Azahar vs Redream

Azahar is a free, open-source emulator for Nintendo 3DS games, with standalone applications for Windows, macOS, Linux and Android. It is intended to let 3DS owners use their game libraries with options such as higher resolutions, modern controllers and save states. The project also serves homebrew debugging, research and preservation of the 3DS ecosystem. Community contributors continue work associated with Citra. Libretro cores allow use with RetroArch and similar frontends, including on iOS and tvOS, but Azahar’s FAQ says native iOS support is not planned for the foreseeable future and points users to an iOS build of the original Citra instead. Android requires version 10.0 or later on a 64-bit device. A per-game compatibility tracker provides reports, though the FAQ warns that these may be outdated. The mobile app privacy policy says registration is not required and the app does not collect information. Azahar states that it is not affiliated with or endorsed by Nintendo.

Redream is a Dreamcast emulator for Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows. It lets players run Dreamcast games, with the homepage listing rendering at 1080p or 4K and play without controller setup or adding BIOS or flash files. The homepage says more than 95% of the Dreamcast library can be played from start to finish; the download page gives a figure above 96% and says that share can be played at no cost. Listed features include widescreen codes, automatic cover art, save states, and cheat support. The package is under 4 megabytes, and the homepage says it can produce a smooth 60 Hz on decade-old desktops and mobile phones. Redream is free to use on supported platforms. Premium is a one-time purchase that works across those platforms, with pay-what-you-want amounts of $6, $8, $10, or $20. It adds high-definition rendering, multiple save-state slots per game, and a custom Discord server role.