"2024 Approved Affectionate Alternatives 3DS Games for Android Users"
Affectionate Alternatives: 3DS Games for Android Users
Embracing Connectivity: A Spiritual Odyssey through the 10 Most Empathetic 3DS Emulators on Android
Ollie Mattison
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Would you like to play the classic Nintendo 3DS games on your latest android devices? This article is meant for you if that’s the case!
The days of buying dedicated handheld consoles to fulfill entertainment needs on the go are long gone. The Gameboy, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation Vita, and Sony’s PSP were the most commonly used gaming consoles a decade ago. As times change, we increasingly rely on our smartphones for a variety of activities. Smartphones are now so powerful that they can replace laptops and desktop computers because of their chipsets. Gaming on the go is by far the most intriguing development of smartphones.
Nintendo 3DS is certainly at the top of the list of most popular handheld gaming consoles, perhaps alongside the PSP and Gameboy. It is undeniable that the Nintendo 3DS has some of the greatest classic games of all time, and one can totally understand why people might be tempted to pick one up - even in 2024. Since our smartphones are easily accessible, buying a new device just to play games that are already available would be a waste of resources. Using emulators, you are able to play games developed for other hardware on your phone.
If you search on google for the best 3DS emulators for Android, you will have limitless options, and you can easily get confused among so many choices, such as RetroArch, DraStic DS Emulator, NDS4droid, etc. We are lending you a helping hand as we have prepared a list of top 10 3ds emulators that you can use on your android smartphones and have the classic gaming experience.
A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators
Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?
- 100 Million+ Users
- 150+ Countries and Regions
- 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
- 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use
* Secure Download
1. RetroArch
Price: Free
Our first choice is RetroArch - an emulator for Android that lets you play Nintendo 3DS games. Open-source and ad-free, this emulator is ideal for gamers who love being immersed in their game. The ability to emulate other systems besides the Nintendo 3DS will impress many of you, including SNES and others. RetroArch’s only drawback is that its features are a bit advanced for new users, making it a bit difficult to get used to. Those who want to experience the best Nintendo 3DS experience on their Android device with no ads will prefer this option.
Pros:
- Free and open-source
- Ability to emulate many other platforms along with 3DS.
- Ads Free gaming experience.
Cons:
- Features are very advanced for new users.
- New users can face difficulty in getting used to its interface.
2. DraStic DS Emulator
Price: $4.80
It appears that the DraStic DS Emulator is the best Nintendo 3DS emulator for Android, with one of the smoothest graphics on any emulator. When playing the video on a quad-core phone, the app doubles the resolution. It offers six different display modes in addition to two screens on Nintendo 3DS devices so users can check them out and play. The emulator runs without crashes and has top-notch graphics as compared to other emulators. This emulator makes it easier than ever for you to attach other gamepads to the emulator for an even better gaming experience. It is the best Nintendo 3DS emulator for your phone that will work flawlessly, and you won’t be dissatisfied otherwise.
Pros:
- The best possible performance.
- Allows you to use 3rd party controllers.
- The ability to access cheats
- High-quality graphics
Cons:
- Some DS games don’t work well with it.
- It doesn’t have a multiplayer mode
- Wireless networking is not supported.
- Demo not available
3. NDS4droid
Price: Free
The emulator is new to the scene but works well on Android smartphones and undergoes a regular update cycle. Unfortunately, some bugs remain and this program has some instability issues. With its open-source nature, NDS4droid supports a wide range of ROMs. The emulator comes with many features that make it one of, if not the best Nintendo 3DS emulator in the world. By saving each player’s stats, players can get back to their last checkpoint without having to repeat all the levels. Although the developers have acknowledged that the emulator is not a complete package, it will become one soon enough.
Pros:
- It supports the following file formats: .nds, .rar, .zip, & .7z
- You can save states on your SD card.
- The program is built on DeSmuME.
Cons:
- It does not have a fast-forward option
- Several performance problems
- Even on the newest devices, performance is poor sometimes.
4. Citra 3DS Emulator for Android
Price: Free
Citra 3DS Emulator is one of the best Android 3DS emulators, but it has not been officially released yet. Therefore you must use an unofficial version of the APK. Whatever the case, the emulator is regarded as the best on Android and contains a wealth of features. It can be easily downloaded and installed and it can be enhanced with more features, games, or ROMs since it is open-source. It is created using Dolphin Emulator, which means old school gamers will enjoy it. Throughout its GUI, it offers the best configuration and settings controls. It’s as simple as installing the app and loading the Nintendo 3DS ROM.
Pros:
- High-resolution gaming
- The software is open-source.
