This comprehensive guide is intended to help you make the most of your Ryujinx emulator experience. Whether you are just starting out or looking to improve your setup, you will find step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting tips, and useful features explained here. From installation to advanced configurations, this guide has everything you need to ensure smooth gameplay and performance. Let us dive in and improve your Ryujinx experience!
Learn how to add games, apply updates, and manage DLCs using the Ryujinx emulator.
Ryujinx makes it simple to organize your game library. This guide explains how to add Nintendo Switch games, install update files, and manage downloadable content (DLC) using Ryujinx’s built-in tools.
Before adding games, make sure you have valid Nintendo Switch game dumps in one of the following formats:
These files must be extracted from your own Nintendo Switch console using software such as NXDumpTool..
Note: For legal and performance reasons, always use files downloaded from your personal device.
To add games to your Ryujinx library:
Ryujinx will scan and load all supported files from that directory. Once completed, your games will be displayed in the Ryujinx main window under the game list.
Ryujinx lets you easily install and manage title updates for your games. Updates can include new features, content, or necessary bug fixes.
The updated version of your game will now be reflected in the list.
This built-in tool allows you to switch between update versions at any time.
Ryujinx allows you to add and remove downloadable content (DLC) files from your games for enhanced gameplay.
This gives you complete control over the content you see during your gameplay.
For detailed guides, see the resources listed below:
Ryujinx Supports Amiibo Features Without Physical Figures
Amiibo are collectible figures and cards by Nintendo that feature built-in NFC (Near Field Communication) chips. When scanned on a compatible console, such as the Nintendo Switch, they reveal in-game bonuses, exclusive content, or custom character options.
Ryujinx supports virtual Amiibo scanning, allowing you to enjoy these features without the physical figures. This section explains how to get manual setup or (previously) automatic scanning to work.
Because of changes to Ryujinx’s domain and backend, automatic Amiibo scanning is no longer available. However, manual setup is simple and effective.
Tip: Only Amiibo compatible with your current game will be displayed by default. To see the complete list, select “Show All Amiibo.”
Previously, Ryujinx supported automatic Amiibo scanning while connected to the internet, with no files or downloads required. This feature has since been discontinued.
If you are using an old version or fork that still supports it:
Note: This method depends on deprecated services and is no longer functional on most current builds.
Customize Gameplay with Atmosphere-Compatible Cheats.
Ryujinx supports runtime cheats, which allow players to unlock items, gain invincibility, change game mechanics, or improve quality of life in Nintendo Switch games. These cheats are similar to those used on modded Switch consoles running Atmosphere.
This section explains how Ryujinx handles cheats and how to configure them properly for your games.
Ryujinx natively supports Atmosphere-style cheats, which modify the game’s memory while it is running. These cheats are saved as text files in a directory designated by each game’s Title ID and Build ID.
Ryujinx does not support pausing and resuming like Atmosphere.
Reference: Atmosphere Cheat Format
You can find pre-made Atmosphere-compatible cheats here:
WerWolv / EdiZon Cheats
Each cheat download typically includes a folder structure such as: Cheat_Name/cheats/0123456789ABCDEF.txt, where 0123456789ABCDEF represents the build ID for a specific version of a game.
Cheats are version specific. A cheat created for one version or update will not work with another.
Currently, all cheats are enabled by default, with no in-emulator toggle. To resolve conflicts or disable individual cheats:
ini
CopyEdit
[Start with 99 Lives]
58000000 00CC9860
78000000 0002A1C0
61000000 00000000 00000063
[Time = 999]
58000000 00C88A70
78001000 00000090
64000000 00000000 003E6F00
[Start as Penguin]
58000000 00CC9860
78000000 0002A1C4
61000000 00000000 00000005
To disable the “Time = 999” cheat, remove only that section. The rest will continue to be active.
How to Legally Dump Nintendo Switch Games for Ryujinx?
To play games on Ryujinx, you must legally dump your Nintendo Switch cartridges or digital titles onto a console that you own. This guide explains how to check if your Switch is compatible, install custom firmware (CFW), and use nxdumptool to extract.XCI and.NSP files for use in an emulator.
