How to Properly Setup Controllers with Citra (Windows & Android Guide)

What Is Citra and What Controllers Work With Citra?

Citra is a free and open-source Nintendo 3DS emulator that lets you play 3DS games on Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android devices. It can run many games with better graphics and smoother performance than the original handheld console, but you need to map the game controls correctly in the settings.

What controllers work with Citra?

• Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S controller: Works automatically on Windows, no extra software needed.
• PS4 DualShock 4: Works on newer Citra builds directly; older builds may need DS4Windows.
• PS5 DualSense: Newer builds detect it automatically.
• 8BitDo controllers: Set them to XInput mode to work like Xbox controllers.
• Generic USB or Bluetooth gamepads: Usually work but may require manual button mapping.

How to Setup Controllers with Citra on Windows (Step-by-Step)?

Setting up a controller in Citra is simple and only takes a few minutes. Once your controller is connected and the buttons are mapped correctly, you can enjoy Nintendo 3DS games with smooth and comfortable controls.

The important thing is to connect the controller first and then map every button inside the Citra settings. Follow the steps below to quickly set up your controller on Windows.

Step 1: Connect Your Controller Before Opening Citra

First connect your controller to your PC using a USB cable or Bluetooth. After connecting, check Settings > Bluetooth & Devices to make sure Windows has detected it. Always connect the controller before opening Citra, otherwise the emulator may not recognize it.

Step 2: Open Citra and Go to Controls Settings

Open the Citra emulator on your computer. From the top menu, click Emulation and then select Configure to open the settings window. On the left side, click Controls to access the controller setup options.

Step 3: Select Your Input Device

In the Controls tab, look for the Input Device dropdown at the top. Click it and select your controller from the list. If your controller name appears there, it means Citra has successfully detected it.

Step 4: Map All Your Buttons

Now click each button shown on the screen, such as A, B, X, or Y, and press the matching button on your controller. Citra will automatically assign the button after you press it. Repeat this process until all the buttons are mapped correctly.

3DS Button	Xbox Controller	PS4 Controller
A	A	Cross (✕)
B	B	Circle (○)
X	X	Square (□)
Y	Y	Triangle (△)
L	LB	L1
R	RB	R1
ZL	LT	L2
ZR	RT	R2
Start	Menu	Options
Select	View / Back	Share
D-Pad	D-Pad	D-Pad

Step 5: Configure Circle Pad and C-Stick

Scroll down in the Controls settings until you see the Circle Pad section. Map the directions to your left analog stick, which is used for character movement in most games. Then map the C-Stick to your right analog stick, which is usually used for camera control.

Step 6: Set the Deadzone

After mapping the analog sticks, set the Deadzone value to around 10–15%. This helps prevent stick drift when the controller is resting. If the movement feels too sensitive or shaky, you can slightly increase the deadzone.

Step 7: Click OK and Test

Once everything is mapped, click OK to save the settings. Open any game in Citra and test all buttons, sticks, and triggers. If something does not work correctly, go back to Emulation > Configure > Controls and remap that button.

How to Setup PS4 / PS5 Controller on Windows Using DS4Windows?

Sometimes PS4 DualShock 4 or PS5 DualSense controllers are not detected properly in Citra. In this situation, you can use DS4Windows, which is a free tool that helps Windows recognize your PlayStation controller as an Xbox controller so Citra can detect it easily.

1. Download DS4Windows from GitHub (search: DS4Windows GitHub releases) and download the latest version.
2. Extract the ZIP file and open the folder, then run DS4Windows.exe to start the program.
3. Connect your PS4 or PS5 controller to your PC using a USB cable or Bluetooth so DS4Windows can detect it.
4. In DS4Windows, go to the Profiles tab, open your profile, and enable Hide DS4 Controller to avoid double detection.
5. Now open Citra emulator, and your controller will appear as an Xbox Controller in the Input Device dropdown.
6. After selecting the controller, follow the same button mapping process in Citra to set up all the controls.

Note: The PS5 DualSense controller works the same way. In some newer Citra versions, the controller may be detected automatically, so you might not need to use DS4Windows.

How to Setup Controllers with Citra on Android (Citra MMJ)?

If you want to play Nintendo 3DS games on Android, you can use Citra MMJ, which is a community version of the Citra emulator. The official Citra app is no longer available on the Play Store, so many users install the Citra MMJ APK manually. If you want to download Citra MMJ, you can get it from our website here: https://citraemulator.org/.

Step 1: Install Citra MMJ

First download the latest Citra MMJ APK from our website. After downloading, go to your Android settings and enable Install from Unknown Sources so your phone allows APK installation. Once this option is enabled, open the APK file and install Citra MMJ on your device.

Step 2: Connect Your Controller to Android

You can connect your controller to your phone in two ways. The first option is USB OTG; use an OTG adapter, plug your controller’s USB cable into the adapter, and then connect it to your phone’s charging port. The second option is Bluetooth; open your phone’s Bluetooth settings and pair your Xbox, PS4, or PS5 controller just like you would connect any other device.

Step 3: Open Citra MMJ and Go to Controls Settings

Open the Citra MMJ app on your phone. Tap the three line menu icon at the top left of the screen, then open Settings and select Controls. This section allows you to configure your controller buttons for playing games.

Step 4: Map Your Buttons

In the Controls section you will see a list of all Nintendo 3DS buttons. Tap any button from the list such as Button A; a message will appear asking you to press a button. Press the matching button on your physical controller and repeat this process for all buttons including A, B, X, Y, L, R, ZL, ZR, Start, Select, and the D-Pad.

For the Circle Pad and C-Stick, tap each direction such as Up, Down, Left, or Right; then move your analog stick in that direction when the app asks you to press a button. This will allow the analog sticks to control movement and camera in games.

Step 5: Save and Test

After mapping all buttons, go back or confirm the settings to save your controls. Then open any game in Citra MMJ and test your controller to make sure everything works correctly. If any button does not work properly, go back to Settings > Controls and remap only that specific button.

Tip; If your controller is not detected on Android, try turning Bluetooth off and on again or unplug and reconnect the USB OTG adapter so the phone can detect the controller again.

Common Citra Controller Setup Problems and Fixes:

When setting up a controller in Citra, some users may face small issues during gameplay. These problems usually happen because of incorrect settings or connection errors. Most of them can be fixed quickly by adjusting a few options in the Controls settings.

Conclusion:

Setting up a controller in Citra is easy once you understand the basic steps. On Windows, first connect your controller, then open Emulation > Configure > Controls, select your controller, and map the buttons using the on screen options. After that, set the analog sticks and adjust the deadzone, then save your settings.

On Android with Citra MMJ, connect your controller using USB OTG or Bluetooth and map the buttons inside the app settings the same way. If you are using a PS4 or PS5 controller on Windows and it is not detected, you can use DS4Windows to make it work.

Most issues such as the controller not appearing or buttons not working correctly can be fixed by checking the connection and remapping the controls. Once everything is set up properly, your controller will be ready and you can enjoy playing your favorite Nintendo 3DS games.

Frequently Asked Questions