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Head-to-head · Nintendo 3DS Emulators

Azahar vs 3Beans

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Azahar #1 in Nintendo 3DS Emulators 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 5 features Visit Azahar
3Beans #6 in Nintendo 3DS Emulators 8.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 5 features Visit 3Beans

Azahar leads on 0 checks, 3Beans on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreAzahar · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth

Azahar scores higher on our rubric for nintendo 3ds emulators: 9.4 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #6.

Azahar is the better fit for most users wanting a free Nintendo 3DS emulator. 3Beans is the better fit for desktop users needing system-level 3DS emulation.

  • Azahar fits best

    Most users wanting a free Nintendo 3DS emulator

  • 3Beans fits best

    Desktop users needing system-level 3DS emulation

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Azahar 9.4/10 Visit ↗ 3Beans 8.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 8.3
Ranking #1 in Nintendo 3DS Emulators #6 in Nintendo 3DS Emulators
Best for Most users wanting a free Nintendo 3DS emulator Desktop users needing system-level 3DS emulation
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Community, Docs Community
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features Azahar 1/5 · 3Beans 1/5
System software support Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Save states Not checked yet Not checked yet
Graphics upscaling ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Cheat support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Online multiplayer Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Supported platforms Not checked yet Windows, macOS, Linux
Our review
Pros
  • Free and open-source across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS
  • Resolution scaling up to 18x, save states, and modern controller support
  • Multiplayer rooms plus Libretro cores for RetroArch and similar frontends
  • Boots the 3DS operating system and Home Menu
  • Supports software and hardware GPU rendering
  • Handles cartridge auto-boot and encrypted cartridge dumps
Cons
  • Focuses on Nintendo 3DS rather than broader multi-system emulation
  • Some documented features depend on compatible software and supported configurations
  • Desktop builds and Android releases use different distribution channels
  • 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
Our verdict

Azahar is a free, open-source high-level Nintendo 3DS emulator for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It is designed for users who want to run compatible 3DS software with enhanced presentation and convenience features, while also…

Read the review →

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 →
  1. AzaharNintendo 3DS Emulators 9.4Free plan
  2. 3BeansNintendo 3DS Emulators 8.3Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Azahar — where it wins

    • Free and open-source across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS
    • Resolution scaling up to 18x, save states, and modern controller support
    • Multiplayer rooms plus Libretro cores for RetroArch and similar frontends

    Where it doesn't

    • Focuses on Nintendo 3DS rather than broader multi-system emulation
    • Some documented features depend on compatible software and supported configurations
    • Desktop builds and Android releases use different distribution channels

  • 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
  • Azahar9.4/10 · Free plan

    A broad free emulator with high-resolution graphics, save states, multiplayer rooms, and RetroArch support.

    Visit AzaharFull verdict →
  • 3Beans8.3/10 · Free plan

    Free, open-source 3DS emulation with system software support and limited game coverage.

    Visit 3BeansFull verdict →

More comparisons

All nintendo 3DS emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update