Head-to-head · Neo Geo Emulators
NeoDS vs GnGeo
NeoDS leads on 0 checks, GnGeo on 1, and 4 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 scoreNeoDS · 8.0/10
- Free planonly NeoDS
NeoDS scores higher on our rubric for neo geo emulators: 8.0 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #7.
GnGeo offers save states; NeoDS doesn't.
NeoDS is the better fit for free AES/MVS emulation on Nintendo DS. GnGeo is the better fit for linux users who need save states.
- NeoDS fits best
Free AES/MVS emulation on Nintendo DS
- GnGeo fits best
Linux users who need save states
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Side by side
| Feature | NeoDS 8.0/10 Visit ↗ | GnGeo 7.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.0 | 7.8 |
| Ranking | #6 in Neo Geo Emulators | #7 in Neo Geo Emulators |
| Best for | Free AES/MVS emulation on Nintendo DS | Linux users who need save states |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Open source |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Self-hosted |
| Support | Community | Docs |
| Features NeoDS 2/6 · GnGeo 2/6 | ||
| AES emulation | ✓ | ✓ |
| MVS emulation | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| 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 | Nintendo DS (Lite) | Linux |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | 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 → |
GnGeo is a free, open-source NeoGeo emulator distributed as a source-code project. It is aimed at technically oriented Linux users who want to run NeoGeo ROM sets with control, display, audio, and system-mode configuration. Its feature set… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
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
GnGeo — where it wins
- Save states support pausing and resuming NeoGeo games.
- Configurable controls include joysticks and per-player mapping.
- Supports AES emulation, scaling, sound, and multiple CPU cores.
Where it doesn't
- Linux is the only verified supported platform.
- Compiling from source requires technical setup effort.
- A NeoGeo BIOS and legally obtained game files are required.
- NeoDS8.0/10 · Free plan
A free, focused Neo Geo emulator for Nintendo DS Lite flashcards.
Visit NeoDSFull verdict → - GnGeo7.8/10 · Open source
A focused, open-source Linux emulator with save states and configurable controls.
Visit GnGeoFull verdict →
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- GxGeo vs NeoDS
- GxGeo vs GnGeo
All neo geo emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update