![Best Practices for Choosing Top 3Ds PC Emulators](https://www.lifewire.com/thmb/xk4sG4I9EUDVvTCEXSRMmg2yPjw=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/superbowl_dmytroAksonov_Getty-5a775189119fa8003752b313.jpg)
Best Practices for Choosing Top 3Ds PC Emulators
![](/images/site-logo.png)
Best Practices for Choosing Top 3Ds PC Emulators
Top 10 Best 3ds Emulator for PC You Can Find on 2024
Ollie Mattison
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Nintendo has released several portable devices, including the Nintendo 3DS, which was released in 2011. Despite its popularity, it only lasted until September 2020, when it was discontinued. There will be no new 3DS in production, so you may not be able to find one. You do not need to worry if you love Nintendo games but do not have a console to play them on. In this article, you will discover some of the best 3Ds emulators for PC. The emulation world is never going out of style. It opens up a whole new world for game lovers, especially if they love console games and want to play them on their PC.
If you search the internet for the best 3ds emulators for PC then you will get hundreds of results and so many options to choose from. One can easily get confused with so many varieties of options. If that’s the case with you then there is no need to worry because we have prepared a list of 10 best 3ds emulators that you can use on your pc and enjoy the classic console games on your pc. So, without wasting any more time, let’s get to our main topic.
Filmora Game Recorder
Filmora - 3DS Emulator Game Recorder
• Record screen while game streaming without using spare RAM
• Stable game recording performance, won’t border your game experience
• Cross-platform supported - (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)
Start Game Recording Start Game Recording Start Game Recording Learn More >
1. Citra
Price: Free
Citra is an easy-to-use Nintendo 3ds emulator for PC. Compared to the Nintendo console, this one has enhanced 3D graphics, which offer higher resolutions. Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS X, as well as Linux, provides full support for this program.
Citra was publicly launched as experimental software in 2015 as an open-source project. Using the command line was required for operating it, as there was no front end. Games will run at 60 frames per second (fps) and at a resolution of 400x200 from the original screen on Citra. Playing certain games can be similar to using a gamepad on an Xbox 360. These characteristics are due to models and textures being sufficiently detailed in series.
Pros:
- The software is compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, Linux & Android operating systems.
- Gamers enjoy an immersive gaming experience with enhanced 3D graphics.
- Two-screen visualization is provided.
Cons:
- Decrypted devices are required.
- This software can’t accept third-party backups.
2. R4 3DS Emulator
Price: Free
An ideal emulator for playing Nintendo 3DS games on a PC. R4 3DS Emulator gives users access to a number of Nintendo 3DS titles. But recent Nintendo games may not be available to you. You can play a wide range of games without a Nintendo 3DS console using this program, which mimics the console’s graphic system and process. Upon starting the emulator, you will be asked to insert the cartridge. Next, you will be asked to choose the files for the game. In addition, the keyboard’s controls can be customized.
Game developers benefit greatly from the R4 3DS emulator. This emulator allows them to view the results of their work directly on the PC without having to switch to the console. Presently, the emulator cannot play the latest games.
Pros:
- Adapts your keyboard to your preferences.
- Load and play functionality is easy to use.
- Viewing the result of your work on your computer does not require a console.
Cons:
- The latest games can’t be played on R4 3DS Emulator.
- It is compatible only with Windows.
3. RetroArch
Price: Free
Developed to support PC as well as Android, it is a power-packed Nintendo 3DS emulator. It can also function as a game engine and a media player in addition to being a 3DS emulator. Playstation, SNES, and other systems are compatible with this device. The added bonus is that it’s also free. The software is also available for Linux, iOS, Mac, Wii, Raspberry Pi, BlackBerry and PlayStation. A variety of settings are available, including those that affect the interface, files, and directories. A complete solution, to put it simply.
The app will ask you to download certain games before you can actually use it, so you will experience some errors when using it for the first time. You will not see a single advertisement on Retroarch, even though it is free to use. You might face some difficulty playing games other than those on the DS because they aren’t compatible with the RetroArch emulator.
Pros:
- Offers excellent performance and can run all games smoothly.
- Compatibility with a variety of platforms.
- No ads so you get smooth gameplay.
- You can customize the interface according to your preferences.
Cons:
- It may take some time to get used to its interface for the new users.
- DS games are the only ones compatible with this emulator.
- You must first download certain games.
- Sometimes the graphics are compromised but that’s not a big deal.
Try Filmora to Make 3DS Emulartor Game Recording Smoothly!
Filmora Game Recorder can capture any area of the PC screen and webcam. It’s perfect to capture and streaming the game process without border your gaming experience. Plus, you can edit the game recording video files in Filmora directly! Worth to have a try!
Start Game Recording Start Game Recording Start Game Recording Learn More >
4. DeSmuME
Price: Free
Apparently, it was the first emulator that was developed and launched for 32-bit operating systems. Most of the latest emulators that are present in the market these days are not compatible with 32-bit operating systems. The system has also been known only to run a few commercially available games. Updates and new builds have been created by developers to deal with bugs in programs.
Pros:
- One of the few emulators available for 32-bit operating systems.
- Can function well with low specs systems.
- Developers are continuously working on it for bug fixes and the latest updates.
Cons:
- Supports 32-bit systems only.
- Can only play a few selective commercial games.
5. 3DMOO
Price: Free
3DMOO is also one of the best 3Ds emulators for PC. ICHFLY, the company that developed the GBA emulator for the NDS, created the emulator. Users of Windows & Linux are the only ones who can run this Nintendo 3DS emulator. The processing would be too slow for all the commercial games of the Nintendo 3DS, though 3DMOO supports all of them. The game might crash frequently, ruining your gaming experience. It was being developed around 2014, but suddenly the development process was stopped, so it now functions only through the command line. Source code files for the emulator are available on Github. The emulator is not available officially today but can be downloaded.
