Experience seamless Nintendo DS emulation on Android with our top picks! Android boasts a wealth of DS emulators, making choosing the best one crucial. This guide highlights the top contenders, catering to various needs and device capabilities. Remember, optimal performance requires emulators specifically designed for DS games. If you're also interested in 3DS emulation, we've got you covered there too (and even PS2 emulation!).
Top Android DS Emulators:
melonDS – The Best Overall DS Emulator
Currently the leading DS emulator, melonDS is free, open-source, and receives frequent updates boosting features and performance. It offers extensive customization options, including customizable controller support, selectable themes (light and dark), adjustable resolution settings for balancing performance and visuals, and built-in Action Replay support for effortless cheating. Note: The Google Play version is an unofficial port; the most current version is on GitHub.
DraStic – Ideal for Older Devices
DraStic, a premium emulator ($4.99), remains a strong contender despite its age (released in 2013). It delivers flawless performance for most DS titles on even low-powered devices. Features include adjustable 3D rendering resolution, save states, speed controls, customizable screen layout, controller support, and Game Shark code compatibility. However, it lacks multiplayer support (though most DS multiplayer servers are now defunct).
EmuBox – The Most Versatile Emulator
EmuBox is a free, ad-supported emulator. While ads might be a drawback for some, its versatility is a major plus. It supports ROMs from multiple consoles, including PlayStation and Game Boy Advance, beyond just DS. Keep in mind that an internet connection is required for its operation.
