AirDroid Cast
- Local and remote screen casting
- Android/iOS/Windows/TV screen mirroring
- Wireless and USB connection
- Full control of Android and iOS with a single touch
- Mirror multiple screens
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The Nintendo 3DS, with its innovative 3D display and vast game library, captured the hearts of gamers worldwide since its release in 2011. Classics like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D and Mario Kart 7 continue to be beloved by fans. However, with the discontinuation of the 3DS hardware, many players lost direct access to these cherished games.
Fortunately, modern technology offers a solution: 3DS emulators. These allow gamers to experience the 3DS's classics on a PC or other devices. We will introduce 3 recommended 3DS emulators for Windows, 2 for Android, and 2 for iOS, which can be found on GitHub or App Store.
Suggestion:
- To play 3DS games on PC and Android, Azahar is the best choice. It evolved from both Citra and Lime3DS, two popular 3DS emulators that have now been discontinued. Rather than splitting into two separate forks, the two projects have merged into Azahar, creating a unified platform for 3DS emulation. This consolidation ensures a more streamlined and future-proof experience for you.
- And to play on iOS, Retroarch can be a free and good choice.
Part 1: 3 3DS Emulators for PC
We have tested many and concluded that the following 3 3DS emulators are the best for PC. We will explain them in detail one by one. Information about their prices, recommended points, advantages, and disadvantages will help you choose the emulator that suits you best.
Note: It is crucial to understand that while emulators themselves are generally legal, the distribution and downloading of copyrighted game files (ROMs/ISOs) are not. To legally play 3DS games on an emulator, you should only use game files that you have personally "dumped" or extracted from 3DS discs or digital purchases you legitimately own. Acquiring game files from unauthorized websites is illegal and constitutes copyright infringement.
1Azahar - Nintendo 3DS Emulator
Price: Free
Basic Information:
Azahar is an open-source 3DS emulator project based on Citra.It is an open-source 3DS emulator for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android devices. It was created from the merging of PabloMK7's Citra fork and the Lime3DS project, both of which emerged shortly after Citra was taken down. It can also display two screens, allowing for similar operation to the actual 3DS.
Why We Recommend:
As a PC emulator, it is easy to use and offers high-quality graphics, which is a key recommendation point.
Pros
- Can play with two screens
- Free and offers high-quality 3D graphics
Cons
- Some games have compatibility issues and may require complex devices
2Ryujinx
Price: Free
Basic Information:
Ryujinx is a cross-platform 3DS emulator developed in C#, which covers basic features and excels in video functions.
Why We Recommend:
Its high resolution, various controller support, and quick response to problems make it a reliable choice compared to other emulators.
Pros
- Supports 4K resolution, high frame rate, and various controllers
Cons
- Setup can be difficult and requires a high-performance machine
3Panda3DS emulator
Price: Free
Basic Information:
This emulator is still under development, so it is unclear which features will be implemented in the future.
Why We Recommend:
It is expected to implement some unique features that are not available in other emulators, so we are excited to see how it evolves.
Pros
- It has the potential to become much more advanced depending on future development
Cons
- It is still in development and cannot be fully used yet
Summary: The best emulator for Windows is Azahar. Citra has been shut down, the best is new Azahar. It allows you to play 3DS games in high-quality graphics, supports many games, and can display two screens, providing a similar experience to the real 3DS. Also, it has continuous development and updates.
Part 2: 2 DS Emulators for Android
We will introduce 2 recommended 3DS emulators for Android. We are sure you will find an emulator that fits your needs.
1Azahar- Nintendo 3DS Emulator
Price: Free
Basic Information:
Azahar is a perfect 3DS emulator that supports not only Windows, Mac, and Linux but also Android devices that developed based on Citra. It offers high-quality graphics, online multiplayer, and many customizable settings that make it superior to other 3DS emulators.
Why We Recommend:
Its easy-to-use interface and high-quality graphics make it a highly beneficial 3DS emulator for users.
Pros
- High-quality graphics and support for touch panels and controllers
- Various customizable settings
Cons
- Some games have compatibility issues
233DDSS Emulator
Price: Free
Basic Information:
Developed with an original engine, it offers excellent functions such as high-quality rendering, layout customization, and turbo button support.
Why We Recommend:
Its high-quality rendering provides better visuals compared to the normal 3DS, and its turbo function allows you to customize your play style.
Pros
- Has unique features such as SD card support due to its original engine
Cons
- The setup process can be somewhat difficult
Summary: The best emulator for Android is also Azahar. The reason is that it is easy to use, offers high-quality graphics, supports multiplayer, and maintains high compatibility with both old and new games.
Part 3: 2 3DS Emulators for iOS
Below we will introduce 2 carefully selected 3DS emulators for iOS. Hope you can find an emulator that fits your needs.
1Folium
Price: $4.99
Basic Information:
Folium is a 3DS emulator for iOS, but it has been extended with additional features to support PlayStation games. It requires iOS 16.0 or later, which is a high barrier to entry.
Why We Recommend:
This multi-platform emulator implements a variety of unique functions, including visual features, offering a rich user experience.
Pros
- Supports not only 3DS but also multi-platforms
Cons
- Requires iOS 16.0 or later to run
2RetroArch
Price: Free
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more
Basic Information:
RetroArch is a multi-system emulator that acts as a front-end for various game emulators. It is not a standalone emulator but rather integrates other emulator cores (such as Citra for 3DS, DeSmuME for DS, etc.). RetroArch is highly customizable and offers advanced features like shaders, netplay, and gamepad support.
Why We Recommend:
RetroArch is an all-in-one solution for emulation, offering flexibility and wide compatibility across different platforms. Its user-friendly interface and extensive support for a variety of cores make it an excellent choice for enthusiasts looking for a powerful emulator.
Pros
- Supports a wide variety of gaming systems through multiple cores
- Customizable interface and settings
- Free and open-source
- Available on multiple platforms, including mobile devices
Cons
- Initial setup can be complex for beginners
- Requires downloading and managing multiple cores
Part 4: How to Play 3DS Games on TV Large Screen
Playing 3DS games on your smartphone using the emulators introduced can be fun. However, the screen on a smartphone is not much bigger than that of a 3DS. It will be more funny if you cast the 3DS screen onto a TV for a larger display?
You might think that it’s impossible, but using a dedicated app like AirDroid Cast, you can easily achieve it. This allows you to enjoy a gameplay experience that is impossible on a smartphone screen.
AirDroid Cast allows you to cast from an iPhone, iPad, or Android device to your PC/TV. In just three simple steps, you can enjoy mobile entertainment on a large screen or access mobile apps on TV without using an emulator.
If you don’t want to install the app, we recommend using the AirDroid Cast Web Version. This powerful tool allows seamless browser casting and provides an enhanced experience for training, presentations, everyday communication, and entertainment.
Part 5: In Conclusion
We introduced 3 3DS emulators for Windows PCs, 3 for Android smartphones, and 2 for iOS. By now, you should have a clear understanding of their pros & cons, and features, and you can know which you want to choose.
Hope you have a nice gaming experience. By the way, try AirDroid Cast and show your gameplay on TV with friends & families, you're likely to discover a whole new level of enjoyment!
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