Install · First-time setup
First-time setup
Use this page after the emulator runs. Menu labels can change between versions — confirm details in the emulator readme and release notes.
This site does not host Nintendo firmware or cryptographic keys. Obtain keys and firmware only from Switch hardware you own, per applicable law and project documentation.
Portable user folder (recommended on Windows)
For a clean first run and to avoid inheriting files from an older Citron install, create an empty folder named user in the same directory as the emulator executable (after you extract the build). On first launch, the app can walk you through keys, firmware, and library paths in a setup flow.
- Extract the downloaded archive to a folder you control.
- Inside that folder, create a new directory and name it
user(all lowercase). - Start the emulator from the same folder; treat everything under user as your profile.
Skip the extra user folder only if you intentionally want to reuse an existing profile path. If the UI misreports keys or firmware after copying files, restart once or confirm paths in settings — some builds show transient UI quirks.
On any OS, you can usually open the active data directory from the menu (often File) to verify where keys and saves live.
Keys
Launch Citron once. If it reports missing keys, note the message — you will place the key files next.
Open the menu entry that reveals the user data folder (e.g. File → Open Citron Folder or similar, depending on version). Inside, open the system directory.
Copy your legally obtained prod.keys and title.keys (exact names may vary by dump tool) into
system. Use upstream documentation for extraction from your console.Restart the app if it does not pick up keys immediately.
Firmware
In Citron, use the menu entry to install firmware (wording varies by version). You can often point at a .zip, a folder, or a package the dialog accepts.
Use firmware dumps from hardware you own. After installing, restart Citron if the UI still asks for firmware.
Game library path
Open Options → Settings. Find Game directories (location in the sidebar varies by build).
Add the folder that contains your dumps (e.g.
.nsp,.xci) — only files you are entitled to use.Apply / OK, then refresh or restart if the game list does not update.
Linux: data location
Prefer the portable user folder next to the binary when you use an extracted or AppImage workflow. If an old profile prevents startup, back up that folder, rename it, and launch again for a clean tree — then repeat keys and firmware.
Steam Deck / SteamOS
- Download the x86_64 Linux asset (AppImage or archive). Do not use aarch64 builds on Deck.
- If an AppImage will not run: Properties → Permissions → allow executing, or
chmod +x ./YourFile.AppImage. - Desktop mode: you can Add to Steam on the AppImage for shortcuts. Point EmuDeck / Steam ROM Manager at this same binary when you update.
- If controls fail in Game Mode, try input settings in Options → Settings and use the Steam keyboard to reach Apply/OK if focus is stuck.