melonDS vs NO$GBA
melonDS
melonds.kuribo64.netNO$GBA
problemkaputt.deSide by side
| Figure | melonDS | NO$GBA |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Nintendo DS Emulators | 8.1 (#4) | 7.1 (#14) |
| Emulation features | The project lists a nearly complete CPU, video, and audio core, a JIT recompiler, an OpenGL renderer with 3D upscaling, RTC, microphone and lid controls, joystick support, and savestates. | It can link up to four GBAs in multiplayer mode and save or restore the complete hardware state to or from a file. |
| Support | The FAQ directs users to the GitHub issue tracker or the forums for feature requests and bug fixes. | The maker directs freeware usage questions to the forum and technical bug reports to him by email. |
Plans
In their own words
melonDS
melonDS is a free, open-source emulator focused on Nintendo DS emulation, with builds listed for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its feature list includes a nearly complete CPU, video, and audio core, a JIT recompiler, an OpenGL renderer with 3D upscaling, joystick support, savestates, RTC, microphone, and lid controls. The project also lists DLDI support. Wi-Fi features include local multiplayer and online connectivity, but are a work in progress and may not work with all games. DSi emulation and GBA slot add-ons are also in progress. DS emulation requires configured BIOS and firmware files; DSi emulation additionally needs a DSi NAND image. melonDS uses raw save files and can import saves from DeSmuME, DraStic, or a flashcard, but does not support the special save memory type used by WarioWare DIY and Jam with the Band. Direct online connectivity requires libpcap or WinPcap, Ethernet, and administrator or superuser privileges; indirect mode does not require Ethernet or those privileges. The software renderer is more accurate but more CPU intensive, while OpenGL may be faster but less accurate.
NO$GBA
NO$GBA is freeware that emulates Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and DSi systems on Windows. Downloads include separate Windows debug and gaming versions plus a DOS gaming version. The debugger provides Code, Data, Stack, and Registers windows; its Data view can display and modify memory dumps. It accepts.ELF, DWARF2, and.SYM debug information and shows execution timing and profiling details. Conditional breakpoints, tracing, and optional warnings for suspicious actions such as ROM writes or invalid memory access support investigation. For emulation, NO$GBA can link up to four GBAs for multiplayer and save or restore complete hardware state to a file. Its upload function runs programs up to 256K in attached GBAs’ Work RAM through an xboo cable. DSi emulation requires several system files users may not have. The downloads page lists version 3.06 dated 14 Apr 2025. The Free plan costs nothing, and the maker is Martin Korth.