melonDS 1.1 is a Nintendo DS emulator for Windows, released under GPL-3.0 and free to use. Its stated goal is to do things right and fast, and the whole package weighs about 18.6 MB. If a DS game is what you want on your PC, this is a focused way to run it.
A DS emulator focused on correctness and speed
melonDS aims to emulate the Nintendo DS accurately while staying fast.
What a session with the 18.6 MB build looks like
The package ID is melonDS.melonDS, and version 1.1 was released on November 18, 2025, the same day it was last updated. You install the small 18.6 MB build, load a DS game, and play. Check the official site for details on settings and controls.
Where it sits next to PPSSPP, RetroArch and the rest
The listed alternatives are PPSSPP, RetroArch, DuckStation, Cemu, PCSX2 and BizHawk. Most target other consoles. Its tags point to the Nintendo DS, which makes melonDS the dedicated choice here, while RetroArch and BizHawk are the multi-system names on that list.
melonDS pros and cons
Pros
- Free
- GPL-3.0 licence
- Small 18.6 MB size
- Published on the developer's own host, melonds.kuribo64.net
- Stated goal of accuracy and speed
Cons
- Windows only
- Settings and controls are documented only on the official site
- No independent security review is available
Is melonDS safe?
The download points to the developer's official host, melonds.kuribo64.net, so you fetch it from the source rather than from us. The software is released under GPL-3.0 and the developer is listed as melonDS. No independent security review is available.
How to install melonDS
- Press the download button to get the official file.
- Run the installer you saved and confirm the Windows security prompt if the publisher matches.
- Follow the setup steps, then start melonDS from the Start menu.
