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===Comparisons===
;[[DeSmuME]]:One of the most developed emulators for regular DS games, but works best with higher end computers. This emulator aims for accuracy over speed but you can tinker with the vast amount of setting to get some extra FPS (see [[Common Problems and Solutions]] for tips). If you're still having a hard time running anything without the output playing like syrup try No$GBA, or DraStic emulated through BlueStacks. DeSmuME is generally recommended regardless of your PC power. However, it's not perfect and is still very unoptimized. The official developers have taken major disdain for Wi-Fi features (outside of an online play fork) and DSi features. Because of this unique development philosophy, you'll have to look for alternatives in those cases.
;[[DraStic]]:A closed-source payware emulator for Android devices that can run games at decent speed even on potato phones. Some unsubstantiated rumors have spread around that the developers deliberately put in issues to mess with pirated copies though. It's on par or better than DeSmuMe, and emulating it through BlueStacks on PC may actually be a viable and fast alternative aside from a slight input delay. Available on Raspberry Pi via RetroPie.
;[[No$GBA]]:Focuses on speed, and has major compatibility issues and glitches as a result. But because it was originally a GBA emulator, the DS's 3D features are still very poorly handled. However, it might be an option for a very low end machine but don't expect a lot of games to run perfectly, or at all. A fan program, No$Zoomer, was released for version 2.6 which increases compatibility and options, as well as the titular zooming abilities. The biggest addition is noise cancellation which clears up static that No$GBA makes with its 3D rendering. No$Zoomer hasn't rebased yet but does add options for window resizing. There hasn't been any noticeable changes with regards to accuracy however. As of v2.8, No$GBA supports DSi games, and is currently the only emulator that does. Only use No$GBA in the cases of DSi games, debugging (if you've taken up romhacking for DS games), if you value speed above everything, or just as a last resort.
;[[melonDS]]:Probably the only emulator that's provided any signs of hope for competition in the PC space. StapleButter's goal is to make an emulator that's better optimized and includes features that others lack, either intentionally or not. While the developers of No$GBA had documented the Wi-Fi capabilities first, melonDS is the only emulator that's gotten as far as it has and it has been found to work reasonably well with a handful of games. It could surpass DeSmuME when it covers more features and supports more games, but it's unclear whether DSi games will be supported or not.
