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 is for
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.
What is good
- Offers portrait and multiple landscape screen layouts.
- Includes LCD swapping, save states, and cheat support.
- Licensed under GPLv3, which permits compliant redistribution and forks.
- The project describes a source build route.
What to know first
- AppBrain reports that the app was removed from Google Play.
- Source builds require Android libraries and ndk-build dependencies.
- Maintainers do not provide compiling or development setup help.
- The maintainers do not provide guidance on obtaining games or ROMs.
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.
Get started with ANDSemu
- Visit the ANDSemu GitHub repository.
- The README recommends Google Play installation, though AppBrain reports the app was removed from the store.
- Alternatively, build from source with ActionBarSherlock, Android Support Libraries, and ndk-build for DeSmuME and other native libraries.
Limits to know first
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.
Questions about ANDSemu
Is ANDSemu free?
AppBrain’s historical listing describes the Android app as free to download. The project is open source under GPLv3.
Which platform does ANDSemu support?
ANDSemu supports Android. AppBrain’s historical listing gives Android 2.3.3 or higher as its technical requirement.
Is ANDSemu available on Google Play?
The README recommends Google Play installation, but AppBrain reports that the app was removed from Google Play on January 14, 2013.
Is ANDSemu open source?
Yes. ANDSemu is licensed under GPLv3. Redistribution and forks are permitted when the license requirements are followed, including providing source files and build scripts.
Can I build ANDSemu from source?
The README describes building from source as an alternative. It requires ActionBarSherlock, Android Support Libraries, and ndk-build for DeSmuME and other native libraries.
Does the project help users obtain Nintendo DS games or ROMs?
No. The maintainers say they do not know how to obtain games or ROMs and ask users not to contact them for that information.
Compared on Nintendo DS emulators
- Supported platforms
- Android
- Save states
- Yes
- Cheat support
- Yes
- Screen layout options
- portrait stacked; landscape side-by-side; landscape stacked; LCD swap
