Difference between revisions of "MelonDS"

From Emulation General Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(Downloads)
(Tags: Mobile edit, Mobile web edit)
(Replaced abbreviations by equally short forms or, if not possible, the full form; wifi > Wi-Fi.)
(Tags: Mobile edit, Mobile web edit)
(12 intermediate revisions by 8 users not shown)
Line 4: Line 4:
 
|logo = MelonDS.png
 
|logo = MelonDS.png
 
|logowidth = 80
 
|logowidth = 80
|version = {{MelonDSVer}}
+
|version = {{Version|MelonDS}}
 
|active = Yes
 
|active = Yes
|platform = Multi-platform
+
|platform = [[Emulators on PC|Windows]]<br/>[[Emulators on Linux|Linux]]<br/>[[Emulators on macOS|macOS]]<br/>[[Emulators on Android OS|Android]]<small> (Unofficial)</small><br/>[[Emulators on Switch|Nintendo Switch]]<br/>[[Emulators on Vita|PlayStation Vita]]
 
|target = [[Nintendo DS emulators|Nintendo DS]]
 
|target = [[Nintendo DS emulators|Nintendo DS]]
 
|developer = [https://github.com/Arisotura Arisotura]<br/><small>[https://github.com/Arisotura/melonDS/graphs/contributors Repository contributors]</small>
 
|developer = [https://github.com/Arisotura Arisotura]<br/><small>[https://github.com/Arisotura/melonDS/graphs/contributors Repository contributors]</small>
Line 17: Line 17:
 
|bios          = [[Emulator_Files#Nintendo_DS_.2F_DSi|Required for DSi]]
 
|bios          = [[Emulator_Files#Nintendo_DS_.2F_DSi|Required for DSi]]
 
}}
 
}}
'''melonDS''' is a free and open-source [[Nintendo DS emulators|Nintendo DS emulator]] aiming for better performance than [[DeSmuME]] and to emulate Wi-Fi and local multiplayer capabilities. It is developed by Arisotura (formerly known as StapleButter), a former contributor to DeSmuME, and has been available as a [[libretro]] core since version 0.6.
+
 
 +
'''melonDS''' is a free and open-source [[Nintendo DS emulators|Nintendo DS]]/[[Nintendo DSi emulators|DSi emulator]] aiming for better performance than [[DeSmuME]] and to emulate Wi-Fi and local multiplayer capabilities. Its developer is Arisotura (formerly known as StapleButter/Luigi__), a former contributor to DeSmuME, and it is available as a [[libretro]] core since version 0.6. Its first commit on GitHub was on May 15, 2016.
  
 
==Downloads==
 
==Downloads==
Line 31: Line 32:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|align=center|{{Icon|Android-big}}
 
|align=center|{{Icon|Android-big}}
|'''[https://github.com/rafaelvcaetano/melonDS-android Beta Build]'''
+
|'''[https://github.com/rafaelvcaetano/melonDS-android Source]''' '''[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.magnum.melonds Play Store]''' <br/> Unofficial melonDS Android port
'''[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.magnum.melonds 1.6.0]'''
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|-
 
|-
 
|align=center|{{Icon|NX-big}}
 
|align=center|{{Icon|NX-big}}
|'''[https://github.com/RSDuck/melonDS/releases Release 5]<br>[https://gbatemp.net/threads/melonds-for-switch-continuation.570021/ GBATemp Thread]'''<br><small> Ported by Hydr8gon, and currently maintained by Generic (aka RSDuck), who added an ARM64 JIT and other improvements. (Unofficial)</small><!--I don't know what the current status is for the Switch Port in terms of compatibility-->
+
|'''[https://github.com/RSDuck/melonDS/releases Release 6]<br>[https://gbatemp.net/threads/melonds-for-switch-continuation.570021/ GBATemp Thread]'''<br><small> Ported by Hydr8gon, and currently maintained by Generic (aka RSDuck), who added an ARM64 JIT and other improvements. (Unofficial)</small><!--I don't know what the current status is for the Switch Port in terms of compatibility-->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|align=center|{{Icon|Vita}}
 
|align=center|{{Icon|Vita}}
|[https://github.com/Rinnegatamante/melonDS-Vita Vita Port]<br><small>No longer maintained</small>
+
|[https://github.com/Rinnegatamante/melonDS-Vita Vita port]<br><small>No longer maintained</small>
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==Overview==
 
==Overview==
As of 0.9.1, melonDS offers:
+
As of 0.9.4, melonDS offers:
* Nearly complete core (CPU, video, audio, ...)
+
* Nearly complete core (CPU, video, audio...)
 
* JIT recompiler for fast emulation
 
* JIT recompiler for fast emulation
 
* OpenGL renderer, 3D upscaling
 
* OpenGL renderer, 3D upscaling
Line 51: Line 51:
 
* Joystick support
 
* Joystick support
 
* Savestates
 
* Savestates
* Various display position/sizing/rotation modes
+
* Many display position/sizing/rotation modes
* (WIP) Wifi: local multiplayer, online connectivity
+
* (WIP) Wi-Fi: local multiplayer, on-line connectivity
 
* (WIP) DSi emulation
 
* (WIP) DSi emulation
 
* DLDI
 
* DLDI
 
* (WIP) GBA slot add-ons
 
* (WIP) GBA slot add-ons
* and more are planned!
+
...and more are planned.
  
Though it's not as mature as DeSmuME in some areas, it's a relatively simple emulator to use and has potential.
+
Though it is not as mature as DeSmuME in some areas, it is a relatively simple emulator to use and has potential.
  
==Cheats/BIOS (DSi)==
+
==Cheats/BIOS==
* <B> [https://gbatemp.net/threads/deadskullzjrs-nds-cheat-databases.488711/ List of Supported Cheats Database]</B>
+
* <B> [https://gbatemp.net/threads/deadskullzjrs-nds-cheat-databases.488711 Cheats Database]</B>
 
* <B> [https://archive.org/details/ds-firmware_dsi-nand-and-firmware DSi NAND/BIOS + Firmware]</B>
 
* <B> [https://archive.org/details/ds-firmware_dsi-nand-and-firmware DSi NAND/BIOS + Firmware]</B>
  
Line 69: Line 69:
 
There is very little to tweak in terms of improving performance (which can be a good or bad thing). This is mainly due to the developer's goal of accurate emulation rather than providing game-specific hacks.
 
There is very little to tweak in terms of improving performance (which can be a good or bad thing). This is mainly due to the developer's goal of accurate emulation rather than providing game-specific hacks.
  
The OpenGL renderer is still being worked on, meaning that there's a slight chance some models/textures may not render correctly.
+
The OpenGL renderer is still being worked on, meaning that there is a small chance some models/textures may not render correctly.
  
 
==melonDSi==
 
==melonDSi==
On October 15, 2019, Arisotura released [http://melonds.kuribo64.net/comments.php?id=103 the beta version of an emulator called melonDSi], an experimental melonDS branch for DSi emulation.  So far, it's able to boot into the home screen of the DSi's firmware and boot some DSiWare, DSi-Enhanced games and other features (cameras, DSP, new wifi, etc.) aren't supported yet.  It used to have required a lot of files to be dumped in order to work (most of which were console-unique), however it has been reworked to require less files (namely, the DSi ARM7 & ARM9 BIOS, the DSi Firmware, and a NAND dump). It has since been merged into the master branch and is available on melonDS 0.9.
+
On October 15, 2019, Arisotura released [http://melonds.kuribo64.net/comments.php?id=103 the beta version of an emulator called melonDSi], an experimental melonDS branch for DSi emulation.  So far, it can boot into the home screen of the DSi's firmware and boot some DSiWare, DSi-Enhanced games and other features (cameras, DSP, new Wi-Fi etc.) are not supported yet.  It used to require a lot of files to be dumped to work (most of which were console-unique), but it has been reworked to require less files (namely, the DSi ARM7 and ARM9 BIOS, the DSi Firmware and a NAND dump). It has since been merged into the master branch and is available on melonDS 0.9.
  
 
==Getting started==
 
==Getting started==
Line 78: Line 78:
  
 
:''melonDS requires BIOS/firmware copies from a DS. Files required:''
 
:''melonDS requires BIOS/firmware copies from a DS. Files required:''
:*''bios7.bin, 16KB: ARM7 BIOS''
+
:*''bios7.bin, 16 KB: ARM7 BIOS''
:*''bios9.bin, 4KB: ARM9 BIOS''
+
:*''bios9.bin, 4 KB: ARM9 BIOS''
:*''firmware.bin, 128/256/512KB: firmware''
+
:*''firmware.bin, 128/256/512 KB: firmware''
:''Firmware boot requires a firmware dump from an original DS or DS Lite. DS firmwares dumped from a DSi or 3DS aren't bootable and only contain configuration data, thus they are only suitable when booting games directly.''
+
:''Firmware boot requires a firmware dump from an original DS or DS Lite. DS firmwares dumped from a DSi or 3DS are not bootable and only contain configuration data, thus they are only suitable when booting games directly.''
:''DS BIOS dumps from a 3DS can be used with no compatibility issues. DSi BIOS dumps should be usable too, provided they were dumped properly.''
+
:''DS BIOS dumps from a 3DS can be used without compatibility issues. DSi BIOS dumps should be usable too, provided they were dumped properly.''
  
These files can be found [[Emulator_Files#Nintendo_DS_.2F_DSi|here]]. If you do choose to look elsewhere online for system files, be warned that there are old hacked dumps floating around that breaks if the WFC configurations are altered.
+
These files can be found [[Emulator_Files#Nintendo_DS_.2F_DSi|here]]. If you do choose to look elsewhere online for system files, be warned that there are old hacked dumps floating around that breaks if the WFC configurations are altered.
  
