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Ryujinx Classic
What it is
Ryujinx Classic is a free, open-source Nintendo Switch emulator for Windows, macOS and Linux. The 2026 project aims to revive the original Ryujinx by improving its codebase, adding quality-of-life changes and supporting newer Switch firmware and software. Written in C# and released under the MIT license, it offers OpenGL 4.5+, Vulkan and Metal through MoltenVK, plus resolution scaling, anti-aliasing, scaling filters, anisotropic filtering, aspect-ratio controls and disk shader caching. Input options include keyboard, mouse, touch, JoyCon, nearly all controllers and native motion controls in most cases. Audio output works, but microphone input is not supported. The emulator manages downloadable content and supports romfs, exefs and runtime mods such as cheats. It also provides online multiplayer support. Ryujinx Classic has no automated build yet, so users must compile it themselves. The README recommends at least 8 GiB of RAM and preferably an NVIDIA GPU; lower specifications may cause poor performance or unexpected crashes. Windows, Linux and macOS build instructions are provided, with Linux x64 and ARM64 runtime identifiers available.
For and against
For
- Free and MIT-licensed open-source project
- Supports Windows, macOS and Linux
- Offers OpenGL, Vulkan and Metal graphics
- Supports resolution scaling and shader caching
- Handles DLC, mods and online multiplayer
Against
- No automated build is currently provided
- Microphone input is unsupported
- At least 8 GiB RAM is recommended
- Lower specifications may cause crashes or poor performance
The verdict
Ryujinx Classic provides broad graphics, input and mod features while reviving the original emulator project. Building it yourself and meeting the recommended hardware are important prerequisites.
Who it suits
Ryujinx Classic suits users who want a Nintendo Switch emulator on Windows, macOS or Linux and are comfortable building software themselves. It also fits users seeking graphics customization, controller support and mod management.
On the record
- Audio
- Audio output is fully supported, but audio input through a microphone is not supported.gitlab.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Build availability
- Ryujinx Classic does not yet provide an automated build, so users must build the emulator themselves.gitlab.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Build targets
- Build instructions show Windows win-x64 and allow runtime identifiers such as linux-x64 and linux-arm64; macOS terminal instructions are also provided.gitlab.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Codebase
- The project says it aims to improve the codebase.gitlab.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Compatibility
- As of May 2024, Ryujinx had been tested on approximately 4,300 titles; over 4,100 booted past menus into gameplay, with roughly 3,550 considered playable.gitlab.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Configuration
- Settings such as logging and controller remapping can be changed through the graphical interface or the Config.json file.gitlab.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- CPU emulation
- The ARMeilleure CPU emulator supports most 64-bit ARMv8 instructions and some ARMv7 and older instructions, with partial 32-bit support.gitlab.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Created
- GitLab lists the project creation date as May 04, 2026.gitlab.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- DLC and mods
- The emulator manages downloadable content through its GUI and supports romfs, exefs, and runtime mods such as cheats.gitlab.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Firmware and software
- The project says it aims to add support for newer Nintendo Switch firmware and software.gitlab.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Graphics
- The GPU emulator supports OpenGL 4.5+, Vulkan, and Metal through MoltenVK, with resolution scaling, anti-aliasing, scaling filters including FSR, anisotropic filtering, aspect-ratio adjustment, and disk shader caching.gitlab.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Input
- Input support includes keyboard, mouse, touch, JoyCon, nearly all controllers, and native motion controls in most cases; dual-JoyCon motion requires DS4Windows or BetterJoy.gitlab.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Language
- GitLab lists C# as a project topic.gitlab.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Open source
- The emulator is written in C#, and Ryujinx Classic is available under the MIT license.gitlab.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Performance cache
- Ryujinx includes an optional Profiled Persistent Translation Cache that caches translated functions to reduce game load times after initial launches.gitlab.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Product
- Ryujinx Classic is described as a Nintendo Switch emulator.gitlab.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Project aim
- The project aims to revive the original Ryujinx project.gitlab.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Project topic
- GitLab lists emulator as a project topic.gitlab.com · read 30 Sep 2026
