Best Android DS Emulator

Android boasts some of the most powerful DS emulation available. With a wide selection of emulators, choosing the best can be tricky. This guide highlights top contenders, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your Android device.

Remember, the ideal Android DS emulator is specifically designed for DS games. If you're also interested in 3DS titles, you'll need a dedicated 3DS emulator (and we've got recommendations for those too!). We even cover the best Android PS2 emulators, just in case!

Best Android DS Emulators

Here's our top pick, along with some excellent alternatives:

melonDS – The Best Overall DS Emulator

melonDS currently reigns supreme. It's free, open-source, and receives regular updates packed with new features and performance improvements. Enjoy extensive customization options, including solid and adaptable controller support, customizable themes (light and dark modes available), and adjustable resolution settings to balance performance and visual quality. It even includes built-in Action Replay support for effortless cheating. Note that the Google Play version is an unofficial port; the most up-to-date version is found on GitHub.

DraStic – Best for Older Devices

DraStic remains an excellent DS emulator for Android, despite being a paid app ($4.99). This price is well worth it, considering its longevity and performance. Released in 2013, it continues to impress with its ability to run almost all DS games flawlessly (excluding a few exceptions) even on less powerful devices. Enjoy features such as adjustable 3D rendering resolution, save states, speed controls, screen placement adjustments, controller support, and Game Shark code compatibility. However, keep in mind that multiplayer support is absent.

EmuBox – Most Versatile Emulator

EmuBox is a free, ad-supported emulator. While ads might be a drawback for some, its versatility is a significant advantage. It's not limited to DS ROMs; it supports various consoles, including PlayStation and Game Boy Advance. The reliance on an internet connection for operation is another point to consider.