Before starting, make sure you have:
Not all Switch units work with CFW. Here is how to check:
Only unpatched models are capable of installing custom firmware without requiring hardware modifications.
Atmosphère is a custom firmware that supports homebrew and game dumping. Follow these steps to set it up.
The folder layout should include:
bash
CopyEdit
/atmosphere
/bootloader
/switch
hekate_ctcaer.bin
fusee.bin
config.ini
Once Atmosphère is installed, follow these steps to dump games.
For easier access, add your game folder to Settings > Game Directories.
See the Adding & Managing Games section for details.
Understanding and Resolving the Ryujinx Update Error
If you receive this message while launching Ryujinx:
“Ryujinx has encountered an error. An error has occurred when trying to get release information from GitHub Release. This can be caused if a new release is being compiled by GitHub Actions. Try again in a few minutes.”
You are not alone. This problem is common and was caused by a change in Ryujinx’s update infrastructure. The cause is explained below, as well as how to fix or work around it.
The Ryujinx emulator attempted to contact its now-disabled official GitHub repository, resulting in this GitHub-related error. Ryujinx first checked GitHub Releases for the most recent version.
However, due to legal action taken by Nintendo, the official Ryujinx GitHub repository was removed. As a result, any Ryujinx build that still checks GitHub for updates will encounter an error when attempting to access the update feed.
Although this error may appear when starting the emulator, it has no effect on core emulator functionality unless you are using auto-updates.
If your current Ryujinx version is working properly, you can safely ignore this error. The emulator will continue to function normally; the error only affects automatic update checks and has no impact on game performance, features, or multiplayer.
You can still use all Ryujinx features, including:
The Ryujinx community, including developers like GreemDev, has created updated builds that bypass GitHub-related errors and continue development.
Switch to an updated, GitHub-free version of Ryujinx:
The GreemDev version also includes regular updates, improved stability, and continued support for LDN multiplayer and mod compatibility.
Enhance Visual Quality and Performance in Ryujinx.
Ryujinx has several built-in graphics enhancement features that will improve the visual quality and performance of your Nintendo Switch games. Whether you want sharper textures or smoother gameplay, this section will walk you through the available options and how to configure them.
What it does: Resolution scaling raises the game’s internal rendering resolution above the default. This improves image clarity and reduces pixelation, which is particularly noticeable on high-resolution displays.
Available scaling levels: 1x (native), 2x, 3x, 4x, and custom values.
How To Enable:
Higher scaling improves visuals, but it may have an impact on lower-end systems.
What it does: Anisotropic filtering increases the sharpness of textures when viewed from an angle. It reduces blur and increases the clarity of distant textures.
How To Enable:
Note: This setting may cause visual glitches in some games. Adjust as needed for the title.
Shader caching stores compiled shaders to avoid stuttering and delays during gameplay. Ryujinx reuses cached shaders rather than compiling them again, resulting in significantly improved smoothness.
Key Points:
To disable the Shader Cache (not recommended):
If you encounter shader-related crashes:
What it does: This setting lets you change the game’s display shape. Adjusting the aspect ratio ensures that the game fits perfectly on your screen, with no distortion or black bars.
Common Ratios:
How to Change It:
Option 1:
Option 2:
Option 3:
Set up your controller or keyboard for Ryujinx.
Ryujinx includes a flexible input configuration system that lets you map buttons, customize controls, and even enable motion support for compatible controllers. Whether you are using Joy-Cons, a Pro Controller, DualShock, Xbox, or a keyboard, this guide will get you started.
To access the input settings:
You will see two main options:
Ryujinx supports a variety of input devices, including:
Ryujinx supports multiple profiles and controller slots for each user setup.
Ryujinx offers motion controls through:
You can use external software like BetterJoy, DS4Windows, or Steam Gyro to bridge motion data between your device and Ryujinx.
To enable motion controls in Ryujinx, follow the steps below:
https://ryujinx-emulator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ryujinx-settings-1.png
Play Local Wireless and LAN-Compatible Switch Games Online with Ryujinx.
Ryujinx supports multiplayer emulation via LDN (Local Wireless Network), allowing users to play online games with others using emulated local wireless connectivity. It also supports LAN mode with real Switch consoles running ldn_mitm, which allows for cross-platform local multiplayer.
