If you’ve spent dozens or even hundreds of hours playing Nintendo Switch games on Ryujinx, losing your save data is probably one of your biggest fears. Whether you’re upgrading to a new PC, reinstalling Windows, switching to another emulator, or simply creating a backup, knowing how to find and transfer Ryujinx save files is essential.

The good news is that Ryujinx makes save management relatively straightforward once you know where the files are stored. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly where Ryujinx save files are located on Windows, Mac, and Linux, how to back them up safely, and how to transfer them to another computer without losing your game progress.

What Are Ryujinx Save Files?

Ryujinx save files contain all of your game progress, including:

• Story progression
• Character levels
• Inventory items
• Unlockables
• Settings specific to the game
• DLC-related progress

These files function exactly like save data on a real Nintendo Switch console. Without them, your games start from scratch.

For example, if you’ve spent 80 hours building an island in Animal Crossing or completed most shrines in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, all that progress exists inside your Ryujinx save files.

Why You Might Need to Transfer Ryujinx Save Files

There are several situations where transferring save files becomes necessary:

Moving to a New PC

When upgrading your computer, you’ll likely want to continue your games without starting over.

Creating Backups

Hardware failures can happen unexpectedly. A backup ensures your progress remains safe.

Reinstalling Ryujinx

Sometimes emulator updates or troubleshooting require a clean installation.

Switching Between Devices

Many players use both desktop and laptop systems and want their save data available on both.

Migrating to Another Emulator

You may decide to move your saves to another Nintendo Switch emulator while keeping your progress intact.

Where Are Ryujinx Save Files Located?

The save location depends on your operating system.

Ryujinx Save File Location on Windows

The default Ryujinx data folder is usually located at:

C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Ryujinx

Inside this folder, you’ll find:

Ryujinx
 ├── bis
 ├── profiles
 ├── system
 └── games

Game save files are typically stored inside the virtual NAND structure.

A quicker method is:

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type:

%appdata%\Ryujinx

3. Press Enter.

The Ryujinx folder will open immediately.

Ryujinx Save File Location on Linux

Linux users can usually find Ryujinx data in:

~/.config/Ryujinx

Or:

/home/username/.config/Ryujinx

Ryujinx Save File Location on macOS

For macOS users, the folder is commonly located at:

~/Library/Application Support/Ryujinx

To access it:

1. Open Finder.
2. Click Go.
3. Select Go to Folder.
4. Enter the path above.

The Easiest Way to Find Save Files in Ryujinx

Instead of manually searching through folders, Ryujinx includes a built-in save manager.

Follow these steps:

Step 1

Launch Ryujinx.

Step 2

Locate the game whose save file you want.

Step 3

Right-click the game.

Step 4

Select:

Open User Save Directory

Ryujinx instantly opens the exact save folder for that game.

This method is recommended because it eliminates guesswork and works on any operating system.

How to Back Up Ryujinx Save Files

Creating backups is highly recommended.

Method 1: Manual Backup

1. Open the save directory.
2. Copy the entire save folder.
3. Paste it somewhere safe.

Good backup locations include:

• External hard drives
• USB flash drives
• Cloud storage
• Secondary SSDs

Example:

D:\Ryujinx Backups\

or

Google Drive\Ryujinx Saves\

Method 2: Create Regular Backups

If you’re playing long RPGs such as:

• Pokémon Scarlet
• Pokémon Violet
• Xenoblade Chronicles
• Fire Emblem Engage

Consider backing up saves weekly.

This simple habit can save hundreds of hours of gameplay.

How to Transfer Ryujinx Save Files to Another PC

Transferring save files is surprisingly easy.

Step 1: Locate the Save Folder

On the old computer:

1. Open Ryujinx.
2. Right-click the game.
3. Select Open User Save Directory.

Step 2: Copy Save Data

Copy the entire contents of the save folder.

Do not copy individual files unless you know exactly what you’re doing.

Copy the whole directory instead.

Step 3: Move the Files

Transfer the folder using:

• USB drive
• External SSD
• Cloud storage
• Network transfer

Step 4: Install Ryujinx on the New PC

Install and configure Ryujinx normally.

Launch the game at least once so Ryujinx creates the necessary save structure.

Step 5: Open the New Save Directory

On the new computer:

1. Launch Ryujinx.
2. Right-click the same game.
3. Choose Open User Save Directory.

Step 6: Replace Existing Files

Paste your old save files into the folder.

If prompted:

Replace existing files

Select Yes.

Step 7: Launch the Game

Start the game.

Your progress should appear exactly as it did on the old system.

How to Transfer Saves Between Ryujinx and Another Emulator

Many users switch between Ryujinx and other Nintendo Switch emulators.

The process is usually straightforward because both emulators use the same Nintendo Switch save structure.

Export Save From Ryujinx

1. Open the user save directory.
2. Copy save data.

Import Into Another Emulator

1. Locate the target emulator’s save directory.
2. Paste the save files.
3. Launch the game.

In most cases, the save loads normally.

However, emulator versions and firmware differences can occasionally create compatibility issues.

Common Problems When Transferring Ryujinx Saves

Save File Not Appearing

Possible causes:

• Wrong game version
• Wrong user profile
• Incomplete transfer
• Corrupted save data

Verify that the game version matches the original installation.

Save Gets Overwritten

Before replacing files:

1. Create a backup.
2. Store it in another folder.

This allows you to restore the original save if something goes wrong.

Wrong Save Folder

A common mistake is copying files into the wrong directory.

Always use:

Right Click Game → Open User Save Directory

This guarantees you’re editing the correct location.

Save Data Corruption

Corruption may occur if:

• The emulator crashes during saving.
• Storage devices fail.
• Files are interrupted during transfer.

Maintaining multiple backups greatly reduces this risk.

Best Practices for Ryujinx Save Management

To keep your progress safe:

Use Multiple Backups

Store copies in at least two locations.

Backup Before Updates

Major emulator updates can occasionally cause issues.

Organize Save Folders

Create folders like:

Ryujinx Saves
 ├── Zelda TOTK
 ├── Pokémon Scarlet
 ├── Mario Odyssey

Use Cloud Storage

Services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox make restoration much easier.

Verify Backups

Occasionally test your backups to ensure they work properly.

Example: Moving a Pokémon Scarlet Save to a New Computer

Let’s say you’ve spent 150 hours completing your Pokédex.

Here’s the process:

1. Open Ryujinx on the old PC.
2. Right-click Pokémon Scarlet.
3. Click Open User Save Directory.
4. Copy the save folder.
5. Upload it to Google Drive.
6. Install Ryujinx on the new PC.
7. Launch Pokémon Scarlet once.
8. Open its save directory.
9. Paste the backup files.
10. Start the game.

Your trainer, Pokémon, items, and progress should all be available immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Learning how to find and transfer Ryujinx save files can save you from losing countless hours of gameplay. Whether you’re upgrading your PC, reinstalling the emulator, creating backups, or moving saves between systems, the process is fairly simple once you know where the files are located.

The easiest approach is to use Ryujinx’s built-in “Open User Save Directory” feature. It takes you directly to the correct location and removes any confusion about file paths.

Most importantly, make regular backups. A few minutes spent backing up your saves today can prevent the frustration of losing months of game progress tomorrow.