This guide provides instructions for installing and setting up Panda3DS, a Nintendo 3DS emulator, on an Xbox Series S/X console running in Developer Mode.

Important:

• Pay close attention to the Game File Locations section (Step 2), as incorrect placement is a common cause of errors.
• Decrypted Nintendo 3DS ROMs are generally required for emulation.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure the following conditions are met:

1. Xbox Developer Mode Activated: Your Xbox Series S/X must be successfully set up and running in Developer Mode.
2. Remote Access Enabled: Remote Access must be enabled and configured within the Xbox Dev Home application.
3. External USB Drive (Optional but Recommended): A USB drive formatted as NTFS with full read/write permissions set for UWP applications is recommended for storing games.
4. PC: A Windows PC for downloading files and accessing the Xbox Device Portal.
5. Nintendo 3DS Game Files: Your own legally dumped Nintendo 3DS game files (decrypted format usually required, e.g., .3ds, .cia).

Need help with prerequisites? See the Xbox Dev Mode Setup guide for detailed instructions on activating Dev Mode, setting up Remote Access, and preparing a USB drive (if using one).

Step 1: Downloading Files

1. Go to Xbox Dev Store: Navigate to WIP APPS.
2. Find Panda3DS: Go to the “Emulators” tab and scroll down until you see “Panda3DS”.
3. Download: Click the “Download” button. This will download a .zip file.
4. Extract Files: On your PC, extract the downloaded .zip file. Inside, you should find:
   • Panda3DS_1.0.4.0_x64_Debug.msixbundle (or similar .msixbundle / .appx - The main application)
   • Microsoft.VCLibs.x64.14.00.appx (Dependency)
   • Microsoft.NET.CoreFramework.Debug_2.2.appx (Dependency)
   • Microsoft.NET.CoreRuntime.2.2.appx (Dependency)

Step 2: Prepare Game File Locations

Panda3DS UWP looks for games in specific locations. Choose ONE method below. Do NOT place games inside additional subfolders within these locations.

Valid Locations:

• Option A: Root of External USB Drive (E:\)
  • Connect your prepared USB drive to your PC.
  • Copy your game files (e.g., MyGame.3ds) directly to the root directory (e.g., E:\MyGame.3ds).
• Option B: Panda3DS Folder on External USB Drive (E:\Panda3DS)
  • Connect your prepared USB drive to your PC.
  • Create a folder named exactly Panda3DS in the root directory (e.g., E:\Panda3DS).
  • Copy your game files inside this folder (e.g., E:\Panda3DS\MyGame.3ds).
• Option C: Root of Internal Storage (LocalState)
  • Access the Xbox Device Portal on your PC.
  • Navigate to File explorer > LocalAppData > [Panda3DS Package Name] > LocalState.
  • Upload your game files directly into the LocalState folder using the “Choose file” and “Upload” buttons.
• Option D: Panda3DS Folder on Internal Storage (LocalState\Panda3DS)
  • Access the Xbox Device Portal on your PC.
  • Navigate to File explorer > LocalAppData > [Panda3DS Package Name] > LocalState.
  • Click “Create new folder” and name it exactly Panda3DS.
  • Navigate into the newly created Panda3DS folder.
  • Upload your game files into this LocalState\Panda3DS folder.

WARNING: Placing games in deeper subfolders (e.g., E:\Panda3DS\My 3DS Roms\game.3ds or LocalState\Games\game.3ds) will likely cause errors like the “filesystem error” mentioned in the troubleshooting section. Keep your game files directly within one of the four valid locations listed above.

Step 3: Install via Device Portal

1. Access Dev Portal: On your PC, open a web browser and connect to your Xbox Device Portal.
2. Bypass Security Warning: If necessary, bypass the browser’s security warning.
3. Navigate to “Add”: Under “My games & apps”, click “Add”.
4. Upload MSIXBUNDLE: Select the Panda3DS...msixbundle file from the extracted folder on your PC.
5. Upload Dependencies: Click “Next”. Add all three dependency files (Microsoft.VCLibs..., Microsoft.NET.CoreFramework..., Microsoft.NET.CoreRuntime...) one by one.
6. Start Installation: Click “Start” and wait for completion (“Package successfully registered”). Click “Done”.

Step 4: Configure on Xbox

1. Locate Panda3DS in Dev Home: On your Xbox, go to Dev Home. Find Panda3DS.
2. Change Type to “Game”: Highlight the app > Press “View” button > “View details” > Change “App type” to “Game” > Press B.
3. (Recommended) Restart Console.

Step 5: Initial Launch and Settings

1. Connect USB Drive (If Using): If you placed games on the USB drive (Option A or B in Step 2), ensure it’s plugged into your Xbox.
2. Launch Panda3DS: Launch the app from the Xbox dashboard (“My games & apps” > “Games”).
3. Auto-Update: If prompted, select “Yes” to update. Quit and relaunch the app manually after the update completes.
4. Game List: The emulator will scan the valid locations. Your games should appear in the list if placed correctly in Step 2.
5. Configure Settings (CRUCIAL):
   • Select “Settings” at the bottom of the game list.
   • Go to “Audio”.
     • Check “Enable Audio”.
     • (Recommended) Change “DSP Emulation” to “LLE”.
   • Go back > “Xbox Specific”.
     • Check “Stretch Window (ignores resolution)” for fullscreen.
   • (Optional) Go to “DevStore” to manage Cloud Saves and Update Checks.
   • Select “Back”.

Step 6: Launching and Exiting Games

1. Launch Game: Highlight a game from the list and press A.
2. Exit Game: Press Start + Select (Menu + View buttons) simultaneously > Select “Quit to Main Menu”.

Troubleshooting

Error: “Critical Error - Exception: filesystem error: directory iterator cannot open directory: No such file or directory [E:/] Application will now freeze.”

• Cause: This error typically means Panda3DS cannot find any games in the expected locations on the external drive (E:\ or E:\Panda3DS), or there’s an issue accessing the drive itself.
• Solutions:
  1. Verify Game Location: Double-check that your game files are placed directly in one of the four valid locations described in Step 2. Ensure they are not inside extra subfolders.
  2. USB Connected?: Make sure your external USB drive was connected to the Xbox before launching Panda3DS.
  3. USB Formatting/Permissions: Confirm your USB drive is formatted as NTFS and has the correct permissions set (“ALL APPLICATION PACKAGES” > Full Control). Refer to the Xbox Dev Mode Setup guide if needed.
  4. Try LocalState: As a test, try placing one game file in the root of the app’s LocalState folder (Option C in Step 2) using the Device Portal and see if the error persists. This helps determine if the issue is USB-specific.

Other Issues:

• No Games Listed: Similar causes to the filesystem error above. Verify game locations and USB permissions/connection.
• No Audio: Ensure you enabled audio in the Panda3DS settings (Step 5).
• Small Screen: Ensure “Stretch Window” is enabled in the Panda3DS settings (Step 5).