Side by side
3Beans vs Manic EMU
Both stand on nintendo 3ds emulators. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source AndroidiPhoneLinux+2
3Beans offers a low-level approach to 3DS emulation, but the maker describes it as an early project with issues. Check that you have the required system files and a supported downloadable build.
Visit 3Beans Free plan Open source iPhoneMacSelf-hosted
Manic EMU offers broad system support and a range of play and save features for iPhone and iPad. Readers should note the free App Store limits, the sideload sync restriction, and that game files are not supplied.
Visit Manic EMUThe facts
| 3Beans | Manic EMU | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Windows | iPhone, Mac, Self-hosted |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | See the plans |
| Plans published | 2 | 9 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | github.com |
| On nintendo 3ds emulators | #1 of 14 | #2 of 14 |
3Beans: what it does well
- Free and open-source under GPL-3.0.
- Supports software and hardware GPU rendering.
- Can boot the Home Menu and some games.
- Controls can be changed in Settings.
- Feedback and issue reports are invited.
What to know first
- Requires files dumped from a physical 3DS.
- Games must be encrypted cartridge dumps.
- The maker says the project still has many issues.
- Pull requests are not accepted.
Manic EMU: what it does well
- Supports more than 30 classic platforms.
- Imports from multiple cloud storage services.
- Integrates RetroAchievements.
- Supports local multiplayer and eligible-core Netplay.
- Offers free App Store and sideload builds.
What to know first
- Free App Store fast-forward is limited to 2×.
- Free App Store build allows three save states.
- Sideload builds do not include iCloud save sync.
- ROMs, BIOS files, and game data are not included.
Alternatives to 3Beans Alternatives to Manic EMU The whole list