Is DeSmuME not living up to your expectations? Here are the best DeSmuME alternatives that you should try.
DeSmuME is the most popular and longest-running DS emulator for playing Pokemon ROM hacks. It offers a great combination of essential features, ease of use, and performance, making it the go-to choice for many trainers.
However, despite being super popular, DeSmuME also has its limits. If you’re looking for other DS emulators like DeSmuME that offer better performance, more modern features, and flexibility, then this list is for you.
We compiled four of the best DeSmuME alternatives to play Pokemon games in and went over their pros and cons so you can decide which one to try next.
Related reads from Pokemoncoders:
- 7 Best Nintendo DS Emulators for Cheating
- How to Patch NDS ROMS With XDelta to Play DS ROM Hacks
- 5 Best Nintendo DS Emulators for Android
- Best Pokemon DS ROM Hacks
Table of Contents
4 Best DeSmuME Alternatives for Pokemon Games
4. Retroarch – Most Features and Customization Options
Retroarch is not your usual standalone emulator. It’s popular for being an all-in-one emulator that s a wide array of handheld devices and platforms.
When it comes to DS emulation, Retroarch stands out because of its advanced GPU shader that lets you apply shaders to improve graphics quality and allow for a more modern feel to classic gaming.
If you want a cross-platform emulator, then there’s no better choice than Retroarch. It s all common platforms, such as Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.
But since it’s a standalone emulator, it can also run on game consoles like the PS2 and PS3, PSP, Wii, 3DS, Switch, and more. It even works on outdated Mac and Windows OS!
Imagine playing your favorite Pokemon ROM hack on those consoles.
Retroarch also features Netplay, which is a built-in multiplayer lobby that lets you host or a network gaming session.
Unlike DeSmuME, Retroarch s online multiplayer, letting you battle and trade with trainers from all over the world.
Pros:
- Cross-platform .
- Highly customizable with advanced features.
- Able to run multiple emulator cores beyond just DS games.
Cons:
- Initial setup can be complex for beginners due to its extensive range of options and settings.
- May require more system resources compared to standalone emulators.
3. OpenEmu – For Mac s
If you find Retroarch appealing but find it a bit complicated to set up, you should check out this DS emulator.
OpenEmu is like a Lite version of Retroarch and it requires less effort to get up and running, making it suitable for those with little emulating experience who just want to play some DS Pokemon games.
OpenEmu is an all-in-one emulator that uses other emulators as cores. Its use of DeSmuME as its Nintendo DS emulation core makes it a great DeSmuME alternative.
The use of cores makes OpenEmu a versatile emulator that s a wide variety of platforms while keeping everything familiar.
The only downside is it’s limited to Mac OS. But if you’ll ask me, Mac OS s deserve it since they’re already suffering from a lack of games to play on their system.
Pros:
- Great design, easy-to-use interface.
- Organized library of ROMs.
- All-in-one solution on macOS.
Cons:
- Only available for macOS
- Some advanced customization options are limited compared to standalone emulators.
2. No$GBA – Best for Low-Spec Devices
No$GBA started off as a Game Boy emulator but has now evolved to Nintendo DS emulation.
This lightweight yet powerful emulator makes for a great DeSmuME alternative because it can run Pokemon ROM hacks efficiently.
Even if you only have an old PC or laptop, No$GBA can run almost all DS Pokemon games at full speed. It requires less computing power and takes up fewer resources than other emulators, including DeSmuME.
The only downside is it can’t run all DS games. Despite that, it s a bit of graphic upscaling, making it perfect for budget gamers.
I tried playing Pokemon Diamond with the default settings, but the game crashes from time to time. To prevent this, you can copy these settings (as shown in the image above) for No$GBA.
Pros:
- Runs smoothly on older computers.
- Integrated debugging tools make it great for ROM development.
- Good performance with minimal lag or frame rate drops.
Cons:
- interface is meh
- Limited for advanced graphical features.
- Fewer built-in customization options.
1. MelonDS – Best for Pokemon ROM Hacks
When it comes to playing Pokemon games, my go-to DeSmuME alternative is the MelonDS emulator.
Unlike some emulators that may struggle with compatibility for Pokémon ROM hacks, MelonDS was built to run all DS games, including modified versions of Pokémon classics.
The experimental local multiplayer is the closest thing you can get to the nostalgic days of trading and battling on your DS. With it, you can team up or compete just like you would on actual hardware.
MelonDS also s graphic upscaling up to 16x native resolution, allowing you to make those Pokemon graphics sharper and more vibrant. With this, you can enjoy Pokemon games in HD resolution and play them on big monitors.
Of course, we can’t forget about the save state and fast-forward options. This is essential for Pokemon trainers, especially when catching those Legendaries or getting through puzzles. Personally, I need this feature when soft resetting for shiny Pokémon.
Pros:
- Compatible with all Pokemon games and ROM hacks (so far)
- Wi-Fi allows for local multiplayer and online connectivity
- Great graphics enhancement options
Cons:
- Wi-Fi features are still experimental, so stability can vary.
- Requires more resources to handle high-resolution scaling smoothly.
Conclusion
Those are the best DeSmuME alternatives for playing Pokemon ROM hacks.
Whether you’re looking for better graphic upscaling or multiplayer and online connectivity , there’s a DS emulator in this list for you.
Tell us which one you prefer in the comments below. We would love to hear your thoughts and experience.
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