Unearth the joy of revisiting your cherished Nintendo DS moments by transforming your Android device into a gaming haven. Imagine resurrecting all your beloved games in a novel and exciting manner. Today, we unveil the paramount Nintendo NDS emulators for Android in 2024. Before we delve into the emulators, let’s shed light on emulators and ROMs:
Emulators and ROMs
Embrace the nostalgic essence of your Nintendo DS era seamlessly on your Android device with emulators. These applications grant you the ability to relish Nintendo DS games effortlessly. Think of the emulator as your virtual Nintendo DS console; however, a console is nothing without games.
This is where ROMs come into play — they are the games you play on your emulator. After selecting a suitable Nintendo DS emulator from our curated list, embark on a quest across the web to procure ROMs compatible with your chosen emulator.
Exercise caution, though, as downloading and utilizing ROMs entail adherence to copyright laws. Ensure that the ROMs are legally accessible for public use. Without further delay, let’s explore five exceptional Nintendo DS emulators tailored for Android.
List of Best Nintendo DS Emulators for Android
- RetroArch Emulator
- DeSmuME Emulator
- NO$BGA Emulator
- iDeaS Emulator
- OpenEmu DS Emulator
- MAME Emulator
- Citra Emulator
- NeonDS Emulator
- VisualBoyAdvance
- NDS Emulator
- NDS4Droid Emulator
- EmuBox Emulator
- Dolphen Emulator
- DraStic DS Emulator
- SuperNDS Emulator
- NDS Boy Emulator
1. RetroArch Emulator
RetroArch, a versatile emulator, transcends Nintendo DS to support various systems. While it demands a bit of setup time, its multipurpose nature and lack of ads make it a powerhouse for emulation enthusiasts.
Pros
- Emulates multiple handheld and console systems.
- Open source and ad-free for a streamlined experience.
Cons
- Requires time and technical knowledge for setup.
- The interface could be more user-friendly.
2. DeSmuME Emulator
DeSmuME is a popular open-source DS emulator for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It provides a robust feature set and is known for its compatibility with a variety of DS games.
Pros
- Open source.
- High compatibility.
Cons
- Can be resource-intensive.
- User interface is basic.
3. NO$BGA Emulator
NO$GBA is a Windows-based DS emulator known for its speed and efficiency. It also supports GBA games. It’s a favorite for users looking for a fast and reliable emulator.
Pros
- Fast and efficient.
- Supports GBA games.
Cons
- Limited features.
- Windows-only.
4. iDeaS Emulator
iDeaS is a DS emulator that offers good compatibility and a range of features. While it’s not as actively developed as some others, it remains a solid choice for DS emulation.
Pros
- Decent compatibility.
- User-friendly interface.
Cons
- Development has slowed down.
- Not as feature-rich as some competitors.
5. OpenEmu DS Emulator
OpenEmu is a multi-system emulator for macOS that includes DS support. It stands out for its sleek interface and user-friendly design.
Pros
- User-friendly interface.
- Supports multiple systems.
Cons
- Limited to macOS.
- Not as configurable as some others.
6. MAME Emulator
MAME, short for Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator, is primarily known for arcade game emulation. However, it also supports certain DS games, offering a unique blend of arcade and handheld emulation.
Pros
- Wide range of arcade game support.
- Open source.
Cons
- Complex for beginners.
- Limited DS game compatibility.
7. Citra Emulator
Citra is a popular open-source emulator specifically designed for Nintendo 3DS games. It provides excellent DS emulation with features like high resolution and 3D rendering.
Pros
- High-quality graphics.
- Active development community.
Cons
- Focus on 3DS emulation.
- Can be demanding on hardware.
8. NeonDS Emulator
NeonDS is a Windows-based DS emulator that focuses on simplicity and ease of use. It provides a straightforward interface for users who prefer a no-frills experience.
Pros
- Simple and easy to use.
- Lightweight.
Cons
- Limited features.
- Windows-only.
9. VisualBoyAdvance
VisualBoyAdvance is a GBA emulator that, in some versions, includes DS support. It’s recognized for its speed and compatibility, making it a reliable choice for handheld gaming.
Pros
- Fast and efficient.
- Supports GBA and some DS games.
Cons
- Limited DS game compatibility.
- Some versions lack DS support.
10. NDS Emulator
NDS Emulator is designed for Android 6 and above, supporting both .nds and .zip files. It provides save and load game states and is compatible with external controllers.
Pros
- Android compatibility.
- External controller support.
Cons
- Limited to Android.
- May face occasional performance issues.
11. NDS4Droid Emulator
NDS4Droid is a free and open-source DS emulator for Android. It supports sound, saving, and is continuously improved by the community. It may, however, face occasional performance issues.
Pros
- Free and open source.
- Continuous community-driven improvements.
Cons
- Laggy performance.
- No fast-forward feature.
12. EmuBox Emulator
EmuBox is a multi-system emulator for Android, offering exceptional graphics and the ability to play in portrait or landscape mode. It supports various gaming systems, including DS.
Pros
- Exceptional graphics.
- Flexible gaming modes.
Cons
- Performance issues with active cheats.
- Ads cannot be removed.
13. Dolphin Emulator
Dolphin Emulator is primarily known as a GameCube and Wii emulator, but some versions include experimental DS support. It’s a complex emulator recommended for advanced users.
Pros
- GameCube and Wii emulation.
- Ongoing development.
Cons
- Complex for beginners.
- Limited DS game support.
14. DraStic DS Emulator
For those seeking a premium DS emulation experience, DraStic DS Emulator stands as a top choice. Packed with features like adjustable screen sizes and Google Drive Cloud support, it offers a premium gaming experience for a one-time cost.
Pros
- Adjust the size and placement of screens for a personalized experience.
- Access save data on multiple devices for seamless gaming.
Cons
- Only one save slot per ROM.
- No free option; priced at $4.99.
15. SuperNDS Emulator
SuperNDS, a reliable emulator, serves as an excellent replacement for the Nintendo DS. Supporting various ROM file types, it offers simplicity and ease of use. Copy your NDS game files, load up SuperNDS, and relive the magic.
Pros
- Simple and easy to use.
- Supports various ROM file types.
Cons
- Requires ROMs for functionality.
- Limited advanced features.
16. NDS Boy Emulator
NDS Boy, another feature-packed emulator, caters to popular devices with 2GB of RAM and a quad-core processor. Supporting various file types, it ensures a smooth gaming experience. Embrace features like save states, auto save, and quick load with NDS Boy.
Pros
- Feature-packed.
- Auto save functionality.
Cons
- Works best on popular devices.
- May not recognize older or less-known devices.
