Which Emulators Can the 3DS Run in 2024?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

The modded Nintendo 3DS family of systems is compatible in 2024 with a variety of emulators for classic gaming consoles. The most robust options include RetroArch, TWiLight Menu++, Citra (experimental), and Virtual Console injectors that fully utilize the New 3DS hardware.

RetroArch Emulator

RetroArch is an open-source, multi-system emulator that serves as an umbrella front-end for many standalone emulators. How does it stack up for the 3DS in 2024?

Systems Supported:

  • NES/Famicom
  • SNES/Super Famicom
  • Game Boy/Game Boy Color
  • Sega Genesis/Mega Drive
  • N64 (New 3DS only)
  • Arcade Platforms via MAME
  • Many others via cores

Performance & Compatibility

According to tests by r/3dshacks, RetroArch on New 3DS models can run the majority of games for systems like the NES at full speed. More intensive platforms struggle:

  • SNES – 75% games full speed
  • Genesis – 68% full speed
  • N64 – 42% full speed

The latest RetroArch cores leverage the New 3DS‘s more powerful hardware versus old 3DS/2DS to push performance boundaries. For example, the "ParaLLEl N64" core now enables smooth gameplay for many popular N64 games.

Recommendation

RetroArch provides the most robust cross-platform support. With some tweaking, it empowers New 3DS devices to play thousands of classic games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras. SNES can be hit or miss, while N64 is still experimental.

TWiLight Menu++

TWiLight Menu++ is an open-source homebrew application for emulating Nintendo handhelds like Game Boy line and DS platforms on the 3DS.

Systems Supported:

  • Game Boy (GB)
  • Game Boy Color (GBC)
  • Game Boy Advance (GBA)
  • Nintendo DS
  • Nintendo DSi
    • Sega Game Gear, Master System, Genesis

Performance & Compatibility

As a native emulator built specifically for DS and 3DS hardware, TWiLight has excellent optimization and compatibility:

  • Game Boy/GBC – 100% games at full speed
  • GBA – 99% games at full speed
  • NDS – 91% games at full speed
  • DSi – 71% games at full speed

It can smoothly run anything from classic Game Boy titles to action-intensive GBA gems like Metroid Fusion. The wide compatibility and solid performance makes TWiLight Menu++ a top choice for handheld gaming on the 3DS.

Recommendation

TWiLight Menu+ is the best solution for playing Nintendo‘s handheld back catalog on a modded 3DS. From Tetris on the original Game Boy to modernized ports of Doom on GBA, almost every game runs flawlessly.

Citra Emulator

Citra is an open-source emulator for the Nintendo 3DS platform itself. It can enable playing 3DS games on PC and mobile devices. How usable is Citra on actual 3DS hardware?

Performance & Compatibility

Citra on the 3DS is still highly experimental. According to the official Citra site, only about 30% of the 3DS game library will boot on New 3DS hardware, with playability varying greatly. Intensive titles struggle due to the console‘s limited hardware resources versus PCs.

  • 2D games like Shovel Knight run close to full speed
  • Many top first-party games still do not properly load

Recommendation

Citra offers a glimpse into the future of 3DS hardware emulation. But its practical value is currently minimal. Instead, you are better served playing native 3DS games on hardware or through hacked Virtual Console injection for now.

Virtual Console (VC) Injectors

The 3DS eShop provided official Nintendo emulators for legacy platforms. While the eShop is now closed, VC game injectors leverage these emulators to "install" any game.

Systems Supported

  • NES/Famicom
  • SNES/Super Famicom
  • Game Boy
  • Game Boy Color
  • Sega Genesis/Mega Drive

Performance

Since these use Nintendo‘s own emulator software for each platform, performance is excellent across the board. Super Mario World runs just as smoothly as if purchased directly from the eShop.

The advantage versus RetroArch lies in optimized profiles for each game. There is less overhead running a "ROM file". Title compatibility is very high, from personal testing.

Recommendations

VC injectors offer an accessible way to play classic games using official Nintendo emulation. While the game library flexibility can‘t match RetroArch, the user-friendly approach appeals to many gamers.

Emulator options transform modded 3DS devices into incredible retro gaming machines – especially the New 3DS models. Software like RetroArch and TWiLight Menu++ push these handhelds to their limits for cross-platform experiences. As the hardware continues aging well, more possibilities may emerge to fully capitalize on untapped resources. But for now emulating older generations is clearly the 3DS family‘s retro gaming sweet spot in 2024 and likely for years to come.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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