This section covers how to set up and use LDN mode for both emulator-only and emulator-to-console multiplayer sessions.
Before you set up LDN multiplayer, make sure the following conditions are met.
Ryujinx’s LDN functionality is available in the Network settings.
Click the Apply button to save your settings.
This method is excellent for playing games such as:
When enable:
If you are not sure if your game supports LAN mode, leave it disabled.
Ryujinx Mod Support allows you to customize and enhance games.
Ryujinx supports mods that improve game graphics, change frame rates, difficulty, and add custom textures or content. This guide will walk you through the process of using mods with Ryujinx, whether you want to improve performance or have a different gaming experience.
Ryujinx loads mods using a LayeredFS system, which overlays modded files over the base game during gameplay. Modding support follows Atmosphère’s structure, with improvements for emulator-specific performance and compatibility.
Mods can consist of:
No game files are permanently changed, making the system simple to use and reversible.
mods/
└── contents/
└── <title_id>/
├── <mod_name>/
│ ├── romfs/
│ └── exefs/
@mods/contents/<program id>/<mod dir>/romfs/*
@mods/contents/<program id>/<mod dir>/exefs/*
@mods/exefs_patches/<mod dir>/<build id>.ips
@mods/exefs_patches/<mod dir>/<build id>.pchtxt
@mods/nro_patches/<mod dir>/<build id>.ips
@mods/kip_patches/<mod dir>/<KIP SHA256>.ips
Ryujinx prioritizes loose files over container formats for optimal performance. Romfs.bin is recommended for large mods.
Path:
Ryujinx/mods/contents/<title_id>/
Ensure that the mod is compatible with your game’s version and Ryujinx.
mods/
└── contents/
└── 0100E95012348000/
├── 60FPS/
│ └── exefs/
└── HD_Textures/
└── romfs/
Use /exefs/ for code mods and /romfs/ for textures, audio, or other asset changes.
Ryujinx will automatically load available mods when the game starts. You’ll see logs like:
ModLoader: Found mod ‘hd-textures’
ModLoader: Replaced 42 files from 3 mods
Mods can include enhancements like:
Note: Mods that modify ExeFS will automatically disable PPTC (shader cache) for compatibility. RomFS-only modifications do not interfere with PPTC.
@nsobid-C2C016016115BE3D616281E67E59A7918DAFEDBB
[Start with 99 Lives]
58000000 00CC9860
78000000 0002A1C0
61000000 00000000 00000063
[Time = 999]
58000000 00C88A70
78001000 00000090
64000000 00000000 003E6F00
To disable individual cheats or patches, simply comment out sections or rename.pchtxt files.
For large mods with many files, bundle them using hactoolnet:
hactoolnet.exe -t romfsbuild –outfile=romfs.bin mymod/romfs/
Example Structure
Ryujinx
– bis
– games
…
+ mods
+ contents
+ 0100E95012348000 (My game name)
+ My combined mod
+ exefs
= 123456789ABCDEF…ips
= main.stub
+ romfs
= <*> [loose game files]
+ My resolution mod
– exefs
+ My romfs mod
– romfs
…
+ 01006a805678e000
= exefs.nsp
= romfs.bin
– 01006A585fF8E000-some-name-here
…
+ exefs_patches
+ my game patch
= 123456789ABCDEF…ips
= some-test-patch.pchtxt
– patch for another game
…
– nro_patches [same as exefs_patches]
– kip_patches [same as exefs_patches]
Use romfs.bin when open file limits are a concern, or to optimize performance.
Use Ryujinx on Any Computer Without Reinstallation
Ryujinx’s Portable Mode stores all of its files, including configurations, save data, keys, firmware, and cache, in the same directory as the program. This setup is ideal for running the emulator from a USB stick, external drive, or cloud-synced folder and transferring it between computers.
To enable Portable Mode, create a new folder inside your Ryujinx directory and name it “portable”. Once this folder is created, Ryujinx will automatically store all of its files there the next time you launch the emulator.
After launching, look at the Ryujinx console window. If the emulator is set to Portable Mode, you will see a confirmation message.
Once enabled, all necessary folders within the portable folder will be created, including saves, shader caches, configuration files, firmware, and keys.
