Switch emulators on Linux

Both Ryubing and Eden ship Linux builds, so running a Switch emulator on Linux is straightforward — no Wine needed. The main difference from Windows is dependency management: you install the runtime and Vulkan drivers through your package manager instead of a bundled installer.

Choose and install an emulator

1. Install Vulkan and graphics drivers
   Switch emulators need Vulkan. On Ubuntu install mesa-vulkan-drivers and vulkan-tools; on Arch install vulkan-radeon or vulkan-intel for your GPU. Verify with vulkaninfo.
   vulkaninfo lists your GPU, not "command not found".
2. Get the AppImage or package
   Download the AppImage for a portable run, or use your distro's package (Eden and Ryubing publish Arch AUR and Flatpak builds). Make the AppImage executable with chmod +x.
   The emulator launches from your file manager or terminal.
3. Set your keys and firmware
   Point the emulator at the keys and firmware from a Switch you own, set in Settings → System. Linux stores them under ~/.config.
   Settings shows keys and firmware as loaded.
4. Add games and run
   Add your ROM folder and launch a title. On Steam Deck (which is Linux) this is the same flow through Desktop Mode.
   A game boots and renders.

Which fork to pick

Ryubing and Eden share the same lineage and both run on Linux. Try the one with the newer release or better performance reports for your specific game; switching later only means re-pointing your keys and firmware.