Pros:
- Open-Source Program.
- Provides support for both Windows and Linux users.
Cons:
- The emulator is currently not in active development
- The speed is too slow sometimes.
- Players face frequent crashes during the game which ruins their gaming experience.
6. NO$GBA
Price: Free
This 3DS emulator for PC is actually a very popular one. Upgrades can be purchased by paying an affordable price. Once you download the latest version, you can download the older versions also. Originally intended for Game Boy Advance, No$GBA has also been made solid enough to support Nintendo DS games. This emulator plays 3DS games with ease, and we can tell you that this emulator is the best you’ll find.
Pros:
- It does not support all 3DS games, but it does support many. Basically, it was designed for GBA.
- Multiplayer is available in the emulator.
- It is compatible with external game controllers.
- You can customize the keyboard according to your requirements.
- Current versions of the emulator are stable and under constant development.
- Even cheat codes will be supported (fun to use cheat codes sometimes).
Cons:
- Macs and Linux computers are not supported.
- There are some 3DS games that cannot be played. The compatibility list must be checked before you use this.
A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators
Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?
- 100 Million+ Users
- 150+ Countries and Regions
- 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
- 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use
* Secure Download
7. iDEAS Emulator
Price: Free
iDEAS is another emulator that allows you to play 3ds games on your pc. Although it is not liked by many players it doesn’t mean that it is a terrible emulator. Every new release adds new features, and the developers are constantly working on it. However, it may not be able to fulfil the expectations of games at the very first experience. Even though there is a lot of work to be done, such as bug fixes and upgrades to the graphics, iDEAS is the most recommended 3DS emulator for Windows 10 laptops and desktops.
Pros:
- You can use it on multiple screens because of the multi-screen processing.
- It’s unlikely that you’ll encounter any glitches with most of the games.
- The settings can be customized easily.
- It has a clean and fluid interface.
Cons:
- Although it works well with many games, still a lot of work needs to be done on graphics.
- No official website is available for this emulator however you can download it from various third party websites.
- It only works with windows and does not support Mac and Linux.
8. Project64 Emulator
Price: Free
The Project64 emulator is a good 3DS emulator for Windows 10 PCs. At first, it was nowhere, but then it suddenly appeared everywhere. That’s right, this thing appeared out of thin air and soon became the talk of gaming enthusiasts. The emulator’s simplicity and smoothness surprised will surprise you and that’s the reason why it is included in the list of top 10.
Pros:
- It is a powerful emulator that is capable of playing almost all 3DS games.
- In addition to supporting ZIP files, it can also decompress them.
- The graphics and audio quality are quite good.
- This emulator also supports the use of a joystick if you want to.
- The program is updated frequently, and it gets better with each update.
- It is possible to save your games and load them later.
Cons:
- Although it is good still there is room for a lot of improvements.
- Sometimes a game won’t even load but developers are working on it.
- The older version of this emulator was reported by some players for having malware so be careful with the downloads.
9. DuoS Emulator
Price: Free
DuoS are the perfect 3DS emulator for Windows 10 computers if you’re in need of a no-fuss solution. It is just a simple emulator so you should not expert it to do big things on your pc and laptops. Just keep your expectations low with this emulator and you will be amazed by the results.
Pros:
- This emulator is very simple and easy to use.
- The 3DS emulator plays many different 3DS games.
- Easy-to-use interface.
Cons:
- No multi-player support.
- Cheat codes are not supported.
- Advance features like quick save and load are not available.
10. NeonDS Emulator
Price: Free
This is the last one on our list. The NeonDS has been inactive for a long time. Since 2008, no new version of this emulator has been released. Nonetheless, users say it’s working. This software supports 32-bit versions of Windows, but most computers today are 64-bit.
Pros:
- There are almost no limitations in terms of 3DS games.
- Commercial games can be played on this emulator.
- The user interface is simple and intuitive.
- It has a powerful 3-D display engine that offers crisp graphics.
- Keyboard customizations are possible.
Cons:
- Neither Mac OS nor Linux is supported.
- Bugs cannot be fixed because the project has ceased development.
Conclusion:
This is the list of the best 3Ds emulators that you can use on your PC and can play Nintendo 3Ds games. Now you don’t need to worry about buying dedicated consoles. Just download one of these emulators and enjoy your favourite 3ds games. All these emulators have their own limitations and benefits so choose according to your requirements. If you fancy recording you own gameplay, Filmora can help you record your computer screen through your editing journey.
Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Nintendo has released several portable devices, including the Nintendo 3DS, which was released in 2011. Despite its popularity, it only lasted until September 2020, when it was discontinued. There will be no new 3DS in production, so you may not be able to find one. You do not need to worry if you love Nintendo games but do not have a console to play them on. In this article, you will discover some of the best 3Ds emulators for PC. The emulation world is never going out of style. It opens up a whole new world for game lovers, especially if they love console games and want to play them on their PC.
If you search the internet for the best 3ds emulators for PC then you will get hundreds of results and so many options to choose from. One can easily get confused with so many varieties of options. If that’s the case with you then there is no need to worry because we have prepared a list of 10 best 3ds emulators that you can use on your pc and enjoy the classic console games on your pc. So, without wasting any more time, let’s get to our main topic.
Filmora Game Recorder
Filmora - 3DS Emulator Game Recorder
• Record screen while game streaming without using spare RAM
• Stable game recording performance, won’t border your game experience
• Cross-platform supported - (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)
Start Game Recording Start Game Recording Start Game Recording Learn More >
1. Citra
Price: Free
Citra is an easy-to-use Nintendo 3ds emulator for PC. Compared to the Nintendo console, this one has enhanced 3D graphics, which offer higher resolutions. Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS X, as well as Linux, provides full support for this program.
Citra was publicly launched as experimental software in 2015 as an open-source project. Using the command line was required for operating it, as there was no front end. Games will run at 60 frames per second (fps) and at a resolution of 400x200 from the original screen on Citra. Playing certain games can be similar to using a gamepad on an Xbox 360. These characteristics are due to models and textures being sufficiently detailed in series.
Pros:
- The software is compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, Linux & Android operating systems.
- Gamers enjoy an immersive gaming experience with enhanced 3D graphics.
- Two-screen visualization is provided.
Cons:
- Decrypted devices are required.
- This software can’t accept third-party backups.
2. R4 3DS Emulator
Price: Free
An ideal emulator for playing Nintendo 3DS games on a PC. R4 3DS Emulator gives users access to a number of Nintendo 3DS titles. But recent Nintendo games may not be available to you. You can play a wide range of games without a Nintendo 3DS console using this program, which mimics the console’s graphic system and process. Upon starting the emulator, you will be asked to insert the cartridge. Next, you will be asked to choose the files for the game. In addition, the keyboard’s controls can be customized.
Game developers benefit greatly from the R4 3DS emulator. This emulator allows them to view the results of their work directly on the PC without having to switch to the console. Presently, the emulator cannot play the latest games.
Pros:
- Adapts your keyboard to your preferences.
- Load and play functionality is easy to use.
- Viewing the result of your work on your computer does not require a console.
Cons:
- The latest games can’t be played on R4 3DS Emulator.
- It is compatible only with Windows.
3. RetroArch
Price: Free
Developed to support PC as well as Android, it is a power-packed Nintendo 3DS emulator. It can also function as a game engine and a media player in addition to being a 3DS emulator. Playstation, SNES, and other systems are compatible with this device. The added bonus is that it’s also free. The software is also available for Linux, iOS, Mac, Wii, Raspberry Pi, BlackBerry and PlayStation. A variety of settings are available, including those that affect the interface, files, and directories. A complete solution, to put it simply.
The app will ask you to download certain games before you can actually use it, so you will experience some errors when using it for the first time. You will not see a single advertisement on Retroarch, even though it is free to use. You might face some difficulty playing games other than those on the DS because they aren’t compatible with the RetroArch emulator.
Pros:
- Offers excellent performance and can run all games smoothly.
- Compatibility with a variety of platforms.
- No ads so you get smooth gameplay.
- You can customize the interface according to your preferences.
Cons:
- It may take some time to get used to its interface for the new users.
- DS games are the only ones compatible with this emulator.
- You must first download certain games.
- Sometimes the graphics are compromised but that’s not a big deal.
Try Filmora to Make 3DS Emulartor Game Recording Smoothly!
Filmora Game Recorder can capture any area of the PC screen and webcam. It’s perfect to capture and streaming the game process without border your gaming experience. Plus, you can edit the game recording video files in Filmora directly! Worth to have a try!
Start Game Recording Start Game Recording Start Game Recording Learn More >
4. DeSmuME
Price: Free
Apparently, it was the first emulator that was developed and launched for 32-bit operating systems. Most of the latest emulators that are present in the market these days are not compatible with 32-bit operating systems. The system has also been known only to run a few commercially available games. Updates and new builds have been created by developers to deal with bugs in programs.
Pros:
- One of the few emulators available for 32-bit operating systems.
- Can function well with low specs systems.
- Developers are continuously working on it for bug fixes and the latest updates.
Cons:
- Supports 32-bit systems only.
- Can only play a few selective commercial games.
5. 3DMOO
Price: Free
3DMOO is also one of the best 3Ds emulators for PC. ICHFLY, the company that developed the GBA emulator for the NDS, created the emulator. Users of Windows & Linux are the only ones who can run this Nintendo 3DS emulator. The processing would be too slow for all the commercial games of the Nintendo 3DS, though 3DMOO supports all of them. The game might crash frequently, ruining your gaming experience. It was being developed around 2014, but suddenly the development process was stopped, so it now functions only through the command line. Source code files for the emulator are available on Github. The emulator is not available officially today but can be downloaded.
Pros:
- Open-Source Program.
- Provides support for both Windows and Linux users.
Cons:
- The emulator is currently not in active development
- The speed is too slow sometimes.
- Players face frequent crashes during the game which ruins their gaming experience.
6. NO$GBA
Price: Free
This 3DS emulator for PC is actually a very popular one. Upgrades can be purchased by paying an affordable price. Once you download the latest version, you can download the older versions also. Originally intended for Game Boy Advance, No$GBA has also been made solid enough to support Nintendo DS games. This emulator plays 3DS games with ease, and we can tell you that this emulator is the best you’ll find.
Pros:
- It does not support all 3DS games, but it does support many. Basically, it was designed for GBA.
- Multiplayer is available in the emulator.
- It is compatible with external game controllers.
- You can customize the keyboard according to your requirements.
- Current versions of the emulator are stable and under constant development.
- Even cheat codes will be supported (fun to use cheat codes sometimes).
Cons:
- Macs and Linux computers are not supported.
- There are some 3DS games that cannot be played. The compatibility list must be checked before you use this.
A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators
Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?
- 100 Million+ Users
- 150+ Countries and Regions
- 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
- 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use
* Secure Download
7. iDEAS Emulator
Price: Free
iDEAS is another emulator that allows you to play 3ds games on your pc. Although it is not liked by many players it doesn’t mean that it is a terrible emulator. Every new release adds new features, and the developers are constantly working on it. However, it may not be able to fulfil the expectations of games at the very first experience. Even though there is a lot of work to be done, such as bug fixes and upgrades to the graphics, iDEAS is the most recommended 3DS emulator for Windows 10 laptops and desktops.
