Yuzu is an open-source Nintendo Switch emulator for Windows, Linux, and macOS. It allows PC gamers to play Switch games on their computer by emulating the Switch hardware and operating system. Yuzu can play many commercial Switch or Yuzu games, enabling new audiences to access Nintendo exclusives.
Yuzu was first announced in 2017 during the Switch’s launch year. The emulator was created by developers who had previously worked on the popular 3DS emulator Citra.
Yuzu has seen rapid growth and improvements since its inception due to its open-source nature and active community. Major updates in 2020 and 2021 significantly boosted compatibility and playability.
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Popular Yuzu Games List
Yuzu can now play many of the Switch’s biggest hits. Here are some of the most popular games running on the Yuzu emulator.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The launch title is fully playable on Yuzu, with recent updates fixing most graphical issues. Mods can further enhance the experience.
2. Super Mario Odyssey
Mario’s 3D sandbox adventure runs well in Yuzu. Co-op mode also works properly now.
3. Pokemon Sword
The latest mainline Pokemon RPGs can be completed in Yuzu with relatively few bugs. Online features are still hit or miss.
4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
The social/life sim performs perfectly on Yuzu, making mods and hacking easier than a real Switch.
5. Minecraft
Minecraft is fully playable in Yuzu, complete with proper mod support, just like the Java version on PC.
6. Fortnite
Fortnite Chapter 3 and other recent updates work flawlessly in Yuzu, with improved graphics over the Switch.
7. Rocket League
Psyonix’s wildly popular vehicular soccer game performs great in Yuzu. Full cross-play with PC players is enabled.
8. Doom Eternal
id Software’s fast-paced FPS achieves higher resolutions and framerates in Yuzu compared to the Switch.
Tips For Optimal Yuzu Gameplay
To get the best experience in yuzu, here are some tips to follow:
1. Use Vulkan API
Vulkan provides better performance than OpenGL in most cases. Enable it in Graphics settings.
2. Overclock Your CPU
Higher CPU clocks translate to major boosts in emulation speeds. Overclock if possible.
3. Update Your Drivers
Keep GPU drivers updated to benefit from optimizations for emulation and Vulkan.
4. Use Mods & Custom Firmware.
Mods can enhance many games. Custom firmware boosts compatibility for some titles. You should use the latest Yuzu firmware. If you want to install mods, then you can use Yuzu Mod Downloader to install them.
After doing all these, you will have a better gaming experience on Yuzu. If you want everything in detail, then check my Yuzu setup guide for more assistance,
Conclusion
In just a few short years, the Yuzu emulator has made incredible progress. Gamers can now enjoy Switch exclusives and Nintendo IP on their PCs thanks to the efforts of Yuzu’s developers and community. As Yuzu improves further, Switch emulation could become commonplace in the future.
The open-source nature of yuzu will allow rapid advancements going forward. Hardware upgrades will also help emulate the Switch’s custom Tegra X1 chip more efficiently. There is still room for progress, but Yuzu has already realized much of the promise of open-source console emulation.
FAQs
What are some recommended system requirements for yuzu?
yuzu needs a relatively powerful CPU and GPU. A modern quad or hexa-core CPU, 16GB RAM, and a dedicated GPU like the GTX 1060 or RX 590 are ideal. CPU speed matters more than core count.
How can I get better performance in yuzu?
Overclock your CPU, enable Vulkan, update drivers, use mods/custom firmware, lower resolution/graphics settings, and close background apps. Getting games to run at full speed depends heavily on CPU power.
Is Yuzu legal to use?
Emulators themselves are legal. Downloading commercial ROMs you don’t own is illegal in many countries. Dump your own Switch games legally to emulate them.
What titles does Yuzu still struggle to emulate?
Hardware-intensive games like The Witcher 3, Dragon Quest XI S, and Monster Hunter Rise have issues in yuzu. Future upgrades will improve compatibility.
How often is Yuzu updated?
The Yuzu developers push out emulator updates every couple of weeks. Frequent updates mean rapid fixes and improvements to game compatibility.