- Controls can be tweaked using a GUI.
Cons:
- It has not yet been officially released for Android.
- Lags and affects gameplay
- Wifi works locally, but not with servers.
5. Pretendo NDS Emulator
Price: Free
With the Pretendo NDS Emulator, you will be able to enjoy Nintendo 3DS games on an Android device again. This is one of the top 10 Android 3DS emulators according to the internet, so that’s why we listed it here. The app is easy to install and supports a wide range of formats, such as .zip, .rom, .ds, and .rar. Simply launch the app and load any ROM and you will be able to play old school games on your smartphone.
Self-guard is a feature of the app that saves your progress in the game to simply load it where you left off. Precision control is also available for areas with lower resolution. A dedicated option also allows you to increase the speed of the emulator by disabling graphics and sound.
Pros:
- You can use different ROM formats on it.
- Games can be automatically saved by self-guard
- A wide range of customization options
Cons:
- There are too many advertisements in the app.
- This app is no longer available on Google Play.
- Issues with stability
6. NDS Emulator
Price: Free
NDS Emulator is a great emulator except for the annoying ads, which sometimes appear three in a row. In addition to supporting Android 6.0+, it also allows you to play .nds and .zip files and caters to a large number of audiences through its support for a wide selection of games. Screen layouts are also editable, and controls can also be customized. The NDS emulator also allows players to connect external controllers to their phones.
Furthermore, the NDS emulator allows users to save and load game states, so they don’t have to wait for them to catch up to where they left off. Besides, it accepts cheat codes that put the competitor on a tougher challenge, but some of them don’t work and display an error message.
Pros:
- Compatible with Android 6.0 and above
- The screen layout and controls can be customized.
- Automatically save and load game states.
Cons:
- Ads everywhere
- There is a problem with certain cheat codes.
7. Ultimate x3DSx Gold
Price: Free
This emulator has an intriguing name and does not appear good at first glance, but it is really good. A lot of sensors are used in their faster emulation, which makes the power consumption lower compared to other emulators. It is literally the best 3DS Android Emulator available, as it supports almost all games for Gameboy Advance and Nintendo 3DS. Both external and wireless controllers are supported.
On this emulator, cheat codes can also be used or disabled while playing Nintendo 3DS games. The backend has OpenGL in order to reduce the damage done to the GPU. It also has a fast-forward feature. In addition, the emulator has a clean graphical user interface which not many emulators possess, so we recommend it.
Pros:
- Support for external controllers
- Works with GBA and 3DS games
- Emulation of gyros, tilts, soars, and rumble
- It consumes less power thanks to faster emulation
Cons:
- Bloated & slow with lots of ads
- Games must be legally purchased in order to be played.
8. EmuBox
Price: Free
With EmuBox, you can emulate multiple systems, such as Nintendo DS, PlayStation SNES, and more. Moreover, it is the first emulator to have multiple-platform support and a Material Design interface, which makes it look and feel superb. A fast-forward feature offers a competitive edge over its rivals, as does the ability to save and load game states with up to 20 slots per compatible ROM.
There are advertisements on the emulator, but it is totally free to use. Although we do not currently know anything about a Pro version, there could be one. Compared to other 3DS emulators for Android, EmuBox has its pros and cons, which include bugs when too many cheat codes are used.
Pros:
- Provides multiple ROMs
- Material Design has been added to an emulator for the first time.
- Fast Forward support
- A maximum of 20 game states can be stored and loaded.
Cons:
- Cheat codes can cause problems
- The transition is sometimes slow.
- Controls are not configurable.
9. AseDS
Price: Free
You might want to consider installing AseDS if you’re still not satisfied with any of the other emulators. You can download the app from the given link if you aren’t able to find it on Play Store. It has many features, including allowing users to stretch out the screen, keeping the dimensions of it in line with the resolution of a game. Portraits and landscapes can be switched easily without any hassle. Although the emulator sometimes crashes with a white screen or other screens, it is capable of running almost all Nintendo 3DS games quite quickly and has support for almost all of them. So you can ignore most of the issues associated with it.
Pros:
- Speedier gameplay
- Multi-format support
- Landscape and portrait orientations
- It supports external controllers as well as microphones.
Cons:
- Fast forward is not possible
- Accidental crashes occur occasionally.
- A lot of people find ads annoying.
10. NDS Boy!
Price: Free
The best Android 3DS emulator allows you to play any game that runs on the handheld Nintendo 3DS gaming console, such as Final Fantasy, Super Mario Bros., and Pokemon Sage. Its features are robust, with support for file formats such as .rar, .zip, .7z, and .nds, among others. Additionally, the emulator requires a large amount of RAM, as lower RAM would slow down the emulator. In addition, it includes additional configuration features such as automatic saving and loading game states, custom controls, etc.
