NSP File Not Showing Up in Ryujinx? Here’s How to Fix it

By
Issabela Garcia
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0
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So, you’ve downloaded an NSP file, you’re revved up to play that awesome Nintendo Switch game, but Ryujinx gives you nothing. Nada. Zilch. Your NSP file is missing in action. Before you launch your keyboard in frustration, breathe. You’re not alone, and this guide is here to save the day.

TLDR:

Your NSP file might not show up in Ryujinx because of a few common issues—incorrect file paths, unsupported formats, or just misbehaving settings. Don’t worry, it’s usually a quick fix. We’ll go step by step to help Ryujinx find your game. You’ll be playing in no time!

1. Double-Check the File Format

First things first. Are you sure the file is actually an NSP? Make sure it’s not mislabeled or broken. Sometimes files are incomplete or renamed by mistake.

  • .nsp = Good
  • .xci = Still works (but different)
  • .zip or .rar = You need to extract that first!

If your Ryujinx library doesn’t see the game, it might be because you’re choosing the wrong file type entirely.

2. Make Sure the File is in the Right Place

Ryujinx doesn’t search your entire PC. You need to point it to the folder where your games are stored.

Here’s how to check:

  1. Open Ryujinx
  2. Click on Options > Settings
  3. Go to the Game Directories tab
  4. Make sure the folder where your NSP is located is added
  5. If not, click Add and select the correct folder

Now restart Ryujinx. Is your NSP showing up now? If not, keep going!

3. The File May Be Corrupted

This one stings a bit, but it’s very possible. Downloaded files can get corrupted—especially if the download was interrupted. Here’s what you can do:

  • Try re-downloading the NSP file from your source
  • If you have a hash checker, verify the file’s hash with the original
  • Make sure the file size looks normal (if it’s just a few MB, it’s likely broken)

Broken NSP = no game. Unfortunately, there’s no magic spell for corruption. You’ll just need a clean copy.

4. Check for Hidden File Extensions

Windows loves to hide file extensions from us. Your file might look like game.nsp, but it’s secretly game.nsp.txt or something even sneakier.

To check this:

  1. Open File Explorer
  2. Click on the View tab
  3. Check the box that says File name extensions

Now look again. If it’s not really an NSP, rename it or get a proper one.

5. Update Ryujinx and Your Firmware

Old versions of Ryujinx can struggle with new files. If your emulator or firmware is outdated, it might not recognize new NSP formats.

To install firmware in Ryujinx:

  1. Head to Tools > Install Firmware > Install from XCI or ZIP
  2. Choose the firmware file (usually comes in a ZIP or folder)

Once updated, close Ryujinx, reopen it, and check again. Better?

6. Manually Add the NSP File

Sometimes Ryujinx misses things. You can always manually install the NSP instead of waiting for it to appear in the list.

  1. Go to Tools > Install game > Install a firmware or update
  2. Navigate to your NSP file and select it
  3. Follow the prompts to install it

This is mostly for firmware and updates, but works for some games too. Try it out if the regular way didn’t work.

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7. Are You Using Portable Mode?

This one’s for the advanced users. If you’ve set up Ryujinx in portable mode (by placing a `portable.txt` file in the folder), your settings are saved in that directory—not your usual AppData.

This means Ryujinx might be looking in a totally different folder for games.

Solution: Check which mode you’re using and adjust the game directory accordingly. Or remove portable.txt if you’re better off using standard mode.

8. Clean Up the Cache and Settings

Sometimes things just get messy. Ryujinx keeps cache files and settings that might block new game entries.

Try this:

  1. Close Ryujinx
  2. Go to C:\Users\YOURNAME\AppData\Roaming\Ryujinx
  3. Backup the config.json file (just in case)
  4. Delete it or reset settings by launching Ryujinx again

It’ll recreate your settings fresh. Now re-add your game directory and test.

9. Check Compatibility

Not all NSP files are created equal. Some are for older hardware, need patches, or just don’t work yet.

If it’s listed as “Does not boot,” then it might not be something you can fix. But don’t give up yet—patches show up all the time!

10. Still Stuck? Try the Log File

Ryujinx creates a log file every time it runs. If a file doesn’t load, the log can tell you why.

Here’s how:

  1. Open Ryujinx
  2. Go to Help > Open Log Folder
  3. Find the most recent log file
  4. Open it with Notepad and search for errors or your file name

This won’t always spell out the problem, but it can give you a clue. There’s also a helpful community on the Ryujinx Discord if you’re ready to share the logs for help.

Final Thoughts

NSP files not showing in Ryujinx might seem like a nightmare, but it’s usually a simple fix. Whether it’s just a bad path, corrupted file, or outdated version, you now have the tools to figure it out.

Remember:

  • Always keep Ryujinx and your firmware up to date
  • Use official sources when possible
  • Pay attention to the file format and folder structure

Happy emulating! 🎮