Ryujinx Classic
gitlab.com
What it is
Ryujinx Classic is a Nintendo Switch emulator project intended to revive the original Ryujinx. The project aims to improve its codebase, add quality-of-life enhancements, and support newer Nintendo Switch firmware and software. Its C# source is available under the MIT license, with Windows, macOS, and Linux listed as supported platforms. Graphics support includes OpenGL 4.5+, Vulkan, and Metal through MoltenVK, with resolution scaling, anti-aliasing, and shader caching among the available options. Input includes keyboard, mouse, touch, JoyCon, and nearly all controllers; audio output is supported, but microphone input is not. The emulator can manage downloadable content and supports romfs, exefs, and runtime mods. It does not yet provide an automated build, so users need to build it themselves. The README recommends at least 8 GiB of RAM and preferably an NVIDIA GPU, warning that lower specifications may cause poor performance or unexpected crashes. The project describes its current aim and does not provide an automated build.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- Ryujinx Classic is a Nintendo Switch emulator intended to revive the original project through codebase improvements, quality-of-life enhancements, and support for newer Nintendo Switch firmware and software.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gitlab.com
- Product
- Ryujinx Classic is described as a Nintendo Switch emulator.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gitlab.com
- Support
- Users can request support or submit contributions and suggestions by opening a GitLab issue, reviewing the FAQ, or subscribing to the project's YouTube channel.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gitlab.com
- Founded
- 2026Read 28 Sep 2026 · gitlab.com
- Audio
- Audio output is fully supported, but audio input through a microphone is not supported.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gitlab.com
- Build availability
- Ryujinx Classic does not yet provide an automated build, so users must build the emulator themselves.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gitlab.com
- Build targets
- Build instructions show Windows win-x64 and allow runtime identifiers such as linux-x64 and linux-arm64; macOS terminal instructions are also provided.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gitlab.com
- Codebase
- The project says it aims to improve the codebase.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gitlab.com
- Compatibility
- As of May 2024, Ryujinx had been tested on approximately 4,300 titles; over 4,100 booted past menus into gameplay, with roughly 3,550 considered playable.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gitlab.com
- Configuration
- Settings such as logging and controller remapping can be changed through the graphical interface or the Config.json file.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gitlab.com
- CPU emulation
- The ARMeilleure CPU emulator supports most 64-bit ARMv8 instructions and some ARMv7 and older instructions, with partial 32-bit support.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gitlab.com
- Created
- GitLab lists the project creation date as May 04, 2026.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gitlab.com
- DLC and mods
- The emulator manages downloadable content through its GUI and supports romfs, exefs, and runtime mods such as cheats.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gitlab.com
- Firmware and software
- The project says it aims to add support for newer Nintendo Switch firmware and software.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gitlab.com
- Graphics
- The GPU emulator supports OpenGL 4.5+, Vulkan, and Metal through MoltenVK, with resolution scaling, anti-aliasing, scaling filters including FSR, anisotropic filtering, aspect-ratio adjustment, and disk shader caching.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gitlab.com
- Input
- Input support includes keyboard, mouse, touch, JoyCon, nearly all controllers, and native motion controls in most cases; dual-JoyCon motion requires DS4Windows or BetterJoy.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gitlab.com
- Language
- GitLab lists C# as a project topic.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gitlab.com
- Open source
- The emulator is written in C#, and Ryujinx Classic is available under the MIT license.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gitlab.com
- Performance cache
- Ryujinx includes an optional Profiled Persistent Translation Cache that caches translated functions to reduce game load times after initial launches.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gitlab.com
- Project aim
- The project aims to revive the original Ryujinx project.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gitlab.com
- Project topic
- GitLab lists emulator as a project topic.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gitlab.com
- Quality of life
- The project says it aims to add quality-of-life enhancements.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gitlab.com
- System requirements
- The README recommends at least 8 GiB of RAM and preferably an NVIDIA GPU; systems below these requirements may have poor performance or unexpected crashes.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gitlab.com
- Third-party components
- The project credits LibHac for its file system, AmiiboAPI for Amiibo emulation, ldn_mitm for a multiplayer mode, and ShellLink for Windows shortcut generation.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gitlab.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Source is available under the MIT license.
- Supports OpenGL, Vulkan, and Metal through MoltenVK.
- Input includes keyboard, mouse, touch, and JoyCon.
- Manages downloadable content and supports runtime mods.
Limits
- No automated build is provided.
- README recommends at least 8 GiB of RAM.
- Microphone input is not supported.
- Lower system specifications may cause poor performance or crashes.
Who it suits
Ryujinx Classic suits users interested in a Nintendo Switch emulator who can build software themselves and have a system that meets the stated recommendations. Its listed platforms are Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Verdict
Ryujinx Classic outlines a broad set of graphics, input, and content options for a Switch emulator. Users should account for the need to build it themselves and the project's stated hardware recommendations.
Where Specifiction places it
- Nintendo Switch Emulators#15 of 207.2