If you love your current device, look into communities like XDA Developers to see if a stable Custom ROM (like LineageOS) can upgrade your device to Android 8.0 (Oreo) or higher. Keep in mind, this fixes the software requirement but cannot fix weak, old hardware.
The Nintendo 3DS architecture, and by extension the Citra emulator, is optimized for 64-bit processing. While there were experimental, unofficial forks of Citra designed for 32-bit processors, their performance is notoriously poor. Even if a user manages to sideload an old version of a 32-bit compatible emulator on Android 4.4.2, the device likely lacks the RAM (usually 1GB or less on KitKat devices) and the CPU power necessary to render 3DS graphics at a playable frame rate. The result is often a slideshow of broken graphics and audio stuttering, making the game unplayable.
Modern 3DS emulators, such as Azahar (the successor to Citra) or Panda 3DS, typically require at least or higher and a 64-bit (ARM64) processor . Android 4.4.2 is a 32-bit system and lacks the Vulkan or updated OpenGL ES graphics drivers necessary to render 3DS games. Possible Alternatives for Older Devices
Inside the emulator settings, force the internal resolution to 1x (240p). Do not attempt upscaling. 3ds emulator for android 4.4.2
If you are determined to try on an older device, your only real chance is finding outdated, unofficial "MMJ" (Modified) builds or experimental early versions.
Low. Many commercial games will crash on boot due to RAM limitations. 3. Cloud Gaming and Remote Streaming (The Best Workaround)
RetroArch is a frontend for emulators that supports older operating systems. While the Citra core inside RetroArch typically requires modern Android versions, older versions of RetroArch for Android 4.4.2 might allow you to view the directory, though loading a 3DS "core" successfully on KitKat is highly unlikely due to missing dependencies. Alternative Solutions for Better Performance If you love your current device, look into
Searching for "Citra 32-bit APK for Android KitKat" on trusted developer forums.
For context, modern 3DS emulation on Android (using apps like Citra MMJ) generally requires a Snapdragon 660 or higher to run games smoothly. Trying to run a 3DS emulator on KitKat hardware is akin to trying to run a modern PC game on a laptop from 2005.
Use Snes9x EX+ for accurate 16-bit retro gaming. Best Alternatives for 3DS Emulation While there were experimental, unofficial forks of Citra
Finding a functional Nintendo 3DS emulator for is virtually impossible with modern software. 3DS emulation is resource-intensive and requires hardware and software standards far beyond what KitKat supports. The Compatibility Gap
For users with devices stuck on Android 4.4.2, the best course of action is to utilize for Nintendo DS games or invest in a low-cost, modern smartphone (running Android 8.0 or higher) to utilize the full capabilities of modern 3DS emulation.
Devices running Android 4.4.2 typically feature: