melonDS for Nintendo Switch

Run Nintendo DS software using the Switch-specific melonDS 7.2.1 recompilation.

Needs your own DS game dumps plus bios7.bin (16 KiB), bios9.bin (4 KiB) and firmware.bin (128, 256 or 512 KiB). This fork is a recompilation of 7.2 for newer HOS/Atmosphère changes; it does not claim universal game compatibility. Use application mode for memory-intensive emulation.

The publisher labels this release “FW 21.x.x | AMS 1.10.0”. That is a source-labelled build target, not a claim of universal support on newer system software.

These links preserve the verified version above. Check the linked release and your actual CFW/system version before installation.

1. Install this Switch forkCopy melonDS.nro to sd:/switch/melonds/. This page preserves ArcDelta’s 7.2.1 recompilation rather than substituting a desktop melonDS build.
2. Supply your DS system dumpsThe documented files are bios7.bin (16 KiB), bios9.bin (4 KiB) and firmware.bin (128, 256 or 512 KiB). Use your own dumps and the paths configured by the emulator. These files are not bundled.
3. Choose direct game or firmware bootFirmware boot needs an original DS/DS Lite firmware dump. Reduced DSi/3DS DS-mode firmware contains settings rather than the required boot code, so it is for direct game boot.
4. Launch and select your gameUse hbmenu application mode, configure the system-file paths, and open your own compatible DS dump. Check the screen layout and input settings before playing.

sd:/switch/melonds/melonDS.nro
Required separately at configured paths:
• bios7.bin
• bios9.bin
• firmware.bin
Your own Nintendo DS game dumps

A missing-system-file error needs a check of file names, sizes and configured paths. Do not rename an unrelated BIOS to make the error disappear. Performance and compatibility vary by game.

• Official project & documentation
• Pinned release / compatibility notes
• Switch Homebrew App Store entry

melonDS project icon from its Homebrew App Store listing. The original image bytes are retained with their source URL and checksum. Ready console files have matching local backup copies, with version, size and SHA-256 recorded. Original containers and older versions are preserved. No downloaded application was executed and physical-console operation was not tested.