Step 1: Get Ryujinx for Linux.

Select the version that meets your needs:

Official Build (v1.1.1403)

The original team’s last stable release.
Download .tar.gz
Download AppImage

GreenDev Fork (v1.2.86)

Community-maintained, with newer fixes and performance enhancements.
Download .tar.gz
Download AppImage

Step 2: Run or Extract the Emulator.

Using “.tar.gz”:

• Open the Terminal

           To extract the archive, use the command: tar -xvzf ryujinx-*.tar.gz -C ~/Emulators/Ryujinx

• Navigate to the folder and run:
  cd ~/Emulators/Ryujinx

./Ryujinx

Using .AppImage:

1. Right-click the.AppImage file, then select Properties > Permissions.
   
2. Enable “Allow executing files as programs.”
   
3. To run Ryujinx, simply double-click the file.
   

You can add a shortcut or menu entry later for easy access.

Step 3: Install Required Dependencies

If you encounter errors during launch, make sure these packages are installed:

sudo apt install -y libgtk-3-0 libopenal1 libsdl2-2.0-0

Also, install the latest.NET Runtime if it is not bundled:

sudo apt install dotnet6

For the Arch-based systems:

sudo pacman -S gtk3 openal sdl2 dotnet-runtime

Step 4: Place the prod.keys File

Before Ryujinx can load any games, it needs production keys from your Switch.

To Install:

1. Launch Ryujinx.
   
2. Go to File > Open Ryujinx Folder.
   
3. Proceed to the system subfolder.
   
4. Paste your prod.keys file here.
   

The structure should look like this:

~/.config/Ryujinx/system/prod.keys

1. Restart Ryujinx to validate the keys.

    

2. If no warning is displayed, the keys are correctly installed.
   

Step 5: Install the Nintendo Switch firmware.

Firmware improves system compatibility and the ability to run newer games.

1. Open Ryujinx.
   
2. Click Tools > Firmware > Install from XCI/ZIP.
   
3. Select the firmware.zip or untrimmed.XCI file.
   
4. Click Open and then Yes to confirm installation.
   
5. A success message will confirm that the firmware was installed.
   
6. Look at the bottom-right corner of the main window to verify the firmware version.
   

Make sure your prod. keys match or exceed the firmware version.

Step 6: Add Game Directory

View and launch your games:

1. Navigate to Options > Settings > General.
   
2. Click Add under Game Directories.
   
3. Select the folder that contains your.XCI,.NSP, or.NRO files.
   
4. Save changes.
   
5. Games will now appear in the Ryujinx main interface.
   

Step 7: Configure Graphics and Controller Settings

Graphics:

• Backend: Vulkan (recommended); fallback to OpenGL.
  
• Resolution scaling: 1x (native), 2x-3x for high definition.
  
• Enable Shader Cache.
  
• Adjust VSync and Anisotropic Filtering as needed.
  

Controller:

• Go to Settings > Input.
  
• Connect your controller via USB or bluetooth.
  
• Select the device, map the buttons, and save the profile.
  

The majority of common gamepads (Xbox, DualShock, Switch Pro) are natively supported on Linux.