Start with the console the game was made for. Nintendo DS and DSi games need a DS emulator such as melonDS, while Nintendo 3DS games need a separate 3DS emulator such as Azahar. Install a current build for your handheld, use your own legally made game backups, configure any system files that the chosen emulator requires, and then tune the two-screen and touch controls.
The names of menus, supported devices and performance can change between Android handhelds and emulator builds. Treat the steps below as a reliable workflow, then confirm the exact labels in the version you install.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
1. Identify the game’s original system
Look at the cartridge, box, dump information or the game’s documentation and decide whether it is a Nintendo DS/DSi title or a Nintendo 3DS title. That choice determines the emulator, file preparation and system files you may need.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
- DS or DSi game: follow the melonDS workflow, or the instructions for another DS emulator that explicitly supports your handheld.
- 3DS game: follow the Azahar workflow, or another current 3DS emulator that supports your device.
A Nintendo 3DS console can play almost all Nintendo DS and DSi software, but that hardware backward-compatibility statement does not mean that every third-party emulator can run every title. Some DS games depended on an accessory in the original system’s Game Boy Advance slot and are exceptions even on Nintendo hardware. An emulator also has its own compatibility limits, so do not choose an emulator solely because a game runs on a physical 3DS.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
2. Gather what the setup actually needs
Prepare these items before installing anything:
- A dual-screen handheld and its operating system details, including whether it runs Android and whether it has usable touchscreen input.
- A current emulator build intended for that operating system and processor. Desktop documentation may describe features that are absent or arranged differently in an Android port.
- Your own game backup in a format the selected emulator accepts.
- A folder that the app can access for games and, where required, another folder for emulator data or system files.
- A physical controller or the handheld’s built-in buttons, plus a way to reach the lower-screen touch area.
- Optional removable storage. An SD or microSD card is useful only if the handheld supports that card type and capacity; it is not a universal requirement.
There is no single minimum processor, memory amount or frame-rate guarantee that applies to every current DS and 3DS emulator, game and handheld combination. Compatibility and speed depend on the title, emulator version, graphics driver, thermal limits and input hardware. Plan to test the exact game on the exact device.
3. Choose the correct emulator path
| Original system | Project to investigate | System-file situation | Game-file notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo DS or DSi | melonDS, using a build or port intended for your handheld | The documented melonDS firmware-boot workflow uses DS BIOS and firmware files. Direct game boot is also available. | Follow the formats and import rules of the specific build. Do not assume the desktop FAQ describes every other DS emulator. |
| Nintendo 3DS | Azahar, an open-source 3DS emulator project based on Citra | Use the project’s current Android setup instructions and app build. The reviewed instructions do not establish one identical interface for every handheld. | Decrypted CCI/3DS, CIA and CXI/NCCH files are documented, along with homebrew 3DSX. Encrypted game files are unsupported. |
Azahar’s project README recommends Google Play for most Android users and describes alternative installation routes. Check the project’s current release and installation instructions when you install, because distribution channels and package variants can change. For DS games, consult the current melonDS project material and select the port that matches your handheld rather than assuming that a desktop download will work unchanged.
4. Set up DS and DSi games with melonDS
Install a compatible melonDS build
- Confirm that the build is intended for your handheld’s operating system and processor architecture.
- Install it from the project’s current distribution channel or the channel used by the maintained port. Avoid mixing configuration files from unrelated forks.
- Open the app once so it can create its data directory and expose its current settings pages.
The melonDS FAQ describes desktop melonDS. Its menu names and file locations should therefore be treated as a guide to the project’s documented configuration, not as a promise that an Android port will show identical controls.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallDecide between direct game boot and firmware boot
melonDS supports direct game boot. The FAQ recommends leaving direct boot enabled when you are using DSi or 3DS DS-mode firmware. If you want the original DS-style startup sequence, configure the required firmware and BIOS files instead. Choose one approach deliberately; a missing file in a firmware-boot configuration can look like a game failure even when the game backup is intact.
Provide the DS files only when the chosen mode requires them
For the documented DS firmware-boot setup, melonDS lists these files:
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| File | Documented size | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
bios9.bin |
4 KB | ARM9 BIOS used by the DS system emulation. |
bios7.bin |
16 KB | ARM7 BIOS used by the DS system emulation. |
| DS firmware dump | 128 KB, 256 KB or 512 KB, depending on its type | Firmware used when booting through the emulated system rather than directly launching a game. |
These requirements belong to the documented melonDS workflow. They are not a universal requirement for every DS emulator, and a port may provide a different picker or default location.
- Make private copies of the BIOS and firmware dumps obtained from hardware you own or are authorized to use.
- In melonDS, open Emu Settings → DS-mode, or the equivalent DS-mode page in your port.
