Alright, so today I wanted to get Diablo 3 running on my PC using the Switch version. Heard it was a decent port, right? Let me walk you through the whole thing, step-by-step, just like I did it.
Figuring Out the Tools
First thing, I needed an emulator. I remembered people talking about Yuzu and Ryujinx for Switch stuff. Did some quick digging. Saw folks recommending that Yuzu Access 4176 build specifically for Diablo 3 on a bunch of forum posts – seemed like the current go-to for best performance. Grabbed that version.
Getting the Emulator Ready
Installed Yuzu. Was easy enough. Opened it up, looked bare bones. Needed two key things right off the bat:
- System Files: Needed the Switch system files, called firmware. Found a place hosting them labeled as “global firmware packages”. Grabbed the latest one mentioned, 17.0.1, since the guides said it helps stability for newer games.
- This unlocks the games. Found a recent file matching my firmware version.
Back in Yuzu, I went to File -> Open Yuzu Folder. Dropped the * file into the keys directory inside that folder. Then, clicked File -> Install Firmware -> Install from ZIP and picked the firmware zip I downloaded.
Getting the Game Itself
Now for Diablo 3 itself. Needed the game file. I knew the Switch used formats like .xci or .nsp. I already had a physical copy of Diablo 3 Eternal Collection for my actual Switch console. That was my official source – it lives right here on my shelf. Made me feel better about the whole process. I used my own tools to dump the game rom from my cartridge onto my computer.
Once I had that dumped file (an .xci file), I opened Yuzu again. Went to File -> Add Games Directory and pointed it to the folder where I saved my dumped Diablo 3 rom. Boom! Diablo 3 Eternal Collection popped right up in the Yuzu game list.
First Try & Tweaking Settings
Okay, excited moment. Double-clicked the game in Yuzu to launch it. Held my breath… and it started! But…
The intro cutscene was a bit stuttery. Ugh. Not great. Time to tweak.
Right-clicked Diablo 3 in Yuzu, chose Properties:
- General Tab: Saw the version was listed as 2.7.7.92380 which matched the latest version notes I’d seen.
- Configuration: Played with graphics settings first. Under Graphics, tried both OpenGL and Vulkan backends. Vulkan seemed smoother for me. Left Accuracy Level on High. Turned on Disk Shader Cache and Asynchronous Shader Building hoping it would reduce stutter later.
- Controls: Plugged in my gamepad. Yuzu detected it pretty easily. Set it as player 1 controller. Made sure all the buttons mapped okay.
- Cpu: Set the CPU emulation mode to Unsafe (Saw notes suggesting this for faster loading/performance sometimes, figured I’d try it). Left the rest mostly default.
Surprising Language Win!
Once I got into the menus, I realised the initial setup needed language changes IN-GAME. Navigated the menus and found the options.
I kid you not, was pleasantly surprised to find the full official Simplified Chinese language option, text AND voice! That was a nice touch from the devs on this port.
Got my character created – went with a Demon Hunter – and jumped into Sanctuary.
How’s It Running Now?
Honestly? Pretty good once I got past the initial shader compilation stutters. Exploring Act 1 felt smooth enough to play. Occasionally a hiccup when a bunch of effects happened, but definitely playable. Feels cool seeing Diablo 3 running like this.
Total install size ended up being around 22GB all-in.
That’s my journey getting Diablo 3 Eternal Collection up and running via Switch emulation. Took a bit of setup and fiddling, but worth it to replay this classic.