Pros:
- Game state saving, auto-saving, and loading
- Customizable screen sizes & orientation
Cons:
- Crashes & lags occasionally
- Advertisements take up too much space.
- A quad-core or high-end CPU with RAM above 2GB is needed.
Conclusion
These are some of the best 3DS emulators that you can download and use on your android devices. Now think for a second that how it will feel to play all those classic games again on your mobile devices. You can recall your childhood memories. So, don’t waste your money buying dedicated consoles and try these emulators today. For people who play games on computer and want to save the highlights of their games, use a screen recorder to capture the screen will be a good choice. I would recommend Filmora, a powerful video recorder and editor tool to help save high quality videos on computer with ease.
Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Would you like to play the classic Nintendo 3DS games on your latest android devices? This article is meant for you if that’s the case!
The days of buying dedicated handheld consoles to fulfill entertainment needs on the go are long gone. The Gameboy, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation Vita, and Sony’s PSP were the most commonly used gaming consoles a decade ago. As times change, we increasingly rely on our smartphones for a variety of activities. Smartphones are now so powerful that they can replace laptops and desktop computers because of their chipsets. Gaming on the go is by far the most intriguing development of smartphones.
Nintendo 3DS is certainly at the top of the list of most popular handheld gaming consoles, perhaps alongside the PSP and Gameboy. It is undeniable that the Nintendo 3DS has some of the greatest classic games of all time, and one can totally understand why people might be tempted to pick one up - even in 2024. Since our smartphones are easily accessible, buying a new device just to play games that are already available would be a waste of resources. Using emulators, you are able to play games developed for other hardware on your phone.
If you search on google for the best 3DS emulators for Android, you will have limitless options, and you can easily get confused among so many choices, such as RetroArch, DraStic DS Emulator, NDS4droid, etc. We are lending you a helping hand as we have prepared a list of top 10 3ds emulators that you can use on your android smartphones and have the classic gaming experience.
A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators
Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?
- 100 Million+ Users
- 150+ Countries and Regions
- 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
- 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use
* Secure Download
1. RetroArch
Price: Free
Our first choice is RetroArch - an emulator for Android that lets you play Nintendo 3DS games. Open-source and ad-free, this emulator is ideal for gamers who love being immersed in their game. The ability to emulate other systems besides the Nintendo 3DS will impress many of you, including SNES and others. RetroArch’s only drawback is that its features are a bit advanced for new users, making it a bit difficult to get used to. Those who want to experience the best Nintendo 3DS experience on their Android device with no ads will prefer this option.
Pros:
- Free and open-source
- Ability to emulate many other platforms along with 3DS.
- Ads Free gaming experience.
Cons:
- Features are very advanced for new users.
- New users can face difficulty in getting used to its interface.
2. DraStic DS Emulator
Price: $4.80
It appears that the DraStic DS Emulator is the best Nintendo 3DS emulator for Android, with one of the smoothest graphics on any emulator. When playing the video on a quad-core phone, the app doubles the resolution. It offers six different display modes in addition to two screens on Nintendo 3DS devices so users can check them out and play. The emulator runs without crashes and has top-notch graphics as compared to other emulators. This emulator makes it easier than ever for you to attach other gamepads to the emulator for an even better gaming experience. It is the best Nintendo 3DS emulator for your phone that will work flawlessly, and you won’t be dissatisfied otherwise.
Pros:
- The best possible performance.
- Allows you to use 3rd party controllers.
- The ability to access cheats
- High-quality graphics
Cons:
- Some DS games don’t work well with it.
- It doesn’t have a multiplayer mode
- Wireless networking is not supported.
- Demo not available
3. NDS4droid
Price: Free
The emulator is new to the scene but works well on Android smartphones and undergoes a regular update cycle. Unfortunately, some bugs remain and this program has some instability issues. With its open-source nature, NDS4droid supports a wide range of ROMs. The emulator comes with many features that make it one of, if not the best Nintendo 3DS emulator in the world. By saving each player’s stats, players can get back to their last checkpoint without having to repeat all the levels. Although the developers have acknowledged that the emulator is not a complete package, it will become one soon enough.
Pros:
- It supports the following file formats: .nds, .rar, .zip, & .7z
- You can save states on your SD card.
- The program is built on DeSmuME.
Cons:
- It does not have a fast-forward option
- Several performance problems
- Even on the newest devices, performance is poor sometimes.
