A simple step-by-step guide for Windows
Before you start
Download the emulator only from this website. Don’t use YouTube links, file-sharing sites, “repacks,” or copies of the site with a similar name.
A note on safety: I could not independently confirm that lichiiemulator.net is the project’s official site. Before you download:
- Type the address yourself instead of clicking a link from a comment or video.
- Check that the address starts with https:// and is spelled exactly right.
- Scan the downloaded file with your antivirus before opening it.
- If the site links to a project page such as GitHub, make sure the build numbers match. Earlier checks showed a mismatch (Build 93 vs. Build 94).
What is Lichii?
Lichii is an experimental emulator that runs Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 games on a PC. It is not made by Nintendo. It does not include games, keys, or firmware.
This guide is for the Switch 2 remake of Ocarina of Time. Lichii will not run the N64 or 3DS versions.
What you need
- A 64-bit Windows PC
- An up-to-date graphics driver
- Your own legal copy of the game
- Your own legal keys and firmware, if the emulator asks for them
- A controller (optional, but recommended)
I can’t help you find pirated games, keys, or firmware.
Step 1: Download Lichii from lichiiemulator.net
- Open your browser and go to lichiiemulator.net.
- Find the Download section.
- Choose the Windows (x86-64) version.
- Click the download button and save the ZIP file.
- Don’t click ads or buttons that say “Download Now” if they open a different website.
If the site asks you to install a “download manager” or a separate installer, stop. The emulator should come as a simple ZIP file.
Step 2: Extract the ZIP file
- Right-click the ZIP file and choose Extract All.
- Pick an easy folder, such as
C:\Emulators\Lichii. - Open the folder and double-click lichii.exe.
Don’t run it from inside the ZIP file.
If Windows shows a warning, check that you downloaded the file from lichiiemulator.net. Don’t turn off your antivirus. If Windows says a file is missing, use Microsoft’s official download page, not a “DLL download” website.
Step 3: Add keys and firmware
If Lichii says keys or firmware are missing:
- Click Tools → Install Decryption Keys and choose your key file.
- Click Tools → Install Firmware and choose Select From Folder or Select From ZIP.
Use only files you are allowed to use, and never share them.
Step 4: Add your game
- Put your game in a folder, for example
D:\Games\Zelda. - In Lichii, double-click an empty space in the main window.
- Choose the folder that holds your game.
- When the game appears, double-click it to start.
If the game doesn’t appear, check that you picked the right folder, not a shortcut.
Step 5: Set up your controller
- Plug in your controller.
- Go to Emulation → Configure → Input.
- Choose your controller and check the buttons.
- Save your settings.
Step 6: Use simple settings first
Leave most options on default.
- The game may stutter at first while it builds shaders. This is common in emulators.
- A Dynamic FPS add-on for Ocarina of Time was added in Build 88. Keep CPU Clock on Normal.
- If the game speed feels wrong, turn off the add-on in the game’s Add-Ons settings.
Fixing common problems
| Problem | What to try |
|---|---|
| Game not in the list | Check the folder and the file type |
| Missing keys or firmware | Go to the Tools menu and install them |
| Black screen or crash | Restart, check for a newer build on lichiiemulator.net, use default settings |
| Slow or choppy game | Close other programs and let shaders finish |
Final thoughts
Lichii is still experimental. Some players say the game is playable, while others report crashes and slowdowns. Your results will depend on your PC, drivers, and the build you use.
If you report a bug, include your Lichii build, Windows version, CPU, GPU, and driver version. Never upload game files, keys, or firmware.
Stay safe: download only from lichiiemulator.net, use your own legal files, and double-check every link before you click.