Lime3DS

2119

All:

• Added a "Small Screen Position" feature which can be used with the Large Screen layout | @DavidRGriswold ~ #373

Desktop:

• Diagonal inputs for the circlepad and c-stick can now be bound from the Controls menu | @kleidis ~ #404
• Added new command line options for the lime3ds executable which mirror those that were available with the -cli executable | @OpenSauce04 ~ #481
  • You can view these new options by running lime3ds --help
• Fixed the labels in the Texture Filter dropdown menu being mismatched | @rtiangha ~ #454
• Fixed an issue where Vulkan may not be available when using the Linux AppImage in a Wayland session | @OpenSauce04 ~ #504

Android:

• Home screen shortcuts can now be created for games using the long-press menu | @kleidis ~ #313
• Added a fixed screen orientation setting available in the Layout section | @kleidis ~ #420
• Updated the header of the Axis and Button dpad sections to make their purpose more clear | @DavidRGriswold ~ #464

Technical:

• Fixed minimum OpenGL version erroneously being internally set as OpenGL 3.1 when it is actually OpenGL 3.2 | @rtiangha ~ #477
• Fixed issues when attempting to build Lime3DS with Qt 6.8 or later | @rtiangha ~ #441
• The SDL2 frontend, which was previously removed in the 2118 update, has been reintroduced in the form of a command line option, however it is currently disabled at compiled time by default | @OpenSauce04 ~ #508
  • This is disabled due to the extremely unstable state that it was left in when Citra was discontinued
    • It will remain disabled until these issues are resolved
  • If you know what you are doing, you can enable it by using the ENABLE_SDL2_FRONTEND cmake option at compile time
  • The command line option to access the SDL2 frontend is --no-gui or -n for short

Important news about the future of Lime3DS

I have some exciting news to share about the future of the project.

You may have seen on Twitter that PabloMK7 recently posted about the discontinuation of his Citra fork in favor of a new project.
I am happy to announce that this new project won't be a solo endeavour, as this new Citra fork is a collaborative effort between both Lime3DS and PabloMK7's fork to create a new, unified project. No longer will development be fragmented between these forks, and instead all progress will be made in a single coordinated effort.

As a result of this, development of Lime3DS will also be discontinued, and development time after the release of the 2119 update will be focused on getting this new project off of the ground.
On release, the new emulator will contain features from both forks, so prior development efforts will not be lost in the transition.

Further details of this new project will be shared in the coming weeks, and we hope you look forward to learning more about it.

2118

Desktop:

• Fixed a regression introduced in 2117 where hotkeys would not function correctly after using the settings menu | @OpenSauce04 ~ #399
• The lime3ds-cli executable has been removed | @OpenSauce04 ~ #413
  • In its place, you are able to use the GUI program from the command line for the same purpose
  • lime3ds-gui has been renamed to simply lime3ds due to the suffix now being redundant.
• The MacOS distribution of Lime3DS is now packaged as a zip archive instead of a tar.gz file | @OpenSauce04 ~ #415
  • There is no end-user impact from this change, it is simply made to be more familiar to other MacOS software distributions
• Fixed the Vulkan renderer causing crashes on devices that don't support Vulkan 1.3 | @i0x404 ~ #384

All:

• A "Reverse Side by Side" option has been added for Lime3DS's Stereoscopic 3D mode | @OpenSauce04 ~ #393
• The frame_limit value in the config file is now stored as a double | @OpenSauce04 ~ #385
  • This means that non-integer values can be used for more precise control of the game's framerate than was previously possible

Android:

• Fixed a crash which would occur after pausing the emulator | @kleidis ~ #382
• Fixed swapping the screens on a display with a landscape aspect ratio forcing a portrait aspect ratio | @DavidRGriswold ~ #389, #390
  • This refers to devices which are designed to be used in landscape at all times, for example a modded Nintendo Switch running Android
• There are now several set colour themes which can be chosen from in the Theme menu | @kleidis ~ #350
• The Lime3DS app now has a Material You app icon | @OpenSauce04 ~ #400

Technical:

• A large-scale internal rebrand that replaces references to Citra with Lime3DS has been implemented | @rtiangha ~ #311
  • This may affect 3rd party distributors (e.g. Linux package maintainers), with things such as cmake option names being altered
• The ENABLE_COMPATIBILITY_LIST_DOWNLOAD cmake option has been removed due to being non-functional and redundant | @OpenSauce04 ~ 6ca44de

Notes:

• Due to an unfortunate occurrance in my life, this update has been released without a couple of the planned features (Windows installer, pretendo support). In the near future, update 2118.1 will release to include these features. I am not sure when this will be, but it hopefully won't be more than a few weeks. Please be patient with me until then. Thanks for your support. -OS

2117

All:

• Fixed a crash caused by invalid cubemap face IDs. | @PabloMK7 ~ PabloMK7/citra@4f174f1
  • This addresses crashes in several games.
    • Two games known to be affected are "Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse" and "Fire Emblem Fates".

