Citra Game Compatibility List 2026 – What Works, What Doesn’t

If you want to know whether your favorite 3DS game works on Citra Emulator, you are in the right place. This guide includes test results from more than 500 Nintendo 3DS games and is updated regularly. About 85% of 3DS games can run on Citra, and around 60% work perfectly without major problems.

Most popular games run smoothly on a good PC. Some titles may have small issues, mainly with online features, but offline gameplay usually works very well. All results in this guide are tested on the latest Citra Canary version, and performance may vary depending on your PC hardware.

Quick Stats: How Many Games Actually Work?

Here is a quick overview of how well Nintendo 3DS games run on Citra. These numbers are based on recent testing and community feedback.

Understanding Our Compatibility Rating System:

We use a simple 5-star system to show how well games run on Citra. This makes it easy for you to understand what to expect before playing a game.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PERFECT (5/5) – Best Performance:

• Runs at full speed (60 FPS or the game’s normal speed).
• No major bugs or visual problems.
• Sound works clearly without issues.
• You can play the game from start to end without problems.

Example: Pokemon X and Y run extremely well.

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ GREAT (4/5) – Very Good:

• Runs smoothly most of the time (around 50–60 FPS).
• Small visual issues that do not affect gameplay.
• You can finish the full game without serious problems.

Example: Pokemon Sun and Moon work well but need a stronger PC.

⭐⭐⭐☆☆ OKAY (3/5) – Playable With Issues:

• Game is playable but has noticeable problems.
• FPS may drop in some areas (around 30–50 FPS).
• Some features like online mode may not work.
• Main story can still be completed.

Example: Super Smash Bros for Nintendo 3DS works but may not feel smooth all the time.

⭐⭐☆☆☆ BAD (2/5) – Major Problems

• Serious performance issues while playing.
• Frequent slowdowns below 30 FPS.
• Possible bugs that affect gameplay.
• You may not be able to finish the game.

⭐☆☆☆☆ UNPLAYABLE (1/5) – Does Not Work

• Game crashes when you try to open it.
• Stuck on a black screen with no progress.
• Very slow performance (below 20 FPS).
• Major bugs stop you from playing the game properly.

Top 10 Games That Work PERFECTLY on Citra:

These games run extremely well on Citra with no major problems. They are fully playable from start to finish and give smooth performance even on mid-range PCs. If you are new to Citra, these are the safest games to try first.

#1 – Pokemon X / Pokémon Y

These games are one of the best examples of perfect performance on Citra. They run very smoothly and look much better at higher resolution than on a real 3DS. There are no major bugs or crashes during gameplay.

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PERFECT
• Performance: Constant 60 FPS, even on mid-range PCs
• Issues: No major issues (online features do not work)
• Best Build: Nightly or Canary
• Recommended Settings: 3x–4x resolution, Hardware Shader ON

#2 – Pokemon Omega Ruby / Alpha Sapphire

These games also run extremely well and feel smooth during battles and exploration. Graphics look very sharp when you increase the resolution. The full story can be completed without problems.

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PERFECT
• Performance: Stable 60 FPS (small dips on low-end PCs)
• Issues: Rare audio crackling (can be fixed in settings)
• Best Build: Canary recommended
• Recommended Settings: 3x resolution, adjust audio if needed

#3 – The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

This Zelda game runs perfectly on Citra with no performance drops. It stays smooth during combat, puzzles, and cutscenes. It also looks amazing at higher resolution settings.

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PERFECT
• Performance: Locked 60 FPS
• Issues: No known problems
• Best Build: Any recent Citra version
• Recommended Settings: 4x resolution for best visuals

#4 – Mario Kart 7

Racing feels very smooth and responsive on Citra. The game keeps steady performance even during busy races. It is fully playable in single-player and local multiplayer modes.

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PERFECT
• Performance: Smooth 60 FPS during races
• Issues: Online multiplayer does not work
• Best Build: Any updated build
• Recommended Settings: 3x resolution, use a controller

#5 – Fire Emblem Awakening

This strategy game works very well because it does not require heavy graphics power. Battles and animations run smoothly without slowdowns. You can complete the full game without issues.

