Homebrew Unofficial 3DS RetroArch builds

[matt!]

and iam looking for the cps3 emulator

It's now incuded in the official RetroArch release.

See this post above:

Most of the cores have been added to the official builds and can be found on the libretro buildbot or through the online updater found in the retroarch menu.

 

[AWESOMEGAMER]

:-? this tree directory on here is mad confusing.
I see a retro8 in the 3ds>cia but not a 3ds>cia>retroarch
very confusing
-edit I got it. This tree directory is still a piping sticking legit proper hot mess (╯°益°)╯彡┻━┻

 

[pedroka26]

Any tips or a tutorial on How to compile this?
https://github.com/MrHuu/RetroArch/tree/ctr_bottom_screen

 

[Deleted member 372186]

Any tips or a tutorial on How to compile this?
https://github.com/MrHuu/RetroArch/tree/ctr_bottom_screen

If you haven't yet, read this:
https://docs.libretro.com/development/retroarch/compilation/3ds/

When using the latest libctru, define "USE_CTRULIB_2"

First, clone and compile the core(s) your wish to use.
- Clone the core repository
- Most cores can be build with: 'make platform=ctr',
other may require: 'make -f Makefile.libretro platform=ctr'.

GPSP will build 'gpsp_libretro_ctr.a' for example.

Then mass build retroarch:
- Clone the retroarch repository
- Copy all the build cores, ('gpsp_libretro_ctr.a' etc), to 'retroarch/dist-scripts'
- Inside the 'dist-scripts' folder, mass-build retroarch with: './dist_cores.sh ctr'

All cores will be build in 'retroarch/pkg/ctr/build'.

I haven't updated the branch in a while, my local branch is up to date with upstream retroarch, but not uploaded yet due to some rotation issues i want fixed first. I kind of missed @justinweiss fixed rotation using the shader earlier, nice fix tho.

 

[FrostFox]

new here, just wanted to ask if anyone still has a link to the yabause CIA so I can download it

 

[slimejabe]

losing my mind trying to look for a cia file of yabasue pls help

 

[theblackmonk]

I've been trying the head track cores and works great. I 've been playing mostly psx games, point blank and elemental gearbolt, which also runs pretty well with a n3ds nowadays. There is a little offset between the output and the crosshair though. Is it possible to have the mame2003plus core with this feature? I want to try operation gun buster with it. Also, which games for the fba2012 core have lightgun support?

 

[FanNintendo]

@MrHuu, I have a question that is there a way to have pic cover for bottom lower screen 320x240? if yes then what folder should i put the .pngs in? Im aware that there is bottom menu in asset/ctr. here for sample what i did with SNES9x for 3DS

 

[darky2003]

I'm i the only one having heavy stutters while using retroachievements? Tried mgba but its sooooo slow! Haven't got time to try any other emulators with achievements enabled.

 

[FanNintendo]

I'm i the only one having heavy stutters while using retroachievements? Tried mgba but its sooooo slow! Haven't got time to try any other emulators with achievements enabled.

same issue here I was hoping to see vbag-next core come to 3DS but the only standalone Mgba is working normal

 

[Phinxx3088]

.

Post automatically merged: May 31, 2025

​

Intro

Unofficial 3DS RetroArch Builds
RetroArch 1.4.0+.​

The RetroArch Team did a wonderfull job on bringing us a 3DS version of their project.
Seeing how development on the 3DS version of RetroArch has slowed down nowadays,
i thought it would be best to just get the most out of what we've got up until today.

In this thread you will be provided with Libretro 'cores' which the RetroArch Team doesn't compile themselves for the 3DS.

[B]matt![/B] has created some genuine looking artwork for these builds, Special thanks to matt!
And of course, credits to the RetroArch team!

