At a time when free game emulators are prevalent, many people ignore the performance improvements brought by the paid version, which may have a decisive impact on the improvement of the running experience of popular games.
The core differences between free and paid
The free Yuzu emulator can meet basic startup needs, but there are many limitations in terms of functionality. The paid version, usually called the "early access version", enables advanced features such as multi-core CPU support. Such differences have a direct impact on whether the game can run smoothly.
The free version uses single-core mode by default when processing game data. When encountering games with higher hardware requirements like "Pokémon Sword/Shield", the frame rate is often not easy to maintain stable. After the paid version turns on the multi-core mode, the game tasks can be distributed to multiple CPU cores, significantly reducing the data processing pressure on a single core, thereby producing a more stable frame rate performance.
Necessary preparation before operation
There are several key files that can be prepared before the emulator is started. The first is the game body file, which is usually in the format of XCI or NSP, which is equivalent to the game data package extracted from the Switch console. The second is the key file. Without the correct key, the emulator cannot decrypt and run any commercial games.
The simulator installation path has clear requirements. It must be placed in a pure English directory. If the path contains Chinese characters, the program will not be able to recognize the file normally. In terms of computer systems, Windows 10 or 11, Linux and macOS can all run, but they need to be equipped with a graphics card and CPU with sufficient performance.
Initial setup and game additions
When it is executed for the first time, you need to open the yuzu.exe program. Currently, the emulator does not officially provide a Chinese interface. The middle area of the main interface is quite empty. Double-click here to pop up a window to add the game directory. When adding, be sure to ensure that the name of the folder where the game files are located does not contain Chinese characters.
After successful addition, the icon will appear in the game list. For games like "Pokémon Let's Go! Pikachu/Eevee" that are in the initial stages of simulation development, you may need to manually place the save file to skip the opening boot. The specific operation method is to right-click on the game icon and select "Open Save Data".
Key graphics settings to improve performance
In the simulator graphics settings options, "Use disk shader cache" is an important function. After checking it, the simulator will cache the compiled shader to the hard disk and read it directly when running again. This can effectively reduce the sudden lag in the game.
If the game has incorrect textures or frequent freezes when running, you can try to reduce the graphics accuracy. For example, turn off vertical synchronization, adjust the resolution downward from the original 1080P, or lift the frame limit. These adjustments can reduce the burden on the GPU and are useful temporary solutions for computers that lack performance.
Audio and compatibility inquiries
For normal audio settings, just keep "Auto" automatically selected. If there is no sound during the game, you can manually switch to the "cubeb" audio backend, or directly specify the computer's speaker device. Some users have reported that turning off audio can free up some system resources when the frame rate is low.
The simulation compatibility of all games is always changing dynamically. There is a "Compatibility" item in the main interface, which provides an entrance for quick query. Once you click on this entrance, you will jump to the official database page. The page will use red, yellow, green and other colors to intuitively present various information such as the game's runnability status and existing problems.
File management and other useful options
As for "Install File to NAND" in the "File" menu, it is used to install game DLC, update patches, or install body files. Under normal circumstances, it is not recommended to install large game bodies into the internal storage of the emulator. As for the "Open yuzu folder" option, it can quickly open the simulator's configuration directory, making it more convenient to manage archives and modify settings.
In the general settings, "Limit speed percent" controls the running speed of the game. Its default of 100% is normal speed. It is recommended to turn on the "Pause emulation when unfocused" option, so that when the emulator window loses focus, it will automatically pause and save computer resources.
For those players who want to experience Switch games on their computers, but are stuck with the performance bottleneck of the free version, do you think it is worth paying for a better experience? You are welcome to share your opinions and experience in the comment area.
