Android boasts some of the most powerful Nintendo DS emulators available. This guide will help you choose the best Android DS emulator for your needs, considering the abundance of options. The ideal emulator will be specifically designed for DS games, and if you're also interested in 3DS games, you'll need a separate 3DS emulator (we've got recommendations for those too!). We'll also cover top Android PS2 emulators, just in case.
Top Android DS Emulators
Here's a breakdown of our top pick and some strong contenders:
melonDS: The Best Overall DS Emulator
melonDS reigns supreme. It's free, open-source, and consistently updated with performance improvements and new features. It offers extensive customization options, including controller support, customizable themes (light and dark modes), adjustable resolution settings balancing performance and visuals, and built-in Action Replay support for cheating. Note that the Google Play version is an unofficial port; the most up-to-date version is found on GitHub.
DraStic: Best for Older Devices
DraStic, while a paid app ($4.99), remains a fantastic choice, especially for older devices. Despite its age (released in 2013), it's remarkably robust, offering flawless performance for most DS games. Features include adjustable 3D rendering resolution, save states, speed controls, screen placement customization, controller support, and Game Shark code compatibility. However, it lacks multiplayer support, a less significant drawback given the decline of online DS multiplayer services.
EmuBox: The Most Versatile Emulator
EmuBox is a free, ad-supported emulator. While ads might be intrusive for some, its versatility is a major plus. It supports ROMs from various consoles, including PlayStation and Game Boy Advance, beyond just DS. It's important to note that its ad-supported nature requires an internet connection.
Tags: Emulation, Nintendo, Nintendo DS
