Is Lichii emulator safe?
- Open source
- GPL-3.0
- CI-built releases
- unsigned
Lichii itself is open-source software built in public. The bigger danger is the wave of fake “Switch 2 emulator” sites, APKs and “BIOS packs” that appears whenever an emulator gets attention. This page shows how to recognise the real thing.
Official URL checklist
| What | Official address |
|---|---|
| Repository | github.com/zortos293/Lichii |
| Releases (the only download) | github.com/zortos293/Lichii/releases |
| Bug reports | github.com/zortos293/Lichii/issues |
| Old name (redirects) | github.com/zortos293/Eglantine |
| Website | None listed in the repository |
| Android / iOS app | None |
This site, lichiiemulator.com, is an unofficial guide and hosts no files. Upstream Eglantine is a separate project with its own repository, Djihads80/Eglantine.
Why the official builds can be audited
- Source is public. All code is on GitHub under GPL-3.0, and the README keeps Eden’s and yuzu’s license notices.
- Builds are reproducible from a commit. Since build 65 each release is published by
github-actions[bot]fromrelease-binaries.ymland names the exact commit it was built from. - Hashes are shown. GitHub lists a SHA-256 digest for every file; we copy build 75’s on the download page.
- No installer. Windows builds are plain zip archives; nothing is installed system-wide.
Things to know about the official files
- They are not code-signed, and the macOS app is not notarized, so Windows or macOS may warn on first start. The macOS notes say to right-click and choose Open.
- The Windows MinGW build carries its own DLLs; the MSVC build may need the Visual C++ runtime.
- The README asks you to back up saves before testing experimental builds.
- Reporting bugs: the README warns not to upload game files, keys, firmware or private account information, and to check logs for personal information first.
- The README asks for voluntary crypto donations and lists wallet addresses there. Only trust addresses shown in the official README itself.
Red flags: fake Lichii and Switch 2 emulator sites
- An APK, iOS profile or “cloud” version.
- A “BIOS”, keys, firmware or game bundle, or “all games included”.
- Survey walls, payment, “premium” tiers, or a password from another site.
- A single setup .exe instead of a zip, or a file size far from the official ones.
- Claims of full compatibility or “60 fps in every game”. The project itself makes no universal frame-rate guarantee.
- A Discord, Telegram or YouTube link that sends you to a download outside GitHub.
Legal disclaimer
This is not legal advice. Lichii’s README says it is not affiliated with Nintendo, that games, keys and firmware are not included, and to use only games and system files you have legally obtained. This site does not host, link to or explain how to obtain ROMs, XCI or NSP files, keys or firmware, and will not answer requests for them.
FAQ
Is the Lichii emulator safe?
The official builds come from a public GPL-3.0 repository and are compiled by a visible GitHub Actions workflow, which you can audit. Nobody can promise any software is bug-free, and Lichii is very experimental. The real risk is fake copies: download only from github.com/zortos293/Lichii/releases.
Is Lichii a virus?
Antivirus tools sometimes flag new, unsigned emulators. The official files are unsigned (macOS builds are not notarized). Check that your file name, size and SHA-256 match the release page, and never run a “Lichii” file from anywhere else.
Is there a Lichii APK or iOS version?
No. Lichii releases only Windows, Linux and macOS files. Any APK or iOS “Lichii” is not from the project.
Do I need a BIOS for Lichii?
The project does not ship or link to any BIOS, keys or firmware, and neither does this site. Sites offering a “Lichii BIOS pack” or “keys download” are not the project and are a common malware lure.
Is using Lichii legal?
This site cannot give legal advice. Emulator source code is published openly under GPL-3.0, and the README says to use only games and system files you have legally obtained. Downloading games, keys or firmware you do not own from other people is a different matter. Check the laws where you live.
Does Lichii cost money or have a premium version?
No. The README says Lichii is free, every release stays free and public, and donations do not buy early access, exclusive builds or support. Anyone selling Lichii access is not the project.