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PERFECT
• Performance: Stable 60 FPS
• Issues: No major bugs
• Best Build: Any recent version
• Recommended Settings: Default settings work fine

#6 – Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon

This game runs smoothly and looks much better in higher resolution. Movement and animations stay stable during gameplay. There are no serious performance problems.

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PERFECT
• Performance: Full 60 FPS
• Issues: Very rare small visual glitches
• Best Build: Canary preferred
• Recommended Settings: 3x–4x resolution

#7 – Kid Icarus: Uprising

The game runs smoothly with stable performance during missions and battles. Controls feel much better when using a controller instead of touch controls.

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PERFECT
• Performance: Smooth 60 FPS
• Issues: Touch controls may feel difficult
• Best Build: Any updated version
• Recommended Settings: Use a controller for best experience

#8 – Mario & Luigi: Dream Team

This RPG runs without slowdowns and stays stable during fights and cutscenes. It is fully playable from beginning to end with no crashes.

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PERFECT
• Performance: Locked 60 FPS
• Issues: No major problems
• Best Build: Any recent build
• Recommended Settings: 3x resolution

#9 – Bravely Default

This game runs very smoothly and looks sharp at higher resolution. There are no major bugs, and gameplay feels stable in all areas.

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PERFECT
• Performance: Full 60 FPS
• Issues: No serious issues
• Best Build: Latest Canary recommended
• Recommended Settings: 3x–4x resolution

#10 – Animal Crossing: New Leaf

This game runs smoothly with stable performance during daily activities and events. Single-player mode works completely without problems.

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PERFECT
• Performance: Stable 60 FPS
• Issues: Online features disabled
• Best Build: Any updated version
• Recommended Settings: Default or 3x resolution

Pokémon Games Compatibility on Citra (All Generations Tested):

Good news for Pokémon fans! All main Pokémon games for Nintendo 3DS run on Citra. The overall experience is very good, especially for Generation 6 titles. Generation 7 games are more demanding and need stronger hardware, but they are still fully playable from start to finish.

Below is a detailed breakdown of performance, issues, and recommended settings for each Pokémon generation.

Generation 6 Pokémon Games (Best Performance – Highly Recommended)

Generation 6 games are the most stable and optimized Pokémon titles on Citra. They run at full speed with almost no issues and are perfect for beginners.

Pokemon X & Pokémon Y:

These two games offer the best and smoothest Pokémon experience on Citra. They run at full speed at all times and look much better than on a real 3DS when you increase the resolution. There are no major bugs, crashes, or game-breaking problems.

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PERFECT
• FPS: Constant 60 FPS with no drops
• Bugs: No major bugs (online battles and trading do not work)
• Best Build: Nightly or Canary (both work perfectly)
• Completable: ✅ Yes, fully playable from start to end

Detailed Notes:
You can safely increase resolution to 3x or 4x for sharper graphics. Performance remains stable even during battles and cutscenes. These games are the best starting point for anyone new to Citra.

Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire:

These remakes also run extremely well on Citra. The gameplay feels smooth in battles, cities, and exploration. Graphics look very clear at higher resolutions.

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PERFECT
• FPS: Stable 60 FPS (small drops only during large horde battles on weak PCs)
• Bugs: Minor audio crackling (can be fixed in settings)
• Best Build: Canary recommended
• Completable: ✅ Yes

Detailed Notes:
If you hear audio crackling, simply disable “Audio Stretching” in settings. Other than that, the game runs smoothly and is fully playable without serious issues.

Generation 7 Pokémon Games (More Demanding – Still Playable)

Generation 7 games use more advanced lighting and graphics effects. Because of this, they require a stronger PC. They do not run as perfectly as Gen 6, but they are still very playable.

Pokemon Sun & Pokémon Moon:

These games work well but need better hardware. They are more demanding, especially during battles and cutscenes. Performance is good on mid-range and high-end PCs.

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ GREAT
• FPS: Around 40–50 FPS (may drop to 30 on low-end PCs)
• Bugs: Shadow effects may look strange
• Best Build: Canary REQUIRED (Nightly may cause issues)
• Completable: ✅ Yes

Important:
These games need stronger hardware than Gen 6. On weak PCs, you may notice FPS drops. To fix shadow issues, enable “Accurate Multiplication” in graphics settings.

