DS emulator. The goal is to do things right and fast.
Publisher’s description
What is melonDS?
melonDS by melonDS is open-source Windows software in the emulators category. Besides Windows, it is available for Linux.
Installation and requirements
The publisher provides Portable installers for 64-bit and ARM64 Windows. The main installer is 1 KB. It runs without installation (portable).
Updates and version history
The current version is 1.1, released on November 18, 2025. The version history goes back to May 18, 2023: 3 releases, all linked to the official files. That is about 1.2 releases a year.
Popularity and file types
On Windows it registers 13 file types, including .wav, .bin, .img, .dmg and .rom. Similar programs include PCSX2, SameBoy and BizHawk.
Pros / Cons
Pros
- Open source: the code can be inspected and built by anyone
- Native ARM64 build for Windows on Arm
- Portable: runs without installation
- Small download (1 KB)
- Also runs on Linux
Cons
- The official download link did not answer at the last check
In short: melonDS is an open-source emulator tool for 64-bit and ARM64 PCs.
Key features
- Nearly complete core (CPU, video, audio, ...)
- OpenGL renderer, 3D upscaling
- RTC, microphone, lid close/open
- Joystick support
- Savestates
- Various display position/sizing/rotations modes
- Work-in-progress Wi-Fi emulation for online connectivity and local multiplayer
- Experimental emulation of the Nintendo DSi
- ...and even more is planned!
AppStream · Flathub
Is melonDS safe to download?
- The file is served by melonds.kuribo64.net, the publisher’s own domain
- The download link uses HTTPS
- A SHA256 hash is published, so you can verify the file:
9F3F8A244103BE20B5B657AF5B0ED1B2A66BB20A7181476A6D294C9A53D4F8C8· Open the VirusTotal report for this hash - The link did not answer when we last checked it (October 22, 2026)
- The source code is public
- ExeAtlas does not host, wrap or modify installers
Related guide: How to check a file’s SHA256 hash on Windows
Recent versions
All 3 versions ›3 versions over 3 years · about 1.2 a year
| Version | Date | Size | Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1Latest | November 18, 2025 | 1 KB | ARM64 ZIP64-bit ZIP |
| 1.0 | July 9, 2025 | — | 64-bit ZIP |
| 0.9.5 | May 18, 2023 | — | 64-bit ZIP |
Install from the command line
Silent install ›winget install --id melonDS.melonDS -eProgram files (.exe): melonds.exe, melondsarm64.exe
Related guide: How to use winget: install and update apps
Also for other systems
flatpak install flathub net.kuribo64.melonDSInformation
- Publisher
- melonDS
- Category
- Emulators
- Licence
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Content rating
- All ages
- Requires
- Windows 11 / 10
- Architecture
- 64-bit, ARM64
- Installer
- Portable
- Other platforms
- Linux
- Version
- 1.1
- Released
- November 18, 2025
- Added to the catalogue
- May 18, 2023
- Versions listed
- 3
- Updates / year
- 1.2
- Website
- melonds.kuribo64.net
- winget ID
- melonDS.melonDS
File types it opens (13)
Ratings and reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to rate it.
Alternatives to melonDS
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BizHawk2.11A core-based, multi-system emulator written in C#. Provides nice features for casual gamers such as full screen, and controller/joystick support in addition to full rerecording and debugging tools for all system cores.Open source4.3K ↓ -
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Frequently asked questions
Is melonDS free?
Yes. melonDS is open-source software under the GPL-3.0 licence.
Is melonDS safe to download?
The download comes from melonds.kuribo64.net, which belongs to the publisher; ExeAtlas does not host or change the file. Compare its SHA256 hash with the one shown here, or open the VirusTotal report for that hash.
How do I install melonDS with winget?
Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal and run the winget command shown on this page. winget downloads the official installer and checks its SHA256 hash before running it.
Does melonDS run on ARM (Windows on Arm)?
Yes, there is a native ARM64 installer.
Where can I download an older version of melonDS?
The versions page lists all 3 versions with links to their official installer files, back to May 18, 2023.
Can I use melonDS without administrator rights?
Yes, it is portable: unpack and run it.
What are alternatives to melonDS?
PCSX2, SameBoy, BizHawk, bsnes and Cemu. The alternatives page compares them.
