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Ryujinx

Nintendo Switch LDN multiplayer

Installation

Download Ryujinx

Download the latest Ryujinx release from ryujinx.app for your platform. Extract the archive to a permanent location (e.g. C:\Emulators\Ryujinx).

Install firmware and keys

Ryujinx requires Nintendo Switch firmware and prod.keys to run commercial games. Place prod.keys and title.keys in %APPDATA%\Ryujinx\system\ (Windows) or ~/.config/Ryujinx/system/ (Linux/macOS).

Keys and firmware must be obtained from your own Nintendo Switch console. Sharing or downloading them from the internet may be illegal in your country.

Install firmware

Go to Tools → Install Firmware → Install a firmware ZIP. Use a firmware version compatible with your game.

Add game directory

Go to Options → Settings → Game Directories and add the folder containing your Switch game files (.nsp, .xci, or extracted romfs).

LDN Multiplayer Setup

What is LDN

LDN (Local Delivery Network) is Nintendo Switch's local wireless multiplayer. Ryujinx emulates LDN over the internet, allowing real online multiplayer without Nintendo Switch Online.

Enable LDN in Ryujinx

Go to Options → Settings → Multiplayer. Set "LDN Mode" to "LDN-MITM" or "Ryujinx LDN" depending on the game. LDN-MITM is required for most games; Ryujinx LDN works for games that support Nintendo's local wireless natively.

Check the Ryujinx compatibility list to see which LDN mode is recommended for your specific game.

Set a network passphrase

In the Multiplayer settings, enter a passphrase. Only players with the same passphrase will see each other's lobbies. Use a unique passphrase to avoid accidental connections.

Host a lobby

Launch the game → navigate to the in-game local play / wireless play option. Other players with the same passphrase running the same game will see your lobby.

Join a lobby

Launch the same game with the same LDN mode and passphrase → go to in-game local/wireless play → browse and join the lobby.

Use the NetplayFinder Ryujinx browser to see who's currently hosting and coordinate via Discord.

Performance Tips

Enable shader caching

Shader compilation stutter is the biggest performance issue. Enable PPTC (Profile-guided Precompilation) and let the shader cache build up over your first few hours of play.

Resolution and graphics

For stable multiplayer, run at 1× resolution (native Switch). Higher resolutions increase GPU load and can cause frame drops that affect your network timing.

Use Vulkan

Switch the graphics backend to Vulkan (Options → Settings → Graphics → Backend). Vulkan generally performs better than OpenGL on modern hardware.

Troubleshooting

Cannot see other lobbies

Ensure all players are using the exact same passphrase, the same Ryujinx version, the same LDN mode, and the same game version/update.

Game crashes on launch

Verify your keys and firmware version. Some games require specific firmware versions. Check the Ryujinx compatibility list for game-specific settings.

Desyncs during play

LDN is not netcode — it emulates a local connection. High latency between players can cause games to desync or disconnect. Keep ping below ~80 ms for best results.

Avoid Wi-Fi. Wired Ethernet greatly reduces latency variance.

Ready to play?

Find active sessions on NetplayFinder.

Browse Sessions