ANDSemu

What ANDSemu is

ANDSemu is an open-source Nintendo DS emulator for Android phones and tablets. Its graphical interface provides portrait and landscape screen arrangements: landscape can show the screens side by side or stacked, and users can swap the LCD screens. The app also supports save states and cheats. The project describes its emulation base as nds4droid and DeSmuME, and the repository also names DSdroid. ANDSemu is licensed under GPLv3. The project README describes Google Play as the recommended installation route and source building as an alternative, but AppBrain reports that the app was removed from Google Play on January 14, 2013. AppBrain’s historical listing describes the Android app as free to download and gives Android 2.3.3 or higher as its technical requirement. A source build depends on ActionBarSherlock and Android Support Libraries, and requires ndk-build for DeSmuME and other native libraries. The maintainers say they cannot help with compiling the project or setting up a development environment. They also say they do not know how to obtain Nintendo DS games or ROMs and ask users not to contact them for that information. GPLv3 permits redistribution and forks when its terms are followed, including providing source files and build scripts.

Who it suits

ANDSemu may suit Android users looking for a Nintendo DS emulator with multiple screen layouts, save states, and cheat support. It also suits developers interested in a GPLv3 project they can build or fork, provided they can handle its build dependencies independently.

Limits

The app is reported as removed from Google Play. Building from source requires ActionBarSherlock, Android Support Libraries, and ndk-build, and the maintainers do not offer help compiling or setting up a development environment.

Getting started

1. Visit the ANDSemu GitHub repository.
2. The README recommends Google Play installation, though AppBrain reports the app was removed from the store.
3. Alternatively, build from source with ActionBarSherlock, Android Support Libraries, and ndk-build for DeSmuME and other native libraries.

Verdict

Consider ANDSemu if you want its Android emulator features and can access a suitable installation or build route. The reported removal from Google Play and the project’s limited build support may make it a poor fit for users who need a straightforward install or help compiling it.