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Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:
  • 64-bit processor: Required for running Xenia
  • Vulkan-capable GPU: NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel with up-to-date drivers
  • Windows 10/11 or Linux (Ubuntu/Debian with Clang 19+)
  • Legally obtained Xbox 360 games: Either physical discs or digital copies you own
Xenia is intended for research and education. You must own the games you intend to run. Piracy is not supported or condoned.

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Getting Started

1

Download Xenia

Download the latest release from the Xenia Canary releases page.Extract the archive to a folder of your choice.
2

First Launch

Windows: Double-click xenia_canary.exeLinux: Run ./build/bin/Linux/Debug/xenia_canary from the terminalOn first launch, Xenia will create a configuration file and display the main window.
3

Configure Graphics Backend

Xenia supports multiple graphics backends. Create or edit your config file:Windows: xenia-canary.config.toml (in the same directory as the executable)Linux: ~/.config/xenia/xenia-canary.config.tomlSet your preferred GPU backend:
xenia-canary.config.toml
[GPU]
gpu = "vulkan"  # or "d3d12" on Windows
Vulkan is recommended for best compatibility and performance across platforms.
4

Load Your First Game

  1. Click File → Open in the Xenia menu
  2. Navigate to your game file (.xex, .iso, or game directory)
  3. Select the file and click Open
  4. The game will start loading
For ISO files, Xenia will mount them automatically. For extracted games, open the default.xex file in the game directory.
5

Basic Controls

Xenia supports both keyboard and gamepad input:
ActionKeyboardXbox Controller
MoveWASDLeft Stick
LookArrow KeysRight Stick
A ButtonZA
B ButtonXB
X ButtonCX
Y ButtonVY
StartEnterStart
BackBackspaceBack
LB/RBQ/ELB/RB
LT/RT1/3LT/RT
Most Xbox 360 controllers work natively with Xenia. For other controllers, configure them in xenia-canary.config.toml.

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Troubleshooting

  • Check the log file (xenia.log in the same directory as the executable)
  • Try a different graphics backend (Vulkan vs D3D12)
  • Ensure your GPU drivers are up to date
  • Some games require specific settings - check the compatibility list
  • Update your GPU drivers to the latest version
  • Try enabling --gpu_allow_invalid_fetch_constants=true in the config
  • Check if the game requires specific GPU settings
  • Some games have known graphics issues - check compatibility status
  • Ensure you’re using a dedicated GPU (not integrated graphics)
  • Close other applications to free up system resources
  • Try disabling V-sync: --vsync=false
  • Check CPU usage - the JIT compiler can be intensive
  • Check that your audio device is properly configured in Windows/Linux
  • Try adjusting audio settings in xenia-canary.config.toml
  • Some games have known audio issues - check compatibility status
  • For Xbox 360 controllers, ensure drivers are installed
  • For other controllers, configure them in xenia-canary.config.toml
  • Try using x360ce for non-Xbox controllers
  • Check the HID configuration

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Configuration Tips

For best experience, add these settings to your xenia-canary.config.toml:
xenia-canary.config.toml
[GPU]
gpu = "vulkan"
vsync = false

[CPU]
break_on_unimplemented_instructions = false

[Logging]
log_level = 2  # Only warnings and errors

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Useful Command-Line Flags

Launch Xenia with these flags for specific purposes: 
# Log to console instead of file
xenia_canary.exe --log_file=stdout game.xex

# Start in fullscreen
xenia_canary.exe --fullscreen game.xex

# Disable V-sync for unlimited FPS
xenia_canary.exe --vsync=false game.xex

# Capture GPU trace for debugging
xenia_canary.exe --trace_gpu_prefix=trace_ game.xex
See the Command-Line Reference for all available flags.

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Performance Tips

1

Use a Dedicated GPU

Integrated graphics may not provide acceptable performance. Ensure Xenia is using your dedicated GPU.
2

Update Drivers

Keep your GPU drivers up to date. Vulkan support is critical for performance.
3

Disable V-Sync

If you experience input lag, try disabling V-sync with --vsync=false.
4

Close Background Apps

Xenia can be resource-intensive. Close unnecessary applications to free up CPU and GPU resources.

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Next Steps

Installation Guide

Detailed installation instructions for Windows and Linux

Configuration

Learn about all configuration options

Game Compatibility

Check which games work with Xenia

Building from Source

Build Xenia yourself and contribute to development

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Getting Help

If you encounter issues:
  1. Check the FAQ for common questions
  2. Search the GitHub issues
  3. Join the Discord community for support
  4. Review the troubleshooting guide
When asking for help, always include:
  • Xenia version and build date
  • Your operating system and GPU
  • The game you’re trying to run
  • Relevant log output from xenia.log

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