MrHuu

---

Setup

How to Setup RetroArch
How to Update RetroArch
How to Change Themes

Frequently Asked Questions

Libretro Cores for 3DS

Unofficial builds:
*New3DS performance

4DO - Panasonic 3DO ~8fps
Atari800 - Atari 800 / 5200 N/A
FBAlpha2012 - CPS3 ~35fps / ~50fps
FBAlpha2012 - Neo Geo
Fuse - Unix Spectrum N/A
GW - Game&Watch ~58fps
Handy - Atari Lynx ~75fps
O2EM - Odyssey2 and/or Videopac+ ~60fps
ProSystem - Atari 7800 ~60fps
Stella - Atari 2600 ~60fps
TGB-Dual - Nintendo Gameboy / Gameboy Color ~60fps
VecX - GCE Vectrex ~55fps
VirtualJaguar - Atari Jaguar ~10fps
Yabause - Sega Saturn ~5fps

---

Unofficial builds

4DO
Panasonic 3DO
1.4.1 / 4DO 1.3.2.3

Spoiler: More info

BIOS file(s):

panafz10.bin (Panasonic FZ-10 BIOS)(md5): 51f2f43ae2f3508a14d9f56597e2d3ce

Place in; 'SD:/retroarch/cores/system/'

Spoiler: Game Compatibility

New3DS:

Gex - 8fps
Worms - 8fps

Old3DS

-

Download(s):
4DO_Libretro_CIA_28-02-2017.7z
4DO_Libretro_3DSX_28-02-2017.7z

^back^

---

Atari800
Atari 800 / 5200
1.4.0 / Atari800 3.1.0

Spoiler: More info

W.I.P.

BIOS file(s):

For 5200:
atari5200.rom

For 400/800:
ATARIOSB.ROM
ATARIOSA.ROM

For XL/XE:
ATARIXL.ROM

For BASIC:
ATARIBAS.ROM

Place in; 'SD:/retroarch/cores/system/'

Download(s):
N/A

^back^

---

FBAlpha2012_CPS3
Capcom CPS3
1.6.9 / FB Alpha 2012 CPS-3 v0.2.97.29

Spoiler: More info

W.I.P.

Set the controls to: Arcade

The CORE options provide a 'CPU Speed Overclock' function.
Set to 110% or 120% to get better results. Works pretty well for play-ability.

Spoiler: Game Compatibility

New3DS:

Jojo's Venture (jojon.zip) ~45fps
Street Fighter III - New Generation (sfiii.zip) ~38fps
Red Earth (redearth.zip) ~42 fps

Download(s):
FBAlpha2012_CPS3_Libretro_CIA_08-12-2017.7z
FBAlpha2012_CPS3_Libretro_3DSX_08-12-2017.7z

^back^

---

FBAlpha2012_NEOGEO
SNK NEOGEO
1.4.1 - 1.6.9 / FB Alpha 2012 Neo Geo v0.2.97.29

Spoiler: More info

Requires 'neogeo.zip' next to your ROMS.

This build will save the *.fs files next to your roms, not on the root of the sd.

Spoiler: Game Compatibility

New3DS:

Metal Slug
Metal Slug 2
Metal Slug 3
Metal Slug 4
Metal Slug 5
Metal Slug X

All are running ok.

Make sure to load your games from a playlist!

Download(s):
FBAlpha2012_NEOGEO_Libretro_CIA_11-12-2017.7z - 1.6.9
FBAlpha2012_NEOGEO_Libretro_CIA_16-12-2017.7z - 1.4.1
FBAlpha2012_NEOGEO_Libretro_3DSX_16-12-2017.7z - 1.4.1

^back^

---

Fuse
ZX Spectrum
1.4.0 / fuse 1.1.1

Spoiler: More info

W.I.P.

Needs controls sorted out

Download(s):
N/A

^back^

---

GW
Game & Watch
1.4.1 / Game & Watch 1.0

Spoiler: More info

W.I.P.

Games can be downloaded here:
https://bot.libretro.com/assets/cores/Game and Watch/

Controls:

Start - Shows current controls on screen
Select - Zoom in /out
L1 - Power button

Spoiler: Game Compatibility

New3DS:

-

Old3DS

-

Download(s):
GW_Libretro_CIA_28-02-2017.7z
GW_Libretro_3DSX_28-02-2017.7z

^back^

---

Handy
Atari Lynx
1.6.9 / Handy 0.97

Spoiler: More info

BIOS file(s):

lynxboot.img (Lynx Boot Image)(md5): fcd403db69f54290b51035d82f835e7b

Place in; 'SD:/retroarch/cores/system/'

Spoiler: Game Compatibility

New3DS:

Chip's Challenge 60fps -Thanks matt!

