Citron NEO

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Citron NEO downloads, setup, builds, and platforms. For step-by-step guides, start at Download → Install → First-time setup.

Project & official sources

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.
How does Citron NEO compare to Eden or Ryujinx?
All are separate community emulators with different release cadences and compatibility. Pick one project, download from its official channel, and keep keys, firmware, and game dumps tied to that install. This site documents Citron NEO only.

Builds & versions

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.
A new build broke my game — can I roll back?
Yes. On GitHub CI or emulator releases, open an older entry and re-download the same platform asset. Back up your user data folder before replacing the binary. See All builds and Troubleshoot for details.

First-time setup

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.
Why is my game list empty?
Check that keys and firmware are installed, then set Game directories in Options → Settings to folders containing your dumps (.nsp, .xci, etc.). Apply, refresh, or restart if the list stays empty.
What is the portable user folder?
An empty folder named user next to the executable keeps profile data beside the binary — recommended on Windows for a clean first-run wizard. Skip only if you intentionally reuse an existing profile.

Platform-specific

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.
Which Android APK should I use?
Most phones use the mainline APK from CI or tagged releases. Snapdragon 8 Elite devices may need a separate variant listed under Other builds on the home page. Vulkan support is required on Android.
Does Citron NEO work on Steam Deck?
Yes — use the x86_64 Linux AppImage, set up in Desktop Mode, and optionally Add to Steam for Game Mode shortcuts. See the Steam Deck guide and Linux install for keyboard and Apply-button tips.

Help & reporting

Can I migrate from Yuzu, Eden, or old Citron?
Some builds detect an old profile and offer to import it. For a clean start, create a new user folder and repeat keys, firmware, and game directories. Do not copy keys from unofficial bundles.
How do I report a bug or ask for help?
Include your exact asset filename, OS, GPU model, and driver version. Check GitHub release notes and issues first, then Discord (official link from the upstream readme) or GitHub issues on citron-neo/emulator.

Still stuck?

Crashes and boot issues → Troubleshoot. Unsure if a download is real → Security. Hardware bar → System requirements.