Detailed Notes:
Even though performance is slightly lower than Gen 6, the games are still stable and fully playable. With the right settings, they run smoothly on modern PCs.

Pokemon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon:

These improved versions run slightly better than the original Sun and Moon in some cases. Performance is stable on good hardware.

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ GREAT
• FPS: Around 35–45 FPS (can reach higher on strong PCs)
• Best Build: Canary recommended
• Completable: ✅ Yes

💬 Detailed Notes:
These games are demanding but stable. With proper settings and a decent PC, they run smoothly and can be completed without major issues.

Pokémon Games Performance Comparison:

Here is a simple comparison of all main Pokémon 3DS games:

Game	Rating	Average FPS	Hardware Demand
X / Y / ORAS	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	60 FPS	Easy
Sun / Moon	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	40–50 FPS	Medium
Ultra Sun / Moon	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	35–45 FPS	Medium

Final Verdict for Pokémon Fans:

If you want the best and smoothest experience, play Generation 6 games like Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby, or Alpha Sapphire. They run perfectly and are fully optimized for Citra. Generation 7 games like Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon also work well, but they need stronger hardware and proper settings.

In simple words: All Pokémon 3DS games are playable on Citra — but Gen 6 is perfect, and Gen 7 needs a better PC for smooth performance.

Mario Games Compatibility on Citra (Full Breakdown):

If you are a Mario fan, the news is very good. Almost all major Mario games on Nintendo 3DS run extremely well on Citra. These games are some of the best optimized titles in the entire 3DS library. Most of them run at full speed, have very few bugs, and are fully playable from start to finish.

Below is a detailed compatibility breakdown so you clearly know what works perfectly and what has small issues.

Super Mario 3D Land:

This is one of the best-performing Mario games on Citra. It runs smoothly in all levels, including fast action stages and boss fights. The gameplay feels very stable and responsive.

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PERFECT
• Performance: Locked 60 FPS at all times
• Issues: No major bugs or graphical problems
• Best Build: Any recent Nightly or Canary version
• Completable: Yes, fully playable from beginning to end

Detailed Notes:
You can increase the resolution to 3x or 4x without major performance loss on mid-range PCs. The game looks much sharper than on the original 3DS. No crashes, no slowdowns, and no broken mechanics.

New Super Mario Bros. 2:

This game is very light and runs extremely well on almost any PC that meets Citra’s minimum requirements. Platforming feels smooth and consistent throughout the entire game.

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PERFECT
• Performance: Stable 60 FPS in all levels
• Issues: No known major issues
• Best Build: Works perfectly on both Nightly and Canary
• Completable: ✅ Yes

Detailed Notes:
Even during coin-heavy levels with many effects on screen, performance stays stable. Graphics scale very well at higher resolutions, making the game look cleaner and sharper.

Paper Mario: Sticker Star:

This game runs very well overall but may have small performance drops in busy scenes. It is still fully playable and can be completed without major problems.

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ GREAT
• Performance: Mostly 60 FPS with rare minor drops
• Issues: Small visual glitches in some scenes
• Best Build: Canary recommended
• Completable: ✅ Yes

Detailed Notes:
Performance is strong during exploration and battles. Rare frame drops may happen in heavy scenes, but they do not affect gameplay significantly. The full story can be completed without game-breaking bugs.

Final Verdict for Mario Fans:

If your goal is to play Mario games on PC using Citra, you are in a very good position. Most Mario titles on the 3DS run perfectly with full speed and no serious issues. They are among the most stable and optimized games on the emulator.

In simple words: Mario games are highly compatible with Citra, and most of them deliver a smooth, console-like experience on PC.

Zelda Games Compatibility on Citra (All 3DS Zelda Titles Tested):

Great news for Zelda fans! All main Zelda games released on Nintendo 3DS run very well on Citra. These games are highly optimized and do not have major performance problems. They are fully playable from start to finish and look much better when you increase the resolution. Below is a detailed breakdown of each Zelda title and how it performs.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D

This game runs perfectly on Citra and stays stable during exploration, combat, and cutscenes. It does not suffer from crashes or major bugs. The gameplay feels smooth and responsive.

