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SPECIFICTION
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Pilas-melonDS

github.com

Free plan Web
Visit github.com
Spec score 7.2 #13 of 18 in Nintendo DS Emulators

What it is

Pilas-melonDS is a free HTML5 and WebAssembly browser frontend for the melonDS Nintendo DS emulator. It opens.nds,.dsi, and.srl files, runs in DS mode by default, and offers experimental DSi mode. Controls include keyboard, Gamepad API, touch, and DS touchscreen input. Users can choose Canvas 2D, WebGL 2, or WebGPU rendering, with audio through WebAudio. Cartridge saves and browser save states use IndexedDB, with as many as six save-state slots per ROM. The frontend can install DSiWare.cia files into DSi NAND or virtual SD storage. Camera and microphone input for DSi require browser media permission and a localhost or HTTPS origin. Browser internet mode provides a compatibility shim for DHCP, DNS, ARP, and basic TCP/HTTP, but it cannot provide arbitrary raw UDP/TCP internet or decrypt HTTPS traffic within the browser sandbox. DSi menu boot requires legally dumped BIOS files and a writable NAND dump; normal DS direct boot can use the built-in FreeBIOS fallback. The project is licensed under MPL-2.0.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Pilas-melonDS is an HTML5/WebAssembly browser frontend for the melonDS Nintendo DS emulator.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The repository identifies its license as MPL-2.0.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Maker
The GitHub profile identifies the maker as José Pilas and describes him as a video game developer and influencer.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Build and hosting
The README describes building with Emscripten and serving the generated app locally over HTTP.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Camera and microphone
DSi camera and microphone input use browser media permissions and work on localhost or HTTPS origins.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Controls
It supports keyboard, Gamepad API, touch controls, and DS touchscreen input.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
DS and DSi
It targets Nintendo DS mode by default and offers experimental Nintendo DSi mode.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Network limitation
The browser networking shim cannot provide arbitrary raw UDP/TCP internet or decrypt HTTPS traffic from inside the browser sandbox.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Networking
Its Browser internet mode provides a compatibility shim for DHCP, DNS, ARP, and basic TCP/HTTP, while local tabs and a WebSocket bridge are optional alternatives.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Rendering and audio
The browser frontend offers Canvas 2D, WebGL 2, and WebGPU rendering choices, plus WebAudio output.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
ROM and DSiWare
The ROM picker accepts .nds, .dsi, and .srl files, and the frontend can install DSiWare .cia files into DSi NAND or virtual SD storage.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security and keys
The project says it does not embed Nintendo keys; encrypted CIA installation requires the user's legally obtained common key.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Storage
Cartridge saves and browser save states are stored in IndexedDB, with up to six save-state slots per ROM.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
System requirements
DSi menu boot requires legally dumped DSi BIOS files and a writable NAND dump; normal DS direct boot can use the built-in FreeBIOS fallback.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Free Free No paid plans or usage limits are stated on the project page Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every Pilas-melonDS plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Accepts.nds,.dsi, and.srl files
  • Offers keyboard, gamepad, and touch controls
  • Provides three rendering choices
  • Stores up to six save-state slots per ROM
  • Can install DSiWare.cia files

Limits

  • DSi mode is experimental
  • Browser networking cannot provide arbitrary raw UDP/TCP internet
  • DSi menu boot requires legally dumped BIOS and writable NAND
  • Camera and microphone need permission and localhost or HTTPS

Who it suits

It suits people who want to run melonDS through a desktop or mobile web browser and use browser-based controls and saves. DSi menu use requires specific user-provided system files.

Verdict

Pilas-melonDS offers multiple browser controls, rendering options, and save-state storage for DS games, with experimental DSi support. Its browser networking is limited, and DSi menu boot depends on system files the user must supply.

Where Specifiction places it

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