4. Citra 3DS Emulator for Android
Price: Free
Citra 3DS Emulator is one of the best Android 3DS emulators, but it has not been officially released yet. Therefore you must use an unofficial version of the APK. Whatever the case, the emulator is regarded as the best on Android and contains a wealth of features. It can be easily downloaded and installed and it can be enhanced with more features, games, or ROMs since it is open-source. It is created using Dolphin Emulator, which means old school gamers will enjoy it. Throughout its GUI, it offers the best configuration and settings controls. It’s as simple as installing the app and loading the Nintendo 3DS ROM.
Pros:
- High-resolution gaming
- The software is open-source.
- Controls can be tweaked using a GUI.
Cons:
- It has not yet been officially released for Android.
- Lags and affects gameplay
- Wifi works locally, but not with servers.
5. Pretendo NDS Emulator
Price: Free
With the Pretendo NDS Emulator, you will be able to enjoy Nintendo 3DS games on an Android device again. This is one of the top 10 Android 3DS emulators according to the internet, so that’s why we listed it here. The app is easy to install and supports a wide range of formats, such as .zip, .rom, .ds, and .rar. Simply launch the app and load any ROM and you will be able to play old school games on your smartphone.
Self-guard is a feature of the app that saves your progress in the game to simply load it where you left off. Precision control is also available for areas with lower resolution. A dedicated option also allows you to increase the speed of the emulator by disabling graphics and sound.
Pros:
- You can use different ROM formats on it.
- Games can be automatically saved by self-guard
- A wide range of customization options
Cons:
- There are too many advertisements in the app.
- This app is no longer available on Google Play.
- Issues with stability
6. NDS Emulator
Price: Free
NDS Emulator is a great emulator except for the annoying ads, which sometimes appear three in a row. In addition to supporting Android 6.0+, it also allows you to play .nds and .zip files and caters to a large number of audiences through its support for a wide selection of games. Screen layouts are also editable, and controls can also be customized. The NDS emulator also allows players to connect external controllers to their phones.
Furthermore, the NDS emulator allows users to save and load game states, so they don’t have to wait for them to catch up to where they left off. Besides, it accepts cheat codes that put the competitor on a tougher challenge, but some of them don’t work and display an error message.
Pros:
- Compatible with Android 6.0 and above
- The screen layout and controls can be customized.
- Automatically save and load game states.
Cons:
- Ads everywhere
- There is a problem with certain cheat codes.
7. Ultimate x3DSx Gold
Price: Free
This emulator has an intriguing name and does not appear good at first glance, but it is really good. A lot of sensors are used in their faster emulation, which makes the power consumption lower compared to other emulators. It is literally the best 3DS Android Emulator available, as it supports almost all games for Gameboy Advance and Nintendo 3DS. Both external and wireless controllers are supported.
On this emulator, cheat codes can also be used or disabled while playing Nintendo 3DS games. The backend has OpenGL in order to reduce the damage done to the GPU. It also has a fast-forward feature. In addition, the emulator has a clean graphical user interface which not many emulators possess, so we recommend it.
Pros:
- Support for external controllers
- Works with GBA and 3DS games
- Emulation of gyros, tilts, soars, and rumble
- It consumes less power thanks to faster emulation
Cons:
- Bloated & slow with lots of ads
- Games must be legally purchased in order to be played.
8. EmuBox
Price: Free
With EmuBox, you can emulate multiple systems, such as Nintendo DS, PlayStation SNES, and more. Moreover, it is the first emulator to have multiple-platform support and a Material Design interface, which makes it look and feel superb. A fast-forward feature offers a competitive edge over its rivals, as does the ability to save and load game states with up to 20 slots per compatible ROM.
There are advertisements on the emulator, but it is totally free to use. Although we do not currently know anything about a Pro version, there could be one. Compared to other 3DS emulators for Android, EmuBox has its pros and cons, which include bugs when too many cheat codes are used.
Pros:
- Provides multiple ROMs
- Material Design has been added to an emulator for the first time.
- Fast Forward support
- A maximum of 20 game states can be stored and loaded.
Cons:
- Cheat codes can cause problems
- The transition is sometimes slow.
- Controls are not configurable.
9. AseDS
Price: Free
You might want to consider installing AseDS if you’re still not satisfied with any of the other emulators. You can download the app from the given link if you aren’t able to find it on Play Store. It has many features, including allowing users to stretch out the screen, keeping the dimensions of it in line with the resolution of a game. Portraits and landscapes can be switched easily without any hassle. Although the emulator sometimes crashes with a white screen or other screens, it is capable of running almost all Nintendo 3DS games quite quickly and has support for almost all of them. So you can ignore most of the issues associated with it.
