Let’s be real — playing 3DS games on your Android phone feels like cheating reality. You’re telling me I can run Pokémon Sun, Zelda: Ocarina of Time, or even Mario Kart 7 while lying in bed, on a bus, or pretending to “check emails” at work? Count me in.
But here’s the catch — Citra is dead. Yup, the once-go-to emulator for 3DS on Android officially shut down, taking with it Citra Nightly, Canary, and even Citra MMJ. Bummer, right?
Not so fast. Just because the OG emulator’s gone doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. In 2025, several great 3DS emulators are still standing strong, and some might even surprise you with how smooth they run on modern Android devices. And if you’re fans of playing emulators on PC, check out our article featuring the best emulator for PC in 2025.
Let’s break down what’s still working, which emulator is worth your time (and storage space), and how to get back into your favorite 3DS games—no PC required.
Citra’s Shutdown: What Happened?
Before we talk about the best emulators, a quick recap:
Citra’s team officially discontinued all builds of their emulator in 2024. Why?
The usual suspects:
- Legal concerns (yep, emulation’s a gray area)
- Resource issues (open-source projects don’t run themselves)
- Fork overload (way too many spin-offs, some shady)
That means apps like Citra MMJ and Citra Enhanced are no longer maintained. While some versions still float around, they’re not safe bets for long-term use. But don’t worry—2025 still has options.
Best 3DS Emulators for Android in 2025
Here’s what actually works today, with real-world performance on modern Android phones:
🥇 Lime3DS Mobile – Best Overall for Android
What is it?
A fork of Citra built specifically for mobile devices, Lime3DS Mobile is the new fan-favorite that picked up where Citra MMJ left off.
Why it rocks:
- Active devs and updates in 2025
- Smooth UI, fast game loading
- Supports .3ds and .cia files
- Controller support and touchscreen remapping
- Works on mid-range and flagship phones (Snapdragon 865 and up recommended)
Game test:
- Pokémon Alpha Sapphire: 45–60 FPS on most phones
- Mario Kart 7: buttery smooth with external controller
- Zelda: A Link Between Worlds: playable with minor lag in busy scenes
🟢 Best for: Most users who want plug-and-play emulation without the stress.
Panda3DS Android – New Challenger, Growing Fast
What is it?
Originally a PC project, now with a dedicated Android version in beta. Panda3DS is light, minimal, and hyper-focused on performance.
Why it’s interesting:
- Clean UI and no fluff
- Small install size (~40MB)
- Works surprisingly well on newer Android 12/13 phones
- Game compatibility is improving every month
Game test:
- Animal Crossing: New Leaf: great performance at native res
- Shovel Knight: pixel-perfect
- Pokémon X: minor audio bugs, but very playable
🟡 Best for: Lightweight users, testers, and folks who want future-proof performance.
RetroArch (Citra Core) – For the Emulator Nerds
What is it?
If you’re already using RetroArch to emulate SNES, GBA, or PS1, just add the 3DS core and you’re good to go. But fair warning—setup can be fiddly.
Why people use it:
- All-in-one platform: Game Boy to PS2, all in one app
- Savestates, shaders, overlays galore
- Endless settings to tweak for perfect gameplay
- Some 3DS games run surprisingly well once configured
Game test:
- Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon: 30–40 FPS on high-end phones
- Monster Hunter 4: laggy unless heavily optimized
🔵 Best for: Tinkerers and multi-console gamers who don’t mind spending an hour setting things up.
Games That Run Best on Android Emulators
Here are a few 3DS titles that run surprisingly well on modern emulators:
| Game Title | Best Emulator | Performance |
| Pokémon X/Y | Lime3DS Mobile | ✅ 50–60 FPS |
| Animal Crossing: New Leaf | Azahar / Panda3DS | ✅ Smooth |
| Mario Kart 7 | Lime3DS | ✅ Full Speed |
| Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon | RetroArch Citra Core | ⚠️ Playable |
| Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D | Lime3DS | ✅ Full Speed |
How to Set It Up (Quick Steps)
- Download the emulator APK
- For Lime3DS: check official dev pages or Reddit links.
- For Lime3DS: check official dev pages or Reddit links.
- Install the APK (you’ll need to allow unknown sources)
- Load your game files (.3ds or .cia)
- Adjust graphics settings (resolution, frame skip, controller)
- Play!
🛑 Reminder: Dump your own game ROMs legally. We don’t support piracy.
Final Verdict: What Should You Use?
If you just want to play 3DS games on Android today—without breaking your phone or your brain—Lime3DS Mobile is your best bet in 2025.
It works well out of the box, handles most games smoothly, and continues to get real dev support. Panda3DS is a close second and worth watching if you like being on the cutting edge. RetroArch is there if you want the full emulation buffet.
FAQs
Can I still use Citra on Android in 2025?
Not officially. Citra’s shut down, but some forks like Lime3DS still work great.
Is Lime3DS safe?
Yes—just make sure you download it from trusted sources like GitHub or official dev channels.
Do I need a BIOS file for 3DS emulators?
Nope. Most 3DS emulators like Lime3DS and Panda3DS don’t require a BIOS.
Can I use a controller on Android emulators?
Which emulator works best for Pokémon games?
Lime3DS Mobile. It runs most Pokémon titles at full speed with minimal bugs.
