Android boasts some of the most powerful DS emulators available. This guide highlights the top contenders, helping you choose the best Android DS emulator for your needs. Remember, the ideal emulator will be specifically designed for DS games; if you also plan on playing 3DS titles, you'll need a separate 3DS emulator (though we've got recommendations for those as well!).
Top Android DS Emulators:
melonDS: The Best Overall
melonDS reigns supreme. It's free, open-source, and consistently updated with performance improvements and new features. Boasting robust controller support, customizable themes (light and dark modes available), and adjustable resolution settings for balancing visuals and performance, it provides a highly personalized experience. It even includes built-in Action Replay support for those who enjoy a little cheating. Note that the Google Play version is an unofficial port; the most up-to-date version is found on GitHub.
DraStic: Ideal for Older Devices
DraStic, while a paid app ($4.99), offers exceptional performance and remains a strong contender. Despite its age (released in 2013), it continues to run most DS games flawlessly on even lower-powered devices. It features numerous customization options including enhanced 3D rendering resolution, save states, speed adjustments, screen placement controls, controller support, and Game Shark code compatibility. However, it lacks multiplayer support, a limitation less impactful given the decline of online DS multiplayer services.
EmuBox: The Most Versatile Option
EmuBox is a free, ad-supported emulator. While ads might be intrusive for some, and it requires an online connection, its versatility sets it apart. It supports ROMs from various consoles, including the original PlayStation and Game Boy Advance, making it a multi-system emulation solution.
Tags: Emulation, Nintendo, Nintendo DS
