Ryujinx Classic is a Nintendo Switch emulator project intended to revive the original Ryujinx. Its stated aims include improving the codebase, adding quality-of-life changes, and supporting newer Nintendo Switch firmware and software. The C# source is available under the MIT license, and the project lists Windows, macOS, and Linux as supported platforms. Graphics support includes OpenGL 4.5+, Vulkan, and Metal through MoltenVK, with resolution scaling, anti-aliasing, scaling filters, anisotropic filtering, aspect-ratio adjustment, and disk shader caching. Input options include keyboard, mouse, touch, JoyCon, nearly all controllers, and native motion controls in most cases; dual-JoyCon motion requires DS4Windows or BetterJoy. Audio output is supported, but microphone input is not. The emulator manages downloadable content and supports romfs, exefs, and runtime mods. The project has no automated build yet, so users must build it themselves. Its README recommends at least 8 GiB of RAM and preferably an NVIDIA GPU, noting that lower specifications may cause poor performance or unexpected crashes.
Who it is for
Ryujinx Classic may suit users seeking a source-available Switch emulator who can build it themselves. Users should check the stated hardware recommendations and input limitations.
What is good
- C# source is available under the MIT license.
- Supports OpenGL, Vulkan, and Metal.
- Offers resolution scaling and disk shader caching.
- Supports keyboard, mouse, touch, JoyCon, and nearly all controllers.
- Audio output is supported.
What to know first
- There is no automated build; users must build it themselves.
- At least 8 GiB of RAM is recommended.
- Microphone input is not supported.
- Dual-JoyCon motion requires DS4Windows or BetterJoy.
Verdict
Ryujinx Classic is a free emulator project with graphics, input, and mod features, but it is still aimed at users prepared to build the software themselves. Check its hardware recommendations and motion-control caveat before proceeding.
Compared on Nintendo switch emulators
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- Source available
- Yes
- Online multiplayer
- Yes
- Resolution scaling
- Yes
- Graphics APIs
- OpenGL, Vulkan, Metal
- Motion controls
- Yes
