Head-to-head · Neo Geo Emulators
Geolith vs NeoDS
Geolith leads on 0 checks, NeoDS on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreGeolith · 9.4/10
- Free planonly NeoDS
- Most featuresGeolith · 3 of 6
Geolith scores higher on our rubric for neo geo emulators: 9.4 against 8.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #6.
Geolith is the better fit for broad Neo Geo coverage on desktop. NeoDS is the better fit for free AES/MVS emulation on Nintendo DS.
- Geolith fits best
Broad Neo Geo coverage on desktop
- NeoDS fits best
Free AES/MVS emulation on Nintendo DS
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Side by side
| Feature | Geolith 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | NeoDS 8.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 8.0 |
| Ranking | #1 in Neo Geo Emulators | #6 in Neo Geo Emulators |
| Best for | Broad Neo Geo coverage on desktop | Free AES/MVS emulation on Nintendo DS |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Open source | Free plan |
| Free plan | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Self-hosted |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features Geolith 3/6 · NeoDS 2/6 | ||
| AES emulation | ✓ | ✓ |
| MVS emulation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neo Geo CD support | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Related SNK arcade | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Netplay | Not checked yet | — |
| Save states | Not checked yet | — |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Linux, macOS, BSD, Windows | Nintendo DS (Lite) |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Geolith is an open-source emulator for SNK Neo Geo AES home-console software, MVS arcade software, Neo Geo CD, and CDZ titles. It is aimed at desktop users who want one project covering multiple Neo Geo formats rather than a tool limited… Read the review → |
NeoDS is a free Neo Geo emulator for Nintendo DS Lite systems, aimed at players who want AES and MVS support on compatible flashcard hardware. It emulates Neo Geo protection and encryption, graphics, ADPCM audio, and PSG audio. The… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Geolith — where it wins
- Covers AES, MVS, Neo Geo CD/CDZ, and .NEO cartridges
- Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and BSD environments
- Handles diverse controllers, memory cards, and disc-image formats
Where it doesn't
- Build instructions require compilation on supported environments
- The documented focus is desktop operating systems
- Configuration depth may require tuning across regions and display modes
NeoDS — where it wins
- Supports both Neo Geo AES and MVS emulation
- Includes ROM conversion through NeoDSConvert
- Offers input mapping, video scaling, and SRAM saving
Where it doesn't
- Limited to Nintendo DS Lite systems
- Requires converted ROMs and a DLDI-compatible flashcard
- Does not provide netplay or save states
- Geolith9.4/10 · Open source
A broad desktop emulator for Neo Geo cartridges, arcade software, and discs.
Visit GeolithFull verdict → - NeoDS8.0/10 · Free plan
A free, focused Neo Geo emulator for Nintendo DS Lite flashcards.
Visit NeoDSFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Geolith vs NEO.emu
- Geolith vs NeoRAGEx
- Geolith vs GxGeo
- Geolith vs MVSPSP
- Geolith vs GnGeo
- Geolith vs NeoCD-Libretro
- NEO.emu vs NeoDS
- NeoRAGEx vs NeoDS
All neo geo emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update