Best Nintendo DS Emulators: Play DS Games On PC & More!

02 May, 2025

Are you yearning to revisit the golden age of handheld gaming, to experience the joy of the Nintendo DS on your modern devices? Then, diving into the world of Nintendo DS emulators is your gateway to reliving those cherished gaming memories.

The Nintendo DS, a groundbreaking handheld console, revolutionized the gaming landscape with its dual screens, touch functionality, and a library of innovative games. Now, thanks to the ingenuity of software developers, you can experience these classics on your PC, mobile devices, and more. These emulators, essentially software programs, mimic the hardware of the Nintendo DS, allowing you to play your favorite games without needing the original console. Whether you're looking to play the latest releases or delve into the vast world of retro gaming, the options are abundant. From the popular Pokmon series to the racing thrills of Mario Kart, and the epic adventures of Zelda, the Nintendo DS offers a diverse and engaging library that can be enjoyed on a multitude of platforms. These emulators enable you to explore features that were not even possible on the original hardware such as save states, cheat codes, filters and upscaling.

To better understand the landscape of Nintendo DS emulation, let's delve into some key players and their capabilities. Here is a look at some popular options:

Emulator Name	Platform Support	Key Features	Status	Notes
DeSmuME	Windows, macOS, Linux	Save states, cheat codes, filters, upscaling, debugging tools, hacking, speedrunning	Beta	One of the most popular and well-established emulators. Origin of RetroArch and OpenEmu Nintendo DS support.
melonDS	Windows, macOS, Linux	JIT recompiler, OpenGL renderer, Wi-Fi, DSi emulation	Work in Progress	Aims to provide a solid emulation experience. Based on a newer version of the original emulator, and has more features.
Drastic DS Emulator	Android	HD graphics, save states, cheat codes, various optimization options	Stable	Known for its excellent performance and user-friendly interface.
RetroArch (with melonDS core)	Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox One	Multi-platform support, various cores (including melonDS), save states, cheat codes	Stable	A modular emulator that supports many different systems through 'cores'.
Citra	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android	3DS Emulation	Stable	The most popular and the most powerful of all the 3ds emulators available.

*Note: the term "stable" is used to indicate that it has consistent stability, performance, and usability. The performance and features might differ depending upon the platform and its configurations.

Setting up a Nintendo DS emulator is generally straightforward. You'll first need to choose an emulator from the list provided. After downloading it from the official website, follow the installation instructions specific to your operating system. The installation process typically involves extracting the downloaded files and placing them in a designated folder. Afterwards, you'll need to obtain ROMs (game files). While these files can be found online, be sure to respect copyright laws and download ROMs only if you own the original games. Finally, launch the emulator, load your ROM, and configure your settings to optimize the gaming experience, such as adjusting the graphics or configuring the controls.

DeSmuME stands as a prominent option in the realm of Nintendo DS emulation. As a beta software, it continues to evolve, with active development focused on enhancing its performance and compatibility. DeSmuME provides a robust set of features, including support for save states, cheat codes, and various filters and upscaling options. This enables users to customize their gaming experience and enhance the visual quality of their favorite DS titles.

Beyond its core functionality, DeSmuME caters to a diverse range of users. It offers tools for hacking, speedrunning, and debugging, making it a valuable resource for enthusiasts who enjoy exploring the intricacies of game mechanics or creating custom modifications. Furthermore, DeSmuME has also served as the foundation for other emulation projects, including RetroArch and OpenEmu, solidifying its impact on the emulation community.

The latest stable release of DeSmuME is designed to offer consistent performance, stability, and usability across different platforms. The team behind DeSmuME has focused on the cocoa frontend, resulting in improvements for macOS users.

melonDS is another promising emulator in the Nintendo DS landscape. The project is actively being developed with the aim of providing a solid emulation experience. Key features of melonDS include a JIT recompiler, an OpenGL renderer, Wi-Fi support, and DSi emulation capabilities, the emulator aims to deliver high levels of accuracy and performance. This newer version of the melonDS core offers even more features, making it an attractive option for DS gaming.

Drastic DS Emulator, popular on the Android platform, allows you to relive your favorite Nintendo DS games in HD. Drastic DS emulator supports save states, cheat codes, and various optimization options. You can play Pokmon, Mario Kart, Zelda, and more.

RetroArch is a versatile front-end that supports a wide range of emulators through the use of "cores". This modular approach allows users to play games from various systems, including the Nintendo DS, by selecting the appropriate core. RetroArch can be used on a wide variety of devices from Android to Windows and Xbox one.

The landscape of 3DS emulation, Citra is a notable name. Citra 3DS emulator is the most popular and the most powerful of all the 3ds emulators available. It can be used for windows, mac, linux and android devices.

The Nintendo DS brought new and distinctive features to handheld gaming: dual screens, touch input, and microphone input. These features are a part of what makes the Nintendo DS games special.

With the closure of Citra, Azahar Emulator is the next best hope for Nintendo 3DS emulation.

The process of finding and using Nintendo DS emulators is a global phenomenon. This has led to a global need for the tools to make it happen.

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