Pros:
- You can use it on multiple screens because of the multi-screen processing.
- It’s unlikely that you’ll encounter any glitches with most of the games.
- The settings can be customized easily.
- It has a clean and fluid interface.
Cons:
- Although it works well with many games, still a lot of work needs to be done on graphics.
- No official website is available for this emulator however you can download it from various third party websites.
- It only works with windows and does not support Mac and Linux.
8. Project64 Emulator
Price: Free
The Project64 emulator is a good 3DS emulator for Windows 10 PCs. At first, it was nowhere, but then it suddenly appeared everywhere. That’s right, this thing appeared out of thin air and soon became the talk of gaming enthusiasts. The emulator’s simplicity and smoothness surprised will surprise you and that’s the reason why it is included in the list of top 10.
Pros:
- It is a powerful emulator that is capable of playing almost all 3DS games.
- In addition to supporting ZIP files, it can also decompress them.
- The graphics and audio quality are quite good.
- This emulator also supports the use of a joystick if you want to.
- The program is updated frequently, and it gets better with each update.
- It is possible to save your games and load them later.
Cons:
- Although it is good still there is room for a lot of improvements.
- Sometimes a game won’t even load but developers are working on it.
- The older version of this emulator was reported by some players for having malware so be careful with the downloads.
9. DuoS Emulator
Price: Free
DuoS are the perfect 3DS emulator for Windows 10 computers if you’re in need of a no-fuss solution. It is just a simple emulator so you should not expert it to do big things on your pc and laptops. Just keep your expectations low with this emulator and you will be amazed by the results.
Pros:
- This emulator is very simple and easy to use.
- The 3DS emulator plays many different 3DS games.
- Easy-to-use interface.
Cons:
- No multi-player support.
- Cheat codes are not supported.
- Advance features like quick save and load are not available.
10. NeonDS Emulator
Price: Free
This is the last one on our list. The NeonDS has been inactive for a long time. Since 2008, no new version of this emulator has been released. Nonetheless, users say it’s working. This software supports 32-bit versions of Windows, but most computers today are 64-bit.
Pros:
- There are almost no limitations in terms of 3DS games.
- Commercial games can be played on this emulator.
- The user interface is simple and intuitive.
- It has a powerful 3-D display engine that offers crisp graphics.
- Keyboard customizations are possible.
Cons:
- Neither Mac OS nor Linux is supported.
- Bugs cannot be fixed because the project has ceased development.
Conclusion:
This is the list of the best 3Ds emulators that you can use on your PC and can play Nintendo 3Ds games. Now you don’t need to worry about buying dedicated consoles. Just download one of these emulators and enjoy your favourite 3ds games. All these emulators have their own limitations and benefits so choose according to your requirements. If you fancy recording you own gameplay, Filmora can help you record your computer screen through your editing journey.
Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Nintendo has released several portable devices, including the Nintendo 3DS, which was released in 2011. Despite its popularity, it only lasted until September 2020, when it was discontinued. There will be no new 3DS in production, so you may not be able to find one. You do not need to worry if you love Nintendo games but do not have a console to play them on. In this article, you will discover some of the best 3Ds emulators for PC. The emulation world is never going out of style. It opens up a whole new world for game lovers, especially if they love console games and want to play them on their PC.
If you search the internet for the best 3ds emulators for PC then you will get hundreds of results and so many options to choose from. One can easily get confused with so many varieties of options. If that’s the case with you then there is no need to worry because we have prepared a list of 10 best 3ds emulators that you can use on your pc and enjoy the classic console games on your pc. So, without wasting any more time, let’s get to our main topic.
Filmora Game Recorder
Filmora - 3DS Emulator Game Recorder
• Record screen while game streaming without using spare RAM
• Stable game recording performance, won’t border your game experience
• Cross-platform supported - (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)
Start Game Recording Start Game Recording Start Game Recording Learn More >
1. Citra
Price: Free
Citra is an easy-to-use Nintendo 3ds emulator for PC. Compared to the Nintendo console, this one has enhanced 3D graphics, which offer higher resolutions. Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS X, as well as Linux, provides full support for this program.
Citra was publicly launched as experimental software in 2015 as an open-source project. Using the command line was required for operating it, as there was no front end. Games will run at 60 frames per second (fps) and at a resolution of 400x200 from the original screen on Citra. Playing certain games can be similar to using a gamepad on an Xbox 360. These characteristics are due to models and textures being sufficiently detailed in series.
Pros:
- The software is compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, Linux & Android operating systems.
- Gamers enjoy an immersive gaming experience with enhanced 3D graphics.
- Two-screen visualization is provided.
Cons:
- Decrypted devices are required.
- This software can’t accept third-party backups.
2. R4 3DS Emulator
Price: Free
An ideal emulator for playing Nintendo 3DS games on a PC. R4 3DS Emulator gives users access to a number of Nintendo 3DS titles. But recent Nintendo games may not be available to you. You can play a wide range of games without a Nintendo 3DS console using this program, which mimics the console’s graphic system and process. Upon starting the emulator, you will be asked to insert the cartridge. Next, you will be asked to choose the files for the game. In addition, the keyboard’s controls can be customized.
Game developers benefit greatly from the R4 3DS emulator. This emulator allows them to view the results of their work directly on the PC without having to switch to the console. Presently, the emulator cannot play the latest games.
Pros:
- Adapts your keyboard to your preferences.
- Load and play functionality is easy to use.
- Viewing the result of your work on your computer does not require a console.
Cons:
- The latest games can’t be played on R4 3DS Emulator.
- It is compatible only with Windows.
