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Citra Core: Adding DLC

The RetroArch Citra core does not natively support DLC or updates. However, you can transfer them from a defunct standalone Citra (Citra-SA) installation.

Note: Some games may not detect DLC correctly due to limitations in the RetroArch Citra core.

Using a more recent standalone alternative like Azahar is recommended if updates or DLC are required.

Step 1: Install DLC/Updates in Standalone Citra

  1. Open Citra-SA (standalone or fork version).
  2. Go to File → Install CIA... and select the .cia file for the update or DLC.
  3. This installs the update/DLC within the standalone emulator.

Step 2: Locate the Installed DLC/Update Folders

Navigate to the Citra save directory on your system, typically: <Citra Install Location>/sdmc/Nintendo 3DS/00000000000000000000000000000000/00000000000000000000000000000000/<titleID>/

Inside this folder, you will find subfolders corresponding to:

  • Updates
  • Saves & Installed Applications
  • DLCs

Step 3: Copy Folders to RetroDECK

  1. Copy the Updates and Installed DLC folders from the standalone Citra directory.
  2. Paste them into the corresponding RetroDECK Citra core save folder: retrodeck/saves/n3ds/citra/sdmc/Nintendo 3DS/00000000000000000000000000000000/00000000000000000000000000000000/<titleID>/
  3. Launch the game in RetroDECK. The core should now recognize the updates/DLC from the copied folders.