Old3DS

-

Download(s):
Handy_Libretro_CIA_08-12-2017.7z
Handy_Libretro_3DSX_08-12-2017.7z

^back^

---

O2EM
Odyssey2 and/or Videopac+
1.6.9 / O2EM 1.18

Spoiler: More info

BIOS file(s):

o2rom.bin (Odyssey2 BIOS - G7000 model)(md5): 562d5ebf9e030a40d6fabfc2f33139fd

Optional:
c52.bin (Videopac+ French BIOS - G7000 model)(md5): f1071cdb0b6b10dde94d3bc8a6146387
g7400.bin (Videopac+ European BIOS - G7400 model)(md5): c500ff71236068e0dc0d0603d265ae76
jopac.bin (Videopac+ French BIOS - G7400 model)(md5): 279008e4a0db2dc5f1c048853b033828

Place in; 'SD:/retroarch/cores/system/'

Note:

Joystick is functional,
Keyboard mappings are not.

Most games need the keyboard to launch. They can't be launched right now.
Some boot straight into the game itself. Only those games are working.

Spoiler: Game Compatibility

Loading without keyboard:
needs more testing

New3DS:

Atlantis
Turtles

Old3DS

-

Download(s):
O2EM_Libretro_CIA_08-12-2017.7z
O2EM_Libretro_3DSX_08-12-2017.7z

^back^

---

ProSystem
Atari 7800
1.6.9 / ProSystem 1.3e

Spoiler: More info

BIOS file(s):

7800 BIOS (U).rom (7800 BIOS)(md5): 0763f1ffb006ddbe32e52d497ee848ae

Place in; 'SD:/retroarch/cores/system/'

Note:

Loading custom palettes is currently not available.

Download RomHacks:
http://atariage.com/forums/topic/232487-atari-7800-homebrews-and-hacks-thread/
Thanks to Excalibur007, who made some of these wonderful RomHacks.

If a specific CRC for a game needs to be added to the internal database, PM me.

Spoiler: Game Compatibility

New3DS:

-

Old3DS

-

Download(s):
ProSystem_Libretro_CIA_10-12-2017.7z
ProSystem_Libretro_3DSX_10-12-2017.7z

^back^

---

Stella
Atari 2600
1.6.9 / Stella 3.9.3

Spoiler: More info

Note:

Runs great!

Spoiler: Game Compatibility

New3DS:

-

Old3DS

-

Download(s):
Stella_Libretro_3DSX_08-12-2017.7z
Stella_Libretro_CIA_08-12-2017.7z

^back^

---

TGB-Dual
Nintendo GameBoy, GameBoy Color
1.6.9 / TGB Dual v0.8.3

Spoiler: More info

W.I.P.

This core by default only emulates one Gameboy.
Enable 'GB Link Enable (restart)' in Core-options and restart to enable the second Gameboy.

- Controls not working on second Gameboy
- Unable to select 2 different ROMS.

Download(s):
TGBDual_Libretro_CIA_08-12-2017.7z
TGBDual_Libretro_3DSX_08-12-2017.7z

^back^

---

VecX
GCE Vectrex
1.4.1 / VecX 1.2

Spoiler: More info

Note:

No overlay support.

Spoiler: Game Compatibility

New3DS:

-

Old3DS

-

Download(s):
VecX_Libretro_CIA_28-02-2017.7z
VecX_Libretro_3DSX_28-02-2017.7z

^back^

---

VirtualJaguar
Atari Jaguar
1.4.1 / Virtual Jaguar v2.1.0

Spoiler: More info

Note:

P.O.C.

Spoiler: Game Compatibility

New3DS:

Raiden - 20fps, blank screen - lisreal2401
Rayman - 8fps, looks beautiful in game however lisreal2401
Fight For Life - 8fps, crashes on menu screens lisreal2401
Tempest 2000 - 0fps, barely runs at all lisreal2401
Wolfenstein 3D - 0fps, crashes Retroarch lisreal2401

Old3DS

-

Download(s):
VirtualJaguar_Libretro_CIA_28-02-2017.7z
VirtualJaguar_Libretro_3DSX_28-02-2017.7z

^back^

---

Yabause
Sega Saturn
1.4.1 / Yabause v0.9.14

Spoiler: More info

BIOS file(s):

saturn_bios.bin (Saturn BIOS)(md5): af5828fdff51384f99b3c4926be27762

Place in; 'SD:/retroarch/cores/system/'

Note:

P.O.C.

