Best Pokémon X and Y Emulators for PC & Android (2026 Guide)

Pokémon X and Pokémon Y are among the most popular games released for the Nintendo 3DS. Set in the Kalos region, these games introduced Mega Evolution, new Pokémon, and fully 3D environments that marked a significant change for the franchise.

However, finding a working Nintendo 3DS console is not always easy, especially after Nintendo discontinued the handheld in 2020.

Fortunately, you can still play these games using a Pokémon X and Y emulator for PC and Android.

A compatible Nintendo 3DS emulator allows you to play your own copies of Pokémon X and Y on a Windows computer or Android smartphone. Depending on your hardware, you can also improve graphics, customize controls, and enjoy the games on a larger display.

For years, Citra was the preferred emulator for Nintendo 3DS games. However, its official development ended in March 2024, and newer projects have since emerged.

In this guide, we cover the best Pokémon X and Y emulators available in 2026, explain how to install them, and share settings to improve gameplay performance.

Best Pokémon X and Y Emulators for PC and Android

Here is a quick comparison of the available options.

For new installations, Azahar is the recommended starting point because it continues development from the Citra and Lime3DS projects.

1. Azahar – Pokémon X and Y Emulator for PC and Android

Azahar is a free, open-source Nintendo 3DS emulator developed from the combined work of Lime3DS and PabloMK7’s Citra fork.

It continues the work of the original Citra emulator while introducing improvements to compatibility, graphics rendering, and platform support.

For players looking to run Pokémon X and Pokémon Y on a modern PC or Android device, Azahar provides a familiar emulation experience without relying on discontinued software.

The emulator supports both games, along with other Nintendo 3DS titles such as Pokémon Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, and Moon.

Key features:

• Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.

• OpenGL and Vulkan graphics rendering.

• Adjustable internal resolution for sharper graphics.

• Customizable keyboard and controller inputs.

• Multiple screen layouts for the Nintendo 3DS dual-screen interface.

• Save management and graphics configuration.

• Continued development and compatibility improvements.

On a capable computer, increasing the internal resolution can make Pokémon X and Y look noticeably sharper than on the original handheld console.

Android users can also customize the screen layout to make better use of their smartphone’s display.

Download: Azahar Emulator – Official Website

Source code: Azahar GitHub

2. Citra – Original Pokémon X and Y Emulator

Citra was one of the first Nintendo 3DS emulators capable of running commercial games, including Pokémon X and Pokémon Y.

It became popular because of its compatibility, graphics enhancements, and support for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.

However, official Citra development was discontinued in March 2024.

Although existing installations may still work, users should understand that the original project no longer receives official updates.

Key features:

• Nintendo 3DS game emulation.

• Customizable screen layouts.

• Internal resolution scaling.

• Keyboard and controller support.

• Save management.

• Graphics configuration.

If you already have Citra installed and Pokémon X or Y runs correctly, you can continue using your existing setup.

However, for a new installation, consider Azahar instead.

Documentation: Archived Citra Website

Avoid downloading modified Citra installers from unfamiliar websites, especially those claiming to include Pokémon ROMs.

3. Lime3DS – Citra-Based Emulator

Lime3DS emerged as a continuation of Citra after the original project was discontinued.

It retained much of Citra’s familiar interface while introducing additional improvements and fixes.

The project subsequently merged with PabloMK7’s Citra fork to form Azahar.

Lime3DS remains relevant for users who already have it installed or want to understand the development history of modern 3DS emulators.

Key features:

• Based on the Citra emulator.

• Supports Nintendo 3DS games.

• Customizable graphics settings.

• Controller and keyboard support.

• Resolution scaling.

• Familiar Citra-style interface.

For new users, there is little reason to install an older Lime3DS build when Azahar continues the combined development work.

Project: Lime3DS GitHub

4. RetroArch – Multi-System Emulator Frontend

RetroArch is a multi-system emulation frontend that allows users to run different gaming platforms through downloadable cores.

Unlike Azahar, RetroArch is not exclusively designed for Nintendo 3DS games.

It supports numerous gaming systems, including older Nintendo consoles, PlayStation platforms, and classic arcade hardware.

Nintendo 3DS emulation depends on the availability and compatibility of a suitable Citra-derived core for your particular platform.

Key features:

• Supports multiple gaming systems.

• Customizable controller profiles.

• Shaders and display customization.

• Save-state functionality where supported.

• Unified interface for managing different emulator cores.

RetroArch is useful if you already maintain a collection of classic games and prefer managing everything through a single application.

However, its general Netplay feature should not be confused with full compatibility with Pokémon X and Y’s original multiplayer functionality.

For straightforward Pokémon X and Y emulation, a standalone 3DS emulator is easier to configure.

Download: RetroArch Official Website

How to Play Pokémon X and Y on PC Using Azahar

Installing Azahar on Windows is relatively straightforward.

You will need the emulator, a compatible game dump from your own copy, and a computer that meets the emulator’s hardware requirements.

Step 1: Download Azahar

Visit the official Azahar download page.

Select the Windows version and download the installer or portable archive.

If multiple Windows builds are available, follow the recommendations provided on the official download page.

Step 2: Install the Emulator

Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions.

If you downloaded a portable version, extract the archive and launch the emulator executable.

Open Azahar once installation is complete.

Step 3: Configure the Graphics

Open the emulator’s graphics settings.

Choose a supported graphics API and begin with the default internal resolution.

You can increase the resolution later if your computer has sufficient graphics processing power.

For older computers, keeping the resolution at 1x or 2x may help maintain stable performance.