Desktop:

• Fixed the automatically selected interface language sometimes being detected incorrectly. | @kleidis ~ #358
• All hotkeys now work correctly when the secondary window of the "Separate Windows" layout is selected. | @OpenSauce04 ~ #333
• The "Report Compatibility" button now links to the Lime3DS compatibility list repository. | @OpenSauce04 ~ #356
• Frame advancing can now be used when the emulator is paused. | @OpenSauce04 ~ #338
  • Due to this change, the old frame advancing mode has been removed due to redundancy.
• Fixed several compounding issues related to game shortcut creation and usage on Flatpak. | @OpenSauce04 ~ #343
• The AppImage and Flatpak versions of Lime3DS are now able to use Wayland natively. | @C-512L ~ #312, flathub/io.github.lime3ds.Lime3DS#24

Android:

• A new "About Game" dialog has been added which replaces the Cheats menu. | @kleidis ~ #304
  • This menu displays more detailed information about the game you have selected.
  • Cheats are now accessible from the "Cheats" button within this new menu.
• Custom layout functionality has been added to the Android version of Lime3DS. | @DavidRGriswold ~ #298, #349
  • Options are available for customizing the Portrait and Landscape orientations seperately.
  • You can configure this in the new Layout settings tab.

Technical:

• Various build depencencies have been updated. | @rtiangha ~ #329, #323
• Fixed compilation failures on GCC 14.0+ | @rtiangha ~ #329
• Left-over code pertaining to iOS support has been removed from the codebase | @OpenSauce04 ~ #319
  • iOS was never supported by Lime3DS, however this change removes code which was used by Citra for its iOS builds.
• The MacOS build target has been updated to MacOS 13 Ventura. | @OpenSauce04 ~ #320
  • The minimum MacOS version for Lime3DS was already 13, but until now the build target had still been set to MacOS 11.
    • This change will have a minimal effect on the end user.

Notes:

• A version of Lime3DS on the Google Play Store is currently being prepared.
  • When it goes live, a link to the Play Store page will be added to the project's readme file and an announcement will be posted on our Discord server.
    • You can join our Discord community using the link in our readme.
• In the upcoming 2118 update, changes will be made which enforce a codebase-wide rebrand of the internals of Lime3DS.
  • This will include changes to cmake option names (for example, CITRA_USE_PRECOMPILED_HEADERS will become LIME3DS_USE_PRECOMPILED_HEADERS.
  • Distribution package maintainers should be prepared to correct for this when the update goes live.
• Open-source projects are made great because of contributions from developers like you.
  • If you have an issue you know how to fix, want to see a feature you know how to implement, or have any other contribution you wish to make, our arms are open to submissions from the community.

2116

Desktop:

• Migrated to a new user data directory. (@OpenSauce04)
  • Users will be prompted to choose whether or not to migrate their data after launching the updated version.
• Fixed an issue where using the settings menu could cause the secondary window in the Separate Windows layout to no longer respond to macros. (@OpenSauce04)
  • This includes but is not limited to the issue where you could no longer fullscreen the secondary window.
• Fixed the ARM64 Linux Flatpak version unintentionally having access to the OpenGL renderer, causing the emulator to be inoperable at default settings. (@OpenSauce04)
  • Due to this issue being resolved, the ARM64 Linux Flatpak is now available again after being removed in the previous update.
• Removed the "View Game on GameDB" right-click option as the service it links to no longer exists. (@OpenSauce04)

All:

• Updated Artic Base integration to support up to Artic Base v1.2.0 and fix various issues. (@PabloMK7 @ https://github.com/PabloMK7/citra)
  • This adds a feature which allows the 3DS console to be used as a controller. This is off by default and can be toggled in the input settings.
    • Note: This feature increases Artic Base's network usage, and may somewhat negatively impact loading times.
• Fixed Realtime Audio setting not working correctly when used at emulation speeds above 100%. (@OpenSauce04)
• Corrected dead links in many areas of the user interface. (@ShizCalev)
• Updated build dependencies. (@OpenSauce04)

Notes:

• Open source projects are made great because of contributions from developers like you. If you have an issue you know how to fix, want to see a feature you know how to implement, or have any other contribution you wish to make, our arms are open to submissions from the community.

