DSperate vs SkyEmu
DSperate
github.comSkyEmu
github.comSide by side
| Figure | DSperate | SkyEmu |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 2 |
| Spec score · Nintendo DS Emulators | 7.3 (#11) | 8.2 (#3) |
| BIOS requirement | Games can run without BIOS or firmware dumps using built-in FreeBIOS and generated firmware; the project does not include real dumps. | A BIOS is not required because SkyEmu bundles open-source replacement stubs, but the project says official BIOS dumps provide more accurate behavior and features. |
| Graphics | It includes complete 2D engines, a software 3D rasteriser, and optional Vulkan GPU 3D rendering. | Features include upscaling shaders, color correction, and screen ghosting. |
| License | DSperate is licensed under GPLv3. | The GitHub repository identifies the project as MIT licensed. |
| Save states | It provides ten save-state slots plus a hidden automatic slot, and DSi states also carry NAND and SD card changes. | SkyEmu provides four persistent save-state slots with screenshot previews. |
Plans
In their own words
DSperate
DSperate is a free, public-source Nintendo DS and DSi emulator for Linux on AArch64 and ARMhf. Its CPU emulation includes ARM946E-S and ARM7TDMI interpreters, plus ARM-to-AArch64 and ARM-to-ARMv7 recompilers. Graphics include complete 2D engines, a software 3D rasteriser and optional Vulkan GPU rendering. Experimental DSi support covers DSiWare, NAND boot, an SD card folder, microphone, Wi-Fi, PictoChat and Download Play, but the DSi DSP is not emulated and DSi-enhanced cartridges run as DS games in DSi mode. Local multiplayer and Download Play work over a LAN; internet access uses a user-mode TCP/IP stack. It has ten save-state slots and a hidden automatic slot, configurable screen layouts, cheats, and remappable keyboard and controller input with stylus support. Games can run with built-in FreeBIOS and generated firmware; user dumps allow firmware boot and exact timing. It loads .nds files and .zip files containing an .nds, but not zip64, 7z or rar. The project is licensed under GPLv3 and describes its implementation as clean-room work.
SkyEmu
SkyEmu is a free emulator for Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo DS systems. It runs on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows, and can load ROMs compressed in ZIP archives. Graphics options include upscaling shaders, color correction, and screen ghosting. Controls include game controllers, rumble, configurable keybinds, and mobile on-screen controls. Four persistent save-state slots include screenshot previews. A REST-like API supports asynchronous scripting and automation, and listed integrations include Retro Achievements, a RetroArch/libretro core, and Google Drive save-state sync. The web app runs locally using WebAssembly and JavaScript, keeping files on the user's machine; its service worker enables offline use on more platforms. The project describes its focus as preserving these systems for future generations while providing a good user experience. It says Game Boy Advance emulation is significantly more accurate than its Game Boy and Game Boy Color emulation. Many Nintendo DS games still have mild graphics and audio issues, and DS emulation is beta quality.