Gaming & Minecraft
Best Nintendo DS Emulators in 2026
Choosing a Nintendo DS emulator can depend on how you want the two screens arranged and which features you need. Compare screen layout options, Nintendo DSi support, local multiplayer, and save states.
- 01 dust
dust suits people who want a command-line view of disk usage on Linux, macOS, or Windows.
Free plan Open source Windows · macOS · Linux8.5 Visit Specs - 02 MindSpark
MindSpark is aimed at researchers and engineers who want to map ideas, work with citations, or shape prompts.
Free plan Web · Linux · API · Self-hosted8.4 Visit Specs - 03 SkyEmu
SkyEmu suits players who want to emulate these four handheld systems across desktop, mobile, or web platforms.
Free plan Open source Web · Windows · macOS · Linux8.2 Visit Specs - 04
melonDS melonDS suits people looking for Nintendo DS emulation on Windows, macOS, or Linux who can configure the required console files.
Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux8.1 Visit Specs - 05 DeSmuME
It suits users seeking a free Nintendo DS or DS Lite emulator for Windows, Linux, or macOS.
Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux8.0 Visit Specs - 06
Delta Free plan macOS · iOS7.7 Visit Specs - 07 GB Enhanced+
GB Enhanced+ suits users seeking an open-source emulator for Game Boy-family systems and Pokémon Mini, especially those interested in peripheral emulation.
Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux7.7 Visit Specs - 08 iDroidDS
It suits Android users looking for a free, open-source Nintendo DS emulator with save states, cheats, and multiple screen layouts.
Free plan Android7.5 Visit Specs - 09 dasShiny
dasShiny is aimed at users familiar with cartridge folders and recent BSNES versions who want to experiment with Nintendo DS emulation.
Windows · macOS · Linux7.4 Visit Specs - 10 DS Anywhere
DS Anywhere suits users who want browser-based DS emulation with local ROM handling.
Web7.3 Visit Specs - 11 DSperate
DSperate suits Linux users on AArch64 or ARMhf, particularly those using ARM handhelds.
Linux7.3 Visit Specs - 12 DSVita
DSVita suits PlayStation Vita users who want Nintendo DS emulation and configurable touch controls.
Linux · Android7.3 Visit Specs - 13 Pilas-melonDS
It suits people who want to run melonDS through a desktop or mobile web browser and use browser-based controls and saves.
Free plan Web7.2 Visit Specs - 14 NO$GBA
NO$GBA suits Windows users who need Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, or DSi emulation, and developers using its debugging tools.
Free plan Windows7.1 Visit Specs - 15 ANDSemu
It suits Android users seeking an open-source Nintendo DS emulator, especially those comfortable with older software or source builds.
Android6.9 Visit Specs - 16 nds4droid
nds4droid suits Android smartphone users seeking a free, ad-free way to emulate Nintendo DS software.
Free plan Android6.9 Visit Specs - 17 WatermelonDS
It suits Android users who want Nintendo DS or DSi emulation with configurable graphics, layouts, and RetroAchievements.
Android6.7 Visit Specs - 18 NooDS Windows · macOS · Linux · iOS5.7 Visit Specs
Cheat support and supported platforms help clarify feature and device fit, while free plans and paid-from pricing round out the comparison. 3Beans, SkyEmu, and DeSmuME are among the entries, with melonDS also included. Check the stated criteria against the games and devices you have in mind, especially if DSi support or local multiplayer matters to you.