a user-friendly interface, and consistent builds.

Switch Emulator

Ryujinx is an open source Nintendo Switch Emulator written in C#.

Multi Platform

It is written with portability in mind, with builds available for Windows, Linux and MacOS.

About

Origins and Developments

Ryujinx was first released in 2018 by a developer known as gdkchan, an experienced programmer with a passion for emulation. Written in C#, Ryujinx quickly gained attention for its focus on accuracy and ease of use. The project’s name – pronounced Ree-You-Jinx – is based on the name “Ryujin”, a mythical sea-god/dragon. The NX part of the name however, is from the Codename of the Switch itself.

gdkchan’s goal was to create an emulator that could faithfully replicate the Nintendo Switch’s performance on multiple platforms, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Over the years, Ryujinx saw steady improvements that made it one of the most popular Switch emulators. Multicore CPU support, resolution scaling, and the implementation of the Vulkan backend in 2021 significantly improved performance, allowing games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey to run smoothly, often surpassing the console’s native capabilities. Ryujinx also featured support for local wireless multiplayer, save states, and even cheat functionalities, making it a versatile and reliable tool for gamers.

As of 2024, Ryujinx had reached a state of maturity where it could run the majority of Switch games with excellent compatibility and performance. However, on October 1, 2024, development ceased after gdkchan was approached by Nintendo with a legal agreement. This agreement required gdkchan to stop development and remove all related assets, including the project’s GitHub repositories and official downloads. The sudden end of Ryujinx development followed a pattern of Nintendo’s aggressive legal actions against emulation projects, much like its earlier actions against Yuzu.

This website, ryujinx-emulator.com, has been created for archiving and preservation purposes. It serves to document the history and impact of Ryujinx and is not affiliated with Nintendo or the official Ryujinx development team.

Features

Why Ryujinx?

With over 3,400 playable titles, Ryujinx remains the best Nintendo Switch emulator currently available. Thanks to continuous improvements and new features, it offers users an optimized and immersive gaming experience, ensuring reliable performance across a wide range of games.

Just see its capabilities yourself!

Cross-Platform Support

Ryujinx is available on Windows, Linux, and macOS, making it accessible to users across different operating systems. This flexibility allows a wide range of users to enjoy Switch games on their preferred platform without being limited by operating system constraints.

Multicore CPU Support

One of Ryujinx's most significant improvements was the introduction of multicore CPU support. This feature allows the emulator to leverage multiple CPU cores for more efficient processing, significantly boosting performance in demanding games. It enables smoother gameplay and higher frame rates for complex titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Vulkan Backend

Ryujinx introduced the Vulkan backend in 2021, improving rendering performance for users with graphics cards that struggle with the default OpenGL renderer. Vulkan allows for better frame rates and reduced stuttering, particularly in graphically intense games. This backend has been crucial in making the emulator more stable and compatible with various hardware configurations.

Resolution Scaling

This feature allows users to increase the rendering resolution of Nintendo Switch games beyond their original settings (720p or 1080p). With resolution scaling, players can enjoy games at higher resolutions, like 1440p or 4K, enhancing visual clarity and making older games look better on modern displays.

Local Wireless Multiplayer

Ryujinx supports local wireless multiplayer, enabling users to play multiplayer games with others on the same network. This is particularly useful for titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, where local multiplayer is a key part of the experience. Players can enjoy the same connectivity as they would on a real Switch console.

Game Compatibility

Ryujinx boasts impressive game compatibility, running the majority of Nintendo Switch titles. The team consistently worked on updates to ensure that games, including newer releases, could be played without issues. Games like Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Super Mario Odyssey run almost flawlessly on the emulator.

Cheat Support

Ryujinx includes cheat support, allowing users to input cheats to modify their gameplay experience. Whether it's unlocking levels, boosting characters, or giving unlimited items, this feature adds a layer of customization to the user experience that isn't available on the original Switch console.

Save States and Management

The emulator allows users to save their game progress at any point using save states. This is a useful feature for testing or revisiting difficult sections of a game without having to rely on the in-game save system. Ryujinx also offers tools for managing save files, making it easy to transfer saves between devices or back them up.

Mod Support

Ryujinx supports game modding, allowing users to apply modifications to their games, such as graphical overhauls, gameplay tweaks, or custom content. This feature has been popular among users who want to enhance or change their gaming experience beyond what is officially offered.

Free and Open Source

Ryujinx has always been free and open-source, licensed under the permissive MIT License. This ensures that anyone can download, modify, and share the emulator’s code without restriction. The open-source nature guarantees that the emulator will always be accessible, preserving its legacy and availability for future use.

Custom Firmware Support

Ryujinx is compatible with Nintendo Switch custom firmware (CFW), allowing users to run homebrew applications and unofficial software. This is particularly beneficial for developers and hobbyists looking to test their projects on an emulator before deploying them to a real Switch.

Screenshots

See Ryujinx in Action!

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Switch to use this emulator?

Yes, you need a hacked (CFW) Nintendo Switch to dump firmware, prod.keys and games. Learn how-to here.

How well do the games run on this emulator?

With over 3500 games considered playable, you should be able to play most games released before 1 October 2024.

Why use an emulator if I already have a Switch?

To play in 4K/higher resolutions than the Switch.
Allows multiple different controllers to be used.
Smoother/higher FPS with good enough hardware.
Play over the internet without the need to pay a subscription with LDN.
Modding games is faster and easier than on Switch.
Don't need a capture card to stream or record.
Easily use older updates of games you've dumped before if something you want gets patched.
Convenience: you avoid having several consoles plugged in and switching between them to play what you want.
Years down the line, online shops and services will close, and hardware will start breaking down, but emulation and digital dumps won’t; in the future, the console and its games will be preserved digitally thanks to Ryujinx and your game backups that you created in the present, even after the system is long dead and your console has become a paperweight.

I have no idea what I'm doing. How do I Ryujinx?

Follow our setup guide here.

I need more questions answered?

Read our complete FAQ and troubleshooting page.