Head-to-head · Neo Geo Emulators
NeoDS vs NeoCD-Libretro
NeoDS leads on 2 checks, NeoCD-Libretro on 1, and 3 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 scoreNeoDS · 8.0/10
- Free planboth
NeoDS scores higher on our rubric for neo geo emulators: 8.0 against 7.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #8.
NeoDS offers aes emulation; NeoCD-Libretro doesn't. NeoDS offers mvs emulation; NeoCD-Libretro doesn't. NeoCD-Libretro offers save states; NeoDS doesn't.
NeoDS is the better fit for free AES/MVS emulation on Nintendo DS. NeoCD-Libretro is the better fit for free Neo Geo CD emulation with save features.
- NeoDS fits best
Free AES/MVS emulation on Nintendo DS
- NeoCD-Libretro fits best
Free Neo Geo CD emulation with save features
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | NeoDS 8.0/10 Visit ↗ | NeoCD-Libretro 7.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.0 | 7.6 |
| Ranking | #6 in Neo Geo Emulators | #8 in Neo Geo Emulators |
| Best for | Free AES/MVS emulation on Nintendo DS | Free Neo Geo CD emulation with save features |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Desktop |
| Support | Community | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features NeoDS 2/6 · NeoCD-Libretro 2/6 | ||
| AES emulation | ✓ (best) | — |
| MVS emulation | ✓ (best) | — |
| Neo Geo CD support | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Related SNK arcade | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Netplay | — | Not checked yet |
| Save states | — | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Nintendo DS (Lite) | Windows, Linux, Raspberry Pi |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| 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 → |
NeoCD-Libretro is a free, open-source libretro core for emulating Neo Geo CD software through RetroArch. It is aimed at players who want Neo Geo CD support across Windows, Linux, or Raspberry Pi, with options for both disc-image handling… 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
NeoCD-Libretro — where it wins
- Hardware-level Neo Geo CD-ROM emulation
- Supports CUE and MAME CHD disc images
- Savestates, rewind, region selection, and CD speed controls
Where it doesn't
- Requires RetroArch as a libretro core host
- Does not support Neo Geo AES or MVS
- Platform support centers on Windows, Linux, and Raspberry Pi
- NeoDS8.0/10 · Free plan
A free, focused Neo Geo emulator for Nintendo DS Lite flashcards.
Visit NeoDSFull verdict → - NeoCD-Libretro7.6/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source Neo Geo CD core with broad image, audio, and save support.
Visit libretroFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Geolith vs NeoDS
- Geolith vs NeoCD-Libretro
- NEO.emu vs NeoDS
- NEO.emu vs NeoCD-Libretro
- NeoRAGEx vs NeoDS
- NeoRAGEx vs NeoCD-Libretro
- GxGeo vs NeoDS
- GxGeo vs NeoCD-Libretro
All neo geo emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update