3. RetroArch
Price: Free
Developed to support PC as well as Android, it is a power-packed Nintendo 3DS emulator. It can also function as a game engine and a media player in addition to being a 3DS emulator. Playstation, SNES, and other systems are compatible with this device. The added bonus is that it’s also free. The software is also available for Linux, iOS, Mac, Wii, Raspberry Pi, BlackBerry and PlayStation. A variety of settings are available, including those that affect the interface, files, and directories. A complete solution, to put it simply.
The app will ask you to download certain games before you can actually use it, so you will experience some errors when using it for the first time. You will not see a single advertisement on Retroarch, even though it is free to use. You might face some difficulty playing games other than those on the DS because they aren’t compatible with the RetroArch emulator.
Pros:
- Offers excellent performance and can run all games smoothly.
- Compatibility with a variety of platforms.
- No ads so you get smooth gameplay.
- You can customize the interface according to your preferences.
Cons:
- It may take some time to get used to its interface for the new users.
- DS games are the only ones compatible with this emulator.
- You must first download certain games.
- Sometimes the graphics are compromised but that’s not a big deal.
Try Filmora to Make 3DS Emulartor Game Recording Smoothly!
Filmora Game Recorder can capture any area of the PC screen and webcam. It’s perfect to capture and streaming the game process without border your gaming experience. Plus, you can edit the game recording video files in Filmora directly! Worth to have a try!
Start Game Recording Start Game Recording Start Game Recording Learn More >
4. DeSmuME
Price: Free
Apparently, it was the first emulator that was developed and launched for 32-bit operating systems. Most of the latest emulators that are present in the market these days are not compatible with 32-bit operating systems. The system has also been known only to run a few commercially available games. Updates and new builds have been created by developers to deal with bugs in programs.
Pros:
- One of the few emulators available for 32-bit operating systems.
- Can function well with low specs systems.
- Developers are continuously working on it for bug fixes and the latest updates.
Cons:
- Supports 32-bit systems only.
- Can only play a few selective commercial games.
5. 3DMOO
Price: Free
3DMOO is also one of the best 3Ds emulators for PC. ICHFLY, the company that developed the GBA emulator for the NDS, created the emulator. Users of Windows & Linux are the only ones who can run this Nintendo 3DS emulator. The processing would be too slow for all the commercial games of the Nintendo 3DS, though 3DMOO supports all of them. The game might crash frequently, ruining your gaming experience. It was being developed around 2014, but suddenly the development process was stopped, so it now functions only through the command line. Source code files for the emulator are available on Github. The emulator is not available officially today but can be downloaded.
Pros:
- Open-Source Program.
- Provides support for both Windows and Linux users.
Cons:
- The emulator is currently not in active development
- The speed is too slow sometimes.
- Players face frequent crashes during the game which ruins their gaming experience.
6. NO$GBA
Price: Free
This 3DS emulator for PC is actually a very popular one. Upgrades can be purchased by paying an affordable price. Once you download the latest version, you can download the older versions also. Originally intended for Game Boy Advance, No$GBA has also been made solid enough to support Nintendo DS games. This emulator plays 3DS games with ease, and we can tell you that this emulator is the best you’ll find.
Pros:
- It does not support all 3DS games, but it does support many. Basically, it was designed for GBA.
- Multiplayer is available in the emulator.
- It is compatible with external game controllers.
- You can customize the keyboard according to your requirements.
- Current versions of the emulator are stable and under constant development.
- Even cheat codes will be supported (fun to use cheat codes sometimes).
Cons:
- Macs and Linux computers are not supported.
- There are some 3DS games that cannot be played. The compatibility list must be checked before you use this.
A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators
Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?
- 100 Million+ Users
- 150+ Countries and Regions
- 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
- 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use
* Secure Download
7. iDEAS Emulator
Price: Free
iDEAS is another emulator that allows you to play 3ds games on your pc. Although it is not liked by many players it doesn’t mean that it is a terrible emulator. Every new release adds new features, and the developers are constantly working on it. However, it may not be able to fulfil the expectations of games at the very first experience. Even though there is a lot of work to be done, such as bug fixes and upgrades to the graphics, iDEAS is the most recommended 3DS emulator for Windows 10 laptops and desktops.
Pros:
- You can use it on multiple screens because of the multi-screen processing.
- It’s unlikely that you’ll encounter any glitches with most of the games.
- The settings can be customized easily.
- It has a clean and fluid interface.
Cons:
- Although it works well with many games, still a lot of work needs to be done on graphics.
- No official website is available for this emulator however you can download it from various third party websites.
- It only works with windows and does not support Mac and Linux.
8. Project64 Emulator
Price: Free
The Project64 emulator is a good 3DS emulator for Windows 10 PCs. At first, it was nowhere, but then it suddenly appeared everywhere. That’s right, this thing appeared out of thin air and soon became the talk of gaming enthusiasts. The emulator’s simplicity and smoothness surprised will surprise you and that’s the reason why it is included in the list of top 10.
Pros:
- It is a powerful emulator that is capable of playing almost all 3DS games.
- In addition to supporting ZIP files, it can also decompress them.
- The graphics and audio quality are quite good.
- This emulator also supports the use of a joystick if you want to.
- The program is updated frequently, and it gets better with each update.
- It is possible to save your games and load them later.
Cons:
- Although it is good still there is room for a lot of improvements.
- Sometimes a game won’t even load but developers are working on it.
- The older version of this emulator was reported by some players for having malware so be careful with the downloads.
9. DuoS Emulator
Price: Free
DuoS are the perfect 3DS emulator for Windows 10 computers if you’re in need of a no-fuss solution. It is just a simple emulator so you should not expert it to do big things on your pc and laptops. Just keep your expectations low with this emulator and you will be amazed by the results.
Pros:
- This emulator is very simple and easy to use.
- The 3DS emulator plays many different 3DS games.
