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9 Best Nintendo DS Emulators for PC (Nov 2023)

If you're looking for the best Nintendo DS emulator, look no further! We've got the top-notch emulators listed right here.

Do you remember your first handheld game console? Well, even though the sales of the Nintendo Switch have surpassed the shocking numbers of 100 million, there are still a lot of people who still prefer the NDS.

The Nintendo DS is one of the most popular consoles in history that came with some exceptional games, including Pokemon, Final Fantasy IV, etc. If you’re feeling nostalgic and you want to play these games, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will talk about the best NDS emulators that can help you relive your childhood memories.

With the emulators, you can enjoy playing the old Nintendo DS games without hassle. No matter if you are using an older or a new operating system. Now, without wasting any further time, let’s get started with today’s post.


1. RetroArch

RetroArch apps from Google Play Store

At number one, we have RetroArch, an exceptional Nintendo DS emulator. It can run on a variety of platforms. Meanwhile, RetroArch delivers the same response time and features as you’ve seen in the actual Nintendo DS console.

With Retroarch, you can enjoy various Nintendo DS games. Besides, it comes with a set of default games pre-installed. There are tons of features included in the Retroarch emulator, which include the button configuration, next-frame, rewinding, and different accessibility features.

Another thing to notice is that RetroArch allows you to record your gameplay so that you can upload it to your social handles later. Moreover, you can also choose to live stream with RetroArch on Twitch.


2. DeSmuMe

DeSmuMe apps Overview

At number two, we have the popular Nintendo DS emulator, known by the name DeSmuMe. It is an excellent option if you want to cherish your childhood DS games. This emulator can run all of the games smoothly and efficiently.

This emulator comes with tons of features, such as it provides a cheat code manager, USB controller support, a save slot feature, and customized emulation settings. DeSmuMe supports Windows and Mac operating systems, and the best thing is that it is available for free.


3. NO$GBA

NO$GBA apps overview

Moving up next, we have NO$GBA, another recommended Nintendo DS emulator if you want to enjoy your favorite games with high-quality graphics. This emulator is equipped with a ton of useful features.

While most of the emulators require your device to be good enough, NO$GBA can run easily on a low-end PC as well. So if you have a low-end PC, then this emulator is a good choice. It consists of many features, including a save state option, joystick, cheat code, multiple cartridge reading, multiple support, etc. NO$GBA supports different Windows OS such as Windows 10, Windows XP, and MS-DOS.


4. MelonDS

MelonDS apps from google play store

At number four, we have MelonDS as the best emulator for NDS. Even though a lot of users compare this emulator with DeSmuMe, there is still a reason why we have added it to the fourth place. It is because this emulator doesn’t come with graphic or emulation options, but when it comes to rendering DS games, it has no match.

MelonDS is equipped with different noticeable features, including OpenGL Render; it also allows you to play DS games on mid-range CPUs on extreme display resolutions. MelonDS makes it easy to play multiplayer games due to its local Wi-Fi feature.


5. Citra

Citra apps from google play store

At number five, we have Citra, an open-source emulator for Nintendo 3DS. It is a popular Nintendo 3DS emulator, which gained popularity due to its high-quality resolution and graphics features. It comes with a lot of features. For instance, with this emulator, you can enjoy playing almost all of your childhood games without facing any slightest issues.

This emulator allows you to adjust your graphics resolution to 4K per your requirements. Moreover, you can also enjoy playing the multiplayer mode with a Wi-Fi connection.


5. DraStic DS Emulator

DraStic DS Emulator apps from google play store

The DraStic DS Emulator is a powerful Nintendo DS emulator for Android that lets you play all your favorite DS games at high speeds. It also includes several features to improve the gaming experience, such as the ability to save and load game states, customize the on-screen controls, and use cheat codes.

The emulator also lets you play games in portrait or landscape mode, and it supports Google Play Games achievements and cloud saves. Overall, the DraStic DS Emulator is a great way to enjoy your favorite DS games on your Android device.


6. NeonDS

NeonDS apps overview

Neon DS Emulator is a freeware Nintendo DS emulator for Microsoft Windows. It is one of the few working emulators and can play most commercial games. Neon DS Emulator is also available for Android devices, but it is not as stable as the Windows version.

The emulator requires a powerful phone or tablet to run smoothly. Overall, Neon DS Emulator is a great way to play your favorite Nintendo DS games on your computer or mobile device.


7. OpenEmu

OpenEmu apps overview

OpenEMU is a retro video game emulator for macOS that lets you play various console and handheld games. The app is open-source, and it supports a huge number of systems, including the Nintendo DS.

OpenEMU DS is one of the best emulators for the Nintendo DS, as it offers high compatibility and a great user interface. The emulator also includes support for multiplayer games so that you can enjoy your favorite titles with friends. If you're looking for a great way to play DS games on your Mac, then OpenEMU DS is worth checking out.


8. iDeas

iDeas apps overview

iDeas DS Emulator is a program that allows you to play Nintendo DS Games on your computer. It is a very user-friendly program that any player of any age can easily use. The emulator also has many great features, such as the ability to save your game at any point, take screenshots, and even play online multiplayer games.

Overall, the iDeas DS Emulator is an essential tool for any fan of the Nintendo DS who wants to be able to play their favorite games on their computer.


9. EmuBox

EmuBox apps from google play store

EmuBox is a multi-platform Emulator for Android that allows you to play your favorite Nintendo DS games on your mobile device. In addition to being able to play Nintendo DS games, EmuBox also supports save states, external controllers, and cheats. With EmuBox, you can enjoy all your favorite Nintendo DS games on the go!


FAQ

Q. Can you stream with DS Emulators?

Yes, you definitely can. Some so many emulators that have been used by popular streamers. These DS emulators include DeSmuMe, RetroArch, Melon DS, etc.

Q. Can I play NDS games on Citra?

You can proceed with 3DS games on Citra as it doesn’t display stereoscopic 3D images. As for the NDS games, Citra might be able to display custom textures.

Q. Does DeSmuMe speed up?

Yes, you can speed up your DeSmuMe easily by pressing the A on Settings and switching between the OpenGL Renderer and Software Rasterizer.