- Use the file selectors to point to
bios9.bin,bios7.binand the firmware dump. - Save the configuration, close the settings page and restart the emulator if the port requires a restart before rechecking the files.
- Launch a known-good DS title. If direct boot is enabled, verify that the game starts without requiring the firmware files; if firmware boot is selected, check that all three paths resolve to readable files.
DSi emulation has additional requirements
The melonDS FAQ lists additional DSi BIOS, DSi firmware and DSi NAND requirements for DSi emulation. Those files are separate from the basic DS BIOS pair. Do not substitute a DS BIOS for a DSi file or copy a path from a tutorial written for a different version. If you only need ordinary DS software, leave DSi-specific emulation disabled until a title requires it.
5. Set up 3DS games with Azahar
Install the current Android build
- Read the current Azahar project instructions and identify the Android package that matches your handheld.
- For most Android users, use the Google Play distribution recommended by the project README. If you use an alternative route described by the project, verify the package source and architecture before installing.
- Start Azahar once and allow it to create its initial data structure.
The project describes Azahar as “an open-source 3DS emulator project based on Citra.” That identifies the project’s purpose; it does not guarantee that every Android handheld exposes the same menu labels, graphics options, controller map or performance.
Create the user-data and game folders
Azahar’s Android setup instructions describe two folder selections during initial setup: a user-data folder and a game folder. Either can be on internal storage or on an SD card.
- When the first folder picker appears, select or create a user-data folder that the app can retain access to. Use a location you can find again when making backups.
- Approve the Android system picker’s access request. Selecting a folder without granting access leaves the app unable to read or write its data.
- When Azahar asks for the game folder, choose the directory containing your personal 3DS backups, or create a dedicated folder for them.
- Keep the game folder separate from unrelated downloads. A simple structure such as
Games/3DSmakes rescanning and backup easier, but do not rely on that exact path because Android storage rules vary. - If you use removable storage, eject it safely and confirm that the handheld supports the card’s format and capacity before moving the folders.
Use supported, decrypted game formats
Azahar’s documentation lists the following formats:
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Format | Supported use documented by the project |
|---|---|
.cci or .3ds |
Decrypted 3DS cartridge image. |
.cia |
Decrypted installable title package. |
.cxi or NCCH content |
Decrypted title content. |
.3dsx |
Homebrew format. |
Encrypted game files are not supported. If a file appears in the folder but Azahar rejects it, check whether it is encrypted before changing graphics settings or reinstalling the app.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe project’s documentation says that preparing personal backups requires a 3DS and does not publish a dumping guide because legal rules differ by location. Use only backups you are legally allowed to make. Do not download commercial games or system files from unofficial sources, and check the law where you live before making or converting a backup.
Add the game library
- Place a supported, decrypted backup in the game folder selected during setup.
- Open Azahar’s game-library or directory-management page. The exact label can change between builds.
- Add or rescan the selected folder if the title does not appear automatically.
- Select the title and verify that the app can open its details without reporting an unsupported or encrypted file.
- Keep the original backup unchanged. If you need to convert or reinstall a title, work on a copy so the known-good file remains available.
6. Make both screens usable
A dual-screen handheld is most useful when the layout reflects how the game expects you to play. Start with a view that keeps both screens visible, then adjust only when a title benefits from a larger upper screen or a more precise touch area.
Choose a two-screen arrangement
- Vertical arrangement: places the screens one above the other and resembles the physical DS or 3DS. It is usually the easiest layout for games that constantly reference the lower screen.
- Horizontal or side-by-side arrangement: can fit a wide handheld display better and may leave more room for physical controls, but it can make touch targets smaller.
- One-screen focus: enlarges one display when the second screen is used only for maps, menus or occasional status information. Keep a quick way to bring the other display back.
The official materials do not establish one universal layout workflow for every Azahar build, melonDS port and handheld. Look in the current app’s display, layout, video or screen settings for options that control screen order, scale, spacing and focus.
Retain touch input for the lower screen
Map the handheld’s touchscreen to the emulated lower display, not just to a mouse cursor or a generic pointer. Test taps, drags, virtual keyboard input and edge-of-screen targets. If the device has a stylus, check whether the app supports the desired precision; otherwise enlarge the touch area or use a one-screen view while entering small text.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Map a practical screen-switch control
Many dual-screen layouts expose a command for swapping screens, changing focus or temporarily enlarging one display, but the name and default button vary. If your build offers such a command, assign it to an easy-to-reach physical button or a documented hotkey. Test it while a game is running, then test how to return to the normal two-screen view. If no switch command exists, use the layout controls supplied by the app and avoid assigning a button combination that conflicts with an in-game action.