Spoiler: Game Compatibility

In Genesis/MegaDrive games, some sprites are incorrectly positioned, some are not working correctly. - Robz8

New3DS:

Sega Saturn BIOS Menu: 13-14fps with frameskip enabled, 4fps with frameskip disabled. - Robz8

Nights into Dreams 4-7fps average / No sound/Frameskip enabled - haazet
Sonic Jam: ~20fps with frameskip enabled. - Robz8

Old3DS

-

Download(s):
Yabause_Libretro_CIA_28-02-2017.7z
Yabause_Libretro_3DSX_28-02-2017.7z

^back^

---

Initial Setup

Download the latest STABLE or NIGHTLY build from the Libretro Buildbot:
https://buildbot.libretro.com/

Stable Builds (1.6.9 )
Nightly Builds

.3dsx installation

1. Extract retroarch_3dsx.7z
2. Copy 'retroarch' folder to root of your SD; 'SD:/'
3. Copy the folders including cores you want to use to: 'SD:/3ds/'

.cia installation (recommended)

1. Extract retroarch_cia.7z
2. Copy 'retroarch' folder to root of your SD; 'SD:/'
3. Install all the .cia's (cores) you want to use, using your preferred method. (like FBI)
4. (optional) Install the 'retroarch_3ds.cia', using your preferred method. (like FBI)

The 'retroarch_3ds.cia'
This is the RetroArch frontend compiled without a core.
It is used to launch the last loaded core.

To use this you need to have at least one 1.4.X+ .cia core installed.
Before launching the 'retroarch_3ds.cia', you'll need to:

• Launch a separate core first
• Load a game
• Exit trough the menu

This will allow RetroArch to create a .cfg and set the last loaded core.

unofficial builds don't have icons yet

If you get the 'SD has been removed' message, it tries to load a NON-installed core.
Repeat the above steps. If you have used retroarch before (pre-1.4.X), read THIS.


^back^

Update RetroArch

When upgrading from a pre-1.4.0 version of RetroArch, it is important to start with clean configuration files.
Make sure you replace the 'SD:/retroarch/' folder.

Update 1.3.X

• Backup / rename your old 'retroarch' folder; 'SD:/retroarch/'
• Delete / rename your old 'retroarch' folder
• Follow the Setup again, upgrading all cores
• Optional: Restore savefiles from backup

Update 1.4.X+

• Follow the Setup again, upgrading all cores. No need to replace the 'SD:/retroarch/' folder.

^back^

RetroArch XMB 'Themes'

'rgui' / 'xmb' / 'xmb' theme

The release of 1.4.0 added support for XMB menu.

You can switch between the old 'rgui' and the new 'xmb'
- Settings / Driver / Menu Driver

You can change the 'Menu Color Theme' and the 'Menu Icon Theme' to suit your liking.
- Settings / User Interface / Menu /

*restart is required to load changes


^back^

FAQ

General:

Q) I still have the 'old' green GUI (RGUI) / theme. How do i change it?
A) Change 'Menu Driver'. See: RetroArch Themes *'RGUI' is recommended!

Q) How do i Disable / Edit the yellow console messages on the top screen?
A) Settings / Onscreen Display / Onscreen Notifications / Enable Onscreen Notifications

Q) CORE switch doesn't work, game loads with the current (wrong) core.
A) Try to remove CORE overrides: SD:/retroarch/config/*CORE/*CORE.cfg

Q) All cores are really slow on my New3DS (comparing to game compatibility lists).
A) Check if you've got 804mhz, L2 Cache enabled, using NTR or similar. (RetroArch should set this by itself)

Q) Your download contains a VIRUS!!
A) Some antivirus software may detect some 'suspicious' code inside the builds i provide.

This is called a 'false positive', the code is taken straight from Libretro's git.
Minimal changes are made to fix errors and compile 3DS builds.

Core Specific:

Q) Do CPS3 games run on my old3DS?
A) No, only on New3DS

^back^

Latest changes

16-12-2017

-Added FBAlpha2012_NEOGEO 1.4.1

11-12-2017

-Added FBAlpha2012_NEOGEO 1.6.9

10-12-2017

-Fixed ProSystem's internal database

08-12-2017

-Added W.I.P. build of TGB-Dual
-Updated the following cores to reflect changes up to 1.6.9:

Stella​

ProSystem​

O2EM​

Handy​

FBAlpha2012_CPS3​

​

Spoiler: Older...

04-12-2017

-Cleaned thread in preparation for core updates.

