Borked3DS is an experimental project derived from Citra that continues Nintendo 3DS emulation development. Builds are offered for Windows, macOS, Linux and Android. Desktop releases include a Qt graphical frontend and an SDL command-line frontend that accepts command-line options. The project describes Desktop and Android versions as having near-feature parity for applicable functions, with Offset Time as an exception. Desktop builds include Skylanders IR portal support for most compatible 3DS games. On Desktop and Android, users can adjust SPIR-V shader optimization for size or performance, turn it off, and enable validation or legalization. Android also provides log-level selection and regex filtering. The Android APK supports 64-bit Android 9 or later devices with ARM or x86 hardware; Vulkan 1.3 or later is recommended. The unified Mac binary supports 64-bit x86 and ARM systems, with minimum macOS versions of 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 remain undiscovered or unfixed. Release notes also warn that LLE audio may fail or crash on some Android hardware, with HLE audio recommended as a workaround.
Who it is for
Borked3DS suits users seeking a Citra-derived Nintendo 3DS emulator on desktop or Android who are comfortable with experimental software. Android users should check the stated device requirements and audio warning.
What is good
- Builds are offered for Windows, macOS, Linux and Android.
- Desktop has both graphical and command-line frontends.
- Desktop includes Skylanders IR portal support for most compatible games.
- Android supports log-level selection and regex filtering.
- Shader options are available on Desktop and Android.
What to know first
- Project status is experimental with limited testing and support.
- Offset Time is an exception to Desktop/Android feature parity.
- LLE audio may fail or crash on some Android hardware.
- Minimum operating-system requirements vary by platform.
Verdict
Borked3DS provides several frontends and platform builds, but the project explicitly warns that testing and support are limited. Android users should note the possible LLE audio issue and the suggested HLE workaround.
Get started with Borked3DS
- Visit the Borked3DS website.
- Choose a release for Windows, macOS, Linux, or Android.
- On Android, use a 64-bit ARM or x86 device running Android 9 or later; Vulkan 1.3 or later is recommended.
- On macOS, use a 64-bit Intel Mac with macOS 13 or later, or a 64-bit ARM Mac with macOS 14 or later.
- On Linux, choose a 64-bit AppImage based on Ubuntu 20.04, 22.04, or 24.04, including the GCC option based on Ubuntu 24.04.
- For Android audio issues with LLE, switch to HLE audio.
Questions about Borked3DS
Is Borked3DS free?
Yes. It is free and open source under the GPL-2.0 license.
Which platforms does it support?
Releases are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.
What are the Android requirements?
The APK supports 64-bit ARM or x86 devices running Android 9 or later. Vulkan 1.3 or later is recommended for the best experience.
Does Android have the same features as the desktop versions?
The project describes the versions as having near-feature parity for applicable settings and functions. Offset Time is an exception, and Android also has log-level selection and regex filtering.
Is Borked3DS stable?
The project calls it experimental and says testing and support are limited, so bugs may go undiscovered or unfixed.
What can I do if LLE audio has problems on Android?
The release notes say LLE audio may fail or crash on some Android hardware and recommend HLE audio as a workaround.
Compared on Nintendo 3DS emulators
- Supported platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