Map controls by function, not by assumption
- Confirm the directional pad or left stick controls movement.
- Map the face buttons to the emulator’s A, B, X and Y inputs as shown by the current app.
- Assign shoulder buttons and Start/Select or equivalent system buttons.
- Check that the hinge, orientation or display mode does not move the touch target away from your finger.
- Save the profile for the specific emulator and handheld, then verify that it remains after restarting the app.
7. Test one title before adding a library
A short sanity check catches most setup errors without creating a large troubleshooting problem.
- Confirm that the game appears in the emulator’s library or opens from the selected folder.
- Launch it and wait through the first menu. A file error at this point usually indicates an unsupported, encrypted or damaged backup, a missing BIOS path, or a folder-permission problem.
- Press every mapped face and shoulder button, move the pad or stick, and test Start and Select.
- Touch several controls on the lower screen, including a drag or text-entry field if the game provides one.
- Use the screen-switch or focus control, if available, and return to the normal two-screen layout.
- Create a small in-game save, close the emulator through its normal exit path and reopen the title.
- Load the save and confirm that the emulator retained it in the user-data location you selected.
Only after this check should you add more games or move the folders to removable storage. This is a setup check you perform on your device, not a universal compatibility test.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.8. Troubleshoot by the symptom
The game is not listed
- Verify that the app is scanning the same folder where the file was copied.
- Rescan the directory or restart the app if the current build requires it.
- Check the extension and filename. A file renamed to look like a supported format is not necessarily valid.
- On Android, reopen the system folder picker and grant access to the selected directory.
Azahar reports an unsupported or encrypted file
Use a decrypted .cci/.3ds, .cia, .cxi/NCCH or supported homebrew .3dsx file. Azahar’s documentation explicitly states that encrypted game files are unsupported. Do not try to solve this by changing screen or graphics settings.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
melonDS reports a BIOS or firmware problem
Check the file names and sizes against the documented melonDS requirements: bios9.bin at 4 KB, bios7.bin at 16 KB and a 128 KB, 256 KB or 512 KB firmware dump, depending on its type. Reopen Emu Settings → DS-mode and confirm each path. If you intend to use direct boot, make sure that mode is enabled instead of troubleshooting files you do not need. DSi emulation requires its own additional files.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
The screen is black or the layout is unusable
- Return to the default two-screen layout and confirm that both displays are enabled.
- Check screen order, scale, rotation and focus in the current display settings.
- Try one title known to open correctly before judging the whole emulator.
- Restart after changing a graphics or display option if the build does not apply changes immediately.
Touch input lands in the wrong place
Confirm that the touchscreen is mapped to the lower emulated display and that the selected layout matches the physical orientation. A side-by-side layout can shift or shrink the touch target. Test with the default layout before creating a custom overlay.
Controls work in menus but not in the game
Open the running-game input profile, not only the global profile, and check that no button is assigned to two conflicting actions. Save the profile after editing and test it again after a restart.
The game runs slowly or stutters
Performance is device-, title- and version-dependent; the available material does not establish a universal hardware specification or benchmark. First return to the emulator’s default graphics settings, close background apps, keep the handheld cool and test one title at a time. If the problem affects only one game, record the title, emulator build and graphics settings before seeking help from the project’s current support channels.
Recommended Free Tools
Saves disappear
- Confirm that the emulator can write to its user-data folder.
- Do not remove the SD card or force-close the app while it is saving.
- Back up the user-data folder after a known-good save.
- If Android has revoked folder access, select the folder again through the system picker.
9. Keep the installation maintainable
Use separate folders for DS and 3DS backups, keep an untouched copy of important files, and record which emulator build created each save. When updating an emulator, read its current release notes and preserve the user-data folder before replacing the app. A new build may change settings names or storage permissions even when the game files stay the same.
Do not copy a desktop melonDS BIOS recipe into another DS emulator without checking that emulator’s documentation. Likewise, do not assume that an Azahar Android package, a desktop build and a community port expose identical controls. Project instructions and distribution channels are volatile, so verify them at installation time.
10. A quick decision checklist
- Is the game labeled or identified as DS/DSi or 3DS?
- Did you install an emulator that explicitly targets that system and your handheld?
- Are your personal backups in a documented, supported and, for Azahar, decrypted format?
- For melonDS firmware boot, are the BIOS and firmware paths correct and the file sizes plausible?
- For Azahar on Android, did you grant access to both the user-data folder and game folder?
- Can you see both screens, touch the lower screen and switch focus without losing control?
- Does one test title open, respond to every input and retain a save after restarting?
If all seven answers are yes, add the rest of your library gradually and keep the working configuration as your baseline. If one answer is no, fix that specific layer before changing several settings at once.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
