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Head-to-head · Nintendo 3DS Emulators

Citra Libretro Core vs 3Beans

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score Citra Libretro Core #2 in Nintendo 3DS Emulators 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 5 features Visit Libretro
3Beans #6 in Nintendo 3DS Emulators 8.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 5 features Visit 3Beans

Citra Libretro Core leads on 0 checks, 3Beans on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreCitra Libretro Core · 9.1/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresCitra Libretro Core · 4 of 5

Citra Libretro Core scores higher on our rubric for nintendo 3ds emulators: 9.1 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.

Citra Libretro Core is the better fit for users wanting scaling, cheats, and save states. 3Beans is the better fit for desktop users needing system-level 3DS emulation.

  • Citra Libretro Core fits best

    Users wanting scaling, cheats, and save states

  • 3Beans fits best

    Desktop users needing system-level 3DS emulation

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Side by side

Feature Citra Libretro Core 9.1/10 Visit ↗ 3Beans 8.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.3
Ranking #2 in Nintendo 3DS Emulators #6 in Nintendo 3DS Emulators
Best for Users wanting scaling, cheats, and save states 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, Linux, Android Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Community, Docs Community
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features Citra Libretro Core 4/5 · 3Beans 1/5
System software support ✓ ✓
Save states ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Graphics upscaling ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Cheat support ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Online multiplayer — Not checked yet
Specs
Supported platforms Windows, Linux, Android Windows, macOS, Linux
Our review
Pros
  • Resolution scaling from native 1x up to 10x
  • Save states, native Citra cheats, and custom textures
  • Configurable layouts with touchscreen and mouse input
  • Boots the 3DS operating system and Home Menu
  • Supports software and hardware GPU rendering
  • Handles cartridge auto-boot and encrypted cartridge dumps
Cons
  • No verified online multiplayer support
  • Requires decrypted ROMs
  • macOS is not currently working
  • 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

Citra Libretro Core brings Nintendo 3DS emulation to the Libretro API and compatible frontends such as RetroArch. It is open-source and free, with official build scripts for Windows, Linux, and Android. The core is aimed at users who want…

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. Citra Libretro CoreNintendo 3DS Emulators 9.1Free plan
  2. 3BeansNintendo 3DS Emulators 8.3Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Citra Libretro Core — where it wins

    • Resolution scaling from native 1x up to 10x
    • Save states, native Citra cheats, and custom textures
    • Configurable layouts with touchscreen and mouse input

    Where it doesn't

    • No verified online multiplayer support
    • Requires decrypted ROMs
    • macOS is not currently working

  • 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 Libretro Core9.1/10 · Free plan

    A feature-rich free core for scaling, cheats, save states, and flexible screen layouts.

    Visit LibretroFull 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