melonDS review
A capable free emulator for Nintendo DS play, with DSi support still in progress.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
melonDS is an open-source desktop emulator for Nintendo DS hardware, with work-in-progress support for DSi emulation. It is aimed at players who want to run Nintendo DS software on Windows, macOS, or Linux using legally obtained game images and firmware dumps. The feature set covers software and OpenGL rendering, configurable internal 3D resolution, controller support, audio, microphone input, save states, and firmware or BIOS boot options.
Its strongest case is the combination of graphics, performance, and system-level support. melonDS includes 3D resolution upscaling and JIT recompilation, while microphone and RTC support address hardware features used by some Nintendo DS software. BIOS and firmware boot support adds another way to reproduce the console startup process. These capabilities make it a practical fit for users who want more than basic game launching, particularly when display scaling, save states, or hardware-related features matter.
Multiplayer is another clear differentiator, with local play over LAN or Wi-Fi. That makes melonDS suitable for desktop users who want connected Nintendo DS sessions rather than strictly solo emulation. The main boundary is platform scope: the listed builds target Windows, macOS, and Linux, so it is not positioned as a mobile emulator. DSi emulation is also still in progress, making the product a better choice for Nintendo DS-focused use than for users whose primary requirement is mature DSi coverage. Choose melonDS for free, open-source Nintendo DS emulation with upscaling and local networking; consider another option if mobile support or completed DSi emulation is essential.
melonDS pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Supports Nintendo DS emulation with 3D resolution upscaling
- Offers save states, JIT recompilation, microphone, and RTC support
- Includes local multiplayer over LAN or Wi-Fi
- Where it doesn't
- DSi emulation is still work in progress
- Designed for Windows, macOS, and Linux desktop platforms
- Requires legally obtained game images and firmware dumps
melonDS fact sheet, pricing and score →
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