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A sentimental place in the hearts of many gamers, including me, is reserved for the Nintendo DS. I don’t think I’m the only one. Its appeal as an icon is equivalent to that of the Game Boy and the PSP, and it continues to be one of Nintendo’s best-selling consoles, which contributes to the broad fabric that is Nintendo’s gaming history. If you’re anything like me, you’d much rather have these old favorites kept on your phone where they’re simple to reach than carry about a separate gaming system. The number of games that can be played on the DS is nothing short of incredible, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll find that it’s nothing short of amazing.
Because the market for Nintendo DS emulator apps for Android is, regrettably, something of a niche, there are just a few options available from which to select. On the other hand, during the course of my own investigation into this field, I came across a few treasures that function really effectively. Now, without further ado, I will reveal to you my picks for the best Nintendo DS emulation apps that are currently available for Android devices.
Best Nintendo DS Emulators for Android Comparison Table
The Nintendo DS console may no longer be manufactured, but its legacy lives on in the hearts of gamers and fans of cutting-edge technology. Many people are joining in on the retro gaming trend, and not only older people who remember playing games like Mario and Pokémon. If you fall into either of these camps, you may still enjoy the wonders of Nintendo DS consoles by downloading an emulator to your computer or mobile device.
Emulators | Price | Compatibility | Performance | Features | User interface | Platform support | Website Link |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DraStic DS Emulator | Paid | Excellent | Excellent | High | Good | Android | Google Play store |
EmuBox | Free | Good | Good | Medium | Good | Android | Google Play store |
NDS4Droid | Free | Good | Good | Medium | Good | Android | Google Play store |
RetroArch | Free | Good | Good | Medium | Good | Android | Google Play store |
SuperNDS | Free | Fair | Fair | Low | Fair | Android | Google Play store |
Best Nintendo DS Emulators for Android
The Nintendo DS console is no longer made, yet gamers and techies still love it. Some have childhood recollections of Mario and Pokémon, but more kids are joining in to rediscover a bygone period. Using PC or smartphone emulators, you may enjoy Nintendo DS console magic regardless of your category.
DraStic DS Emulator

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Compatibility | Supports a wide range of Nintendo DS games. |
High Performance | Offers high-speed emulation with smooth gameplay. |
Save States | Allows you to save and load game states easily. |
Customization | Offers various display and control customization options. |
I can personally attest to the fact that the DraStic DS Emulator provides an outstanding gaming experience to Android devices because I am someone who is extremely enthusiastic about playing games on the Nintendo DS. This is not just any old emulator; rather, it is a fantastic bridge that allows you to access the entire world of Nintendo DS games directly on the screen of your mobile device. The speed and performance that it provides are very astounding, as they ensure that your favorite DS games will operate without any hiccups.
In addition, DraStic is not content to only emulate the original; rather, it goes above and above by providing a wide variety of possibilities for customization. You are able to modify the screen layouts to your choice and even partake in a little bit of throwback fun with the support for cheat codes. Because of these minute features, DraStic is an excellent option for any anyone who is passionate about DS.
The Good
- Wide compatibility with DS games.
- High-performance emulation.
- Easy save state management.
- Extensive customization options.
The Bad
- Paid app with no free version.
- Android-only support.
EmuBox

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Multi-Platform | Supports multiple gaming consoles and platforms. |
All-in-One Emulator | Combines various emulators into one application. |
User-Friendly | Easy-to-use interface with intuitive controls. |
Cheat Support | Allows cheats and cheat codes for games. |
EmuBox is the versatile emulator that I turn to time and time again when it comes to bringing the nostalgic world of retro gaming on my Android device. Its vast compatibility for a wide variety of older gaming systems, such as the NES, SNES, and GBA, among others, is what sets it different from other similar products. You’ll forget you’re not actually playing on the original hardware thanks to the emulation speed, which is so lightning quick, and the user-friendly interface, which makes it a snap to plunge into your favorite oldies.
In addition, there is support for save states, which ensures that your progress is never lost and that you are able to revisit those happy childhood memories. EmuBox is the best option available to you if you are seeking for a comprehensive answer to the problem of multi-console emulation.
The Good
- Versatile, covering multiple consoles.
- Streamlined all-in-one emulator experience.
- User-friendly and intuitive design.
- Cheat support for enhancing gameplay.
The Bad
- Some compatibility issues with specific games.
- May require powerful hardware for smooth performance.
NDS4Droid

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Open Source | It’s an open-source Nintendo DS emulator. |
Free to Use | Available for free on the Google Play Store. |
Good Compatibility | Decent compatibility with various DS games. |
Regular Updates | Active development with frequent updates. |
From what I’ve seen, NDS4Droid has established itself as the go-to application for emulating Nintendo DS games on Android. While it is possible that it does not equal the performance of some of the others in terms of pure performance, it does offer something valuable to the table, and that is the fact that it is open-source and continues to be developed.
The fact that this emulator is like a work in progress, changing and developing all the time, is a big benefit for those who are interested in playing games on a Nintendo DS. NDS4Droid is a strong choice to take into consideration if you are the type of person who values participation in an open-source community and the prospect of further development in the product.
The Good
- Open-source, free emulator.
- Regular updates improve performance.
- Decent compatibility with many DS games.
- Legal and easily accessible.
The Bad
- Some games may not run smoothly.
- Lacks advanced features found in paid emulators.
RetroArch

