melonDS

Overview

melonDS is ranked #12 of 37 in emulator software on Specifiction. It runs on Linux, macOS, Windows. There is a free plan.

Compared on emulator software

Free plan

Yesmelonds.kuribo64.net

Facts

Purpose

melonDS aims to provide fast and accurate Nintendo DS emulation.melonds.kuribo64.net · 30 Sept 2026

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.melonds.kuribo64.net · 30 Sept 2026

Connectivity

Wi-Fi features include local multiplayer and online connectivity, but the site describes Wi-Fi as a work in progress and says it may not work with all games.melonds.kuribo64.net · 30 Sept 2026

DSi and GBA

The feature list marks DSi emulation and GBA slot add-ons as works in progress; it also lists DLDI support.melonds.kuribo64.net · 30 Sept 2026

Downloads

The downloads page lists builds for Windows, macOS, and Linux, including ARM64 builds for some operating systems.melonds.kuribo64.net · 30 Sept 2026

Required files

For DS emulation, the FAQ describes BIOS and firmware files to configure; for DSi emulation, it also requires a DSi NAND image.melonds.kuribo64.net · 30 Sept 2026

Save compatibility

melonDS uses raw save files and provides an Import savefile function for saves from DeSmuME, DraStic, or a flashcard.melonds.kuribo64.net · 30 Sept 2026

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.melonds.kuribo64.net · 30 Sept 2026

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.melonds.kuribo64.net · 30 Sept 2026

Support

The FAQ directs users to the GitHub issue tracker or the forums for feature requests and bug fixes.melonds.kuribo64.net · 30 Sept 2026

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.melonds.kuribo64.net · 30 Sept 2026

Official website

The project identifies melonds.kuribo64.net as its official website and says melonds.org is a fake site.melonds.kuribo64.net · 30 Sept 2026

Emulation

The feature list describes a nearly complete CPU, video, and audio core, plus a JIT recompiler.melonds.kuribo64.net · 30 Sept 2026

Graphics

It includes an OpenGL renderer and 3D upscaling.melonds.kuribo64.net · 30 Sept 2026

Controls and saves

Listed features include joystick support, savestates, and display position, sizing, and rotation modes.melonds.kuribo64.net · 30 Sept 2026

DSi support

DSi emulation is listed as work in progress.melonds.kuribo64.net · 30 Sept 2026

System features

The feature list includes RTC, microphone, lid close/open, DLDI, and work-in-progress GBA slot add-ons.melonds.kuribo64.net · 30 Sept 2026

Renderer limits

The FAQ says the software renderer is more accurate but more CPU intensive, while OpenGL may be faster but less accurate.melonds.kuribo64.net · 30 Sept 2026

Multiplayer limits

The FAQ says local multiplayer is unstable due to timing requirements and may not function correctly with more than two instances.melonds.kuribo64.net · 30 Sept 2026

Release checksums

The downloads page displays SHA256 checksums alongside release download sizes.melonds.kuribo64.net · 30 Sept 2026

Where it ranks on Specifiction

• Best Emulator Software in 2026#12 of 37
• Best Game Console Emulators in 2026#8 of 35
• Best Nintendo DS Emulators in 2026#4 of 18

Sources

• melonds.kuribo64.net· checked 30 Sept 2026
• melonds.kuribo64.net/faq.php· checked 30 Sept 2026
• melonds.kuribo64.net/downloads.php· checked 30 Sept 2026
• melonds.kuribo64.net· checked 30 Sept 2026