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SPECIFICTION
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melonDS

melonds.kuribo64.net

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 8.1 #4 of 18 in Nintendo DS Emulators

What it is

melonDS is a free, open-source emulator focused on Nintendo DS emulation, with builds listed for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its feature list includes a nearly complete CPU, video, and audio core, a JIT recompiler, an OpenGL renderer with 3D upscaling, joystick support, savestates, RTC, microphone, and lid controls. The project also lists DLDI support. Wi-Fi features include local multiplayer and online connectivity, but are a work in progress and may not work with all games. DSi emulation and GBA slot add-ons are also in progress. DS emulation requires configured BIOS and firmware files; DSi emulation additionally needs a DSi NAND image. melonDS uses raw save files and can import saves from DeSmuME, DraStic, or a flashcard, but does not support the special save memory type used by WarioWare DIY and Jam with the Band. Direct online connectivity requires libpcap or WinPcap, Ethernet, and administrator or superuser privileges; indirect mode does not require Ethernet or those privileges. The software renderer is more accurate but more CPU intensive, while OpenGL may be faster but less accurate.

Spec sheet

Purpose
melonDS aims to provide fast and accurate Nintendo DS emulation.Read 30 Sep 2026 · melonds.kuribo64.net
Support
The FAQ directs users to the GitHub issue tracker or the forums for feature requests and bug fixes.Read 30 Sep 2026 · melonds.kuribo64.net
Connectivity
Wi-Fi features for local multiplayer and online connectivity are marked as work in progress.Read 30 Sep 2026 · melonds.kuribo64.net
Controls and saves
Listed features include joystick support, savestates, and display position, sizing, and rotation modes.Read 30 Sep 2026 · melonds.kuribo64.net
Downloads
The downloads page lists builds for Windows, macOS, and Linux, including ARM64 builds for some operating systems.Read 30 Sep 2026 · melonds.kuribo64.net
DSi and GBA
The feature list marks DSi emulation and GBA slot add-ons as works in progress; it also lists DLDI support.Read 30 Sep 2026 · melonds.kuribo64.net
DSi support
DSi emulation is listed as work in progress.Read 30 Sep 2026 · melonds.kuribo64.net
Emulation
The feature list describes a nearly complete CPU, video, and audio core, plus a JIT recompiler.Read 30 Sep 2026 · melonds.kuribo64.net
Emulation features
The project lists a nearly complete CPU, video, and audio core, a JIT recompiler, an OpenGL renderer with 3D upscaling, RTC, microphone and lid controls, joystick support, and savestates.Read 30 Sep 2026 · melonds.kuribo64.net
Graphics
It includes an OpenGL renderer and 3D upscaling.Read 30 Sep 2026 · melonds.kuribo64.net
Known save limitation
The FAQ says WarioWare DIY and Jam with the Band use a special save memory type that melonDS does not yet support.Read 30 Sep 2026 · melonds.kuribo64.net
Multiplayer limits
The FAQ says local multiplayer is unstable due to timing requirements and may not function correctly with more than two instances.Read 30 Sep 2026 · melonds.kuribo64.net
Networking requirements
Direct online connectivity requires libpcap or WinPcap, an Ethernet connection, and administrator or superuser privileges; the FAQ says indirect mode does not require Ethernet or administrator permissions.Read 30 Sep 2026 · melonds.kuribo64.net
Official website
The project identifies melonds.kuribo64.net as its official website and says melonds.org is a fake site.Read 30 Sep 2026 · melonds.kuribo64.net
Release checksums
The downloads page displays SHA256 checksums alongside release download sizes.Read 30 Sep 2026 · melonds.kuribo64.net
Renderer limits
The FAQ says the software renderer is more accurate but more CPU intensive, while OpenGL may be faster but less accurate.Read 30 Sep 2026 · melonds.kuribo64.net
Required files
For DS emulation, the FAQ describes BIOS and firmware files to configure; for DSi emulation, it also requires a DSi NAND image.Read 30 Sep 2026 · melonds.kuribo64.net
Save compatibility
melonDS uses raw save files and provides an Import savefile function for saves from DeSmuME, DraStic, or a flashcard.Read 30 Sep 2026 · melonds.kuribo64.net
System features
The feature list includes RTC, microphone, lid close/open, DLDI, and work-in-progress GBA slot add-ons.Read 30 Sep 2026 · melonds.kuribo64.net
Unofficial ports
The FAQ says the melonDS team does not develop or support unofficial ports such as Android and directs users to those ports’ developers for help.Read 30 Sep 2026 · melonds.kuribo64.net

Plans and prices

melonDS Free Nintendo DS emulator · Requires console BIOS and firmware dumps for some emulation Read 30 Sep 2026 · melonds.kuribo64.net

Every melonDS plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and open-source
  • Includes OpenGL rendering with 3D upscaling
  • Supports savestates and joystick controls
  • Imports saves from several named sources

Limits

  • Requires BIOS and firmware files for DS emulation
  • Wi-Fi is in progress and may not work with all games
  • Does not support two games' special save memory type
  • Direct online play requires Ethernet and elevated privileges

Who it suits

melonDS suits people looking for Nintendo DS emulation on Windows, macOS, or Linux who can configure the required console files. Its listed multiplayer options may interest users prepared for the stated networking and work-in-progress limits.

Verdict

melonDS lists a broad set of DS emulation features, while DSi and some connectivity features remain unfinished. Check its file requirements and the save and networking limits against your intended use.

Where Specifiction places it

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