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Pilas-melonDS

Free#3 of 18 in Nintendo DS Emulators

Pilas-melonDS: Free browser emulation with DSi support, persistent saves, and multiplayer bridges. Ranked #3 of 18 in Nintendo DS Emulators by our editors (8.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for browser users needing DSi and multiplayer support.

8.9/10Editor score

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Pilas-melonDS8.9 Visit Pilas-melonDS

At a glance

Editor score
8.9 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
Browser users needing DSi and multiplayer support
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
Free
Supported platforms
Web browsers on desktop and mobile devices
Facts checked
20 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Runs Nintendo DS software in desktop and mobile browsers
- Supports persistent saves and up to six save-state slots per ROM
- Offers DSi mode, multiple inputs, and browser multiplayer bridges
Where it doesn't
- DSi mode is experimental
- Some DSi functionality requires legally dumped system files
- Browser-only access may not suit users seeking a native application

Our verdict on Pilas-melonDS

Pilas-melonDS is an HTML5/WebAssembly frontend for the melonDS emulator core. It runs legally dumped Nintendo DS or DSi software through desktop and mobile web browsers, rather than as a native desktop application. The project supports .nds, .dsi, and .srl ROM files, with keyboard, gamepad, touch, and DS touchscreen input. It is aimed at browser users who want flexible input options, browser-backed storage, and access to selected DSi features.

The free, open-source project puts a substantial set of features in the browser. Persistent cartridge saves use browser storage, while save-state export and import provide up to six slots per ROM. Rendering can use Canvas 2D, WebGL 2, or WebGPU. For DSi software, the emulator provides experimental DSi mode, browser-permission access to the camera and microphone, and DSiWare CIA installation to NAND or virtual SD storage. Some DSi functionality requires legally dumped system files, so users should understand that DSi support has additional requirements.

Multiplayer is another clear focus. Pilas-melonDS includes browser internet mode and local-tab/WebSocket multiplayer bridges, making it a fit for users who want browser-based connection options alongside single-player emulation. Its main trade-off is the browser-only delivery model: users looking specifically for a native desktop application should choose another option. Pilas-melonDS is the stronger match for people who value web access, persistent saves, multiple input methods, experimental DSi support, and multiplayer bridges, provided they are comfortable with browser permissions and the requirements around DSi functionality.

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

Pilas-melonDS pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on github.com

Pilas-melonDS fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	Free
Supported platforms	Web browsers on desktop and mobile devices
Save states	Yes
Local multiplayer	Yes
Nintendo DSi support	Yes
Cheat support	Not verified
Screen layout options	Not verified
Deployment	Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms	Web
Support	Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Free plan
Website	github.com
Facts checked	20 Sep 2026

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The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Pilas-melonDS for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.

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Featured on iTechGuides

Pilas-melonDS is listed in our Nintendo DS 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

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update