- Easy-to-use interface.
Cons:
- No multi-player support.
- Cheat codes are not supported.
- Advance features like quick save and load are not available.
10. NeonDS Emulator
Price: Free
This is the last one on our list. The NeonDS has been inactive for a long time. Since 2008, no new version of this emulator has been released. Nonetheless, users say it’s working. This software supports 32-bit versions of Windows, but most computers today are 64-bit.
Pros:
- There are almost no limitations in terms of 3DS games.
- Commercial games can be played on this emulator.
- The user interface is simple and intuitive.
- It has a powerful 3-D display engine that offers crisp graphics.
- Keyboard customizations are possible.
Cons:
- Neither Mac OS nor Linux is supported.
- Bugs cannot be fixed because the project has ceased development.
Conclusion:
This is the list of the best 3Ds emulators that you can use on your PC and can play Nintendo 3Ds games. Now you don’t need to worry about buying dedicated consoles. Just download one of these emulators and enjoy your favourite 3ds games. All these emulators have their own limitations and benefits so choose according to your requirements. If you fancy recording you own gameplay, Filmora can help you record your computer screen through your editing journey.
Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Nintendo has released several portable devices, including the Nintendo 3DS, which was released in 2011. Despite its popularity, it only lasted until September 2020, when it was discontinued. There will be no new 3DS in production, so you may not be able to find one. You do not need to worry if you love Nintendo games but do not have a console to play them on. In this article, you will discover some of the best 3Ds emulators for PC. The emulation world is never going out of style. It opens up a whole new world for game lovers, especially if they love console games and want to play them on their PC.
If you search the internet for the best 3ds emulators for PC then you will get hundreds of results and so many options to choose from. One can easily get confused with so many varieties of options. If that’s the case with you then there is no need to worry because we have prepared a list of 10 best 3ds emulators that you can use on your pc and enjoy the classic console games on your pc. So, without wasting any more time, let’s get to our main topic.
Filmora Game Recorder
Filmora - 3DS Emulator Game Recorder
• Record screen while game streaming without using spare RAM
• Stable game recording performance, won’t border your game experience
• Cross-platform supported - (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)
Start Game Recording Start Game Recording Start Game Recording Learn More >
1. Citra
Price: Free
Citra is an easy-to-use Nintendo 3ds emulator for PC. Compared to the Nintendo console, this one has enhanced 3D graphics, which offer higher resolutions. Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS X, as well as Linux, provides full support for this program.
Citra was publicly launched as experimental software in 2015 as an open-source project. Using the command line was required for operating it, as there was no front end. Games will run at 60 frames per second (fps) and at a resolution of 400x200 from the original screen on Citra. Playing certain games can be similar to using a gamepad on an Xbox 360. These characteristics are due to models and textures being sufficiently detailed in series.
Pros:
- The software is compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, Linux & Android operating systems.
- Gamers enjoy an immersive gaming experience with enhanced 3D graphics.
- Two-screen visualization is provided.
Cons:
- Decrypted devices are required.
- This software can’t accept third-party backups.
2. R4 3DS Emulator
Price: Free
An ideal emulator for playing Nintendo 3DS games on a PC. R4 3DS Emulator gives users access to a number of Nintendo 3DS titles. But recent Nintendo games may not be available to you. You can play a wide range of games without a Nintendo 3DS console using this program, which mimics the console’s graphic system and process. Upon starting the emulator, you will be asked to insert the cartridge. Next, you will be asked to choose the files for the game. In addition, the keyboard’s controls can be customized.
Game developers benefit greatly from the R4 3DS emulator. This emulator allows them to view the results of their work directly on the PC without having to switch to the console. Presently, the emulator cannot play the latest games.
Pros:
- Adapts your keyboard to your preferences.
- Load and play functionality is easy to use.
- Viewing the result of your work on your computer does not require a console.
Cons:
- The latest games can’t be played on R4 3DS Emulator.
- It is compatible only with Windows.
3. RetroArch
Price: Free
Developed to support PC as well as Android, it is a power-packed Nintendo 3DS emulator. It can also function as a game engine and a media player in addition to being a 3DS emulator. Playstation, SNES, and other systems are compatible with this device. The added bonus is that it’s also free. The software is also available for Linux, iOS, Mac, Wii, Raspberry Pi, BlackBerry and PlayStation. A variety of settings are available, including those that affect the interface, files, and directories. A complete solution, to put it simply.
The app will ask you to download certain games before you can actually use it, so you will experience some errors when using it for the first time. You will not see a single advertisement on Retroarch, even though it is free to use. You might face some difficulty playing games other than those on the DS because they aren’t compatible with the RetroArch emulator.
Pros:
- Offers excellent performance and can run all games smoothly.
- Compatibility with a variety of platforms.
- No ads so you get smooth gameplay.
- You can customize the interface according to your preferences.
Cons:
- It may take some time to get used to its interface for the new users.
- DS games are the only ones compatible with this emulator.
- You must first download certain games.
- Sometimes the graphics are compromised but that’s not a big deal.
Try Filmora to Make 3DS Emulartor Game Recording Smoothly!
Filmora Game Recorder can capture any area of the PC screen and webcam. It’s perfect to capture and streaming the game process without border your gaming experience. Plus, you can edit the game recording video files in Filmora directly! Worth to have a try!
Start Game Recording Start Game Recording Start Game Recording Learn More >
4. DeSmuME
Price: Free
Apparently, it was the first emulator that was developed and launched for 32-bit operating systems. Most of the latest emulators that are present in the market these days are not compatible with 32-bit operating systems. The system has also been known only to run a few commercially available games. Updates and new builds have been created by developers to deal with bugs in programs.
Pros:
- One of the few emulators available for 32-bit operating systems.
- Can function well with low specs systems.
