DeSmuME

Version0.9(as of 4/18/2023)
PlatformsWindows, Mac, Linux
LicenseOpen Source
CategoryGaming
Go to Website
Rating:3.6  |  71 Votes

Main Features

  • Supports many popular Nintendo DS games
  • Allows you to save your progress at any time during gameplay
  • Provides filters that improve game image quality
  • Allows you to take screenshots of gameplay

Software Overview

Screenshot of DeSmuME 0.9
Screenshot of DeSmuME 0.9

DeSmuME is an open-source Nintendo DS emulator for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It allows you to play Nintendo DS games on your PC by loading DS game ROMs (often saved as .NDS files).

The emulator can load and run most Nintendo DS games, though notably struggles with games in the Pokémon series (such as Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, HeartGold, and SoulSilver). Some other games, such as Golden Sun: Dark Dawn and The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, require you to adjust DeSmuME's settings to play them.

DeSmuME allows you to save your game progress at any time, to a .DSV file. You can then load this file (alongside the corresponding game ROM) to resume your saved game. The emulator also provides other helpful features, such as:

  • Filters that improve image quality
  • A 2x speed setting that allows you to speed up gameplay
  • A cheat manager
  • Display size and layout options
  • The ability to save screenshots of your gameplay

Summary

DeSmuME is a favorite among gamers looking to play Nintendo DS games on their computers. It can reliably run most games (with a handful of exceptions) and provides helpful quality-of-life features that will enhance your gaming experience. If you're looking for a Nintendo DS emulator (and don't want to play Pokémon games), DeSmuME is a great choice.

Primary File Type

dst icon.DSTDeSmuME Save State

Supported File Types

ExtensionFile Type
.DSTDeSmuME Save State
.BINNintendo DS Binary File
.DCTDeSmuME ROM Cheats File
.DFCDeSmuME Firmware Configuration File
.DSVDeSmuME Saved Game
.ND5Renamed NDS File
.NDSNintendo DS Game ROM
.SAVNintendo DS Save File
Updated 4/18/2023