WatermelonDS

Android

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Freedom report

One barScore 5.4

Free tierNo free tier on record
Open codeNo open-source code on record
Runs widely1 of 6 device platforms
DocumentedPlans, terms and facts published

WatermelonDS is ranked #18 of 18 in Nintendo DS emulators on Freedom251. It runs on Android.

Compared on Nintendo DS emulators

Free plan: Yes
Supported platforms: Android
Save states: Yes
Local multiplayer: No
Nintendo DSi support: Yes
Cheat support: Yes
Screen layout options: Per-ROM layouts, screen rotation, external-screen layouts, layout editor

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The record

What it does: WatermelonDS is a Nintendo DS and DSi emulator for Android, built on melonDS and the melonDS Android port.
RetroAchievements: It supports achievements, leaderboards, Hardcore mode, and offline achievement unlocking with later submission.
Renderers: Available renderers include software, OpenGL, Vulkan, and compute, with internal resolution scaling.
Shaders: RetroArch shader presets are supported across renderers through librashader.
External displays: It supports playing on a second screen with the touch screen remaining usable on the handheld, plus per-ROM display layout settings.
Library: The ROM library supports DSiWare titles, box art on the continue shelf, custom ROM names, and separate internal and external layout backups.
Frontend integration: Third-party Android frontends can launch the app using its package and activity names, provided the ROM has already been scanned by WatermelonDS.
ROM formats: Frontend launch parameters support NDS ROMs in ZIP and 7z files, and release notes also state that compatible NDZ files can open from the library.
Missing features: The project lists local multiplayer, DSi SD card support, and customizable button skins as missing features.
Device performance: The project says performance is solid on 64-bit devices with thread rendering and JIT enabled, while older devices, especially 32-bit devices, perform very poorly due to lack of JIT support.
Download and release status: Builds are published on GitHub Releases; the latest listed release is version 0.8.0.rc2, marked as a release candidate.
Release caveat: The project says release candidates can contain more bugs than usual and may require clearing app data after an update.
Security and license: The repository lists a GPL-3.0 license; the opened project pages do not state security certifications or compliance claims.
Organization and pricing: The project page identifies SapphireRhodonite as the repository owner and describes the app as an Android port; it states no price or paid plan.

Where it ranks on Freedom251

Best Nintendo DS Emulators in 2026#18 of 18

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Sources

github.com/SapphireRhodonite/WatermelonDS· checked 30 Sept 2026
github.com/SapphireRhodonite/WatermelonDS/releases· checked 30 Sept 2026