What Are NDS Emulators for iOS?
Let’s start simple. An NDS emulator iOS is like a translator for your iPhone or iPad, it tricks your device into acting like a Nintendo DS. That means you can play your favorite childhood DS games right on your iOS device.
In 2025, things have gotten way smoother. With tools like AltStore and TrollStore, you don’t even need to jailbreak your iPhone to get started. It’s become much easier for anyone to jump in, whether you’re a longtime gamer or just curious to try out Pokémon or Mario Kart again.
Here’s what you can expect from an NDS emulator on iOS,
- You can load and play .nds ROM files (these are digital versions of DS games).
- You can save your progress at any time.
- Many emulators let you use cheat codes or pair with external controllers.
- Most have touchscreen controls and dual-screen layouts that mimic the original DS.
Is It Legal to Use NDS Emulators?
Yes, using emulators is legal. But, and this is important, downloading games you don’t own is not. If you still have your old DS games lying around, you can dump them yourself. Some folks also enjoy homebrew games, which are made by indie developers and are totally legal to use.
Quick Note: This guide is for educational purposes. Always respect copyright laws and the people who created the games you love.
The Top NDS Emulators for iOS (2025 Edition)
Here’s my updated list of the best emulators for Nintendo DS games on iPhone and iPad. I’ve tested these based on performance, simplicity, compatibility, and overall feel.
1. Delta (Updated for 2025)
Last Updated – April 2025
Available via – App Store, AltStore, Official Delta emulator Site
Jailbreak Needed – No
Why Delta Stands Out
Delta has quickly become the go-to emulator for iOS. It’s sleek, easy to use, and supports way more than just DS, GBA, SNES, NES, you name it.
Features
- Added NDS support in 2024
- Save states, cheat codes, and cloud sync
- Full controller support
- Customizable look and layout
How to Install
You’ll need to install it using AltStore (requires a Mac or PC for setup).
On the other hand, you can go to the App Store and install Delta directly.
Who It’s For
If you want a polished, all-in-one emulator that just works, Delta is for you.
2. iNDS (Community Revived, 2025)
Last Updated – March 2025
Available via – GitHub, AltStore, TrollStore
Jailbreak Needed – No
Why iNDS Is Worth a Look
iNDS has been around a while, but the community keeps it alive. It’s built for DS games and nothing else, which makes it light and fast.
Features
- Fast-forward mode
- Built-in ROM browser
- Customizable screen layout
- Cheat codes and save states
How to Install
Works with both AltStore and TrollStore. You don’t need a developer account, but it helps.
Who It’s For
Perfect for casual users who just want to load up a DS game and start playing.
3. NDS4iOS (Modded 2025 Build)
Last Updated – January 2025
Available via – Third-party sites, AltStore
Jailbreak Needed – No
Why You Might Choose NDS4iOS
It’s a classic. Not actively updated, but it still works well, especially on older iPhones running iOS 15 to 17.
Features
- Basic support for .nds ROMs
- Save states
- Dropbox sync
- Simple interface
How to Install
Sideload using an IPA file or go through AltStore.
Who It’s For
Great for older devices or those who prefer a straightforward, no-fuss emulator.
4. RetroArch (2025 Build with DS Support)
Last Updated – May 2025
Available via – AltStore
Jailbreak Needed – No
Why RetroArch Is a Powerhouse
RetroArch is more than just an emulator, it’s an entire platform that can handle tons of systems. With the DeSmuME core, you can play DS games too.
Features
- Multi-console support (NDS, GBA, SNES, more)
- Advanced options like shaders and overlays
- Rewind function
- High customization
How to Install
Install RetroArch through AltStore, then manually set up the DeSmuME core for DS.
Who It’s For
Best suited for tech-savvy users who like tweaking every detail.
5. EmuBox iOS (New in 2025)
Last Updated – February 2025
Available via – IPA download (coming to AltStore Galaxy soon)
Jailbreak Needed – No
Why EmuBox Deserves Attention
A newcomer with a fresh design. EmuBox supports multiple systems and is super easy on your battery.
Features
- Modern user interface
- Save states, controller support
- Supports GBA, NDS, and PSP
- Designed to be power-efficient
How to Install
Download the IPA file from the official site and sideload it using AltStore or TrollStore.
Who It’s For
If you like sleek interfaces and want something new, EmuBox is worth trying.
Quick Comparison Table
| Emulator | NDS Support | Controller Support | iCloud Sync | Easy Install (No PC) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Casual to Pro gamers |
| iNDS | Yes | Yes | No | Yes (via TrollStore) | Lightweight users |
| NDS4iOS | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Older iOS versions |
| RetroArch | Yes | Yes | No | No | Power users |
| EmuBox iOS | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Modern casual players |
Final Recommendations
Best Overall – Go with Delta. It’s stable, packed with features, and looks great.
Best for Beginners – Try iNDS. It’s light, simple, and easy to set up.
Best for Advanced Users – Dive into RetroArch if you want full control and multi-console support.
Best for Older Devices – Use NDS4iOS if your iPhone is a few years old.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it safe to use these emulators?
Yes, as long as you download them from trusted sources like AltStore or the official websites. Avoid anything that looks suspicious or pirated.
2. Do I need to jailbreak my iPhone?
Nope. All of these work without jailbreaking, thanks to sideloading tools like AltStore.
3. Can I sync my save data to iCloud?
Some emulators like Delta support iCloud and Dropbox syncing. Check the settings for each one.
4. Will these work on iOS 18?
Yes. As of May 2025, all the emulators listed here are confirmed to work with iOS 18.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re reliving your childhood games or exploring Nintendo DS titles for the first time, there’s never been a better time to play on your iPhone or iPad. Choose the emulator that fits your style and device, and you’ll be up and running in no time.
One last thing, stick to legal ROMs. Use your own game backups and respect the developers who made these experiences possible.