Azahar vs melonDS

Azahar is a free, open-source emulator for Nintendo 3DS games, with standalone applications for Windows, macOS, Linux and Android. It is intended to let 3DS owners use their game libraries with options such as higher resolutions, modern controllers and save states. The project also serves homebrew debugging, research and preservation of the 3DS ecosystem. Community contributors continue work associated with Citra. Libretro cores allow use with RetroArch and similar frontends, including on iOS and tvOS, but Azahar’s FAQ says native iOS support is not planned for the foreseeable future and points users to an iOS build of the original Citra instead. Android requires version 10.0 or later on a 64-bit device. A per-game compatibility tracker provides reports, though the FAQ warns that these may be outdated. The mobile app privacy policy says registration is not required and the app does not collect information. Azahar states that it is not affiliated with or endorsed by Nintendo.

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.