LunaDS

Freemium#11 of 14 in Nintendo 3DS Emulators

LunaDS: A capable free Apple emulator with save states, iCloud sync and native-style menus. Ranked #11 of 14 in Nintendo 3DS Emulators by our editors (7.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for apple users wanting multi-system emulation.

7.3/10★★★★☆Editor score

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At a glance

• Editor score
  7.3 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Apple users wanting multi-system emulation
• Free plan
  Yes
• System software support
  Yes
• Facts checked
  20 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Supports Nintendo 3DS, DSi and DS emulation
  • Includes save states, automatic resume and offline operation
  • Offers iCloud sync, controller remapping and local multiplayer

• Where it doesn't

  • Runs on iOS and macOS only
  • Users must supply legally obtained game backups and BIOS files
  • The paid Supporter Unlock adds an optional in-app purchase

Our verdict on LunaDS

LunaDS is a free emulator for Nintendo 3DS, DSi and DS games on Apple devices. It is aimed at users who want one app for multiple Nintendo handheld systems, with a simple interface, native-style system menus and support for custom skins. The free tier includes save states for 3DS games, automatic resume from the previous session, offline operation and physical controller remapping. Users must supply their own legally obtained game backups and BIOS files.

Its strongest fit is for Apple users who value continuity between devices and a console-like interface. iCloud synchronization and backup support can carry emulator data across iOS and macOS, while local multiplayer is available for DS and DSi. Custom skins compatible with Delta and Manic skins add interface flexibility. The App Store listing documents Mac compatibility for the iPad version, so LunaDS is better suited to people comfortable with Apple-platform distribution than to users seeking a broad desktop emulator ecosystem.

LunaDS follows a freemium model. The app is distributed free through the App Store, and the published Supporter Unlock is an optional in-app purchase. The core feature set covers the main requirements for portable emulation, including system menus, save states and controller remapping, but platform scope remains limited to iOS and macOS. Choose LunaDS if you want free 3DS, DSi and DS emulation within Apple’s ecosystem; choose another emulator if you need support beyond those platforms or a different desktop release model.

Your product? Our editors can test LunaDS in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

LunaDS pricing

All 1 LunaDS plans and prices →

LunaDS fact sheet

LunaDS integrations

LunaDS lists 1 integrations on its own site.

• iCloud

Alternatives to LunaDS

• AAzaharA broad free emulator with high-resolution graphics, save states, multiplayer rooms, and RetroArch support.9.4
• CLCitra Libretro CoreA feature-rich free core for scaling, cheats, save states, and flexible screen layouts.9.1
• AAzaharPlusA feature-rich 3DS emulator fork for users who want customization and compatibility.8.9

See all LunaDS alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

LunaDS is listed in our Nintendo 3DS Emulators directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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.

Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update