# Best Nintendo 3DS emulator: Azahar, the Gold Cartridge pick

Page: https://whichemulator.wtf/3ds/ · Reference: WEM-3DS-XENN

The Ask API at `GET https://whichemulator.wtf/ask` answers questions from the same data as this page, and it is the only place the setup steps are published. It takes `q` (the question, 3 to 500 characters) and an optional `page` (a local path such as `/3ds/`). It returns JSON `{answer, consoles, sources, follow_ups}`, or Markdown when the request sends `Accept: text/markdown`. No key; 30 requests a minute per IP. Guide: https://whichemulator.wtf/skill.md

Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo, 2011. New 3DS models supported too.

## Recommended: Azahar

whichemulator.wtf calls its recommendation for each system the Gold Cartridge pick. For the Nintendo 3DS, the Gold Cartridge pick is Azahar.

After Citra shut down in 2024, the two best forks merged as Azahar. Good compatibility, upscaling, and an Android build that runs well on a decent phone.

Runs on Windows · Mac · Linux · Android. Open source. Download: https://azahar-emu.org

**Dump your own games:** You'll need games and system files dumped from your own 3DS. The Azahar setup guide walks through it.

## Alternatives

- [Panda3DS](https://panda3ds.com) (Windows · Mac · Linux · Android, open source): Written from scratch rather than forked from Citra. Fewer games run, but it's moving fast.

## RetroArch cores

- Citra: works, but based on older code

honestly, just use standalone Azahar

## Hardware

- Top screen: 800×240 (3D)
- Bottom screen: 320×240 touch
- GPU: PICA200
- RAM: 128MB
- Library: ~1,800 games

## Notes

### The 3D effect

Stereoscopic 3D is emulated and works with anaglyph glasses, side-by-side for VR headsets, or interlaced displays. Most people play in 2D.

### Moving from Citra

Azahar reads Citra's user folder, so saves and settings carry over.

## Support the developers

- [Star Azahar](https://github.com/azahar-emu/azahar)
- [Star Panda3DS](https://github.com/wheremyfoodat/Panda3DS)

## Questions the Ask API answers

- [Which Nintendo 3DS emulator should I use on an iPhone?](https://whichemulator.wtf/ask?q=Which+Nintendo+3DS+emulator+should+I+use+on+an+iPhone%3F&page=%2F3ds%2F&via=page)
- [Which RetroArch core should I use for the Nintendo 3DS?](https://whichemulator.wtf/ask?q=Which+RetroArch+core+should+I+use+for+the+Nintendo+3DS%3F&page=%2F3ds%2F&via=page)