06-03-2017

-Merged community results, Thanks to all!

28-02-2017

-Build with NEW icons and banners provided by [B]matt![/B]
-Updated banner, provided by Matt!

Hello deleted member 372186,
I recently got into 3ds and i heard there was a core called 'yabause' which is used for sega Saturn games. Once i heard it i rushed to find the download link because i wanted to play sonic r on my 3ds only to find out that filetrip shut down, i couldnt find an alternative download link but if you could make another download link or if you have the files i would try to improve it to go from 5fps to atleast 15fps on games such as sonic and much more. If it would be possible it would be awesome if you still have the files/core ready to get improved.

 

[Phinxx3088]

Most of the cores have been added to the official builds and can be found on the libretro buildbot or through the online updater found in the retroarch menu.

Other cores either run to slow or are not usable on 3ds in it's current state. While i do maintain local builds of yabause, zc210, neogeo and some others, i don't have them publicly available at the moment.

Looking for any specific core?

Oh please still have it, hello there i was interested in the yabause core for 3ds, it would be awesome if you could share it since i wanted to upgrade the core a little or even make it its own emulator but for that i would need the code it has so if you could share the cia or 3dsx then it would be amazing

 

[lone_wolf323]

Oh please still have it, hello there i was interested in the yabause core for 3ds, it would be awesome if you could share it since i wanted to upgrade the core a little or even make it its own emulator but for that i would need the code it has so if you could share the cia or 3dsx then it would be amazing

if your hopeing to get it from that specific person. their account was deleted. it says so. they left gbatemp.

 

[Phinxx3088]

if your hopeing to get it from that specific person. their account was deleted. it says so. they left gbatemp.

yeah i sadly only saw the message a bit later that night, apparently the user left after finding out how the community was to that time he left but i never really knew the account was deleted, im pretty new to gbatempt so i dont really know how to see what account was deleted

 

[munagaihikari54]

yeah i sadly only saw the message a bit later that night, apparently the user left after finding out how the community was to that time he left but i never really knew the account was deleted, im pretty new to gbatempt so i dont really know how to see what account was deleted

hi there
did you find it anyway ? would be nice if there is a chance to improve fps just a bit to be able play such games as policenauts , snatcher etc on 3DS

 

[luckymouse0]

It works terrible, it's unplayable, but if you want to try it:

Hi! I found the Yabause CIA version buried deep in this thread, here is the quoted message that has it, download it while you can!

 

[NasiGorengKambing]

Here's an experimental build of the 'FBAlpha2012_neogeo' core.
These should allow almost every NeoGeo rom to run properly again.

Some roms do need to be converted manually before the file copied to the SD.
I'm hoping to allow this process to be executed by the core itself, but for now these need to be created manually.

Spoiler: Roms which need to be converted before usage

kof2002
mslug5
svc
samsho5
kof2003
samsh5sp
matrim
ms5pcb
svcpcb
kf2k3pcb
kof2002b
kf2k2pls
kf2k2plc
kf2k2mp
kf2k2mp2
ms5plus
mslug5b

How to use:

- Copy over the zipped roms

- Use the attached converter, and copy the output to your 'retroarch' directory. *From the converted files only the `vrom` is required.
For example: 'sdmc:/retroarch/cache/mslug5_cache/'

- Launch the .zip as usual. But keep in mind, loading can take minutes.


-----------
Additional links:
Github issue: https://github.com/libretro/fbalpha2012_neogeo/issues/39
romcnv: https://gbatemp.net/threads/large-neogeo-games-support-and-cps3-tests.493767/

Is this the definitive version to run newer Neo Geo games like MS5, KOF2002?
With latest retroarch 1.22.2 FBNeo or FBA 2012 Neo I failed to run the game.

 

[guizmonster]

Hello,

I use RetroArch on my Nintendo New 3DS XL mainly for GBA games. I use the gpSP core, which works very well, unlike mGBA, which is slow.

I just have a problem with the button for maintaining fast forward.

In settings, I have configured ZL as the “Fast-forward (Hold)” button. When I launch any game, if I press ZL, it stays in fast forward only as long as I press the button. In the core options, you can remap the keys, and by default, ZR is mapped as the fast-forward key. If I press it, it also fast forwards as long as I hold it down. However, if I press ZL and then ZR, it stays in fast forward. To turn it off, I have to press ZR again. Is this a bug?