Top Android DS Emulators: A Comprehensive Guide
Android offers impressive DS emulation performance. With numerous emulators available, choosing the best one can be challenging. This guide highlights top contenders, catering to different needs and preferences. Note that dedicated DS emulators are best for DS games; separate emulators are needed for 3DS titles (and, yes, we cover excellent Android PS2 emulators too!).
Best Android DS Emulators:
melonDS: The Top Choice
Currently, melonDS reigns supreme. This free, open-source emulator receives regular updates, boosting features and performance. Enjoy extensive customization options, including controller support tailored to your preferences, selectable themes (light and dark), adjustable resolution balancing visuals and performance, and built-in Action Replay support for effortless cheating. Remember, the GitHub version is the most current; the Google Play version is an unofficial port.
DraStic: Ideal for Older Devices
DraStic, a premium emulator ($4.99), remains a strong contender. Despite its 2013 release, it delivers excellent performance, running most DS games flawlessly on even low-powered devices. Its robust feature set includes adjustable 3D rendering resolution, save states, speed controls, screen placement adjustments, controller support, and Game Shark code functionality. However, it lacks multiplayer support (though most DS multiplayer servers are now defunct).
EmuBox: The Versatile Option
EmuBox is a free, ad-supported emulator. While ads might be intrusive for some users, and online connectivity is required, its versatility is a significant advantage. It supports ROMs from various consoles, including PlayStation and Game Boy Advance, beyond just DS games.