DSVita vs melonDS
DSVita
github.com
melonDS
melonds.kuribo64.netSide by side
| Figure | DSVita | melonDS |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 0 | 1 |
| Spec score · Nintendo DS Emulators | 7.3 (#12) | 8.1 (#4) |
| Graphics | 2D rendering is mostly complete; 3D rendering is mostly implemented, with some effects missing and slowdowns in games that use 3D on both screens. | It includes an OpenGL renderer and 3D upscaling. |
| Purpose | DSVita is a fast Nintendo DS emulator for ARM32 and PlayStation Vita. | melonDS aims to provide fast and accurate Nintendo DS emulation. |
| Support | The maker invites users to report problems by creating a GitHub issue. | The FAQ directs users to the GitHub issue tracker or the forums for feature requests and bug fixes. |
Plans
In their own words
DSVita
DSVita is a free Nintendo DS emulator for PlayStation Vita, with an experimental Android port and a documented ARM Linux build. The maker says most games run, although some emulation features are incomplete. Two-dimensional rendering is mostly complete, while three-dimensional rendering is mostly implemented; missing effects and games using 3D on both screens can cause slowdowns or stutters. When ARM7 HLE fails, SoundHle or AccurateLle may be more compatible but slower. Release 0.9.4 lists savestates, Action Replay and libretro cheats, touchscreen controls and customizable control profiles. The rear touchpad can map to the DS touchscreen, and the right stick can control it. ROM files must use the .nds extension and be placed in ux0:data/dsvita. Vita installation requires libshacccg.suprx and kubridge.skprx 0.3.1 or later. Automatic frame skipping is always used, with no scanline rendering. The project recommends overclocking the Vita to 500MHz.
melonDS
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.