how to dump switch games for ryujinx

2 min read 02-10-2024

If you're an avid gamer looking to experience Nintendo Switch games on your PC through Ryujinx, you're in the right place. Dumping games correctly is crucial for smooth gameplay. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you get everything set up for an enjoyable gaming experience.

What is Ryujinx?

Ryujinx is an open-source Nintendo Switch emulator that allows you to play your favorite Nintendo Switch games on a PC. Think of it as a bridge that transports your console experience to your computer, where you can enjoy enhanced graphics and performance.

Prerequisites

Before diving into the process, make sure you have:

A Nintendo Switch console (preferably with custom firmware).
An SD card with at least 64GB of free space.
A computer with Ryujinx installed.
A USB reader or connection cable for transferring files.

Step-by-Step Guide to Dump Switch Games

Step 1: Preparing Your Switch

Install Custom Firmware: Ensure your Nintendo Switch is running custom firmware (CFW) like Atmosphere or ReiNX. This allows you to access the file system necessary for dumping games.
Insert your SD Card: If not already in place, insert your microSD card into the Nintendo Switch. This will be used to store your dumped games.

Step 2: Dumping Your Game

Access Homebrew Menu: Restart your Switch and hold the specific button combination for your custom firmware (usually the volume buttons).
Open the Homebrew Application: Use an application like NXDumpTool to facilitate the dumping process.
Select Your Game: Browse through your installed games and select the title you wish to dump.
Choose Dump Options: Select the option to dump the game as a .xci or .nsp file format.
Initiate Dump: Confirm your choice and start the dumping process. This may take several minutes, depending on the game's size.
Check the SD Card: Once the dump is complete, navigate to your SD card and ensure the files were created successfully in the appropriate folders.

Step 3: Transfer Files to Your PC

Connect Your SD Card: Use a USB card reader or connect your Switch to your PC directly, and access the SD card.
Copy the Game Files: Locate the dumped game files (either .xci or .nsp) and copy them to a designated folder on your PC.

Step 4: Setting Up Ryujinx

Launch Ryujinx: Open the Ryujinx emulator on your PC.
Configure Game Directories: Go to Options > Settings > Directories. Here, point Ryujinx to the folder where you saved your dumped game files.
Add the Game: Click on the "Add" button and select your dumped game file to import it into Ryujinx.
Enjoy Your Game: After successfully adding your game, you’re all set! Just double-click the game title in Ryujinx to start playing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Game Doesn't Start: Ensure the game file is not corrupted. Try dumping it again.
Performance Issues: Adjust settings in Ryujinx, such as graphics options, to optimize performance.

Conclusion

Dumping Switch games for use with Ryujinx can open up a new world of gaming possibilities. Just like preparing ingredients for a recipe, following these steps ensures everything is done correctly for the best results. Remember to always support game developers by purchasing their games legally. Happy gaming!

For more detailed information, check out our articles on Setting Up Ryujinx for Optimal Performance and Troubleshooting Ryujinx Errors.