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Documentation Index

Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/eden-emulator/mirror/llms.txt

Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

This guide walks you through installing Eden and getting your first game running. Before you begin, make sure you have the required files ready. Eden cannot provide keys, firmware, or games — you must dump these from your own Nintendo Switch console.
Legal note: firmware and decryption keys must be obtained from a Nintendo Switch console you own. Games must be dumped from physical cartridges or digital purchases you own.

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Prerequisites

Gather the following before starting:
  • prod.keys (and optionally title.keys) — decryption keys dumped from your Switch
  • Firmware files — dumped from your Switch, as a folder or ZIP
  • Game files — dumped Switch game(s) in NSP, XCI, or NCA format
  • Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable — required for Eden to launch at all
Eden will not launch on Windows without the Visual C++ Redistributable installed. Download the latest supported version from Microsoft before proceeding.

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Setup steps

1

Download Eden

Go to git.eden-emu.dev/eden-emu/eden/releases and download either the Stable or Nightly Windows release (.exe installer or ZIP archive).
Not sure which release to pick? See Release types. Stable is recommended for most users.
2

Extract Eden

Extract the archive to the folder where you want Eden to live (for example, C:\Games\Eden).
To run Eden in fully portable mode — keeping all settings and data in the same folder — create an empty folder named user inside the extracted directory before launching.
3

Launch Eden

Run Eden.exe to start the emulator.
Windows may show a “Windows protected your PC” SmartScreen warning because Eden is not a signed application. This is expected. Click More info, then Run anyway to proceed. Eden is safe to run.
4

Install decryption keys

Eden will notify you about missing decryption keys on first launch. Close the dialog, then go to Tools → Install Decryption Keys, navigate to the folder containing your prod.keys file, and select it.
5

Install firmware

Go to Tools → Install Firmware, then choose From Folder or From ZIP depending on how your firmware is packaged. Navigate to the firmware location and select it.
6

Add your games

Double-click the empty game list area to open a folder browser. Navigate to the folder containing your dumped game files and select it. Eden will scan the folder and populate the game list.
7

Configure your controller

Go to Emulation → Configure → Input and set up your controller of choice. Click OK when done.
8

Play

Double-click any game in the list to launch it.

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Next steps

Download and install

Learn about release types and platform-specific install notes.

Configuration

Tune graphics, audio, and performance settings for your hardware.

Multiplayer

Play with friends over the internet using LDN tunneling.

Troubleshooting

Fix common issues including launch failures and graphics problems.

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