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SPECIFICTION
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Hyjinx

github.com

WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 7.6 #11 of 20 in Nintendo Switch Emulators

What it is

Hyjinx is a free, open-source Nintendo Switch emulator for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Written in C#, it is based on Ryujinx, with development starting in January 2025 after Ryujinx ceased development. The project says a PC needs at least 8 GiB of RAM; less may cause poor gameplay or crashes. Graphics support includes OpenGL 4.5 or later, Vulkan, and Metal through MoltenVK, plus resolution scaling, anti-aliasing, shader caching, and FSR filters. Audio output works, but microphone input does not. Controls include keyboard, mouse, touch, JoyCons, and nearly all controllers; dual-JoyCon motion requires DS4Windows or BetterJoy. The GUI manages downloadable content and supports romfs, exefs, and runtime mods such as cheats. Automated main-branch builds may be unstable or broken. The project says it cannot directly decrypt protected content.

Spec sheet

Product
Hyjinx is an open-source Nintendo Switch emulator written in C# and based on Ryujinx.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Integrations
The project says it uses AmiiboAPI for Amiibo emulation and ldn_mitm for one available multiplayer mode.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The project says it uses customized MIT license terms and also includes code under BSD and LGPLv3 licenses.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Founded
2025Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Affiliation
The project states that it is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Nintendo.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Audio
Audio output is supported, while audio input through a microphone is not supported.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Builds
Builds are compiled automatically for each commit on the main branch, and the project warns they may be unstable or broken.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Configuration
Settings can be changed through the graphical interface or manually in Config.json in the user folder.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Controls
Input support includes keyboard, mouse, touch, JoyCons, and nearly all controllers; dual-JoyCon motion input requires DS4Windows or BetterJoy.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Development
Hyjinx development began in January 2025 after Ryujinx ceased development.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
DLC and mods
The GUI can manage downloadable content and supports romfs, exefs, and runtime mods such as cheats.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Graphics
The GPU emulator supports OpenGL 4.5 or later, Vulkan, and Metal through MoltenVK, plus six listed graphics enhancements.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Independence
The project says it is independent and not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Nintendo.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Input
The emulator supports keyboard, mouse, touch, JoyCon, and nearly all controllers; dual-JoyCon motion controls require DS4Windows or BetterJoy.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Integrations and components
The project credits LibHac for its file system, AmiiboAPI for Amiibo emulation, and ldn_mitm for an available multiplayer mode.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Intended goals
The project aims to provide accuracy, performance, a user-friendly interface, and consistent builds.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Load-time cache
A profile-based persistent translation cache is enabled by default and its performance improvements begin after the game has been launched to the title screen at least twice.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Memory requirement
The README says a PC needs at least 8 GiB of RAM and warns that less may cause poor gameplay or crashes.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Mods and downloadable content
The graphical interface can manage add-on or downloadable content, and the emulator supports romfs, exefs, and runtime mods such as cheats.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Project history
Hyjinx development began in January 2025 after Ryujinx ceased development.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Protected content
The emulator is described as unable to directly decrypt protected content, as part of the project's stated DMCA-compliance goal.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Release status
The releases page lists version 0.3.0-preview.174 as a pre-release, dated September 30, 2026.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
System requirement
The project says a PC needs at least 8 GiB of RAM to run the emulator.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows
  • OpenGL, Vulkan, and Metal graphics support
  • Resolution scaling and FSR filters
  • Supports many controllers and motion input
  • Downloadable content and runtime mods

Limits

  • At least 8 GiB of RAM required
  • Microphone input is unsupported
  • Dual-JoyCon motion needs extra software
  • Automated builds may be unstable or broken

Who it suits

Hyjinx suits users seeking a Switch emulator on Linux, macOS, or Windows with broad graphics and controller support. It requires at least 8 GiB of RAM and may involve unstable automated builds.

Verdict

Hyjinx offers a broad, configurable emulator with multiple graphics APIs, controller options, downloadable-content management, and mods. Its memory requirement, unsupported microphone input, extra motion-control software, and unstable automated builds are important constraints.

Where Specifiction places it

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