Head-to-head · Neo Geo Emulators
NEO.emu vs NeoDS
NEO.emu leads on 1 check, NeoDS on 1, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreNEO.emu · 9.0/10
- Free planonly NeoDS
- Most featuresNEO.emu · 3 of 6
NEO.emu scores higher on our rubric for neo geo emulators: 9.0 against 8.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.
NeoDS offers free plan; NEO.emu doesn't. NEO.emu offers save states; NeoDS doesn't.
NEO.emu is the better fit for feature-rich AES/MVS play across devices. NeoDS is the better fit for free AES/MVS emulation on Nintendo DS.
- NEO.emu fits best
Feature-rich AES/MVS play across devices
- NeoDS fits best
Free AES/MVS emulation on Nintendo DS
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Side by side
| Feature | NEO.emu 9.0/10 Visit ↗ | NeoDS 8.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.0 | 8.0 |
| Ranking | #2 in Neo Geo Emulators | #6 in Neo Geo Emulators |
| Best for | Feature-rich AES/MVS play across devices | Free AES/MVS emulation on Nintendo DS |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free |
| Starting price | — | Free plan |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile | Self-hosted |
| Support | Email, Docs, Community | Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features NEO.emu 3/6 · NeoDS 2/6 | ||
| AES emulation | ✓ | ✓ |
| MVS emulation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neo Geo CD support | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Related SNK arcade | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Netplay | Not checked yet | — |
| Save states | ✓ (best) | — |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Android, iOS, Linux | Nintendo DS (Lite) |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | NEO.emu is an open-source emulator for Neo Geo MVS and AES software, aimed at players who want configurable controls and support across Android, iOS and Linux. It is based on a modified version of GnGeo and supports MAME 0.144 or newer ROM… 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
NEO.emu — where it wins
- Supports both Neo Geo MVS and AES software
- Universe BIOS enables region and mode editing
- Save states and Bluetooth/USB HID controller support
Where it doesn't
- No free plan is available
- ROM files must be supplied by the user
- Paid distribution may not suit occasional players
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
- NEO.emu9.0/10 · Paid
A paid, open-source emulator with broad Neo Geo support and flexible controls.
Visit NEO.emuFull 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 NeoDS
- NEO.emu vs NeoRAGEx
- NEO.emu vs GxGeo
- NEO.emu vs MVSPSP
- NEO.emu vs GnGeo
- NEO.emu vs NeoCD-Libretro
- 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