Citra on Mac: Play 3DS Games on macOS

Yes, Citra runs on Mac. You download it, move it to Applications, allow it past macOS security, then add your games and play. The final Citra build works on both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. For ongoing updates, the maintained version, Azahar, has builds tuned for Apple Silicon. This guide covers download, the security step, setup and performance.

Does Citra work on Mac?

Yes. Citra runs on macOS and plays 3DS games on Mac. It works on Apple Silicon Macs, like the M-series, and on older Intel Macs. Apple Silicon usually runs games very smoothly.

The final Citra build still works today. For fixes and stronger Apple Silicon support, Azahar continues the same code. Both are on our download page.

Which Mac build should you use?

Two paths, based on what you want:

• Final Citra for Mac. A universal build that runs on Apple Silicon and Intel. It works, but it never updates.
• Azahar. The maintained version, with builds tuned for Apple Silicon. Best for M-series Macs and long-term use.

For most Mac users today, Azahar is the smarter pick. We compare them on our Citra vs Azahar page. For a wider view, see our best 3DS emulator guide.

How to download and install Citra on Mac

Follow these steps:

1. Download the Mac build from our download page.
2. Open the .dmg file once it downloads.
3. Drag the Citra app into your Applications folder.
4. Eject the .dmg when the copy finishes.

The app now lives in Applications, ready to open.

How to open Citra past macOS security

macOS blocks apps from outside the App Store by default. This is normal, and Citra is safe. You only need to allow it once.

• Control-click, or right-click, the Citra app, then choose Open.
• In the warning box, click Open again to confirm.
• After this first time, it opens like any other app.

If macOS says the app cannot be opened, go to the Apple menu, then System Settings, then Privacy & Security. Scroll down and click Open Anyway.

If you instead see a message that the app is “damaged,” that is just Apple’s quarantine flag, not real damage. Open Terminal, type xattr -cr with a space after it, drag the Citra app into the window, then press Return. Open the app again and it works.

What you need to run Citra on Mac

Not much:

• A reasonably recent version of macOS.
• An Apple Silicon or Intel Mac.
• Your own 3DS games, saved as .3ds or .cia files.
• Some free storage for your games.

We do not host game files. Our guide shows how to get games the legal way, from a console you own.

How to add your games

Open Citra. The game list starts empty. Open the File menu, or double-click the list, to point Citra at your games folder. Choose the folder that holds your .3ds or .cia files.

Your games then appear in the list. Double-click one to play. You can also use Load File to open a single game right away.

Best settings for Mac

Apple Silicon Macs handle most games with ease. Open Emulation, then Configure, then Graphics. Raise the internal resolution for a sharper image. On an older Intel Mac, keep it lower for a steady frame rate. Leave the hardware graphics options on. For a full, tested setup, see our best settings guide.

Common Mac problems and fixes

The usual ones are quick to solve:

• App will not open: use the Control-click Open method above, or Open Anyway in Privacy & Security.
• App is “damaged”: clear the quarantine flag with the xattr step above.
• Slow on an Intel Mac: lower the internal resolution.
• Black screen: check that the game file is complete and supported.

For more help, see our troubleshooting guide.

Is the Citra download safe on Mac?

The real Citra is safe on macOS. The risk is fake copies from reupload sites, since the official site is gone. Some bundle unwanted software. Only download from a source you trust, and check the SHA-256 value where it is shown. We host a verified build so you can confirm the file is clean.

Frequently asked questions