The first custom emulation frontend for Nintendo Switch — a controller-first, native C++ interface designed for performance, simplicity, and long-term portability.
tico is a multi-platform emulation frontend focused on delivering a console-quality user experience.
Instead of file browsers, configuration menus, and fragmented tools, tico provides a unified interface that automatically organizes games, manages assets, and launches emulator cores — none of which are included in the tico binary itself.
It is designed to feel like a real console UI — not a development tool.
Home Intro
Homescreen
Console Selection
- Home screen with customizable game shortcuts
- Unified multi-console launcher
- Controller-first navigation
- Instant library loading with intelligent caching
- One-button rescan system
- Automatic No-Intro and Redump naming support
- Auto-organization by system and region
- Direct pinning from library to home screen
- Structured save and asset directories
- Written in modern C++
- Native performance
- No scripting languages
- No heavy frameworks
- Designed for long-term portability
This repository exists for:
- Release distribution
- Update tracking
- Issue reporting
- Community feedback
- Documentation
Discord: https://discord.gg/DPgXGqJMkJ
tico does not include:
- ROMs
- BIOS files
- System firmware
- DRM circumvention tools
- Emulator cores
- Core binaries into application
Users are responsible for legal ownership of games and compliance with local laws.
- LICENSE.md → Legal structure and licensing
- CREDITS.txt → Attributions only
- ABOUT-ASSETS-AND-DEVELOPMENT.md → Asset and development model
tico is an independent homebrew project. Not affiliated with Nintendo, Sony, or any console manufacturer. Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo Co., Ltd.