2115

Desktop:

• Added configuration options to allow display stretching in Single Screen and Separated Windows layouts

Android:

• In-game sidebar menu can now be controlled with an external gamepad
• Settings interface has been visually overhauled
• Adreno Boost toggle has been added for devices with a supported GPU
  • This feature is currently experimental, so use with caution
• Updated build dependencies

Notes:

• The ARM Linux flatpak has been temporarily pulled as of this update due to an issue. No active developers have access to the necessary hardware to debug this issue, so it is difficult to address. Developers with an ARM Linux device, please see issue #124 on our issue tracker for more information on how you can help.
• In the last few weeks, development on the emulator has been slow. I have been finishing this academic year of my education, and due to being the primary maintainer of the project, this has affected the release schedule of the emulator. This should be completed by the end of July, so expect a return to a faster pace of development soon. -OpenSauce

Lime3DS 2114.1

• Android: Fixed landscape screen layouts not displaying correctly

Notes:

• This is a hotfix to address an issue which appeared in the Android version of 2114
  • Platforms other than Android need not update
  • Apologies for any inconvenience

Lime3DS 2114

• Desktop: Add custom screen layout feature (#204)
  • This feature is configured in the new Emulation → Configure → Graphics → Layout menu
• Desktop: The proportion the screens in the Large Screen layout can now be configured in the Layout menu
• Android: Added support for button-based controller dpads, expanding dpad compatibility
  • As an example, this change now allows the Switch Pro controller's dpad to be used
  • This also allows other controller buttons to be bound to dpad directions
• Updated various build dependencies (#206, #207)
• The minimum MacOS version has been increased to MacOS 13 (Ventura) due to dependency requirements

Notes:

• Crowd-sourced language translations are now open for Lime3DS. If you have the skills to contribute, for more information please see https://app.transifex.com/lime3ds/lime3ds
  • Updated translations will be pulled each update without mention in the patch notes
• The user-contributed compatibility list for Lime3DS mentioned in the previous update is now open. Please see details at https://github.com/Lime3DS/compatibility-list/blob/master/CONTRIBUTING.md
  • Updates to the compatibility list will be pulled each update without mention in the patch notes
• The source tarballs now use the release number instead of git information for the file name

Lime3DS 2113

• Android: Fixed an issue where settings which cannot be changed while a game is running may still not be changeable after closing the game
• Added realtime audio playback option
  • This feature scales audio playback speed to account for drops in emulation framerate
    • Using this option may cause a visual-audio desync during context-sensitive scenes (e.g. cutscenes) if lag spikes are encountered
• Desktop: Added a button in the help menu which opens the Lime3DS log folder
• Non-userfacing changes to how the compatibility list is implemented to allow for easier community contribution

Notes:

• Compatibility list data has been moved to https://github.com/Lime3DS/compatibility-list. Compatibility reports can be created here via pull request to report an updated compatibility status. Step-by-step instructions on how to do this will be added in the days following this release
• While the realtime audio feature was ported from Citra Enhanced, it is worth noting that this iteration has changes which very noticeably improve the consistency and stability of audio playback over the original implementation

Lime3DS 2112

• Added support for Artic Base
• Desktop: Added favourite game functionality (#163)
• Desktop: Added play time counter (#163)
• Windows+Linux: Added game desktop shortcut functionality (#163)
• Desktop: Updated right-click user interface layout (#163)
• Updated executable names to follow a new naming scheme
  • lime.exe --> lime3ds-cli.exe
  • lime-qt.exe --> lime3ds-gui.exe
  • lime-room.exe --> lime3ds-room.exe

Lime3DS 2111

• Linux: Downgraded minimum glibc version from 2.38 to 2.36
  • This fixes a regression introduced in 2110 where certain Linux distros, such as the Steam Deck's SteamOS, were unable to launch Lime3DS via AppImage due to the glibc version being too recent
• Android: Updated internal resolution selection interface to more closely match the desktop equivalent
  • The setting is now configured using a dropdown menu instead of a slider
  • Alongside the multiplier, the resulting resolution is now also displayed
• Updated log filenames
  • citra_log.txt --> lime3ds_log.txt
  • citra_log.txt.old.txt --> lime3ds_log.old.txt

