Hello, fellow Ryujinx users! If you’re reading this, you might be wondering whether you can use NSZ files directly with Ryujinx, or if you’ve encountered some trouble trying to make it work.
I get it – you want the smallest file size possible, and NSZ files are the perfect solution to that. But here’s the thing: Ryujinx doesn’t support NSZ files directly just yet.
But don’t worry! I’m here to walk you through what NSZ files are, why Ryujinx doesn’t natively support them, and most importantly, how you can still play your NSZ games on Ryujinx.
Let’s dive in and clear up all your doubts, step by step. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what to do to enjoy your NSZ files on Ryujinx without a hitch.
What Are NSZ Files?
Before we get into the technical details, let’s take a moment to understand what NSZ files actually are. You’ve probably seen or heard the term before, but let’s break it down:
NSZ files are compressed versions of NSP files, the standard file format used for Nintendo Switch games. The idea behind NSZ files is simple – they allow you to reduce the size of your game files without losing any data.
This is incredibly helpful if you’re dealing with a large number of games and want to save on storage space.
However, while NSZ files are fantastic for saving space, they come with one downside when it comes to emulation: Ryujinx does not natively support NSZ files.
This is because Ryujinx, like many emulators, has built-in support for NSP and XCI files, but not for the compressed NSZ format. So, the question remains: can you still play NSZ files on Ryujinx?
Can NSZ Files Be Used on Ryujinx Directly?
Short answer: No, Ryujinx does not support NSZ files directly. But before you get frustrated, keep reading, because I’ve got a solution for you!
The reason Ryujinx doesn’t support NSZ files is that the emulator relies on game files that are in a specific, uncompressed format, such as NSP or XCI. NSZ files are essentially a compressed archive of an NSP file, so Ryujinx needs the original uncompressed game data to function properly.
But here’s the silver lining: You can still play NSZ files on Ryujinx, but you’ll need to convert them into a compatible format (NSP).
Let me explain exactly how to do that, so you can keep enjoying your games on Ryujinx without any issues.
How to Play NSZ Files on Ryujinx
1: Decompress NSZ Files to NSP
Since NSZ files aren’t supported by Ryujinx, the first thing you’ll need to do is convert them into the NSP format. Thankfully, there are tools out there that can help with this conversion.
One of the most popular and reliable tools for this job is SAK (Switch Archive Killer). SAK is a program that can decompress NSZ files into their original NSP format, and it works like a charm. Here’s how to use it:
2: Download and Install SAK
- Go to the SAK GitHub and download the latest build of Switch Army Knife (SAK).
- Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the program. The setup process is straightforward, and you should have it up and running in no time.
3: Convert NSZ to NSP Using SAK
- Open the SAK program on your computer.
- Inside SAK, you’ll see an option to browse and select the NSZ files you want to convert.
- Make sure the output format is set to NSP. This is the format Ryujinx supports.
- Click the “Convert” button. SAK will decompress the NSZ file into an NSP file.
Tip: Keep in mind that depending on the size of the game, the conversion process might take a few minutes, so be patient.
4: Add the Converted NSP Files to Ryujinx
Once your NSZ files have been successfully converted into NSP format, you can now add them to Ryujinx and start playing. Here’s how:
Tip: For a detailed steps, follow the guide on how to add games to Ryujinx.
- Launch the Ryujinx emulator on your system.
- Go to Options > Settings in the top menu, under Game Directories, click Add and add the game.
- Once the game appears in your library, click on it to launch and enjoy!
Alternative Method: Using Wine or a Virtual Machine for Mac Users
If you’re on a Mac and can’t run SAK directly, don’t worry. There’s an alternative way to run the tool using Wine or a virtual machine (VM). Here’s a quick rundown:
- Download and install Wine or a Wine-based application like Bottles, which makes running Windows apps on macOS easier.
- Once Wine or Bottles is installed, set it up to run SAK as you would on a Windows machine.
- Follow the same steps mentioned above to convert your NSZ files into NSP format.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While converting and adding NSZ files to Ryujinx is relatively straightforward, you might run into a few bumps along the way. Here are some common problems and their fixes:
1. Conversion Fails or Takes Too Long
- Fix: Ensure your NSZ files aren’t corrupted. You can verify the integrity of your game files using a checksum tool before starting the conversion process. If SAK is stuck, try restarting the program or your computer.
2. Game Doesn’t Appear in Ryujinx
- Fix: Double-check that you’ve selected the correct folder for the converted NSP files. If Ryujinx still doesn’t show your game, try refreshing the game list or restarting the emulator.
3. Performance Issues After Conversion
- Fix: If the game runs slower after converting the file, it could be due to the conversion tool. Try using a different method or re-converting the game file to see if it resolves the performance issues.
So, can you play NSZ files on Ryujinx? The answer is yes, but only after converting them into NSP format. While Ryujinx doesn’t support NSZ files directly, the process of converting NSZ to NSP is simple, thanks to tools like SAK.
I hope this guide has helped clear up your doubts and provided you with a clear path forward. If you encounter any issues along the way, feel free to leave a comment, and I’ll be happy to assist you!
As always, keep an eye on future Ryujinx updates – who knows, we may see native support for NSZ files in the future!
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