The Nintendo DS holds a special place as one of the most beloved handheld gaming devices ever created, alongside the iconic Game Boy and PSP. It boasts an impressive sales record and a rich collection of remarkable games, making it a significant part of Nintendo’s illustrious gaming legacy.
However, carrying around a separate device solely for playing these games can be cumbersome. Fortunately, though the Nintendo DS emulator platform is relatively niche, we have discovered a handful of excellent options for Android users. Here, we present the top-rated Nintendo DS emulators for Android, allowing you to conveniently enjoy your favorite DS games on your phone.
Looking for more recommendations? Check out our picks for the best Android emulators to play retro OG games.
The best Nintendo DS emulators for Android
1. Fast DS Emulator
Price: Free
Fast DS Emulator, previously known as NDS Emulator, stands as a relatively recent addition to the collection of Nintendo DS emulators available today. It encompasses all the fundamental functionalities expected, including external controller compatibility, the ability to save and load states, and customizable on-screen gamepads.
As for its compatibility, our evaluation covered a limited selection of approximately six games, which the emulator handled adequately. The slightly lower rating on Google Play primarily stems from the presence of some bugs and issues. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that this emulator is actively being developed, and we remain optimistic that the developer will address and resolve these concerns.
2. DraStic DS Emulator
Price: $4.99
The DraStic DS Emulator currently stands out as the top choice among Nintendo DS emulators. We put it through extensive testing and found that it flawlessly handled nearly all the games we tried. Only a small number of games encountered any issues. This emulator offers a range of impressive features, such as customizable screen layouts, controller options, support for hardware controllers, fast-forward functionality, integration with Google Drive, and even enhanced graphics rendering for high-end devices.
Priced at $4.99, it now offers a more affordable option than before, making it a fantastic deal. When it comes to Android Nintendo DS emulators, this is the one we highly recommend without hesitation. While the remaining emulators on the list serve as alternatives, in case DraStic doesn’t function for specific reasons, it’s worth noting that none of the other options receive frequent updates either. Unfortunately, this is the general situation for Nintendo DS emulators on the Android platform.
3. RetroArch
Price: Free
RetroArch is a versatile emulator that offers support for a wide range of game systems, including popular ones like Nintendo DS, Game Boy, SNES, Game Boy Advance, NES, and even various non-Nintendo systems. To enjoy games on RetroArch, you’ll need to download and install each system individually within the application. So, first, you’ll need to download the main app, then obtain the Nintendo DS core, and finally, you’ll be ready to play games.
While RetroArch may not be the most user-friendly option, it does have some notable advantages. It is completely free to use, with no in-app purchases or intrusive advertisements. Although there is an older version available, we recommend using RetroArch Plus, which is also free, as it offers a better overall experience. We’ve provided a link to RetroArch Plus for your convenience. Alternatively, if you’re undecided between RetroArch and Lemuroid, we suggest giving both a try to see which one suits your preferences better.
4. Lemuroid
Price: Free
Lemuroid shares many similarities with RetroArch, as both are multi-console emulators utilizing Libretro cores to replicate a wide range of gaming consoles, including the Nintendo DS. Lemuroid offers typical features such as save states, customizable on-screen controls, support for hardware controllers, and more. Additionally, it incorporates modern conveniences like cloud save syncing. We believe Lemuroid stands as a strong competitor to RetroArch, and choosing either one would be a wise decision.
5. EmuBox
Price: Free
EmuBox is a recently developed emulator that supports various gaming systems such as PlayStation, SNES, and Nintendo DS. One notable feature of EmuBox is its sleek Material Design interface, making it visually appealing compared to other options. Fortunately, the emulator performs admirably, as we encountered no significant issues during our game testing.
The sole notable bug we discovered is that the game reverts to the last saved point when the screen rotates. Despite this, EmuBox is available for free but supported by advertisements. While we anticipate the possibility of an ad-free pro version in the future, it might be more worthwhile to consider using DraStic in such circumstances.
Summing Up…
The Nintendo DS emulator market for Android offers several excellent options for gamers who want to enjoy their favorite DS games on their phones. The top-rated emulator, DraStic DS Emulator, stands out as the recommended choice due to its flawless performance, extensive features, and affordable pricing. RetroArch and Lemuroid provide alternative options with their multi-console emulation capabilities and additional conveniences. EmuBox, a newer emulator with a visually appealing interface, performs well overall but has a minor bug regarding screen rotation. While a pro version without ads may be available in the future, for a more reliable and comprehensive experience, opting for DraStic is a wise decision.
