Citron for Windows

About Citron

Citron is a free, open-source Nintendo Switch emulator for Windows that was developed using parts of the Yuzu project's codebase. It aims to make many Switch titles playable on desktop PCs, offering a balance between compatibility and performance so users with mid-range systems can enjoy a large portion of the library.

Hardware: Minimum and Recommended

For basic playability, Citron runs on modest hardware. A system equipped with an Intel Core i3-6100 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 can handle less demanding games. For smoother performance in heavier titles, a faster CPU such as an Intel Core i5-8600K paired with a GTX-series graphics card is recommended; better results come from more powerful GPUs and higher CPU clock speeds.

Compatibility and Performance

Citron’s compatibility database covers more than 1,500 Switch games, with roughly 85% of those reported as playable to varying degrees. Many popular titles are capable of running at 60 FPS and at improved resolutions when hardware allows. Results depend on the specific game and your system configuration, but the emulator continues to gain optimizations that increase playability over time.

Input and Controller Options

Citron provides extensive control customization and supports a variety of input devices:

• PlayStation-style controllers (via wired or Bluetooth connections)
• Xbox-compatible gamepads
• Nintendo Joy‑Con pairs and similar Switch-style controllers
• Keyboard and mouse configurations

You can remap buttons, create profiles for different games, and tune dead zones and sensitivity to match your preferred setup.

Installation, Guides, and Community Support

Getting started is straightforward: step‑by‑step guides and setup tutorials are available on Citron’s official website, and an active community on Discord helps with troubleshooting and configuration tips. Regular updates and community feedback help keep the emulator stable and progressively more capable.

Ongoing Development

Citron benefits from continuous improvements and bug fixes. New releases add performance enhancements, expanded compatibility, and additional features, making it a strong option for playing Nintendo Switch software on Windows PCs.