# Best Nintendo DS emulator: melonDS, the Gold Cartridge pick

Page: https://whichemulator.wtf/ds/ · Reference: WEM-DS-BUO0

The Ask API at `GET https://whichemulator.wtf/ask` answers questions from the same data as this page, and it is the only place the setup steps are published. It takes `q` (the question, 3 to 500 characters) and an optional `page` (a local path such as `/ds/`). It returns JSON `{answer, consoles, sources, follow_ups}`, or Markdown when the request sends `Accept: text/markdown`. No key; 30 requests a minute per IP. Guide: https://whichemulator.wtf/skill.md

Nintendo DS, Nintendo, 2004. two screens, one stylus.

## Recommended: melonDS

whichemulator.wtf calls its recommendation for each system the Gold Cartridge pick. For the Nintendo DS, the Gold Cartridge pick is melonDS.

Accurate, actively developed, and the best at the awkward stuff — local wireless, Wi-Fi, upscaled 3D, and a sensible way to map the touchscreen to a mouse. Both screens can be laid out however suits your monitor.

Runs on Windows · Mac · Linux. Open source. Download: https://melonds.kuribo64.net

**BIOS & firmware:** melonDS runs most games with its built-in replacements. For Wi-Fi and the best accuracy, dump the BIOS and firmware from your own DS.

## Alternatives

- [DeSmuME](https://desmume.org) (Windows · Mac · Linux, open source): The old standby. Slower and less accurate than melonDS, but still runs most of the library and has good tools for ROM hackers.
- [melonDS Android](https://github.com/rafaelvcaetano/melonDS-android) (Android, open source): Unofficial Android port of melonDS. Touch maps naturally on a phone.

## RetroArch cores

- melonDS DS: modern melonDS core, best pick
- DeSmuME: older, still works

use melonDS DS, not the legacy melonDS core

## Hardware

- Screens: 2 (bottom is touch)
- Wireless: local + Wi-Fi
- Library: ~3,200 games

## Notes

### Two screens, one monitor

Stacked vertically is authentic but tiny on a widescreen display. Side-by-side, or a large top screen with a small touch screen, works better for most games.

### The stylus is your mouse

Clicking on the bottom screen acts as a tap. For games that are mostly touch, a drawing tablet or touchscreen laptop feels much closer to the real thing.

### Saves

Save files are stored as .sav next to the game. They move between melonDS and DeSmuME without fuss.

## Support the developers

- [Star melonDS](https://github.com/melonDS-emu/melonDS)
- [DeSmuME GitHub](https://github.com/TASEmulators/desmume)

## Questions the Ask API answers

- [Which Nintendo DS emulator should I use on Android?](https://whichemulator.wtf/ask?q=Which+Nintendo+DS+emulator+should+I+use+on+Android%3F&page=%2Fds%2F&via=page)
- [Which RetroArch core should I use for the Nintendo DS?](https://whichemulator.wtf/ask?q=Which+RetroArch+core+should+I+use+for+the+Nintendo+DS%3F&page=%2Fds%2F&via=page)
- [Does Nintendo DS emulation need a BIOS?](https://whichemulator.wtf/ask?q=Does+Nintendo+DS+emulation+need+a+BIOS%3F&page=%2Fds%2F&via=page)