Guide: How to Play Nintendo DS on Android Device

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Steps to play Nintendo DS on Android

Remember the Nintendo DS? The iconic handheld with its dual screens and stylus? Now you can play those classic games on your Android device! This guide will show you how to emulate Nintendo DS on Android and enjoy titles like Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, Mario Kart DS, and more.

A Blast From the Past: The Nintendo DS

The Nintendo DS (released in 2004) was a revolutionary handheld console. Its two screens (one with touchscreen) and stylus made for a unique gameplay experience. It sold over 150 million units, making it the second best-selling console of all time!

Why Emulate Nintendo DS Games?

  • Play on the Go: Enjoy your favorite DS games anytime, anywhere!

  • Affordable Access: Get access to the vast DS library without needing to buy a physical console.

The Best Nintendo DS Emulators for Android:

There are a few great options for emulating Nintendo DS on Android:

  • DraStic DS Emulator: This is a popular paid emulator known for its performance, compatibility, and frequent updates.

  • Free Options: Retroarch, Fast DS Emulator, and Lemuroid are good free, all-in-one emulators.

Steps to play Nintendo DS on Android

Requirements for Emulation:

While modern Android devices can easily handle DS emulation, there are some minimum requirements:

  • CPU: ARMv7a with NEON support (most devices from the last decade or so meet this)

  • RAM: At least 256MB (128MB free is recommended).

  • Operating System: Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread or higher.

  • Screen: Resolution of at least 320X480 pixels.

Steps to Play Nintendo DS Games on Android:

1. Download and Install the Emulator:

We’ll use the DraStic emulator for this guide. Download it from the Google Play Store.

Download and install the emulator

For a free option, you can download RetroArch from the Google Play Store.

2. Create a Game Folder:

Emulators need a specific folder to find your game files. We’ll create a folder for your Nintendo DS games:

  • Create the Folder: On your phone’s internal storage, create a folder called “Emulation.” Inside, create a folder for Nintendo DS games (e.g., “Nintendo DS”).

Create the game folder.

3. Move Your Games to the Folder:

To play Nintendo DS games, you need to download ROMs (game files). These are usually in .nds format.

  • Get Your ROMs: Remember to obtain ROMs legally.

  • Put Them in the Folder: Move your downloaded .nds game files to the “Nintendo DS” folder you created.

Move games to the folder

4. Tell Your Emulator Where to Find the Games:

  • DraStic:

    1. Open DraStic.

    2. Click “New Game”.

    3. Tap the “+” in the upper right corner and select “Add scoped storage directory”.

    4. Choose the “Nintendo DS” folder you created.

Indicate the route of the games.

5. Start Playing!

The emulator should have scanned your game folder, so you’re ready to play! Open the “Nintendo DS” folder in the emulator, choose a game, and enjoy!

Adjusting Settings:

DraStic has a lot of settings to customize your experience. For example:

  • Graphics: Enable high-resolution 3D rendering to enhance graphics.

  • Secondary Screen: Show the secondary screen in a corner or disable it.

  • Controls: Configure on-screen buttons or connect a physical gamepad.

Start a game… now play!

Recommended Nintendo DS Games to Emulate:

Here are some of the best DS games you should definitely try:

  • Advance Wars Dual Strike

  • Animal Crossing: Wild World

  • Brain Training

  • Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow

  • Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia

  • Chrono Trigger DS

  • Dragon Quest: The Heavenly Bride

  • Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Sky

  • Professor Layton and the Lost Future

  • Professor Layton and Pandora’s Box

  • Elite Beat Agents

  • Final Fantasy IV DS

  • Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective

  • GTA: Chinatown Wars

  • Dusk Hotel

  • Inazuma Eleven

  • Kirby, the brush of power

  • Mario & Luigi: Journey to Bowser’s Center

  • Mario Kart DS

  • Weather

  • Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes

  • New Super Mario Bros.

  • Nintendogs

  • Pokémon Black and White Version 2

  • Pokémon Gold and Silver

  • Rhythm Paradise

  • Super Mario 64 DS

  • Tetris DS

  • The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

  • The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks

  • The World Ends With You

  • Wario Ware Touched!

Now you’re ready to experience the magic of the Nintendo DS on your Android phone! Enjoy those classic games!

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