Not an emulator. Open source, MIT licensed.
Play Switch games natively on iPhone and iPad
nxnative turns game files you own into an IPA. The game's own code runs on the Apple chip and its graphics are rebuilt on Metal.
- 120
- game pages with notes
- 19
- listed at 60 fps
- 21
- documentation pages
- 7
- step-by-step guides
Not an emulator. Native code, built from your own files.
Native game code
The game's code modules are rewritten ahead of time and run directly on the Apple chip.
There is no CPU emulation layer at run time.
Metal graphics
Switch graphics calls (NVN, plus the OpenGL or Vulkan a few games use) become Metal, and shaders are converted during the build.
A system host
Threads, memory, files, audio, input and video playback are answered by a Horizon host.
Your files, your keys
You supply your own game files and prod.keys. Nothing from any game ships with the project.
From game files to a running app
- 1
Install the tools
Xcode, Homebrew, Python and a few packages, once.
- 2
Add your game
Your own NSP or XCI files, plus update and DLC, in one folder.
- 3
Run the script
One command with your prod.keys builds the IPA.
- 4
Sideload it
Install with AltStore, Sideloadly or LiveContainer.
Popular games
All 120 games| Mac to build | macOS 26.6 or later, Xcode 27.1, arm64 Python 3.12 or newer |
|---|---|
| iPhone | iPhone 15 Pro or newer, iOS 26 or later |
| iPad | M1 chip or later, iPadOS 26 or later |
| Disk space | About twice the game's size plus 10 GB |
Guides
All guidesDocumentation
All docsCommon questions
Is nxnative an emulator?+
No. According to the project, the game's own code runs directly on the Apple chip while Switch graphics are rebuilt on Metal. nxnative rewrites the game's code modules and provides a host that stands in for the Switch system services.
Which iPhones and iPads can run it?+
The project requires iOS or iPadOS 26 or later on an iPhone 15 Pro or newer (A17 Pro chip or later), or an iPad with an M1 chip or later. The games' textures are BC-compressed, and older iPhones cannot read that format.
What do I need to build an IPA?+
A Mac with macOS 26.6 or later, Xcode 27.1 (from Apple's download page, not the App Store), Homebrew and an arm64 Python 3.12 or newer, plus your own game files (.nsp, .xci, .nsz or .xcz) and your own prod.keys. See the build guide.
Does this website provide games, keys or IPA files?+
No. This site hosts none of them and will not link to them. You bring your own game files and keys from your own console.
How long does the first build take, and how much disk space do I need?+
The project says the first build takes 30 to 60 minutes and needs free space of about twice the game's size plus 10 GB. Building again is much faster.
Ready to build your first IPA?
Download the source from the official repository and follow the build guide.