Citron NEO — Nintendo Switch Emulator
Official guide: download for your OS → install → first-run setup (keys, firmware, game folder) → play. Pick your OS below.
Choose your platform
Scrolls to downloads for that OS in Step 1.
Recommended download · CI nightly 91bbce723 · Tagged emulator 2026-04-27 · Only github.com/citron-neo — ignore copycats.
CI nightly · published on GitHub (UTC)
- Windows
- 91bbce723
- Linux
- 91bbce723
- macOS
- 91bbce723
- Android
- 91bbce723
Tagged emulator (2026-04-27) ·
Before you upgrade or compare builds
- Changelog and compatibility for your exact tag or nightly live on the matching emulator or CI release page — treat that text as the source of truth, not reposts or video summaries.
- Per-game fixes and regressions change every build; skim notes before switching versions (All builds).
- Day-to-day discussion and early reports: Discord (official link from the upstream readme).
Step 1 · Choose your OS
Each card covers download and a short install checklist — that is steps ①–② on this page. Keys, firmware, and game folders are always step ③: First-time setup.
Windows
For you: Typical PC or handheld — Windows x64. The recommended button prefers MSVC .zip when listed.
Recommended · CI nightly
Windows (Citron-windows-nightly-91bbce723-x64-clang-cl.zip)
Install (quick)
- Extract the .zip to a short folder (e.g. C:\Tools\Citron). Avoid cloud-synced paths (OneDrive) when possible.
- Create an empty folder named user next to the exe for a clean portable profile unless you reuse an old profile.
- Run Citron.exe. If SmartScreen appears: More info → Run anyway (only from github.com/citron-neo).
- Missing MSVC runtime: install the latest Visual C++ x64 redistributable from Microsoft (see full guide).
Step 3 · First-time setup →Full Windows install →
Other builds(3 files)▾
Same packages as on GitHub Assets — use this if you need Clang LTO, another CPU build, or the other channel.
CI nightly (91bbce723) ·
Tagged release (2026-04-27) ·
Linux
For you: Most desktops and Steam Deck: x86_64 AppImage. ARM machines: use aarch64 — expand Other builds.
Recommended · CI nightly
Linux x64 (AppImage)
Install (quick)
- Grab the AppImage — x64 is chosen first for typical PCs and Steam Deck.
- chmod +x if needed, then run (your file manager may offer “run”).
- Odd formats or distro issues → full Linux guide.
Step 3 · First-time setup →Full Linux install →
Other builds(9 files)▾
Same packages as on GitHub Assets — use this if you need Clang LTO, another CPU build, or the other channel.
CI nightly (91bbce723) ·
Tagged release (2026-04-27) ·
Browse on GitHub
CI (nightly row for this OS) or tagged emulator → Assets.
Match x86_64, x86_64_v3, or aarch64 to your CPU. Steam Deck.
macOS
For you: Intel or Apple silicon — install from the .dmg when Assets lists one.
Recommended · CI nightly
macOS (.dmg)
Install (quick)
- Open the .dmg and drag Citron into Applications (or run from the mounted volume).
- If macOS blocks launch: System Settings → Privacy & Security, or right-click → Open the first time.
Step 3 · First-time setup →Full macOS install →
Other builds(2 files)▾
Same packages as on GitHub Assets — use this if you need Clang LTO, another CPU build, or the other channel.
CI nightly (91bbce723) ·
Tagged release (2026-04-27) ·
Android
For you: Phones and tablets — the recommended button prefers the mainline APK. Snapdragon 8 Elite: separate APK under Other builds.
Recommended · CI nightly
Android (.apk) — mainline
Install (quick)
- Install the APK (mainline by default; 8 Elite variant under Other builds when listed).
- Approve install from this source when Android prompts.
- Launch Citron and accept storage / permission prompts.
Step 3 · First-time setup →Full Android install →
Other builds(4 files)▾
Same packages as on GitHub Assets — use this if you need Clang LTO, another CPU build, or the other channel.
CI nightly (91bbce723) ·
Tagged release (2026-04-27) ·
Platform · Pick the OS block in Step 1 that matches your device.
Advanced · Browse every GitHub build▾
Only if you need artifacts beyond the recommended button or Other builds. How to pick a file.
Quick answers
- Is Citron NEO the same as old Citron or Yuzu?
- No. Citron NEO is a community project under the citron-neo GitHub organization — not a corporate successor to Yuzu or the former citron-emu.org site. Use only github.com/citron-neo/ for downloads and treat this site as the community install guide.
- Where is the official download?
- Binaries are published on GitHub only: citron-neo/emulator (tagged releases) and citron-neo/CI (nightly builds). This site links those Assets — it does not host installers itself. See the Security page for how to spot fake sites.
- Nightly CI vs tagged emulator release — which should I use?
- Tagged emulator releases include changelog text and are usually calmer for a first install. CI nightlies update frequently and may fix or break specific games between builds. Read the GitHub release notes for the exact tag or nightly before you switch.
- What are prod.keys and firmware?
- They are cryptographic keys and system software from a Switch you own. Citron needs them to decrypt and run commercial games. Place keys in the system folder and install firmware through the in-app menu — see First-time setup for the step order.
- Windows SmartScreen blocked Citron — is it safe?
- SmartScreen often flags unsigned community builds. Only run files downloaded from github.com/citron-neo Assets. Click More info → Run anyway. If you got the file elsewhere, delete it and re-download from GitHub.
Before you start (optional)
After steps ①–③, expect smoother play if your machine meets roughly this bar — per-game issues still depend on the build you installed (see GitHub release notes).
- 8 GiB RAM or more recommended for many titles.
- GPU / API: Citron focuses on Vulkan; use current drivers. Per-game fixes change every release — read the changelog on the tag you downloaded. If performance or rendering does not match what you expected from a clip or screenshot, read Troubleshoot → Rendering, FPS, and GPU differences.