Last Updated: January 2026
Choosing between Yuzu and Ryujinx has become a major debate in the emulation community. Both emulators are strong, open-source projects developed to run Nintendo Switch games on PC and other platforms. Both emulators shine in different areas such as performance, compatibility, stability, and device support.
This detailed comparison will show you the actual distinctions between Yuzu and Ryujinx, their pros, cons, and the emulator that guarantees the best overall experience in 2026.
Yuzu vs Ryujinx Overview
The Nintendo Switch emulators; Yuzu and Ryujinx are currently the most popular and the only two of their kind. They are entirely free, completely open-source, and have active development teams and community support that are very enthusiastic. The main objective of both developers is easy to summarize:
Enable gamers to play Nintendo Switch games with better performance, graphics improvements, and wider device support.
However, they are created for the same reason, the emulators bring different benefits. No matter whether that is broader game compatibility, better stability, wider platform support, or more advanced features.
Yuzu vs Ryujinx: Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Yuzu | Ryujinx |
|---|---|---|
| Open-Source Status | Completely open-source and development is fully visible on GitHub. | Open-source with public access to code and active updates. |
| Game Compatibility | Over 4,000 Switch games supported, with 90%+ running smoothly. | Supports around 3,500 games, with slightly lower compatibility. |
| Save System | Automatic and manual saves with near-instant save management. | Manual save states available; automatic saves are inconsistent. |
| Multiplayer Support | Local multiplayer via Boxcat; no online multiplayer. | Local multiplayer supported; mirrors Switch behavior without netplay. |
| Platform Availability | Windows, Linux, and Android supported; no macOS. | Available on Windows and Linux only; no mobile support. |
| System Requirements | Lightweight and optimized; works well on most AMD/NVIDIA GPUs. | Similar GPU support but lacks Android-specific optimizations. |
| Ease of Setup | Beginner-friendly with minimal configuration required. | Straightforward setup but involves slightly more manual steps. |
| Game File Transfers | Easily transfer, import, or export game files between devices. | Supports transfers but with more limitations. |
| Save Export Accuracy | Highly accurate save exports, ideal for multi-device gameplay. | Save exports function but lack Yuzu’s timing precision. |
| Resolution Upscaling | Advanced resolution rescaler for crisp HD and 4K visuals. | Resolution scaling supported but less customizable. |
| Controller Compatibility | Wide support for Switch Pro, DualSense, Xbox, and more. | Most major controllers supported; third-party support varies. |
| Game Modding Support | Full modding framework with structured directories. | Mod support available using similar directory-based systems. |
| TAS Script Support | Full TAS (Tool-Assisted Speedrun) input emulation supported. | No TAS script support; Yuzu leads here. |
| Multi-Core Emulation | First emulator to introduce multi-core CPU emulation (2020). | Multi-core support added about a year later. |
Also, check out more Switch emulator comparisons below:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main difference between Yuzu and Ryujinx?
The main difference is that of compatibility as well as the supported platforms. Yuzu has the capability to run a greater number of games from the Switch and is available on Android, on the other hand, Ryujinx is compatible with PCs (Windows/Linux) and is very stable with few selected titles.
Which emulator is better for overall performance?
Yuzu, for the majority of users, provides an overall performance that is superior, especially with the help of the multi-core emulation and the upgraded resolution scaling. However, Ryujinx is also doing very well, but some users complain about rare instability in some titles.
Conclusion: Which Emulator Is Better in 2026?
Both Yuzu and Ryujinx are now very good Nintendo Switch emulators that provide a great experience each. However, to a large extent, Yuzu still holds the upper hand in the eyes of most users if all parameters are compared at once.
What Makes Yuzu So Special?
- The total game compatibility has been increased by more than 500 titles.
- The support of native Android makes it possible to play games on the PC, laptop, and mobile.
- The safe exports have become more precise which means that the transferring between devices is perfect.
- Controller support has improved and now the user can customize the profile.
- There is a big and active development community that is alongside the GitHub ecosystem.
- TAS and multi-core performance features have been enhanced.
What Makes Ryujinx Better?
- Good stability for some games
- Performance is boosting in the latest builds
- Frequent updates and a loyal customer base
Final Verdict:
Yuzu is the advanced Nintendo Switch emulator regarding overall performance, especially for the ones who like mobile support, state-of-the-art features, and easy installation.
Ryujinx keeps offering a hard choice, but it’s mainly for users whose first priority is the output of their PC and the absence of stability issues.