Download Yuzu: Nintendo Switch Emulator for Windows

Yuzu is an open-source Nintendo Switch emulator for Windows. It lets you run Switch games in NSP, XCI or NRO format on your PC. You need the prod.keys file and the firmware from a Nintendo Switch, plus the game files.

Important: Yuzu's development stopped in March 2024, so it no longer receives official updates. If you want a Switch emulator that is still in active development, check the alternatives in this section.

Requirements Yuzu on Windows

• 64-bit Windows 10 or 11.
• A graphics card with Vulkan support (recommended) or OpenGL, with up-to-date drivers.
• As a rough guide: a powerful multi-core CPU and 16 GB of RAM.
• prod.keys and firmware files from your console.
• Games in NSP, XCI or NRO format.

How to install it step by step

1. Download the file with the button on this page and extract or install it in its own folder.
2. Open Yuzu and copy prod.keys into the keys folder (File > Open yuzu Folder > keys).
3. Install the firmware from the Tools menu using your console's firmware file.
4. Add your games folder by double-clicking the empty area of the game list.
5. Double-click a game to start it.

Recommended settings

• Graphics API: in Emulation > Configure > Graphics choose Vulkan if your card supports it.
• Controller: set it up in Emulation > Configure > Controls.
• Shader cache: keep it enabled; it reduces stutter after the first sessions.
• Menu names may vary between versions.

Common problems

• Keys or firmware error: check that prod.keys and the firmware are the same version and correctly installed.
• Black screen: update your graphics drivers and try another graphics API.
• Stutter at the start: this is normal while shaders compile.