In order to use the OpenGL renderer, you must have at least OpenGL 3.1.
+
To use the OpenGL renderer, you must have at least OpenGL 3.1.
 
More information can be found [http://melonds.kuribo64.net/faq.php in this FAQ].
 
More information can be found [http://melonds.kuribo64.net/faq.php in this FAQ].
  
Line 104: Line 104:
  
 
[[Category:Emulators]]
 
[[Category:Emulators]]
 +
[[Category:Console emulators]]
 +
[[Category:Handheld console emulators]]
 
[[Category:Windows emulation software]]
 
[[Category:Windows emulation software]]
 
[[Category:Linux emulation software]]
 
[[Category:Linux emulation software]]
 +
[[Category:macOS emulation software]]
 +
[[Category:Android emulation software]]
 +
[[Category:Switch emulation software]]
 +
[[Category:PlayStation Vita emulation software]]
 
[[Category:Nintendo DS emulators]]
 
[[Category:Nintendo DS emulators]]
 +
[[Category:Nintendo DSi emulators]]

Revision as of 02:21, 19 June 2022

melonDS
MelonDS.png
Developer(s) Arisotura
Repository contributors
Latest version 0.9.5 [+]
Active Yes
Platform(s) Windows
Linux
macOS
Android (Unofficial)
Nintendo Switch
PlayStation Vita
Emulates Nintendo DS
Accuracy Medium-Accurate
Website melonds.kuribo64.net
Support ($) Patreon
Programmed in C, C++
License GNU GPLv3
Source code GitHub
BIOS/Keys Required for DSi

melonDS is a free and open-source Nintendo DS/DSi emulator aiming for better performance than DeSmuME and to emulate Wi-Fi and local multiplayer capabilities. Its developer is Arisotura (formerly known as StapleButter/Luigi__), a former contributor to DeSmuME, and it is available as a libretro core since version 0.6. Its first commit on GitHub was on May 15, 2016.

Downloads

Windows Linux macOS Official Builds
Also available on Github
Windows Linux macOS Dev Builds

Android Source Play Store
Unofficial melonDS Android port

Switch Release 6
GBATemp Thread

Ported by Hydr8gon, and currently maintained by Generic (aka RSDuck), who added an ARM64 JIT and other improvements. (Unofficial)
Vita Vita port
No longer maintained

Overview

As of 0.9.4, melonDS offers:

  • Nearly complete core (CPU, video, audio...)
  • JIT recompiler for fast emulation
  • OpenGL renderer, 3D upscaling
  • RTC, microphone, lid close/open
  • Joystick support
  • Savestates
  • Many display position/sizing/rotation modes
  • (WIP) Wi-Fi: local multiplayer, on-line connectivity
  • (WIP) DSi emulation
  • DLDI
  • (WIP) GBA slot add-ons

...and more are planned.

Though it is not as mature as DeSmuME in some areas, it is a relatively simple emulator to use and has potential.

Cheats/BIOS

Issues

Like most emulators, development has been rocky with at one point the sole developer putting the project on a hiatus in May of 2018 leaving this to-do list for anyone who wished to contribute improving the emulator, which is still open-source. On July 2018 it was announced that development was going to continue for melonDS and has since shown potential.

There is very little to tweak in terms of improving performance (which can be a good or bad thing). This is mainly due to the developer's goal of accurate emulation rather than providing game-specific hacks.

The OpenGL renderer is still being worked on, meaning that there is a small chance some models/textures may not render correctly.

melonDSi

On October 15, 2019, Arisotura released the beta version of an emulator called melonDSi, an experimental melonDS branch for DSi emulation. So far, it can boot into the home screen of the DSi's firmware and boot some DSiWare, DSi-Enhanced games and other features (cameras, DSP, new Wi-Fi etc.) are not supported yet. It used to require a lot of files to be dumped to work (most of which were console-unique), but it has been reworked to require less files (namely, the DSi ARM7 and ARM9 BIOS, the DSi Firmware and a NAND dump). It has since been merged into the master branch and is available on melonDS 0.9.

Getting started

From the README on GitHub:

melonDS requires BIOS/firmware copies from a DS. Files required:
  • bios7.bin, 16 KB: ARM7 BIOS
  • bios9.bin, 4 KB: ARM9 BIOS
  • firmware.bin, 128/256/512 KB: firmware
Firmware boot requires a firmware dump from an original DS or DS Lite. DS firmwares dumped from a DSi or 3DS are not bootable and only contain configuration data, thus they are only suitable when booting games directly.
DS BIOS dumps from a 3DS can be used without compatibility issues. DSi BIOS dumps should be usable too, provided they were dumped properly.

These files can be found here. If you do choose to look elsewhere online for system files, be warned that there are old hacked dumps floating around that breaks if the WFC configurations are altered.

To use the OpenGL renderer, you must have at least OpenGL 3.1. More information can be found in this FAQ.

To use melonDS in DSi mode, you need extra files which can be found on this page.

Gallery


External links