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Ryujinx supports multiple Nintendo Switch game file formats. This guide covers how to load games and understand the different file types supported by the emulator.

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Supported File Formats

Ryujinx can load games in the following formats:

NSP Files

Nintendo Submission Package - Contains installable games, updates, and DLC

XCI Files

NX Card Image - Dump of physical game cartridges

NCA Files

Nintendo Content Archive - Individual content files

NRO Files

Nintendo Relocatable Object - Homebrew applications
NSO (Nintendo Shared Object) files are also supported but are typically used internally by the system.

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Loading a Game

There are multiple ways to load games in Ryujinx:
1

Add Game Directories

Configure directories where your games are stored:
  1. Open Settings from the File menu
  2. Navigate to the UI tab
  3. Under Game Directories, click Add
  4. Select the folder containing your game files
  5. Click Save
Ryujinx will scan these directories and display games in the main window.
2

Launch from Game List

Once your game directories are configured:
  • Games will appear in the main window with their icons and titles
  • Double-click any game to launch it
  • Right-click for additional options like managing DLC and mods
3

Load Game File Directly

To load a game file without adding to the library:
  1. Go to File > Load Application
  2. Browse to your game file (NSP, XCI, NCA, or NRO)
  3. Select the file and click Open
The game will launch immediately.

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File Format Details

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NSP (Nintendo Submission Package)

NSP files are the most common format for digital games. They contain:
  • Base game content
  • Updates and patches
  • Downloadable content (DLC)
File > Load Application > Select .nsp file
NSP files can be loaded directly or installed to the game library. Ryujinx will automatically extract and manage the content.

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XCI (NX Card Image)

XCI files are dumps of physical game cartridges. They may contain:
  • Base game
  • Updates (if present on cartridge)
  • Built-in DLC
XCI files bundled with updates or DLC will show a notice in the DLC manager. Bundled content cannot be disabled individually.

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NCA (Nintendo Content Archive)

NCA files are individual content archives used by the Switch. They contain specific parts of games:
  • Application executable
  • Game data
  • Update data
  • DLC content
Loading NCA files directly is primarily for advanced users. Most users should use NSP or XCI formats.

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NRO (Nintendo Relocatable Object)

NRO files are homebrew applications. These are:
  • Community-developed applications
  • Tools and utilities
  • Homebrew games
File > Load Application > Select .nro file

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Configuring Visible File Types

You can control which file types appear in your game library:
1

Open Settings

Navigate to File > Settings
2

Configure File Types

In the UI tab, find the Shown File Types section:
  • ☑ NSP - Nintendo Submission Package
  • ☑ PFS0 - Partition FileSystem
  • ☑ XCI - NX Card Image
  • ☑ NCA - Nintendo Content Archive
  • ☑ NRO - Nintendo Relocatable Object
  • ☑ NSO - Nintendo Shared Object
Uncheck any formats you don’t want to see in your library.

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Game Information

Ryujinx displays detailed information for each game:
  • Title: Game name in your system language
  • Developer: Game developer/publisher
  • Version: Installed game version
  • Title ID: Unique 16-digit hexadecimal identifier
  • File Size: Total size of game files
  • Play Time: Total time played
  • Last Played: Most recent play session

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Autoload Directories

Autoload directories automatically scan for updates and DLC:
1

Configure Autoload

In Settings > UI, find Autoload Directories
2

Add Directories

Add folders containing:
  • Game updates
  • DLC packages
  • Additional content
3

Automatic Loading

When you refresh your game library, Ryujinx will:
  • Scan autoload directories
  • Match content to installed games
  • Apply updates and DLC automatically

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Troubleshooting

Solutions:
  • Verify the file format is supported (NSP, XCI, NCA, NRO)
  • Check that the file type is enabled in Settings > UI > Shown File Types
  • Ensure the game directory is added in Settings > UI > Game Directories
  • Refresh the game library (File > Refresh)
Common causes:
  • Corrupted or incomplete download
  • Encrypted content without proper keys
  • Incompatible file format
Solutions:
  • Verify file integrity
  • Ensure prod.keys is properly installed in the system directory
  • Check log files for specific errors
Check:
  • System requirements (minimum 8GB RAM)
  • Graphics backend compatibility (OpenGL 4.5+, Vulkan, or Metal)
  • Latest firmware is installed
  • Game-specific compatibility issues
See Troubleshooting for detailed diagnostic steps.

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Next Steps

Configuration

Configure emulator settings and system options

DLC and Mods

Install downloadable content and apply mods

Graphics Settings

Optimize visual quality and performance

Input Configuration

Set up controllers and keyboard input

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