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PERFECT
• Performance: Locked 30 FPS (this is the game’s original speed)
• Issues: No known problems
• Completable: ✅ Yes, fully playable

Enhancement:
When you increase the resolution to 3x, 4x, or even higher, the game looks extremely sharp and clear. Many players say this is the best way to experience Ocarina of Time.

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D

This game also runs very smoothly on Citra with stable performance in all areas. There are no serious graphical bugs or crashes during gameplay.

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PERFECT
• Performance: Stable 30 FPS (original game speed)
• Issues: No major issues reported
• Completable: ✅ Yes

Notes:
With higher resolution settings, the game looks much cleaner than on the original 3DS. Performance remains stable even in busy areas.

RPG Games Compatibility on Citra:

Role-playing games (RPGs) usually work very well on Citra because they are not as demanding as fast action games. Most of them run at full speed and are fully playable.

Fire Emblem Fates (Birthright / Conquest / Revelation):

All versions of this game run smoothly and are fully playable. Battles, animations, and cutscenes stay stable without performance drops.

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PERFECT
• Performance: Stable 60 FPS
• Issues: No major bugs
• Completable: ✅ Yes

Notes:
DLC content may depend on your ROM format, but the main game works perfectly.

Bravely Default / Bravely Second: End Layer:

Both games run flawlessly on Citra with smooth animations and stable gameplay. They do not have serious bugs or crashes.

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PERFECT
• Performance: Locked 60 FPS
• Issues: No major problems
• Completable: ✅ Yes

Notes:
These are excellent JRPGs and work very well on Citra, even on mid-range PCs.

Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate / Monster Hunter Generations:

These games are more demanding compared to other RPGs. They still run well but may require stronger hardware for smooth performance.

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ GREAT
• Performance: Around 40–55 FPS depending on hardware
• Issues: Online multiplayer does not work
• Completable: ✅ Yes (single-player fully playable)

Notes:
Performance can drop during heavy combat scenes on weaker PCs. On stronger systems, gameplay feels much smoother.

Final Verdict:

All Zelda games on 3DS run perfectly on Citra and are fully playable. Most RPG titles also perform extremely well, especially Fire Emblem and Bravely series. Only more demanding games like Monster Hunter may need stronger hardware for the best experience.

In simple words: Zelda games are perfect on Citra, most RPGs run great, and only a few demanding titles require a better PC.

Common Problems on Citra:

Even though most games run very well on Citra, a few titles may have small problems. The good news is that most of these issues have simple fixes. Below are some common problems players report and how to solve them easily.

How We Test Game Compatibility?

Our compatibility ratings are based on real gameplay testing, not guesses. We test each game for performance, stability, bugs, and whether it can be completed from start to finish on Citra using standard mid-range hardware.

Test System Specifications:

If your PC is stronger, you may get better performance. If it is weaker, you may need to lower graphics settings.

How to Improve Game Performance? Simple Tips

If a game is running slow or has small problems, you can improve performance by changing a few settings in Citra. Small adjustments can make a big difference in FPS and stability.

Use the Right Citra Build:

• For Generation 7 Pokémon games like Pokemon Sun, use the latest Canary build for better stability.
• For most other 3DS games, any recent Nightly or Canary version works well.

Optimize Your Settings:

• Lower the resolution if FPS drops, for example use 2x instead of 4x.
• Disable Hardware Shader if you see graphical glitches or random crashes.
• Enable Audio Stretching if you hear crackling or broken sound during gameplay.

These simple changes can help games run smoother, especially on mid-range or low-end PCs.

Conclusion:

Citra has very strong support for Nintendo 3DS games. Around 85% of the full 3DS library is playable, and most popular games run smoothly without major problems. Titles like Pokemon X, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Zelda games, Mario games, Fire Emblem series, and many RPGs work perfectly and are fully playable from start to finish.

Some games need stronger hardware, such as Pokemon Sun and Moon, which are playable but more demanding. Super Smash Bros may have performance drops, and certain New 3DS exclusive games require powerful PCs. This compatibility list is updated regularly as new Citra builds are released, and performance keeps improving over time. Games that have issues today may run much better in future updates.

Frequently Asked Questions