Azahar 2125.0 Release Candidate 1

Azahar 2125.0 RC1 has been released as an open-source 3DS emulator based on Citra, now compatible with various platforms, including Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. This version introduces a disk shader cache for improved performance, but JIT compilation is disabled on iOS and tvOS, affecting speed. Key features include reduced CPU usage, Vulkan renderer optimizations, and enhancements for online features. The emulator includes new settings for controller mapping, layout cycling, and better file I/O for faster loading times. Minor bug fixes and UI improvements are also part of this update, enhancing overall user experience.

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Azahar 2125.0 RC1 has been released. This is an open-source 3DS emulator project built on Citra.

Azahar changelog:
libretro
Azahar is now accessible as libretro/RetroArch cores across various operating systems. | @warmenhoven #1215 + additional PRs
Here’s the list of platforms featuring available cores in this initial rollout:
Linux (x86_64)
Windows (x86_64)
macOS (arm64)
macOS (x86_64)
Android (arm64)
iOS
tvOS
More platforms and architectures may be introduced in future releases.
Please note that due to restrictions on JIT compilation for the App Store, JIT is forcibly disabled by default* on the iOS and tvOS platforms. Disabling JIT significantly hampers performance, resulting in emulation speeds below 100% on older devices.
* For further details, see here: https://docs.libretro.com/guides/install-ios/#jit
Once 2125.0 is fully released, the Azahar core will be obtainable via the RetroArch core downloader and as a built-in core on iOS and tvOS.
All
Implemented a disk shader cache for the Vulkan renderer in the form of .vkch files. | @PabloMK7 #1725 #1748
These files track compiled shaders, eliminating the need for recompilation in subsequent launches, thereby removing stuttering caused by shader compilation after the first playthrough.
Cache files can also be transferred between devices for improved performance.
Added compatibility with NetPass by implementing NWM_SOC::GetMACAddress. | @PabloMK7 #1840
This requires enabling “Enable required LLE modules for online features” along with the BOSS LLE module.
The BOSS LLE module has been known to cause issues with the HOME menu not opening under certain conditions, so please use it cautiously until we investigate.
Significantly decreased CPU usage in Azahar while using Artic Base. | @keynote #1789
Shader and pipeline compilation tasks are now managed by separate workers, boosting parallelism and slightly reducing shader compilation stutters. | @PabloMK7 #1802
Restored texture filtering functionality when using the Vulkan renderer. | @jbm11208 #1675
This feature was initially introduced in version 2124 but was removed in 2124.2 due to stability issues. This version addresses the previous problems.
Resolved an error where, if a game without cheats had its cheat list viewed or if the game was started, the cheats list from the last loaded game would be mistakenly displayed. | @Fs00 #1640
Minor fixes for local play of Luigi’s Mansion 1 and Download Play applications. | @lannoene #1690
Applied minor optimization to the Vulkan renderer, slightly reducing its memory usage. | @PabloMK7 #1710
Very minor optimization for log message filtering, effective when many LOG_DEBUG messages are generated in quick succession. | @PabloMK7 #1773
Introduced a new “Integer Scaling” option. @DavidRGriswold #1400
Added a “Layouts to Cycle” feature, permitting users to select which layouts are cycled using the Cycle Layout/Toggle Layout hotkey. | @DavidRGriswold #1430
Apply the selected texture filter to color surfaces, not just textures. | @PabloMK7 #1784
Major restructuring of the configuration backend for all platforms, enhancing maintainability | @OpenSauce04 #1762
This update mainly benefits developers, but end-users on Android will notice that the default config.ini file is now dynamically generated and validated, ensuring the presence of previously missing keys. | @OpenSauce04 #1762
CECD LLE module is now enabled by “Enable required LLE modules for online features.” | @PabloMK7 #1842
