Best 3DS Emulator: What to Use on PC, Mac, Android and iOS

The best 3DS emulator for most people is Azahar. It is the maintained continuation of Citra, it runs on almost every system, and it keeps getting better. Your best pick can change by device, though. On iPhone, for example, you need a different option. This guide ranks the top choices for PC, Mac, Android and iOS, with an honest look at each.

What is the best 3DS emulator right now?

For most people, it is Azahar. It continues Citra’s own code, runs on Windows, Mac, Linux and Android, and still gets fixes. The right pick can shift by device. On Apple phones you need a different tool. Below are the top options, ranked and explained.

Azahar: the best overall

Azahar is the top pick for nearly everyone. It took Citra’s open code and kept improving it. You get the same games, the same layout, and your saves carry over. On top of that, it still receives fixes and new features.

It runs on Windows, Mac, Linux and Android. Get it from our download page, and see how it stacks up on our Citra vs Azahar page.

Citra: the original, now frozen

Citra is where 3DS emulation grew up. It is still worth using if you want the exact last official build. It plays your games well, but it no longer updates.

For anything it cannot fix, Azahar is the better path. Learn more on our is Citra still working page, or get the final build from our download page.

Folium: the best choice for iPhone and iPad

Neither Citra nor Azahar has an iOS version. On iPhone or iPad, Folium is the practical route. It is a multi-system emulator that includes 3DS support and can be set up on iOS.

If you use Apple mobile devices, this is where to start. On a computer or an Android phone, stick with Azahar instead.

Panda3DS: a promising option built from scratch

Panda3DS is not based on Citra. It is a fresh emulator with its own design, aimed at running on many devices, including low-end hardware. It is exciting and improving quickly.

It is also still experimental, so some games have graphics or audio issues. Choose it if you enjoy testing new software and following development. For a stable daily driver, Azahar is the safer choice.

Older Android forks: Citra MMJ and Lemonade

Before Azahar, Android users leaned on community forks. Citra MMJ was the popular one, with per-game settings. Lemonade was another. Both now sit behind Azahar, which is maintained and runs better. Use these only if you have a specific reason. Our Citra MMJ page covers that older build.

What about Lime3DS and Mikage?

Lime3DS was a strong fork after Citra closed. It later merged into Azahar, so its work lives on there. Mikage is a separate project from a well-known emulator developer. It is still early-stage, and its future is uncertain, so it is not a reliable daily option yet.

Best 3DS emulator by device

Quick picks:

• Windows: Azahar. See our Windows guide.
• Mac: Azahar. See our Mac guide.
• Android: Azahar. See our Android guide.
• iPhone or iPad: Folium.
• Low-end or experimental: Panda3DS.

Compare the main 3DS emulators

How to choose the right one

Pick by three things. First, is it maintained, so problems get fixed. Second, does it run on your device. Third, does it play the games you want.

For most people, all three point to Azahar. For iPhone, they point to Folium. Match the tool to your situation and you will land in the right place.

Frequently asked questions