WatermelonDS
WatermelonDS: A free Android emulator with broad DS and DSi features, but no local multiplayer. Ranked #5 of 18 in Nintendo DS Emulators by our editors (8.5/10); pricing: Free plan; best for android users wanting DS and DSi features.
At a glance
- Editor score8.5 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forAndroid users wanting DS and DSi features
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Supported platformsAndroid
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports Nintendo DS and DSi software, including DSiWare integration
- Offers multiple renderers, resolution scaling, shaders and external-display support
- Includes save states, cheats and RetroAchievements with offline play
Where it doesn't
- Local multiplayer is not supported
- DSi SD-card support is not included
- Available as an Android port rather than across multiple platforms
Our verdict on WatermelonDS
WatermelonDS is an open-source Android emulator for Nintendo DS and DSi software. It is aimed at Android users who want DS and DSi features on handheld devices or hardware connected to external displays. The feature set covers core emulation, DSiWare library integration, save states, cheat support and RetroAchievements with offline play. Its GPL-3.0 license also makes its open-source model a central part of the product’s profile.
Display and rendering options are a major focus. WatermelonDS supports software, OpenGL, Vulkan and compute renderers, along with internal resolution scaling and RetroArch shader presets. Per-ROM screen layouts, screen rotation, an editor and external-display layouts provide control over how the two screens are arranged. These options make it a fit for Android setups where screen placement, rendering method or a larger external display matters. The product is less suitable for users who need local multiplayer or DSi SD-card support.
The published feature set is available through a free, open-source Android project rather than separate paid tiers. Buyers should choose WatermelonDS if they want DS and DSi emulation, customizable layouts, DSiWare integration, cheats, save states and RetroAchievements without a paid plan. Users who require local multiplayer, DSi SD-card support or a platform beyond Android should consider an alternative that covers those requirements. For Android-focused single-device play, its breadth of rendering and layout controls gives it a clear practical focus.
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WatermelonDS pricing
WatermelonDS fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | Android |
| Save states | Yes |
| Local multiplayer | No |
| Nintendo DSi support | Yes |
| Cheat support | Yes |
| Screen layout options | Per-ROM layouts, screen rotation, external-screen layouts, layout editor |
| Deployment | Mobile |
| Platforms | Android |
| Support | Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to WatermelonDS
- DeSmuMEA free desktop emulator with strong graphics, input, save, and cheat support.9.4
- melonDSA capable desktop DS emulator with LAN multiplayer, upscaling, and in-progress DSi support.9.3
- Pilas-melonDSFree browser emulation with DSi support, persistent saves, and multiplayer bridges.8.9
See all WatermelonDS alternatives →
WatermelonDS vs the competition
- WatermelonDS vs DeSmuME
- WatermelonDS vs melonDS
- WatermelonDS vs Pilas-melonDS
- WatermelonDS vs DSperate
- WatermelonDS vs NO$GBA
- WatermelonDS vs Delta
Compare WatermelonDS with any tool side by side →
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Featured on iTechGuides
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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