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Cross-Platform | Available on various platforms and systems. |
Core-Based Emulation | Uses cores for different console emulation. |
High Customization | Offers extensive customization options. |
Netplay Support | Allows online multiplayer gaming. |
As someone who has a lot of experience with classic video games, I can declare without hesitation that RetroArch is a revolutionary development in the field of emulation. Its adaptability and compatibility with a wide range of operating systems make it a standout among frontends for emulators of all kinds and give it a competitive advantage. With compatibility for such a wide variety of gaming platforms, it’s almost as if you had a treasure trove full of gaming history right at your fingertips.
RetroArch provides a one-stop solution that turns your Android smartphone into a retro gaming paradise, and it doesn’t matter whether you’re a fan of ancient NES games, classic Sega Genesis games, or everything in between; RetroArch has you covered. It is an emulator that successfully bridges the gap between the recent past and the present, so assuring that the classics will continue to be played.
The Good
- Cross-platform availability.
- Core-based emulation for different consoles.
- Highly customizable for advanced users.
- Netplay support for online multiplayer.
The Bad
- Can be complex for newcomers.
- Requires additional setup for optimal performance.
- UI may not be as user-friendly as other emulators.
SuperNDS

Feature | Description |
---|---|
High Compatibility | Supports a wide range of Nintendo DS games. |
High Performance | Provides smooth and fast gameplay. |
External Controller Support | Allows the use of gamepads and controllers. |
Fast Forwarding | Offers a fast-forward feature for quicker gameplay. |
SuperNDS has came to my attention as an intriguing newcomer over the course of my continuous research into several Android apps that emulate the Nintendo DS. With its excellent performance and other intriguing features, it breathes new life into the DS emulation scene. Because of its intuitive user interface, even inexperienced players can quickly pick it up and start playing, and the software receives regular updates, which ensure that it remains at the forefront of DS emulation.
If you want to play Nintendo DS games on your Android device and you’re looking for an emulator that keeps growing better, SuperNDS is definitely a competitor that’s worth checking out if you’re in the market for one.
The Good
- Wide compatibility with DS games.
- High-performance emulation.
- External controller support for enhanced gameplay.
- Fast-forward feature for quick progress.
The Bad
- Limited customization options.
- May not work well on older devices.
- Ad-supported with a paid option for removal.
Why Use Nintendo DS Emulators on Android?
Emulators for the Nintendo DS (also known as NDS) can provide game aficionados with a number of benefits and advantages when used on Android devices. Emulators of the Nintendo DS could be useful on your Android device for a number of reasons, including the following:
- Access to a Large Collection of Games: The Nintendo DS offered users access to a large collection of games from a variety of genres. When you use an emulator, you are able to play a broad variety of Nintendo DS games, including both well-known and obscure titles.
- Portability: Because your Android device is portable, you don’t need the original Nintendo DS handheld system in order to play Nintendo DS games while you’re on the road.
- Cost Savings: Emulators eliminate the need to purchase the Nintendo DS console and games, which can result in significant cost savings. Emulators also allow for backwards compatibility with Nintendo DS titles.
- Enhanced Graphics and Performance: NDS emulators for Android frequently include settings that allow users to improve the graphics, increase the resolution, and attain a higher level of performance than the hardware the game was originally designed for.
- Customization Options: Options for Customization Emulators provide you the ability to personalize your gaming experience by letting you change things like the controls, the screen layout, cheat codes, and save states.
- Save and Load States: Emulators often have save states, which allow you to save your game progress at any moment and return to it at a later time. This feature can be handy for sections of the game that are difficult to complete or when you have a limited amount of time to spend playing the game.
How to Install and Use Nintendo DS Emulator on Android
Following these steps will allow you to play Nintendo DS (NDS) games on your Android device, as well as install and operate a Nintendo DS (NDS) emulator.
- Verify the Compatibility of Your Device: Check to see if the NDS emulators you want to use are compatible with your Android device. The vast majority of contemporary Android devices ought to be equipped with the essential hardware and performance capabilities.
- Enable Installation from Unknown Sources: By default, Android places limitations on installations that originate from “unknown sources,” which refers to locations other than the Google Play Store. It’s possible that you’ll need to activate “Unknown Sources” in the settings of your device before you can install an NDS emulator. Click “Install unknown apps” after navigating to “Settings” > “Security” or “Privacy” > “Install unknown apps” and selecting the app or browser from where you desire to download the emulator.
- Pick an NDS Emulator to Play on: You can locate and download an NDS emulator for Android by going to the Google Play Store, other reliable sources such as , or the website of the emulator developer. The DraStic DS Emulator, nds4droid, and RetroArch emulators are just a few of the popular choices.
- Emulator can be downloaded and installed here: Find the emulator that you want to use, then select the “Install” option to begin the process of downloading and installing it on your Android device.
- Acquire the Video Game ROMs: In order to play games on a Nintendo DS, you will require game ROMs. Make sure that you have lawfully gotten NDS game ROMs, either by purchasing them or by building backups of your own game cartridges, and that you are not breaking any laws by doing so. You should save these ROMs on your device, often in a folder named “Downloads” or “Roms.”
- Adjust the Settings on the Emulator: Launch the emulator after the installation is complete. When you open the emulator for the first time, you will be given the opportunity to customise it. In most cases, this requires configuring the controls, selecting the location in which your ROMs are kept, and making adjustments to the graphical and audio settings. Follow the directions that are displayed on the screen.
Questions and Answers
RetroArch is a video game emulator that may be used for a variety of purposes and is available for all platforms, from Android to Linux. The original Game Boy, the Game Boy Advance, and the Nintendo DS are all supported by the Android version of the game, in addition to other console games and gaming systems that are not made by Nintendo.
I would suggest purchasing Drastic because it is currently the NDS emulator that is both the quickest and most accurate one available for the Android platform. In fact, when it comes to performance and accuracy, it even competes with the popular DesMuMe.