Playing Nintendo DS Games in 2024
The Nintendo DS has one of gaming's best libraries. With proper emulator setup, you can play these classics on any device with improved graphics and features. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Choosing Your Emulator
For PC (Windows/Mac/Linux)
melonDS - Recommended
Most accurate emulation
Local WiFi multiplayer support
Active development
Free and open source
DeSmuME - Alternative
Mature and stable
Good compatibility
More configuration options
Higher system requirements
For Android
DraStic - Best Choice
Excellent performance
Great touch controls
Save state support
Costs ~$5 but worth it
melonDS Android - Free Alternative
Same accuracy as PC version
Free and open source
Requires more powerful device
For iOS
Delta - Recommended
Free via AltStore
Great interface
Save sync features
No jailbreak needed
RetroArch - Alternative
Multiple cores available
More complex setup
Highly customizable
PC Setup: melonDS
Step 1: Download melonDS
Visit melonds.kuribo64.net
Download latest version for your OS
Extract to a folder (e.g., C:\Emulators\melonDS)
Step 2: Get DS BIOS & Firmware
melonDS works without BIOS but some games need it:
Required Files:
bios7.bin (ARM7 BIOS)
bios9.bin (ARM9 BIOS)
firmware.bin (DS firmware)
Setup:
Place files in melonDS folder
Go to Config > Emu Settings > DS-mode
Set BIOS/Firmware paths
Step 3: Configure Controls
Go to Config > Input and hotkeys
Map your controller/keyboard
Recommended mapping:
- D-Pad: Arrow keys or left stick
- A/B/X/Y: Standard layout
- L/R: Shoulder buttons
- Start/Select: Enter/Backspace
- Touch: Mouse click
Step 4: Optimize Graphics
Config > Video settings
Internal resolution: 2x-4x native
Filtering: OpenGL renderer
VSync: Enable to prevent tearing
Step 5: Load Your ROM
File > Open ROM
Navigate to your NDS ROM (.nds file)
Game should start immediately
PC Setup: DeSmuME
Step 1: Download
Visit desmume.org
Download latest stable release
Extract to preferred location
Step 2: Configure
Config > Control Config - Map your controls
Config > 3D Settings:
- Renderer: OpenGL if available
- GPU scaling: 2x-4x
Config > Frame Skip: Auto-skip for performance
Step 3: Optimize for Specific Games
Some games need special settings:
Pokemon Games:
Config > Emulation Settings
Enable "Advanced Bus-Level Timing"
Fixes freezing issues
Touch-Heavy Games:
Config > Display Settings
Choose comfortable screen layout
"One Screen" mode for touch-focused games
Android Setup: DraStic
Step 1: Install
Download from Google Play Store ($4.99)
Grant storage permissions
Create ROM folder on device
Step 2: Transfer ROMs
Download NDS ROMs from RomsFlix
Transfer to phone via USB or cloud
Place in easily accessible folder
Step 3: Configure
Open DraStic
Menu > Options:
- Virtual gamepad: Customize layout
- High-resolution rendering: Enable for better graphics
- Frame skip: 0-1 for smooth gameplay
Step 4: Screen Layout
DraStic offers various layouts:
Horizontal: Both screens side by side
Vertical: Classic DS layout
Portrait: Bottom screen focus
Choose based on your game type and preference.
Step 5: Controller Support
Options > External controller
DraStic supports most Bluetooth controllers
Map buttons to your preference
iOS Setup: Delta
Step 1: Install AltStore
Download AltServer on your Mac/PC
Connect iPhone via cable
Install AltStore through AltServer
Step 2: Get Delta
Open AltStore on iPhone
Browse to Apps tab
Download Delta emulator
Step 3: Add ROMs
Download NDS ROMs from RomsFlix
Open .nds file with Delta
Or use iTunes File Sharing
Step 4: Configure Delta
Settings > Cores
Download melonDS core
Controller mapping: Settings > Controllers
Save sync: Enable iCloud for backups
Screen Configurations Explained
The DS has unique dual-screen setup. Emulators offer several layouts:
Horizontal Mode
Layout: [Top Screen] [Bottom Screen]
Best for: RPGs, platformers
Vertical Mode
Layout: Top Screen above Bottom Screen (stacked)
Best for: Touch games, classic feel
Top Priority
Layout: Large top screen with small bottom screen below
Best for: Games that primarily use top screen
Bottom Priority
Layout: Small top screen with large bottom screen below
Best for: Touch-heavy games like Professor Layton
Recommended Settings by Game Type
Pokemon Games
Emulator: melonDS (best WiFi support)
Resolution: 2x native
Microphone: Enable for some features
Save type: Automatic
Mario Games
Emulator: Any
Resolution: 3x+ native
Frame skip: 0
Touch controls: Map to buttons where possible
Professor Layton / Touch Games
Emulator: DraStic or DeSmuME
Screen layout: Bottom priority
Stylus: Mouse or touchscreen
Resolution: Lower for performance
WiFi Multiplayer Games
Emulator: melonDS only
Setup: Config > WiFi settings
Mode: Local multiplayer or online
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Game Won't Load
Verify ROM is .nds format
Check file isn't corrupted (re-download)
Try different emulator
White Screen
Install correct BIOS files
Check BIOS paths in settings
Some games require specific settings
Save Not Working
Check save folder permissions
Verify save type setting
Use save states as backup
Touch Screen Issues
Calibrate screen area in settings
Check which screen accepts input
Try different click/tap modes
Lag / Slow Performance
Lower internal resolution
Enable frame skip (1-2)
Close background applications
Update graphics drivers
Download NDS ROMs
Get verified NDS ROMs from RomsFlix:
All games tested and working
.nds format ready for emulators
No malware or viruses
Direct downloads
Popular NDS games available:
Pokemon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum
Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver
New Super Mario Bros.
Mario Kart DS
Professor Layton series
Phoenix Wright series
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
Start playing Nintendo DS games today with our complete collection!