Borked3DS
borked3ds.github.io
What it is
Borked3DS is a free, open-source Nintendo 3DS emulator project derived from Citra. It offers builds for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android, and the project describes Desktop and Android as having nearly the same applicable settings and functions, with Offset Time excepted. Desktop releases include a Qt graphical interface and an SDL command-line frontend that accepts options. Desktop versions also include Skylanders IR portal support for most compatible 3DS games. On Desktop and Android, users can adjust SPIR-V shader optimization, disable it, and enable validation or legalization; Android adds log-level selection and regex filtering. The Android APK supports 64-bit Android 9 or later on ARM or x86 hardware, with Vulkan 1.3 or later recommended. The unified Mac binary supports 64-bit x86 and ARM, with minimum macOS versions 13 and 14 respectively. Linux builds are 64-bit AppImages based on Ubuntu 20.04, 22.04, and 24.04. The project warns that testing and support are limited, so bugs may persist; LLE audio may fail or crash on some Android hardware, where HLE audio is the suggested workaround.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- Borked3DS is a Citra-derived project that continues Nintendo 3DS emulation development.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Product
- Borked3DS is an experimental Nintendo 3DS emulator based on Citra.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- License
- The repository identifies its license as GPL-2.0.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Android logging
- The Android version supports log-level selection and regex filtering.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Android requirements
- The project says its APK supports 64-bit Android 9 or later devices with ARM or x86 hardware, and recommends Vulkan 1.3 or later for the best experience.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Compatibility
- The project says it works with Bravely Offline after renaming borked3ds.exe to citra-qt.exe and copying the bundle into the relevant Citra directory.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Desktop and Android features
- The project says its Desktop and Android versions have near-feature parity for applicable settings and functions, with Offset Time as an exception.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Desktop frontends
- Desktop releases include a Qt GUI frontend and an SDL command-line frontend, which can take command-line options.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Desktop interfaces
- Desktop releases include a QT-based GUI and an SDL-based command-line frontend that supports scripting or use with other frontends.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Downloads
- Releases are offered for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android, including Linux AppImages and an Android APK.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Experimental status
- The project describes itself as experimental, with limited testing and minimal support, and says bugs may go undiscovered or unfixed.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Feature parity
- The Desktop and Android versions have near-feature parity, with Offset Time listed as an exception for Android.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Known Android issue
- The release notes warn that LLE audio may fail or crash on some Android hardware and recommend using HLE audio as a workaround.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Known issue
- The release notes say LLE audio may fail or crash on some Android hardware and recommend HLE audio as a workaround.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Linux builds
- The project offers 64-bit Linux AppImages based on Ubuntu 20.04, 22.04, and 24.04, including a GCC option based on Ubuntu 24.04.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- macOS requirements
- The unified Mac binary supports 64-bit x86 and ARM Macs; the stated minimum is macOS 13 for x86 and macOS 14 for ARM.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Origins
- The project continues work from Citra and incorporates elements from the PabloMK7 fork, Lime3DS, and Mandarine.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Project maintainer
- A release page identifies Reg Tiangha as a release contributor.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Requirements
- The stated minimums include Windows 10, macOS 13 for x86 or macOS 14 for ARM, modern 64-bit Linux, or 64-bit Android 9; desktop and Android requirements also specify GPU API support and 4 GB RAM.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Shader options
- The project lets users customize Vulkan SPIR-V shader optimization and optionally enable validation or legalization.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Skylanders support
- The Desktop version includes built-in support for Skylanders IR portal hardware in most compatible 3DS games.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Stability
- The maker describes Borked3DS as experimental, with limited testing and minimal support, and advises users seeking a more stable experience to use another fork.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Support and community
- The maker says community management time is limited and identifies GitHub as the main place the project offers for users to get going.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
- Desktop offers graphical and command-line frontends
- Android supports log-level selection and regex filtering
- Desktop includes Skylanders IR portal support for most compatible games
Limits
- The project describes testing and support as limited
- LLE audio may fail or crash on some Android hardware
- Android Offset Time is an exception to feature parity
Who it suits
Borked3DS suits users seeking a free 3DS emulator across desktop and Android who are comfortable with experimental software. Android users should be prepared to use HLE audio if LLE audio fails or crashes on their hardware.
Verdict
Borked3DS lists detailed platform requirements and configurable features across its builds. Its experimental status and limited support are important considerations before choosing it.
Where Specifiction places it
- Nintendo 3DS Emulators#7 of 147.8
