DS Anywhere review
A free, open-source browser emulator with controller input and IndexedDB saves.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
DS Anywhere is a work-in-progress Nintendo DS emulator for people who want browser-based access rather than a native desktop or mobile application. It runs through a WebAssembly-based runtime built from a fork of the melonDS emulator core, with a TypeScript, Preact, and Vite frontend. The project is open source, hosted through GitHub Pages, and intended for use with legally acquired ROM and BIOS files. Its focused scope makes it a straightforward fit for lightweight web emulation, while users seeking broader platform coverage should look elsewhere.
The browser implementation is the main reason to consider DS Anywhere. Emscripten and WebAssembly bring the emulator runtime to the web, and controller input adds an option beyond keyboard controls. Save files are stored in the browser through IndexedDB, giving the project a defined approach to preserving game progress. The open-source structure and clearly identified technical stack may also appeal to users interested in a personal emulator project rather than a packaged commercial application.
DS Anywhere remains limited in scope and maturity. The project describes itself as unstable and incomplete, and multiplayer and cheat-code support are future work. It does not provide local multiplayer or cheat support in its current feature set, and its supported platform is the web. Choose it for free, open-source Nintendo DS emulation in a browser with controller support and save-file storage. Choose an alternative if native applications, multiplayer, cheat features, DSi support, or a more complete project are priorities.
DS Anywhere pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Runs Nintendo DS software directly in a web browser
- Supports controller input and browser-based IndexedDB save storage
- Open-source WebAssembly project with a TypeScript frontend
- Where it doesn't
- Work-in-progress project described as unstable and incomplete
- No local multiplayer or cheat-code support
- Focused on web access rather than native desktop or mobile apps
DS Anywhere fact sheet, pricing and score →
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