Add & Manage Games on Ryubing

Ryubing, the Ryujinx-based Nintendo Switch emulator fork, allows users to play Switch games on PC. However, setting up and managing games requires careful attention to file formats, organization, and emulator settings. This guide covers how to add games, organize your library, manage saves, and troubleshoot common issues.

Requirements

1. Legally Dumped Games: You must own the Switch games and dump them to .XCI (cartridge) or .NSP (eShop) files using tools like nxdumptool.
2. Valid Prod.keys and Firmware: Follow our previous guide to install these in Ryubing.
3. Latest Ryubing Build: Download from the official GitHub repository.

Adding Games to Ryubing

Step 1: Prepare Your Game Files

• Supported Formats:
  • .XCI: Cartridge dumps (e.g., Super_Mario_Odyssey.xci).
  • .NSP: Digital/eShop titles or updates/DLC (e.g., Zelda_TOTK_Update.nsp).
• Avoid Pirated Files: Only use dumps from games you own.

Step 2: Add Games to Ryubing

1. Manual Loading:
   • Launch Ryubing.
   • Click File > Load Application and browse to your game file (e.g., .XCI).
   • The game will start immediately.

Step 3: Install Updates and DLC

1. Manual Installation:
   • Click Tools > Install Files to NAND.
   • Browse to your .NSP update/DLC file and install it.
2. Verify Installation:
   • Right-click a game in the library and select Manage Title Updates or Manage DLC to confirm.

Managing Your Game Library

1. Organizing Games

• Custom Folders: Store games in categorized folders (e.g., Action, RPG).
• Ryubing Shortcuts: Add frequently played games to your desktop for quick access.

2. Save Data Management

• Location: Save files are stored in:
  • Windows: %AppData%\Ryubing\sdcard\Nintendo\Save
  • Linux/macOS: Check Ryubing’s sdcard directory.
• Backup Saves:
  • Copy the sdcard folder to a backup location.
  • Use Tools > Save Manager to export/import saves.
• Transfer Saves from Switch:
  • Use Checkpoint or JKSV on a hacked Switch to dump saves, then copy them to Ryubing’s sdcard folder.

3. Shader Cache Management

• What Are Shaders?: Pre-rendered graphics data to reduce stuttering.
• Location: %AppData%\Ryubing\shader_cache.
• Delete Old Caches: Remove outdated .bin files to free space or fix graphical glitches.

Modding and Cheats

1. Installing Mods

1. Create a mods folder in Ryubing’s directory.
2. Place mod files (e.g., .pchtxt, .ips) in mods/<GameID>.
   • Example: mods/0100ABF008968000/60FPS.pchtxt
3. Enable mods in Ryubing:
   • Right-click a game > Manage Mods > Toggle mods on/off.

2. Using Cheats

1. Download cheat files (.txt) for your game’s Title ID.
2. Place cheats in sdcard/switch/cheats/<GameID>.txt.
3. Enable cheats via Right-click Game > Manage Cheats.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Game Fails to Launch

• Solution:
  • Verify prod.keys and firmware are installed.
  • Update Ryubing to the latest build.
  • Check if the game requires a firmware update (install via Tools > Firmware Manager).

Problem: Low Performance or Stuttering

• Solution:
  • Enable VSync in Graphics Settings.
  • Switch between OpenGL and Vulkan (if available).
  • Delete shader cache to force Ryubing to rebuild it.

Problem: Missing DLC/Updates

• Solution:
  • Reinstall the .NSP file via Tools > Install Files to NAND.
  • Ensure the DLC’s Title ID matches the base game.

Conclusion

Ryubing offers a robust platform for managing and playing Switch games on PC, but it demands careful file organization and regular maintenance. By following this guide, you can optimize your library, preserve save data, and enhance gameplay with mods. Always ensure your games, firmware, and keys are legally sourced to support ethical emulation practices.