Ruzu is a free, experimental, open-source Nintendo Switch emulator written in Rust for desktop computers. Its graphical library browses game directories, manages settings for individual games, and displays detected updates and add-ons. The interface can be controlled with a gamepad or with keyboard and mouse. Graphics options include Vulkan and OpenGL, along with an experimental native Metal backend on macOS. Ruzu supports ARM32 and ARM64 guest execution through the rdynarmic dynamic recompiler, with x86-64 and ARM64 host backends. It can run homebrew applications through graphical and command-line frontends, and its interface offers themes, translations, hotkey configuration, and game-list display options. Packages are listed for Windows, macOS, Linux, Ubuntu, and Steam Deck. The latest listed release is v0.1.1-rc4, a pre-release for testing before v0.1.1. Compatibility and performance vary with the game, hardware, and graphics backend; bugs, crashes, and incomplete features are expected. Ruzu is licensed under GPL-3.0-or-later, does not include Nintendo games, keys, or system files, and is intended for legally obtained games.
Who it is for
Ruzu is for desktop users interested in running legally obtained Nintendo Switch games or homebrew applications. It may suit users comfortable with experimental software and variable compatibility.
What is good
- Free and open-source under GPL-3.0-or-later.
- Packages listed for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Steam Deck.
- Supports Vulkan, OpenGL, and experimental Metal on macOS.
- Game library manages per-game settings and detected add-ons.
What to know first
- Experimental release may have bugs and crashes.
- Compatibility and performance vary by game and hardware.
- The latest listed release is a pre-release.
- Does not include games, keys, or system files.
Verdict
Ruzu offers desktop emulation and homebrew support across several listed platforms, but the project identifies it as experimental and warns that compatibility varies. It should be used only with legally obtained games.
Get started with Ruzu
- Open the Ruzu project website on GitHub.
- Choose the package for Windows, macOS, Linux, Ubuntu, or Steam Deck.
- Install or open the package for your platform.
- Browse your game directories in the graphical library, or use the command-line frontend for homebrew.
What the free plan stops at
Ruzu is free, with no paid plan listed. The project describes the current release as a pre-release and says compatibility and performance vary; bugs, crashes, and incomplete features are expected.
Questions about Ruzu
How much does Ruzu cost?
Ruzu is free: its listed plan is 0.00 USD per free.
Is Ruzu open source?
Yes. It is licensed under GPL-3.0-or-later.
Which platforms does Ruzu support?
Packages are listed for Windows, macOS, Linux, Ubuntu, and Steam Deck.
Which graphics APIs does Ruzu support?
Ruzu supports Vulkan and OpenGL, plus an experimental native Metal backend on macOS.
Does Ruzu include Nintendo games or system files?
No. It does not include Nintendo games, keys, or system files, and it says to use legally obtained games.
What is the latest listed release?
The latest listed release is v0.1.1-rc4, described as a pre-release for testing before v0.1.1.
Ruzu plans and pricing
All plansCompared on Nintendo switch emulators
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linux, Steam Deck, Ubuntu
- Source available
- Yes
- Graphics APIs
- Vulkan, OpenGL, Metal
