Tanuki3DS is a free Nintendo 3DS emulator written in C for Linux, macOS, and Windows. It runs decrypted game files in .cci/.3ds, .cxi/.app, .elf/.axf, and .3dsx formats. Input options include keyboard, mouse for touch-screen use, and controllers; keyboard and freecam controls can be remapped. Settings and save data go to the operating system’s application data path by default, while portable mode uses a portable.txt file beside the executable. The interface uses open replacements for shared font and Mii resources by default, and can load originals dumped from a real 3DS. The executable also accepts a ROM file from the command line, or -h to show options. The project says many games work, though some have problems ranging from graphical glitches to crashes. Listed releases include GPU emulation improvements, camera and microphone support, motion-control fixes, a game list UI, procedural textures, and depth-buffer reading that enables outlines in Pokémon games. The project is licensed under GPL-3.0.
Who it is for
It suits people looking to run decrypted Nintendo 3DS games on Linux, macOS, or Windows, with keyboard, mouse, or controller input. It may also fit users who want portable storage or remappable controls.
What is good
- Free and licensed under GPL-3.0
- Available for Linux, macOS, and Windows
- Supports multiple listed game file formats
- Keyboard, mouse, and controller input
- Optional portable mode
What to know first
- Games must be decrypted
- Some games have glitches or crashes
Verdict
Tanuki3DS offers cross-platform 3DS emulation with several input and storage options. Its game compatibility is not uniform, and decrypted files are required.
Get started with Tanuki3DS
- Open the Tanuki3DS GitHub website.
- Choose a stable release or latest build for Linux, macOS, or Windows.
- Download the build matching your listed platform and architecture.
- Use a decrypted game file in one of the supported formats.
- Launch the executable, or pass a ROM file as a command-line argument.
Questions about Tanuki3DS
Is Tanuki3DS free?
Yes. It is free and has no free trial.
Which platforms does it support?
Linux, macOS, and Windows. Downloads are listed for x86_64 and arm64.
Which game formats can it open?
It supports .cci/.3ds, .cxi/.app, .elf/.axf, and .3dsx files. Games must be decrypted.
Can I use a controller?
Yes. It supports controller input, as well as keyboard input and mouse use for the touch screen. Keyboard and freecam controls can be remapped.
Where are settings and save data stored?
They go to the operating system’s application data path by default. Portable mode uses a portable.txt file beside the executable.
What license does Tanuki3DS use?
The repository identifies Tanuki3DS as licensed under GPL-3.0.
Compared on Nintendo 3DS emulators
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported platforms
- macOS, Linux, Windows
- System software support
- Yes