Notes:

• It is recommended to delete the old citra_log.XXX files to avoid accidentally sending them instead of the newer files when filing bug reports
• We are currently looking for maintainers to help with reviewing PRs and investigating issues
  • Must have prior experience contributing to open source projects and familiarity with C++
  • Bonus points if you contributed to Citra
  • Inquire at our Discord server if you are interested in helping out

Lime3DS 2110

• Fixed a crash when entering fullscreen while playing Super Smash Bros. 3DS on Vulkan (#87)
• Minor across-the-board performance improvements on Mali GPUs
• Android: Fixed on-screen overlay joysticks having an incorrect draw order
• Updated build environments
  • Formatting: Clang 15 --> 18
  • Linux build: Clang 15 --> 18
  • Android build: AGP 8.2.1 --> 8.3.2
    • Gradle 8.2 --> 8.4

Notes:

• The Smash Bros fix included a large-scale restructure of several sections of the Vulkan renderer. This may result in compatibility improvements for other games which we did not expect. Please feel free to share these with us if you find any!

Lime3DS 2109

• Improved rasterizer cache validation heuristic
  • This results in extreme performance improvements for several games. See here for examples
• Android: Added an option to adjust the size of on-screen buttons
• Android: Added an option to adjust the opacity of on-screen buttons
• Non-user facing code improvements related to the removal of telemetry

Notes:

• If you are using Android, please migrate to using Obtainium for installing and updating Lime3DS, as this is now our official method. You can find more information in our readme
• This update introduces a regression in Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon while using Vulkan. This involves a consistent crash during the first Pixelator cutscene. Please use OpenGL for the time being when playing this game. Apologies for any inconvenience
• This update changes which files are available to download with releases. Namely, Android App Bundles (.aab) and 7Zip archives (.7z) are no longer available to download

Lime3DS 2108

• Fixed a major crashing issue on ARM MacOS introduced in 2106
• Android: Added button haptics
• Updated dependencies
• Logging improvements for unrecoverable exceptions

Notes

• If the haptics aren't working for you, please ensure that you have haptics enabled and/ or your phone supports the appropraite haptics by using a haptics checker app
• A non-insignificant amount of time was dedicated purely to investigating the aforementioned MacOS crash. For this reason, today's update is quite small

Lime3DS 2107

• Android: Major stability improvements for the Vulkan renderer (Thanks GPUCode!)
• Enabled SPIR-V optimization, allowing for smaller compiled Vulkan shaders
• Android: Added an overlay button to swap screens
  • This button is disabled by default, and must be enabled in Overlay Options --> Toggle Controls
• Android: The side drawer is now locked by default
• Default system username is now "LIME3DS"
• Default number of play coins has been updated to 300
• Fixed the Exit hotkey not working correctly

Notes

• Lime3DS is now available on Flathub. You can download it from https://flathub.org/en-GB/apps/io.github.lime3ds.Lime3DS
• We are looking for developers with access to an ARM-based Mac to help us investigate a bug. If this is you, please contact us on our Discord server linked in the project Readme!

Lime3DS 2106

• Updated the default portait touch control layout on Android to be much more ergonomic
  • See this comparison: https://imgur.com/a/LHbt6vP
• Disabled telemetry features left over from Citra and removed related settings
• Removed settings related to Citra Web Service, as the servers no longer exist
• Windows MSYS2 builds are now available
• Fixed missing branding on MacOS
• Updated Android package ID, hopefully for the last time
• Builds produced from release unified source archives now display the corresponding version number in-app

• Notes:

• The Android package ID has been updated, and for this reason, the previous version must be uninstalled before installing this update. Apologies for any inconvenience

Lime3DS 2105

• Rebranded logos and strings to use Lime3DS's branding over Citra's
• Compatibility list is now stored locally
• Window title and Discord RPC now use full game titles instead of abbreviated ones
• GSP_GPU: Fix framebuffer dirty bit
• HLE DSP: Fix sample clamping in SimpleFilter
• Fixed misc build issues with GCC and Clang

Notes

• This is the initial release of Lime3DS. Above patch notes are relative to Citra 2104