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Dolphin, Cemu, Azahar, and More

Setup depends on the emulator. Older systems usually need a ROM folder. Newer ones often need firmware, keys, or installed game data.

Dolphin​

Dolphin covers GameCube and Wii.

  1. Add Dolphin from Platforms.
  2. Open Dolphin once and set your controller preferences.
  3. Add a GameCube or Wii system in HyperHQ.
  4. Select your game folder and Dolphin.
  5. Finish setup and test a game.

Dolphin save states are version-sensitive. Keep normal memory-card saves for long-term progress.

Cemu​

Cemu accepts common disc images and Loadiine folder layouts.

A Loadiine game usually contains code, content, and meta folders. Select the parent folder holding those game folders.

  1. Add Cemu from Platforms.
  2. Open Cemu and finish its first-run setup.
  3. Add required keys for encrypted games.
  4. Add a Wii U system in HyperHQ.
  5. Select your game library and Cemu.
  6. Test one title.

HyperHQ checks for keys.txt during setup and tells you when encrypted content needs keys.

Eden, Ryujinx, and Yuzu​

HyperHQ works with Eden and existing Ryujinx or Yuzu installs.

  1. Finish firmware and keys setup inside the emulator.
  2. Open one game in the emulator.
  3. Add the emulator in HyperHQ.
  4. Add a Nintendo Switch system.
  5. Select the game folder and emulator.

These emulators keep saves under a shared user profile. Back up the full save folder before restoring one game.

Azahar​

New setups on Windows and Linux use Azahar, and HyperHQ installs it for you. If you already picked Citra or Lime3DS, that choice stays.

  1. Add a Nintendo 3DS system in HyperHQ.
  2. Select your game folder and Azahar.
  3. Let HyperHQ install Azahar, or point it at your existing install.
  4. Open Azahar and set up your controller.
  5. Test a game from HyperHQ, then from HyperSpin.

Azahar needs decrypted dumps. Rename .3ds files to .cci; Azahar retired the .3ds extension.

Install CIA games once​

A .cia file is an installer, not a game image. The first time you launch one, Azahar asks to install it. Let it finish, close Azahar, then launch the same game again.

From then on, HyperHQ launches the installed copy from your active Azahar profile. Stick with the same Azahar install and profile you used for the install. Portable installs (a user folder next to the Azahar executable) and custom SD card folders both work.

Launch the base game CIA. Update and DLC CIAs won't launch on their own; install them in Azahar.

Azahar asking to install the same CIA again? The install didn't finish, or HyperHQ points to a different Azahar install or profile. Check that the game runs from Azahar's own game list first, then retry from HyperHQ.

Fullscreen and closing​

The recommended launch command:

-f "%rom.path%"

Use the short -f. Some Azahar versions misread --fullscreen and fail to start. HyperHQ updates the old default commands for you and leaves custom commands alone.

No config file or startup script needed. When Azahar asks if you want to exit, pick Yes. HyperSpin comes back once Azahar has fully closed.

melonDS and DeSmuME​

  1. Add the emulator manually from Platforms.
  2. Add a Nintendo DS system.
  3. Select the folder containing your .nds files.
  4. Finish setup and test touch and screen-layout settings inside the emulator.

RetroArch and classic standalone emulators​

RetroArch is the simplest shared setup for older cartridge systems. Standalone choices include FCEUX, Nestopia, Mesen, Snes9x, bsnes, VisualBoyAdvance-M, and mGBA.

Go standalone when you already use its saves or prefer its settings. Go with RetroArch when you want one interface across several systems.

Common problems​

A newer-system game does not start​

  • Test the game inside the emulator.
  • Confirm firmware and keys are current for your game dump.
  • Confirm HyperHQ points to the same emulator install you tested.

A folder game does not appear​

Select the library folder above the individual game folder, then run Refresh Games.

Saves appear under the wrong game​

Cemu, Azahar, and the Switch emulators identify games by title ID. Confirm the imported game has the correct title ID before restoring data.