CITRA EMULATOR

Citra | 3DS Emulator

Citra Emulator is a free, open-source emulator designed for the Nintendo 3DS, compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android devices.

This emulator allows users to enjoy 3DS games on various platforms, offering enhanced graphics and higher resolutions compared to the original console.

In addition to game compatibility, Citra provides advanced features like save states and network play, delivering an upgraded gaming experience that surpasses the limitations of the original hardware.

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ABOUT CITRA EMULATOR

ORIGINS & DEVELOPMENTS

Nintendo 3DS-XL

Citra Emulator started back in 2014, created by a developer known as “bunnei.” Its original name, “Project Citrus,” comes from the 3DS model code “CTR.” When it was first released, it was in its early stages but quickly attracted a community of developers who wanted to improve 3DS emulation.

The project is open-source, meaning its code is free for anyone to use, share, or modify as long as they follow the rules of the GNU General Public License (GPL). Over time, many developers contributed to making Citra better.

In March 2024, things took a turn when Nintendo of America filed a lawsuit, leading to the official website (citra-emu.org) being shut down and a $2.4 million settlement. Nintendo also announced that Yuzu and its support for Citra would no longer continue, which was a big blow to the project.

Even with this setback, Citra Emulator is still the most reliable 3DS emulator, and people can use it to play 3DS games. Meanwhile, new versions like pabloMK7’s Citra and Lime3DS are being developed to keep 3DS emulation alive.

This website (citra-emulator.pro) exists to preserve the project’s history and is not officially linked to Nintendo or the original Citra team.

FEATURES

WHY CITRA EMULATOR

High Compatibility

Citra Emulator supports a wide variety of 3DS games, from blockbuster titles to indie gems. Its extensive compatibility ensures that players can enjoy a full range of 3DS gaming experiences.

Enhanced Graphics

One of Citra’s most impressive features is its ability to improve game visuals. By upscaling to higher resolutions, Citra makes 3DS games look sharper and more vibrant on HD screens, offering a visually stunning experience.

Performance Optimization

Citra allows users to customize settings for the best performance on their device. Whether you have a powerful gaming PC or a basic laptop, the citra emulator can be adjusted to deliver smooth gameplay.

Network Multiplayer

With built-in support for online multiplayer, Citra lets you play with friends or gamers around the world. This feature adds a new level of excitement to multiplayer games, originally limited to local play.

Save States

Citra Emulator includes a save state feature, letting you save your progress at any point. This makes it easier to tackle challenging levels and enjoy games without worrying about losing progress.

Easy-to-Use Interface

Citra is designed with simplicity in mind, offering a straightforward interface that makes loading games, adjusting settings, and accessing features quick and hassle-free.

SCREENSHOTS

See Citra Emulator in Action!

citra playing pokemon x
citra setting
citra pokemon x
citra games
citra all game
citra game search
citra multiplayer
citra tools tab
citra view tab
citra controls
citra emulation tab
citra file tab
citra: playing legend of zelda
citra playing pokemon y

CITRA EMULATOR FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Citra Emulator Legal?

Yes, using Citra is completely legal. However, you should only play games that you legally own. Downloading or sharing copyrighted ROMs is illegal.

As of March 2024, the official Citra repository has been taken down, and the original developers are no longer providing updates. Any future progress will rely on new maintainers or forks of the project.
Citra supports a large library of 3DS games, but not all titles work perfectly. To see if a specific game is compatible, refer to the compatibility list on the Citra website or community resources.
Citra is designed to work on a variety of systems, but for the best performance, a modern PC with a dedicated graphics card is recommended.
You must own the games you want to play on Citra. You can dump your 3DS games from your console and use them with the emulator.
Citra only works with decrypted ROM files. If your game is encrypted, you’ll need to use tools like Batch CIA 3DS Decryptor to decrypt it before playing.
Yes, you can import your save files from your 3DS console to Citra, allowing you to pick up where you left off in your favorite games.