Moving save files between Nintendo Switch emulators is a common task for players who switch between tools for better performance or compatibility. Sometimes a game may run smoother in Ryujinx, while another emulator, like Citron, may work better on certain devices. Instead of starting the game again, you can simply transfer your existing save data.
The good news is that most modern Switch emulators use similar save structures, which makes transferring progress fairly straightforward. In this guide, you will learn exactly how to move save files from Citron to Ryujinx safely without losing your game progress.
Why Transfer Saves from Citron to Ryujinx?
Many players switch emulators during gameplay. This usually happens because one emulator offers better stability, graphics performance, or compatibility with a specific game.
For example, some games may run smoother or have fewer graphical issues on Ryujinx compared to other emulators. Instead of restarting the game from the beginning, transferring the save file allows you to continue exactly where you left off.
Another reason is device switching. You may have started a game on Citron on another system and later want to continue playing it on your PC using Ryujinx. Since Switch save data is stored locally inside emulator folders, copying the files allows both emulators to read the same progress.
Modern updates in Citron even introduced flexible save management that allows saves to be used across different emulators more easily.
How Save Files Work in Switch Emulators
Nintendo Switch emulators store save data in folders that mimic the structure of the original console’s storage. When you save a game, the emulator creates files such as:
mainbackup- Save metadata files
These files represent your game progress, including characters, story progression, inventory, and settings.
Each game also has a unique Title ID, which determines the specific folder where the save data is stored. Because most Switch emulators follow similar structures, you can usually copy the save files directly from one emulator to another as long as they are placed inside the correct game folder.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Transfer Citron Saves to Ryujinx
Follow these steps carefully to move your save data without corrupting the files.
Step 1: Launch Both Emulators Once
Before transferring saves, open the same game in both emulators at least once.
This step ensures that both emulators create their default save directories. Without this folder, you may not know where the save files should be placed.
After launching the game once, close both emulators.
Step 2: Open the Citron Save Folder
Open the save data location inside Citron.
Usually, you can find it by:
- Right-clicking the game in the emulator
- Selecting Open Save Data Location
This will open the directory containing the save files for that game. Inside the folder, you will typically see files like:
main
backup
These files contain your actual progress.
Copy all the files from this folder.
Step 3: Open the Ryujinx Save Directory
Next, open the save location for the same game in Ryujinx.
You can do this by:
- Launching Ryujinx
- Right-clicking the game
- Selecting Open User Save Directory
Ryujinx will automatically open the folder where the game’s save data is stored.
Typical save directory structure looks like:
Ryujinx/bis/user/save/0000000000000001/0/
Inside this folder, you will see the save files created when you launched the game earlier.
Step 4: Replace the Existing Save Files
Now paste the save files you copied from Citron into the Ryujinx save directory.
If files already exist in the folder, replace them.
Make sure you copy only the save files, not the entire folder structure. Copying the wrong folder can cause the emulator to ignore the save.
Step 5: Launch the Game in Ryujinx
After copying the files:
- Start the emulator
- Launch the game normally
If everything was placed correctly, the game should load the transferred save automatically and continue from your previous progress.
Common Issues When Transferring Saves
Sometimes the game may start as if no save exists. This usually happens due to one of these reasons.
Incorrect Save Folder
Each game has its own save directory. If you paste the files into the wrong folder, Ryujinx will not detect them.
Always use Open User Save Directory to make sure the correct location is used.
Different User Profiles
Switch emulators can store saves under different user profiles. If the user ID does not match, the game may not recognize the save.
To fix this, ensure you are using the same user profile inside the emulator.
Game Version Mismatch
Sometimes, a save created with a newer game update may not work with an older version of the game.
If this happens, install the same game update or DLC version in both emulators.
Tips to Avoid Losing Saved Data
Before moving save files, it is always recommended to create a backup.
Here are a few safe practices:
- Always copy your original save files before editing them
- Keep backups in a separate folder
- Test the save in the emulator before deleting old files
This ensures you can restore your progress if something goes wrong.
Recent development updates in Citron introduced features that allow flexible save paths and cross-emulator compatibility, making it easier to share save data between different Switch emulators. (FindArticles)
However, automatic syncing is not always enabled by default. In most cases, manually copying the save files is still the simplest and most reliable method.
Final Thoughts
Transferring saves from Citron to Ryujinx is actually a simple process once you understand where each emulator stores its save data. By copying the save files from the Citron save directory and placing them in the correct Ryujinx user save folder, you can continue your progress without restarting the game.
This method works for most Nintendo Switch titles and is useful when switching emulators for better performance, compatibility, or stability. As long as the save files are placed in the correct directory and the game version matches, your progress should load normally in Ryujinx.
