How to Install Ryujinx for Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream
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Step 1: Downloads
Gather these files before moving on:
- Ryujinx Emulator: Download here. Get the newest version for your computer,
ryujinx-canary-X.X.XXX-win_x64.zipfor Windows orryujinx-canary-X.X.XXX-macos_universal.app.tar.gzfor Mac. - Prod Keys: Download the newest version from here.
- Firmware: Download the latest version from here.
- Game Files: Download the Base Game (v0) and the Update File (V1.0.2). (will update this page as new versions come out)
Step 2: Install Ryujinx
- Windows: Extract the
.zipfile to a folder like your Desktop. Double-clickRyujinx.exeto launch. - Mac: Extract the
.tar.gzfile and dragRyujinx.appinto your Applications folder. Open Terminal (Cmd+Space, type "Terminal") and run this command to clear Apple's security block:xattr -cr /Applications/Ryujinx.app
Then double-click the app in your Applications folder to open it.
Step 3: Keys & Firmware
Ignore the "Keys not found" error when you first open the app.
- Keys: Extract your downloaded Prod Keys zip. In Ryujinx, go to Actions > Install Keys > Install Keys (Folder) and select the extracted folder.
- Firmware: Go to Actions > Install Firmware > Install Firmware (.XCI or .ZIP) and select the Firmware zip file. Confirm the install.
Mac Note: If you get a spinning pinwheel clicking these menus, just wait. If it disappears without opening a window, click the menu option again.
Step 4: Add the Game
Put your base game and update file in a dedicated folder (like Documents/Switch ROMs). Do not delete this folder later or you will lose your game.
- Add folder: Go to Options > Settings > General. Under Game Directories, click Add, select your game folder, and click Save. The game will appear in the main window.
- Update: Right-click the game > Manage Title Updates > Add. Select the update file (
[v65536].nsp), choose version 1.0.1 from the list, and click Save.
Step 5: Controls
Go to Options > Settings > Input. Under Player 1, click Configure.
Select your controller from the dropdown (Pro Controller type is recommended). Map your buttons and save. You can use a keyboard, but a real controller is much better.
Step 6: Optimal Settings
Go to Options > Settings. Use these values for the best performance:
System
- VSync / Custom Refresh Rate: 100% for normal 30fps. 200% for 60fps. (Laptop users should try ~130%).
- DRAM Size: 4GiB (6GiB is fine if you have RAM to spare).
CPU
- Memory Manager Mode: Host Unchecked (Fastest, Unsafe).
- PPTC: On (makes future loading much faster).
- Use Hypervisor (Mac only): On (huge performance boost).
Graphics
- Graphics Backend: Vulkan.
- Enable Shader Cache: On.
- Enable Texture Recompression: On for Mac (prevents crashes). Off for Windows (unless you have an older GPU).
- Resolution Scale: Native (720p/1080p).
- Anti-Aliasing: None.
- Scaling Filter: Bilinear.
- Anisotropic Filtering: 2x for Mac, 16x for Windows.
- Graphics Backend Multithreading: On.
Network
- Multiplayer: Mode = RyuLDN, check Guest Internet Access/LAN Mode.
- Single-player: Mode = Disabled (saves performance).
Mac Heat Warning: MacBook Airs will get warm since they don't have fans. Play on a hard surface like a wood or metal desk, not a bed or blanket.
Step 7: Play
Double-click the game to start. It will stutter at first while it compiles shaders, but it will smooth out completely once you explore a bit.
(Note: Your saves are stored internally. To back them up, right-click the game and select Open User Save Directory).