> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/yakushabb/mirror-ryujinx/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Game Loading

> Learn how to load and manage Nintendo Switch games in Ryujinx

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.

## Supported File Formats

Ryujinx can load games in the following formats:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="NSP Files" icon="file-archive">
    Nintendo Submission Package - Contains installable games, updates, and DLC
  </Card>

  <Card title="XCI Files" icon="compact-disc">
    NX Card Image - Dump of physical game cartridges
  </Card>

  <Card title="NCA Files" icon="file">
    Nintendo Content Archive - Individual content files
  </Card>

  <Card title="NRO Files" icon="code">
    Nintendo Relocatable Object - Homebrew applications
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Note>
  NSO (Nintendo Shared Object) files are also supported but are typically used internally by the system.
</Note>

## Loading a Game

There are multiple ways to load games in Ryujinx:

<Steps>
  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## File Format Details

### 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)

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Loading NSP">
    ```plaintext theme={null}
    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.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Installing NSP">
    For better organization, install NSP files:

    1. Right-click in the game list
    2. Select **Install NSP**
    3. Choose your NSP file(s)
    4. Games will be added to your library permanently
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### 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

<Warning>
  XCI files bundled with updates or DLC will show a notice in the DLC manager. Bundled content cannot be disabled individually.
</Warning>

### 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

<Note>
  Loading NCA files directly is primarily for advanced users. Most users should use NSP or XCI formats.
</Note>

### NRO (Nintendo Relocatable Object)

NRO files are homebrew applications. These are:

* Community-developed applications
* Tools and utilities
* Homebrew games

```plaintext theme={null}
File > Load Application > Select .nro file
```

## Configuring Visible File Types

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

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Settings">
    Navigate to **File > Settings**
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## 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

## Autoload Directories

Autoload directories automatically scan for updates and DLC:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Configure Autoload">
    In **Settings > UI**, find **Autoload Directories**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Directories">
    Add folders containing:

    * Game updates
    * DLC packages
    * Additional content
  </Step>

  <Step title="Automatic Loading">
    When you refresh your game library, Ryujinx will:

    * Scan autoload directories
    * Match content to installed games
    * Apply updates and DLC automatically
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Troubleshooting

<Accordion title="Game doesn't appear in library">
  **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)
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Cannot load game file">
  **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
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Game loads but crashes immediately">
  **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](/user-guide/troubleshooting) for detailed diagnostic steps.
</Accordion>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Configuration" icon="gear" href="/user-guide/configuration">
    Configure emulator settings and system options
  </Card>

  <Card title="DLC and Mods" icon="puzzle-piece" href="/user-guide/dlc-and-mods">
    Install downloadable content and apply mods
  </Card>

  <Card title="Graphics Settings" icon="display" href="/user-guide/graphics-settings">
    Optimize visual quality and performance
  </Card>

  <Card title="Input Configuration" icon="gamepad" href="/user-guide/input-configuration">
    Set up controllers and keyboard input
  </Card>
</CardGroup>