melonDS alternatives: 3 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave melonDS: needs BIOS and firmware dumped from your own console for DSi mode and full features, and wi-Fi and local multiplayer are still marked as work in progress. We ranked 3 alternatives by how directly each one replaces melonDS, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. RetroArch currently ranks first.
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Show all 3 alternativesThe best melonDS alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best melonDS alternative for most people
RetroArchRuns DS games through melonDS and DeSmuME cores alongside dozens of other consoles in one frontend.
Best melonDS alternative for a free option
OpenEmuA polished Mac app that includes DS support with a shared game library for many retro systems.
Best melonDS alternative for open source
PPSSPPThe go-to emulator for the PSP, the DS's handheld rival, with Android and iOS builds.
Best melonDS alternative for Mac
RetroArchRuns DS games through melonDS and DeSmuME cores alongside dozens of other consoles in one frontend.
Best melonDS alternative for Windows
RetroArchRuns DS games through melonDS and DeSmuME cores alongside dozens of other consoles in one frontend.
Best melonDS alternative for Linux
RetroArchRuns DS games through melonDS and DeSmuME cores alongside dozens of other consoles in one frontend.
Best melonDS alternative for iPhone and Android
RetroArchRuns DS games through melonDS and DeSmuME cores alongside dozens of other consoles in one frontend.
melonDS alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to melonDS?
RetroArch ranks first right now. Runs DS games through melonDS and DeSmuME cores alongside dozens of other consoles in one frontend. OpenEmu and PPSSPP follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to melonDS?
Yes. RetroArch (open source), OpenEmu (open source) and PPSSPP (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to melonDS?
Yes: RetroArch, OpenEmu and PPSSPP.
Which melonDS alternatives work on Linux?
RetroArch and PPSSPP run on Linux.
Why do people switch from melonDS?
The complaints we hear most: needs BIOS and firmware dumped from your own console for DSi mode and full features; wi-Fi and local multiplayer are still marked as work in progress; no official Android or iOS version.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces melonDS, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.