Top Android DS Emulators Reviewed

Nintendo DS emulation on Android is renowned for its high performance, and with a plethora of DS emulators available, choosing the best one can be crucial for an optimal gaming experience. The ideal Android DS emulator is specifically designed for DS games, ensuring smooth gameplay and compatibility. If you're also interested in playing Nintendo 3DS games, you'll need a dedicated 3DS emulator, and we've got recommendations for that as well. Plus, for those looking to emulate other consoles, we even cover the best Android PS2 emulator!

Best Android DS Emulator

Here, we'll highlight our top pick for the best DS emulator on Android, along with a few honorable mentions.

melonDS – The Best DS Emulator

The crown for the best DS emulator on Android goes to melonDS. This emulator is free, open-source, and frequently updated with new features and performance improvements. melonDS offers a range of customization options, including solid controller support that you can tailor to your preferences. Whether you prefer light or dark themes, melonDS has you covered. You can also enhance the visual quality of your games by scaling up the resolution, striking the perfect balance between performance and graphics.

Additionally, melonDS includes built-in support for Action Replay, making it easier than ever to use cheats. It's important to note that while there's an unofficial version available on Google Play, the most up-to-date version can be found on GitHub.

DraStic – Best For Older Devices

DraStic is another excellent DS emulator for Android, particularly suited for older devices. Although it's a premium app costing $4.99, it's well worth the investment. Launched in 2013, DraStic revolutionized Android emulation and continues to perform exceptionally well, running almost all Nintendo DS games smoothly.

This emulator is ideal for those who enjoy tweaking their gaming experience. You can enhance the resolution of 3D rendering, utilize save states, adjust speed settings, change screen placement, and use controller support along with GameShark codes. The only notable drawback is the lack of multiplayer support, though this is less of an issue with most DS multiplayer servers now offline.

EmuBox – Most Versatile

EmuBox is a free emulator supported by ad revenue, which means you may encounter ads during use. Additionally, it requires an internet connection to function, which could be a limitation for some users. However, EmuBox's versatility is its biggest strength. It's not limited to DS ROMs; you can also run games from other consoles like the original PlayStation and Game Boy Advance.