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Head-to-head · Nintendo 3DS Emulators

Azahar vs AzaharPlus

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 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
AzaharPlus #3 in Nintendo 3DS Emulators 8.9/10 Open source ✓ 3 of 5 features Visit AzaharPlus

Azahar leads on 0 checks, AzaharPlus on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 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 planonly Azahar
  • Most featuresAzaharPlus · 3 of 5

Azahar scores higher on our rubric for nintendo 3ds emulators: 9.4 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

Azahar is the better fit for most users wanting a free Nintendo 3DS emulator. AzaharPlus is the better fit for users needing cheats, save states, and broad compatibility.

  • Azahar fits best

    Most users wanting a free Nintendo 3DS emulator

  • AzaharPlus fits best

    Users needing cheats, save states, and broad compatibility

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 ↗ AzaharPlus 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 8.9
Ranking #1 in Nintendo 3DS Emulators #3 in Nintendo 3DS Emulators
Best for Most users wanting a free Nintendo 3DS emulator Users needing cheats, save states, and broad compatibility
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Open source
Free plan ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS Windows, Linux, Android
Support Community, Docs Community
Features Azahar 1/5 · AzaharPlus 3/5
System software support Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Save states Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Graphics upscaling ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Cheat support Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Online multiplayer Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Supported platforms Not checked yet Windows, Linux, Android
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
  • Supports Windows, Linux, and Android, including Android 9.
  • Includes built-in cheats, save states, and Amiibo generation.
  • Adds older-CPU support and multiplayer compatibility with other Citra forks.
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
  • Its platform coverage is limited to Windows, Linux, and Android.
  • Multiplayer details focus on fork compatibility rather than online play.
  • Its focus is Nintendo 3DS emulation rather than broader console coverage.
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 →

AzaharPlus is an open-source fork of the Azahar Nintendo 3DS emulator for users who want to run supported 3DS game files on desktop and mobile platforms. It supports Windows, Linux, and Android, with Android 9 compatibility included among…

Read the review →
  1. AzaharNintendo 3DS Emulators 9.4Free plan
  2. AzaharPlusNintendo 3DS Emulators 8.9Open source

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

  • AzaharPlus — where it wins

    • Supports Windows, Linux, and Android, including Android 9.
    • Includes built-in cheats, save states, and Amiibo generation.
    • Adds older-CPU support and multiplayer compatibility with other Citra forks.

    Where it doesn't

    • Its platform coverage is limited to Windows, Linux, and Android.
    • Multiplayer details focus on fork compatibility rather than online play.
    • Its focus is Nintendo 3DS emulation rather than broader console coverage.
  • Azahar9.4/10 · Free plan

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

    Visit AzaharFull verdict →
  • AzaharPlus8.9/10 · Open source

    A feature-rich 3DS emulator fork for users who want customization and compatibility.

    Visit AzaharPlusFull 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