Step 4: Add Pokémon X or Pokémon Y

Prepare a compatible, decrypted game dump from your own Nintendo 3DS game.

Add the folder containing your game files through the emulator’s game directory option.

The game should appear in the library once Azahar recognizes the file.

If the game does not appear, check whether your file format is supported by the installed version.

Step 5: Configure Controls

Open the input configuration menu.

Assign the Nintendo 3DS buttons to your keyboard or connected controller.

Configure the directional controls, A/B/X/Y buttons, shoulder buttons, and touchscreen input.

A controller can make movement and battles more comfortable, although keyboard controls work as well.

Step 6: Launch the Game

Double-click Pokémon X or Pokémon Y in the game library.

The game should begin loading, allowing you to start your adventure in the Kalos region.

Performance will depend on your computer, graphics drivers, emulator version, and configuration.

How to Play Pokémon X and Y on Android

You can also play Pokémon X and Y on an Android smartphone using Azahar.

However, Nintendo 3DS emulation requires more processing power than traditional Nintendo DS emulation.

A reasonably powerful Android phone is recommended.

Installation steps:

1. Open the Azahar download page.

2. Select the Android version or its official Google Play listing.

3. Install the emulator on your phone.

4. Open the application and complete the initial setup.

5. Grant the necessary file-access permissions.

6. Select the folder containing your compatible game dump.

7. Configure the touchscreen controls and screen layout.

8. Launch Pokémon X or Pokémon Y.

For better performance, start with the native internal resolution.

If your phone handles the game comfortably, experiment with higher rendering resolutions.

An external Bluetooth controller may also improve the experience, particularly during longer gaming sessions.

Pokémon X and Y Emulator System Requirements

Azahar’s published minimum requirements provide a useful starting point.

These are emulator-level requirements rather than guaranteed Pokémon X and Y performance specifications.

A stronger processor and graphics solution may be necessary for higher resolutions or smoother gameplay.

Where to Get Pokémon X and Y ROMs

Pokémon X and Pokémon Y were originally released for the Nintendo 3DS.

To play them through an emulator, you need a compatible game dump from your own copy.

The game files are commonly associated with Nintendo 3DS formats such as .3ds, .cci, and .cia, although support varies by emulator version and whether the files are encrypted.

An ISO file is not the standard format for Nintendo 3DS game dumps.

How to Dump Your Own Game

A commonly used tool for creating backups from a Nintendo 3DS is GodMode9.

You can find its documentation and release information on GitHub.

Official project: GodMode9

Follow the project’s instructions for your specific console and game format.

The emulator itself does not include commercial Pokémon games. Avoid websites that bundle copyrighted games with modified emulator installers.

Best Settings for Pokémon X and Y Emulator

The following settings provide a useful starting point for performance optimization.

Do not assume that increasing the frame-rate limit automatically improves gameplay.

Pokémon X and Y target approximately 30 FPS during normal gameplay, with performance varying by scene and hardware.

A stable native frame rate is generally preferable to unstable performance at higher settings.

Fix Lag and Low FPS

If Pokémon X or Y runs slowly:

1. Reduce the internal resolution to 1x.

2. Update your graphics drivers.

3. Try the alternative graphics API if supported.

4. Close unnecessary background applications.

5. Disable experimental graphics enhancements.

6. Use your computer’s high-performance power mode when appropriate.

On Android, overheating can also reduce performance during extended gaming sessions.

Fix Black Screen or Game Not Loading

A black screen may result from an unsupported file format, an encrypted game dump, outdated graphics drivers, or incompatible emulator settings.

Check that your game file is recognized by the emulator and that any required system data has been configured according to the official documentation.

Resetting modified graphics settings can also help.

Fix Missing or Corrupted Graphics

Switch between OpenGL and Vulkan if both are available.

Return the internal resolution to its default value and disable any experimental rendering options.

If the problem persists, consult the emulator’s compatibility reports or issue tracker.

Can You Play Pokémon X and Y Online Using an Emulator?

Pokémon X and Y originally supported online battles, trading, and other network features through Nintendo’s online services.

However, Nintendo ended official online services for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software in April 2024.

Consequently, the original Nintendo-hosted online functionality is no longer available.

Some emulator projects offer alternative multiplayer capabilities, but these should not be confused with Nintendo’s original online infrastructure.

Compatibility varies depending on the emulator, game, and networking implementation.

FAQs

Can I play Pokémon X and Y on Android?

Yes. Azahar supports Android and can run compatible Nintendo 3DS game dumps. Performance depends on your phone’s processor, graphics hardware, and emulator configuration.

Can DraStic run Pokémon X and Y?

No. DraStic is a Nintendo DS emulator, while Pokémon X and Pokémon Y are Nintendo 3DS games. You need a compatible 3DS emulator such as Azahar.

Is Citra still available in 2026?

Existing Citra installations and archived builds may still work, but official development ended in March 2024. Azahar continues development from later Citra-based projects.

Can I play Pokémon X and Y on a low-end PC?

It depends on the hardware. Start with native resolution and default graphics settings. Computers that meet only the minimum emulator requirements may experience slowdowns.

Conclusion

Pokémon X and Y can still be enjoyed on modern computers and Android smartphones through Nintendo 3DS emulation.

Azahar provides a current alternative to the discontinued Citra emulator, with support for modern operating systems, customizable controls, and enhanced graphics.

If you already use Citra or Lime3DS successfully, you can retain your existing installation. However, Azahar offers a maintained option for new setups.

Use a compatible backup of your own game, configure the emulator according to your hardware, and begin exploring the Kalos region.