- Developers are continuously working on it for bug fixes and the latest updates.
Cons:
- Supports 32-bit systems only.
- Can only play a few selective commercial games.
5. 3DMOO
Price: Free
3DMOO is also one of the best 3Ds emulators for PC. ICHFLY, the company that developed the GBA emulator for the NDS, created the emulator. Users of Windows & Linux are the only ones who can run this Nintendo 3DS emulator. The processing would be too slow for all the commercial games of the Nintendo 3DS, though 3DMOO supports all of them. The game might crash frequently, ruining your gaming experience. It was being developed around 2014, but suddenly the development process was stopped, so it now functions only through the command line. Source code files for the emulator are available on Github. The emulator is not available officially today but can be downloaded.
Pros:
- Open-Source Program.
- Provides support for both Windows and Linux users.
Cons:
- The emulator is currently not in active development
- The speed is too slow sometimes.
- Players face frequent crashes during the game which ruins their gaming experience.
6. NO$GBA
Price: Free
This 3DS emulator for PC is actually a very popular one. Upgrades can be purchased by paying an affordable price. Once you download the latest version, you can download the older versions also. Originally intended for Game Boy Advance, No$GBA has also been made solid enough to support Nintendo DS games. This emulator plays 3DS games with ease, and we can tell you that this emulator is the best you’ll find.
Pros:
- It does not support all 3DS games, but it does support many. Basically, it was designed for GBA.
- Multiplayer is available in the emulator.
- It is compatible with external game controllers.
- You can customize the keyboard according to your requirements.
- Current versions of the emulator are stable and under constant development.
- Even cheat codes will be supported (fun to use cheat codes sometimes).
Cons:
- Macs and Linux computers are not supported.
- There are some 3DS games that cannot be played. The compatibility list must be checked before you use this.
A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators
Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?
- 100 Million+ Users
- 150+ Countries and Regions
- 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
- 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use
* Secure Download
7. iDEAS Emulator
Price: Free
iDEAS is another emulator that allows you to play 3ds games on your pc. Although it is not liked by many players it doesn’t mean that it is a terrible emulator. Every new release adds new features, and the developers are constantly working on it. However, it may not be able to fulfil the expectations of games at the very first experience. Even though there is a lot of work to be done, such as bug fixes and upgrades to the graphics, iDEAS is the most recommended 3DS emulator for Windows 10 laptops and desktops.
Pros:
- You can use it on multiple screens because of the multi-screen processing.
- It’s unlikely that you’ll encounter any glitches with most of the games.
- The settings can be customized easily.
- It has a clean and fluid interface.
Cons:
- Although it works well with many games, still a lot of work needs to be done on graphics.
- No official website is available for this emulator however you can download it from various third party websites.
- It only works with windows and does not support Mac and Linux.
8. Project64 Emulator
Price: Free
The Project64 emulator is a good 3DS emulator for Windows 10 PCs. At first, it was nowhere, but then it suddenly appeared everywhere. That’s right, this thing appeared out of thin air and soon became the talk of gaming enthusiasts. The emulator’s simplicity and smoothness surprised will surprise you and that’s the reason why it is included in the list of top 10.
Pros:
- It is a powerful emulator that is capable of playing almost all 3DS games.
- In addition to supporting ZIP files, it can also decompress them.
- The graphics and audio quality are quite good.
- This emulator also supports the use of a joystick if you want to.
- The program is updated frequently, and it gets better with each update.
- It is possible to save your games and load them later.
Cons:
- Although it is good still there is room for a lot of improvements.
- Sometimes a game won’t even load but developers are working on it.
- The older version of this emulator was reported by some players for having malware so be careful with the downloads.
9. DuoS Emulator
Price: Free
DuoS are the perfect 3DS emulator for Windows 10 computers if you’re in need of a no-fuss solution. It is just a simple emulator so you should not expert it to do big things on your pc and laptops. Just keep your expectations low with this emulator and you will be amazed by the results.
Pros:
- This emulator is very simple and easy to use.
- The 3DS emulator plays many different 3DS games.
- Easy-to-use interface.
Cons:
- No multi-player support.
- Cheat codes are not supported.
- Advance features like quick save and load are not available.
10. NeonDS Emulator
Price: Free
This is the last one on our list. The NeonDS has been inactive for a long time. Since 2008, no new version of this emulator has been released. Nonetheless, users say it’s working. This software supports 32-bit versions of Windows, but most computers today are 64-bit.
Pros:
- There are almost no limitations in terms of 3DS games.
- Commercial games can be played on this emulator.
- The user interface is simple and intuitive.
- It has a powerful 3-D display engine that offers crisp graphics.
- Keyboard customizations are possible.
Cons:
- Neither Mac OS nor Linux is supported.
- Bugs cannot be fixed because the project has ceased development.
Conclusion:
This is the list of the best 3Ds emulators that you can use on your PC and can play Nintendo 3Ds games. Now you don’t need to worry about buying dedicated consoles. Just download one of these emulators and enjoy your favourite 3ds games. All these emulators have their own limitations and benefits so choose according to your requirements. If you fancy recording you own gameplay, Filmora can help you record your computer screen through your editing journey.
Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Ollie Mattison
Also read:
- "\"2024 Approved The Ultimate Guide for Board Usage During Your Zoom Meetings (Desktop/iOS/Android)\""
- "\"[New] Kickstart Your Webinar Skills with Easy-to-Follow Zoom Steps\""
- "\"In 2024, Elegant Architecture Top 6 Sleek MC Houses\""
- "\"2024 Approved Best Practices Selecting Devices for Zoom Recording\""
- "Comprehensively Covering Minecraft Playback Setup for 2024"
- "[New] In 2024, Decoding IO's Digital Screen Snatcher Secrets"
- "\"[New] Optimizing Latency for Real-Time OBS Viewing\""
- "\"2024 Approved From Novice to Pro A Comprehensive Video Tutorial Journey\""
- "\"In 2024, Essential Steps for High-Quality Facecam Recordings\""
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Smart Pick Android Apps for Large Video Meetings\""
- "[New] In 2024, Ultimate Guide to Windows 11/10'S Screen Capture Leaders"
- "The Ultimate Valheim Planting Manual"
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Which Recording Tool Wins? - A Bandicam Vs. Camtasia Comparison\""
- "[Updated] In 2024, How to Record YouTube Videos"
- "\"[Updated] In 2024, Navigating Skype's Ecosystem Essential Free and Paid Recording Methods (Windows/Mac)\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved The 5 Best Voice Recorders to Complement Your Apple Device\""
- "[New] Mastering Live TV Capture on Computers for 2024"
- "\"Academic Anchors Identifying Top 10 Lecture Preservation Tools for 2024\""
- "\"Growth in the Grove Top 7 Stardew Valley Addons for 2024\""
- "\"In 2024, Spotlight on ZDSoft Screen Capture for Pros\""
- "Streamlabs Vs. Top Embedding Platforms for 2024"
- "\"[New] Journey Through History Similar Themed Video Games to Ghost of Tsushima\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Deciphering the Code A Deep Dive Into Recording WhatsApp Messages\""
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Become a Zoom Screenshare Pro in Minutes\""
- "\"FlashStoppage Instant Video Quit Guide\""
- "\"2024 Approved Preferred Screen Capture Tools Outside Gaming World\""
- "\"In 2024, A Step-by-Step Tutorial for Recording YouTube Live Across Devices\""
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Efficient Steps for Capturing iPhone Screens\""
- "In 2024, Perfectly Synchronized Clip Composites via Modes"
- "Easy Onboarding for Webinar Logging in Microsoft Operating Systems for 2024"
- "\"In 2024, Leading Video-Conference Software Picks\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Expert Methods for Shushing Complaints in GMeet Sessions\""
- "\"[New] In 2024, Innovative Tech Discovering the Top 9 Microphone Recorders Online\""
- "Transformative Techniques to Enhance Your PowerPoint Recordings"
- Hassle-Free Ways to Remove FRP Lock on Vivo Y100i Power 5Gwith/without a PC
- How To Change Your SIM PIN Code on Your Oppo Find N3 Phone
- How to Transfer Contacts from ZTE Blade A73 5G to iPhone XS/11 | Dr.fone
- Take It to the Next Level Free Slow Motion Video Editing with Filmora for 2024
- In 2024, How to Unlock iPhone 8 With an Apple Watch & What to Do if It Doesnt Work
- New In 2024, Looking for iMovie on Windows? Here Are 10+ Great Alternatives
- New The Ultimate Guide to Audio Recorders for Windows PCs Top 10 Picks for 2024
- In 2024, Latest Guide How To Bypass Samsung FRP Without Computer
- New Fast Method to Match Color in Photoshop
- In 2024, How to Remove Activation Lock On the iPhone 6s Without Previous Owner?
- How To Upgrade or Downgrade Apple iPhone 6 Without Data Loss? | Dr.fone
- Read This Guide to Find a Reliable Alternative to Fake GPS On Oppo Find N3 Flip | Dr.fone
- Animation Enthusiasts Choice Top 8 Downloaded Sound Effects for Your Projects for 2024
- Updated How to Easily Add VHS Green Screen to Your Video
- Updated Mastering Volume Transitions Audio Panning Techniques in iMovie for 2024
- In 2024, Pattern Locks Are Unsafe Secure Your Poco C50 Phone Now with These Tips
- 2024 Approved If You Want to Record Video Streams on Windows or Mac Using FFmpeg, Read Our Guide and Learn How to Do This with Easy Step-by-Step Instructions
- New Assessing Whether MAGIX Samplitude Truly Dominates Music Production Tools for 2024
- In 2024, About Vivo Y78+ (T1) Edition FRP Bypass
- In 2024, Unova Stone Pokémon Go Evolution List and How Catch Them For Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate | Dr.fone
- In 2024, 3 Ways to Track Realme C51 without Them Knowing | Dr.fone
- How to Fix Pokemon Go Route Not Working On Itel P55? | Dr.fone
- How do I reset my Samsung Galaxy A14 5G Phone without technical knowledge? | Dr.fone
- A Step-by-Step Guide on Using ADB and Fastboot to Remove FRP Lock on your Honor Magic 6 Lite
- In 2024, Android Unlock Code Sim Unlock Your Motorola Moto G23 Phone and Remove Locked Screen
- How to Unlock Infinix Note 30i Pattern Lock if Forgotten? 6 Ways
- Can Life360 Track You When Your Itel P40+ is off? | Dr.fone
- Top 15 Augmented Reality Games Like Pokémon GO To Play On Motorola Edge+ (2023) | Dr.fone
- Poco M6 Pro 4G Screen Unresponsive? Heres How to Fix It | Dr.fone
- New 2024 Approved Bring Your Canon Videos to Life Top Editing Software and Tips
- Full Guide to Unlock Your Infinix Hot 40 Pro
- Getting the Pokemon Go GPS Signal Not Found 11 Error in Xiaomi 14 | Dr.fone
- Hassle-Free Ways to Remove FRP Lock from Vivo Y36 Phones with/without a PC
- Title: Best Practices for Choosing Top 3Ds PC Emulators
- Author: Catherine
- Created at : 2024-05-18 05:41:57
- Updated at : 2024-05-19 05:41:57
- Link: https://desktop-recording.techidaily.com/best-practices-for-choosing-top-3ds-pc-emulators/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.