melonDS

Open-source Nintendo DS and DSi emulator for Windows, macOS, Linux and BSD.

Verified facts: 4 of 4
Alternatives ranked: 3
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 0

About melonDS

melonDS is a free, open-source emulator for the Nintendo DS that also emulates the DSi. It focuses on accuracy and has grown into one of the most recommended DS emulators on desktop, with an OpenGL renderer that can draw 3D graphics at higher internal resolutions, save states, flexible screen layouts and rotation, and controller and hotkey mapping. It also tries to emulate the DS's local wireless play and online connectivity, though the developers mark that work as unfinished. You need BIOS and firmware dumps from your own console (and a NAND image for DSi mode). Official builds cover Windows, macOS, Linux and several BSDs; Android versions exist only as unofficial ports. It's developed by a small volunteer team, licensed under the GPL, and costs nothing. Compared with all-in-one frontends, it's a dedicated DS app with its own interface and settings.

Best for: Desktop players who want an accurate, actively developed Nintendo DS and DSi emulator.

What works

Emulates both the DS and the DSi
OpenGL renderer upscales 3D graphics beyond the original resolution
Native builds for Windows, macOS, Linux and BSD

Why people leave

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

Top melonDS alternatives

See all 3

1
RetroArch
Runs DS games through melonDS and DeSmuME cores alongside dozens of other consoles in one frontend.
66.5
2
OpenEmu
A polished Mac app that includes DS support with a shared game library for many retro systems.
62.6
3
PPSSPP
The go-to emulator for the PSP, the DS's handheld rival, with Android and iOS builds.
59.6

Why people left melonDS

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melonDS: common questions

Is melonDS free?

Yes. melonDS is free, open-source software.

Is melonDS open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub at melonDS-emu/melonDS.

What platforms does melonDS run on?

melonDS is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.

What are the best alternatives to melonDS?

The highest-ranked melonDS alternatives right now are RetroArch, OpenEmu and PPSSPP. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 3 melonDS alternatives

melonDS facts

4 of 4 verified

License: GPL-3.0; Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab); “License: GPL-3.0 (GNU General Public License v3.0).”
DSi emulation: Yes; Checked Oct 25, 2026melonds.kuribo64.net(opens source in a new tab); “DSi Emulation As of melonDS 0.9, melonDS can also emulate the DSi.”
macOS build: Universal (Intel and Apple Silicon); Checked Oct 25, 2026melonds.kuribo64.net(opens source in a new tab); “macOS Universal 23.25 MB”
Upscaling: Yes, with the OpenGL renderer; Checked Oct 25, 2026melonds.kuribo64.net(opens source in a new tab); “The OpenGL renderer is also capable of rendering at higher internal resolutions, allowing for better quality of 3D graphics.”