Head-to-head · Nintendo 3DS Emulators
3Beans vs Citra MMJ
3Beans leads on 0 checks, Citra MMJ on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest score3Beans · 8.3/10
- Free planboth
- Most features3Beans · 1 of 5
3Beans scores higher on our rubric for nintendo 3ds emulators: 8.3 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #8.
3Beans is the better fit for desktop users needing system-level 3DS emulation. Citra MMJ is the better fit for developers and homebrew users on desktop systems.
- 3Beans fits best
Desktop users needing system-level 3DS emulation
- Citra MMJ fits best
Developers and homebrew users on desktop systems
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Side by side
| Feature | 3Beans 8.3/10 Visit ↗ | Citra MMJ 7.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.3 | 7.9 |
| Ranking | #6 in Nintendo 3DS Emulators | #8 in Nintendo 3DS Emulators |
| Best for | Desktop users needing system-level 3DS emulation | Developers and homebrew users on desktop systems |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, Linux, macOS |
| Support | Community | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features 3Beans 1/5 · Citra MMJ 0/5 | ||
| System software support | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Save states | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Graphics upscaling | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Cheat support | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Online multiplayer | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, Linux, macOS |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | 3Beans is an open-source Nintendo 3DS emulator for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It models the console at a low level, including its operating system, and can boot the 3DS Home Menu and launch some Nintendo 3DS games. Its audience is desktop… Read the review → |
Citra MMJ is a public fork of Citra, an experimental Nintendo 3DS emulator and debugger written in C++. It is designed for desktop users who need Nintendo 3DS hardware emulation, homebrew application support, or debugging tools. The… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
3Beans — where it wins
- Boots the 3DS operating system and Home Menu
- Supports software and hardware GPU rendering
- Handles cartridge auto-boot and encrypted cartridge dumps
Where it doesn't
- Game compatibility remains limited
- Requires files dumped from a physical 3DS with homebrew access
- New 3DS has more issues and runs much slower than Old 3DS
Citra MMJ — where it wins
- Free, open-source Nintendo 3DS emulation
- Supports Windows, Linux, and macOS
- Includes debugging and homebrew application support
Where it doesn't
- No save states
- No scaling or cheats
- No multiplayer support
- 3Beans8.3/10 · Free plan
Free, open-source 3DS emulation with system software support and limited game coverage.
Visit 3BeansFull verdict → - Citra MMJ7.9/10 · Free plan
A free desktop emulator for developers and homebrew users, with debugging and broad OS support.
Visit Citra MMJFull verdict →
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All nintendo 3DS emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update