The best 3DS emulators for Android

Want to play classic Nintendo 3DS games on your Android device?

The days of needing dedicated handheld consoles are over. Smartphones today are powerful enough to replace laptops and desktops, making gaming on the go more accessible than ever.

The Nintendo 3DS remains one of the most beloved handheld consoles, but instead of buying a new device, you can use emulators to play your favorite 3DS games directly on your Android phone. With the power of modern smartphones, it’s easier than ever to relive classic games.

If you’ve been searching for the best 3DS emulators for Android, you're in the right place. We’ve compiled a list of the top 8 3DS emulators that will give you the ultimate gaming experience, all from the comfort of your phone.

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1. RetroArch

Price: Free

RetroArch is one of the most versatile 3DS emulator Android apps, offering support for multiple gaming platforms, including Nintendo 3DS. This open-source emulator allows users to install cores for different systems, enabling smooth gameplay for various Nintendo 3DS games. It features advanced shaders, rewinding options, and support for multiple controllers. RetroArch is highly customizable, making it one of the best 3DS emulator for Android users who enjoy tweaking their setup.

Pros:

• Supports multiple platforms, including Nintendo 3DS
• Highly customizable with shader options
• Free and open-source

Cons:

• Requires some technical knowledge to set up
• Occasional lag on low-end devices

Why Choose RetroArch?

If you're looking for a versatile emulator that can handle more than just 3DS games, RetroArch is a top choice. Its extensive feature set and customizability make it a favorite among enthusiasts.

 

2. Citra MMJ

Price: Free

Citra MMJ is a fork of the original Citra Emulator, optimized specifically for Android devices. It offers improved performance, enhanced graphics, and additional features tailored for Android users. If you're searching for a Nintendo 3DS emulator Android that delivers fast and stable gameplay, Citra MMJ is an excellent choice.

Pros:

• Optimized for Android devices
• Enhanced performance compared to the official version
• Regular updates from the community

Cons:

• Not available on the Google Play Store
• Limited support for low-end devices

Why Choose RCitra MMJ?

If you're looking for an emulator that prioritizes speed and performance, Citra MMJ is an excellent option. It’s especially recommended for gamers using older or less powerful Android devices.

 

3. Panda3DS

Price: Free

Panda3DS is a newer addition to the 3DS emulator Android category. Designed for modern devices, it offers support for high-resolution graphics and smoother gameplay. While still in development, it has gained popularity for its clean interface and support for a wide range of Nintendo 3DS games.

Pros:

• Clean and user-friendly interface
• High-resolution support
• Great for casual gamers

Cons:

• Limited features compared to more established emulators
• May struggle with intensive games

 

4. Citra 3DS Emulator for Android

Price: Free

Citra is widely regarded as the best 3DS emulator for Android, offering excellent performance and compatibility with most Nintendo 3DS games. With features like texture scaling, controller support, and cheat codes, Citra provides a console-like experience for Android users. The emulator runs smoothly on mid-to-high-end devices, although some games may require additional configurations.

Pros:

• High compatibility with Nintendo 3DS games
• Supports external controllers and cheat codes
• Texture upscaling for better graphics

Cons:

• Performance may vary on older devices
• Official development has slowed down

Why Choose Citra 3?

If you want a polished and stable emulator for playing Nintendo 3DS games, Citra is the go-to choice for both casual players and hardcore fans.

 

5. Lemuroid

Price: Free

Lemuroid is a multi-system emulator that supports Nintendo 3DS games among many other platforms. It's known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it one of the most accessible 3DS emulator Android apps available. Features include save states, customizable controls, and cloud save support, perfect for gamers on the go.

Pros:

• User-friendly and simple to set up
• Supports cloud saves
• Regularly updated

Cons:

• Limited advanced features
• Compatibility issues with certain 3DS games

Why Choose Lemuroid?

Lemuroid is an excellent choice for gamers who want a simple, user-friendly emulator with multi-platform support. Its intuitive design and lightweight performance make it ideal for casual users.

 

6. MelonDS (Android Port)

Price:  Free

MelonDS is a highly popular emulator that started as a Nintendo DS emulator but now includes experimental support for 3DS games. It boasts excellent performance and an intuitive interface, making it a great Nintendo 3DS emulator Android option. Advanced features include Wi-Fi emulation and support for external controllers.

Pros:

• High performance on mid-to-high-end devices
• Wi-Fi emulation for multiplayer games
• Open-source and regularly updated

Cons:

• Limited 3DS game compatibility
• Some features require manual setup

Why Choose MelonDS?

MelonDS is ideal for users who value performance and accuracy. Its experimental support for 3DS games makes it a promising option for the future.

 

7. EmuBox

Price:  Free

EmuBox is a multi-platform emulator that supports a range of systems, including the Nintendo 3DS. It features a polished interface and provides excellent performance for many games. EmuBox is a good choice for users who want a versatile 3DS emulator Android app without much hassle.

Pros:

• Supports multiple platforms, including Nintendo 3DS
• Easy to use and set up
• Customizable game controls

Cons:

• Contains ads
• Some minor compatibility issues

Why Choose EmuBox?

For those who want a simple, efficient, and versatile emulator, EmuBox delivers. It’s particularly suited for gamers who like to switch between multiple gaming platforms.

 

8. Skyline Emulator

Price: Free

Skyline Emulator is better known as a Switch emulator but also supports some Nintendo 3DS games. It offers high performance and advanced features, making it one of the most powerful 3DS emulator Android options for tech-savvy users.

Pros:

• Powerful performance
• Advanced graphical settings
• Active development community

Cons:

• Not primarily designed for 3DS games
• Resource-intensive on low-end devices

Why Choose Skyline EmulatorSkyline Emulator ?

Skyline Emulator is ideal for users with high-end Android devices who want a dual-purpose emulator for both 3DS and Switch games.

 

Conclusion:

These are some of the best 3DS emulators that you can download and use on your android devices. Now think for a second that how it will feel to play all those classic games again on your mobile devices. You can recall your childhood memories. So, don’t waste your money buying dedicated consoles and try these emulators today. For people who play games on computer and want to save the highlights of their games, use a screen recorder to capture the screen will be a good choice. I would recommend Filmora, a powerful video recorder and editor tool to help save high quality videos on computer with ease.