Azahar on Mac: how to set it up
Azahar runs on a Mac. It emulates the Nintendo 3DS. The successor to Citra, which shut down in 2024. Universal and separate Apple Silicon and Intel builds. Not notarized, so macOS warns on first launch.
- Mac download
- GitHub releases
- Chips
- One app that runs natively on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs
- macOS
- 13.4 or later
- Signed by Apple
- No: macOS warns the first time you open it (steps below)
- Graphics
- Vulkan (MoltenVK)
- You need
- 3DS games decrypted with your own 3DS. System files are optional, also from your own 3DS.
- Latest version
- 2126.2, October 8, 2026
How to install Azahar on a Mac
- Download it from the official source. Get the Mac version from Azahar's own site or its official repository. Sites that bundle an emulator with games or BIOS files are distributing pirated files, and often malware.
- Move it to Applications. Open the .dmg or .zip and drag Azahar into your Applications folder.
- Get past macOS's warning. If macOS says the app can't be opened because Apple can't check it, Control-click it in Applications and choose Open. On macOS 13 or later, if there is no Open button, go to System Settings, then Privacy & Security, and click Open Anyway (it appears for about an hour after the first try).
- Add the files it needs. 3DS games decrypted with your own 3DS. System files are optional, also from your own 3DS.
- Add your games and play. Point Azahar at the folder with your game dumps, pick a game and start it. Set up your controller in Azahar's settings.
Other emulators on Mac
Checked October 19, 2026 against: GitHub README, Release 2126.2 assets, Tags, Homepage, Wiki: Dumping Games.
Common questions
Does Azahar work on a Mac?
Yes. Azahar 2126.2 has an official Mac version. One app that runs natively on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. It needs macOS 13.4 or later.
Does Azahar run natively on Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4)?
Yes. One app that runs natively on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
What do I need to play games in Azahar?
3DS games decrypted with your own 3DS. System files are optional, also from your own 3DS.
Is Azahar legal?
Azahar itself is a legal, open-source emulator. The BIOS files, firmware and games it runs are copyrighted, so dump them from a console and games you own. Downloading them from the internet is piracy in most countries.
Why won't Azahar open on my Mac?
If macOS says the app can't be opened because Apple can't check it, Control-click it in Applications and choose Open. On macOS 13 or later, if there is no Open button, go to System Settings, then Privacy & Security, and click Open Anyway (it appears for about an hour after the first try).