Download Play sessions can now connect without the DLP LLE module, meaning Download Play is now fully functional with HLE only. | @lannoene #1741 #1828
Fixed an issue where certain applications, like Nintendo Video, mistakenly thought they were receiving SpotPass data. | @lannoene #1828
Introduced a debug option to toggle between Old and New 3DS console types. | @PabloMK7 #1826
Resolved validation problems in the Vulkan renderer that could have led to undefined behavior. | @PabloMK7 #1818
Fixed an error where Nintendo Badge Arcade incorrectly showed an “update data has been applied” notification. | @PabloMK7 #1845
Version numbers have been moved to the end of the release file names for clearer readability. | @OpenSauce04 #1815
Implemented NAND RW, NAND RO, and NAND RO W archives, enabling support for applications that utilize these archives. | @PabloMK7 #1861
Android
Introduced a new “Hotkey Enable” button bind. This button can be utilized in button combinations to trigger hotkeys. | #1464
Refer to the linked PR for detailed explanations.
Added a new “Auto-Map Controller” button that functions similarly to its desktop counterpart. | @RJNY #1769
The drawer menu will now consistently utilize the layout suited to the current device orientation. | @DavidRGriswold #1473
Android (Vanilla)
Transitioned to a new package ID, org.azahar_emu.azahar. | @OpenSauce04 #1874
The Google Play variant retains the old package ID, meaning these two variants now have distinct package IDs.
Migrated to a more consistently effective method for determining removable storage paths. | @PabloMK7 #1863
Shifted to fully native file I/O for the Vanilla (non-GooglePlay) build variant. | @PabloMK7 @OpenSauce04 #1795
This results in significant reductions in loading time compared to earlier builds or the current Google Play version.
For instance, booting the HOME menu has been noted to drop from 30-45 seconds to under 5 seconds.
As outlined in earlier patch notes, these enhancements do not apply to the Google Play build due to restrictions imposed by Google through their Play Store policies.
Desktop
Added a setting allowing controller touchpad use for controlling the emulated 3DS touchscreen. | @DavidRGriswold #777
Fixed a rare occurrence where the emulator might pre-load custom textures even while disabled, resulting in a crash. | @coolguy1842 #1629
Resolved an issue where a small number of setting tooltips wouldn’t have the required line breaks as intended. | @OpenSauce04 #1718
Introduced a new “Enable display refresh rate detection” debug setting. | @OpenSauce04 #1726
This setting is enabled by default, and turning it off prevents Azahar from detecting the refresh rate of the display when selecting its preferred Vulkan presentation mode. Disabling this may cause emulation slowdowns with specific displays, so it’s advisable to keep it enabled unless you’re certain otherwise.
Fixed a problem that could cause Azahar to crash when resetting all settings to their default values. | @ChaseParate #1751
Removed all code related to the old SDL2 frontend. | @OpenSauce04 #1756
This shouldn’t be confused with the SDL2 functionality present in the Qt frontend.
This exclusively refers to the SDL2 emulation frontend which has long been disabled at build time by default.
Enhanced the update checker logic to avert potential downgrades stemming from possible future release patterns. | @RedBlackAka #1749
Windows
Resolved an issue with real camera emulation not functioning correctly in the MSYS2 build. | @jbm11208 #1812
Addressed filesystem issues affecting certain games due to minor inaccuracies in file I/O emulation. | @PabloMK7 #1841
Fixed an error causing particular characters in app names to corrupt when creating desktop shortcuts. | @RedBlackAka
Explicitly instruct AMD drivers to default to the dedicated GPU if an integrated GPU is available. | @RedBlackAka #1783
macOS
Added a warning message when launching Azahar directly instead of through the .app bundle, informing users of the appropriate launch method. | @OpenSauce04 #1873
Fixed a potential UI freeze issue during game list population. | @TeamPuzel #1785
Technical
If certain features are disabled at compile-time in the desktop build, related code is now more thoroughly excluded. | @RedBlackAka #1630
Detection of CPUs using the FMA4 extension has been disabled.