The 3DS is often considered one of the best handheld gaming devices created. Its massive library of high-quality games cannot be denied, as both the first-party Nintendo and third-party software kept the console going for years. The 3DS has been sunsetted by Nintendo for the more powerful and extremely popular Switch, but a new Android 3DS emulator has surfaced that seems to be more than capable of playing the classic on-the-go games.

Citra is a 3DS emulator that has been available on desktop for a few years. Video game emulation allows fans to play video games through the emulating software without the need for the console itself. But now, the Citris 3DS emulator is available on Androids as well for the very first time.

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The Citra 3DS emulator can be downloaded now on the Google Play Store. The emulator will even use motion controls, since games like Mario Kart on the 3DS used gyro technology for driving.

pokemon x and y citra

The emulator is far from perfect, as it is in a beta state, and developing anything for the hundreds of android phones on the market is not easy. But some of the best 3DS games are playable, including the likes of Super Mario 3D Land, Pokemon X and Y, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Animal Crossing: New Leaf, and more.

Emulators are often considered a tricky subject in gaming, as distributing games is not technically legal. An 18-year old emulator site was recently shut down thanks to legal fears and the possibility of getting in major trouble with publishers. Many consider the idea of emulating old games that are impossible to play any more as something that is easier to swallow morally. But playing games that were just sold a few years ago and are still easily accessible is something that is definitely a hairier proposition.

Still, the accomplishments behind the Citra on both the PC and the Android are impressive. The games look amazing and play very well. Reportedly, there are a few hiccups, but all-in-all the titles play just as good as the 3DS handheld counterparts, even as new physical 3DS games surprisingly continue to be released, and in some ways look even better on crisp Android screens.

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Source: Kotaku