You will need to manually copy your existing prod.keys and any installed firmware from your system directories to the new portable configuration. Similarly, if you want to keep your saved games or shader cache, copy them over as well.
Important Note: If you have previously used Ryujinx in standard mode, your files are saved in your system’s AppData directory. To continue using those files, you must manually transfer them to the portable folder.
Improve Game Performance through Smarter Shader Caching
Ryujinx’s Profiled Persistent Translation Cache (PPTC) reduces lag and stuttering by storing graphics shader data. When a game runs, it must convert its graphics instructions into a format that your computer can understand. Ryujinx can save and reuse those translations using PPTC, which improves gameplay over time.
PPTC is enabled by default in Ryujinx to ensure peak performance.
Important: To achieve the best results, launch the same game at least twice and progress to the title screen or beyond. On the third launch, performance gains from cached shaders will be noticeable and permanent.
If you want to disable PPTC:
Disabling PPTC may result in stutters or longer loading times, particularly in shader-heavy games.
Enable Nintendo Switch Game Decryption in Ryujinx
Ryujinx’s prod.keys file contains critical cryptographic keys for decrypting Nintendo Switch games and firmware. These keys are required for proper emulation of commercial titles, as well as the launch of most games.
The Nintendo Switch games and firmware are encrypted to prevent unauthorized access. Emulators such as Ryujinx require prod.keys to decrypt the content and run the games properly.
These keys have been extracted from your Nintendo Switch hardware and must be used responsibly and legally. Without them, Ryujinx is unable to emulate most commercial games or system firmware.
To legally obtain the prod.keys, you must extract them from a Nintendo Switch console that you own. This procedure calls for the use of specialized tools and the installation of custom firmware:
Alternatively, you can download the most recent prod.keys (v19.0.1) straight to your Switch if you already have one and use Ryujinx for legal, non-commercial purposes:
Download prod.keys (v19.0.1)
Once the keys have been obtained:
Once properly positioned, restart Ryujinx. The keys will be automatically detected and verified by the emulator.
By using or downloading the prod.keys file, you agree that:
Any unapproved use or distribution could be against regional intellectual property regulations.
Turn on Ryujinx’s entire system functionality.
The main operating system software that drives the Nintendo Switch is called firmware. In order to simulate system features like audio, input, and in-game services, firmware is crucial in Ryujinx. Without it, a lot of games will not work at all or properly.
For Nintendo Switch games to work properly, the firmware is crucial. It gives access to necessary elements such as:
Without firmware, Ryujinx is unable to mimic the Switch’s internal software environment, which leads to errors, crashes, or games that do not work..
If you own a Nintendo Switch console, you must be able to legally extract the firmware. Usually, homebrew tools and customized firmware are used for this:
Have you already obtained the firmware and are you making legitimate use of Ryujinx?
The most recent version can be downloaded here:
Download Nintendo Switch Firmware v19.0.1
After obtaining the firmware:
After choosing your firmware source, install the firmware by following the instructions. When finished, the system version ought to appear in the Ryujinx window’s lower right corner.
By using Ryujinx to download or install Nintendo Switch firmware, you attest to:
Unauthorized firmware file distribution or use may be against your region’s copyright laws.
Recognize and Address Typical Ryujinx Issues
Are you having issues with crashes, firmware setup, or game launches? We have covered the most frequent mistakes people make when using Ryujinx in our troubleshooting guide. This resource will assist you in finding quick and efficient solutions to problems, regardless of your level of experience with emulators.
To find straightforward fixes for problems like black screens, save issues, emulator crashes, and more, see our comprehensive troubleshooting guide.
Make distinct user preferences and save files.
You can create and manage multiple user profiles with Ryujinx. This is helpful for separating preferences, controller settings, and game saves for various users or playthroughs.
Note: Save Data is linked to specific profiles. When you delete a profile, the save files that go with it are also deleted.
You will see the default profile, RyuPlayer. This is Ryujinx’s original user account, which cannot be deleted. However, it can be customized.
Your new profile is now available and will store its own game saves, settings, and progress, separate from other profiles.
Ryujinx Download is a free, open-source Nintendo Switch emulator created by a dedicated community that prioritizes accuracy, performance, and compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.
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