Pros:
- Speedier gameplay
- Multi-format support
- Landscape and portrait orientations
- It supports external controllers as well as microphones.
Cons:
- Fast forward is not possible
- Accidental crashes occur occasionally.
- A lot of people find ads annoying.
10. NDS Boy!
Price: Free
The best Android 3DS emulator allows you to play any game that runs on the handheld Nintendo 3DS gaming console, such as Final Fantasy, Super Mario Bros., and Pokemon Sage. Its features are robust, with support for file formats such as .rar, .zip, .7z, and .nds, among others. Additionally, the emulator requires a large amount of RAM, as lower RAM would slow down the emulator. In addition, it includes additional configuration features such as automatic saving and loading game states, custom controls, etc.
Pros:
- Game state saving, auto-saving, and loading
- Customizable screen sizes & orientation
Cons:
- Crashes & lags occasionally
- Advertisements take up too much space.
- A quad-core or high-end CPU with RAM above 2GB is needed.
Conclusion
These are some of the best 3DS emulators that you can download and use on your android devices. Now think for a second that how it will feel to play all those classic games again on your mobile devices. You can recall your childhood memories. So, don’t waste your money buying dedicated consoles and try these emulators today. For people who play games on computer and want to save the highlights of their games, use a screen recorder to capture the screen will be a good choice. I would recommend Filmora, a powerful video recorder and editor tool to help save high quality videos on computer with ease.
Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Would you like to play the classic Nintendo 3DS games on your latest android devices? This article is meant for you if that’s the case!
The days of buying dedicated handheld consoles to fulfill entertainment needs on the go are long gone. The Gameboy, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation Vita, and Sony’s PSP were the most commonly used gaming consoles a decade ago. As times change, we increasingly rely on our smartphones for a variety of activities. Smartphones are now so powerful that they can replace laptops and desktop computers because of their chipsets. Gaming on the go is by far the most intriguing development of smartphones.
Nintendo 3DS is certainly at the top of the list of most popular handheld gaming consoles, perhaps alongside the PSP and Gameboy. It is undeniable that the Nintendo 3DS has some of the greatest classic games of all time, and one can totally understand why people might be tempted to pick one up - even in 2024. Since our smartphones are easily accessible, buying a new device just to play games that are already available would be a waste of resources. Using emulators, you are able to play games developed for other hardware on your phone.
If you search on google for the best 3DS emulators for Android, you will have limitless options, and you can easily get confused among so many choices, such as RetroArch, DraStic DS Emulator, NDS4droid, etc. We are lending you a helping hand as we have prepared a list of top 10 3ds emulators that you can use on your android smartphones and have the classic gaming experience.
A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators
Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?
- 100 Million+ Users
- 150+ Countries and Regions
- 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
- 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use
* Secure Download
1. RetroArch
Price: Free
Our first choice is RetroArch - an emulator for Android that lets you play Nintendo 3DS games. Open-source and ad-free, this emulator is ideal for gamers who love being immersed in their game. The ability to emulate other systems besides the Nintendo 3DS will impress many of you, including SNES and others. RetroArch’s only drawback is that its features are a bit advanced for new users, making it a bit difficult to get used to. Those who want to experience the best Nintendo 3DS experience on their Android device with no ads will prefer this option.
Pros:
- Free and open-source
- Ability to emulate many other platforms along with 3DS.
- Ads Free gaming experience.
Cons:
- Features are very advanced for new users.
- New users can face difficulty in getting used to its interface.
2. DraStic DS Emulator
Price: $4.80
It appears that the DraStic DS Emulator is the best Nintendo 3DS emulator for Android, with one of the smoothest graphics on any emulator. When playing the video on a quad-core phone, the app doubles the resolution. It offers six different display modes in addition to two screens on Nintendo 3DS devices so users can check them out and play. The emulator runs without crashes and has top-notch graphics as compared to other emulators. This emulator makes it easier than ever for you to attach other gamepads to the emulator for an even better gaming experience. It is the best Nintendo 3DS emulator for your phone that will work flawlessly, and you won’t be dissatisfied otherwise.
Pros:
- The best possible performance.
- Allows you to use 3rd party controllers.
- The ability to access cheats
- High-quality graphics
Cons:
- Some DS games don’t work well with it.
- It doesn’t have a multiplayer mode
- Wireless networking is not supported.
- Demo not available
3. NDS4droid
Price: Free
The emulator is new to the scene but works well on Android smartphones and undergoes a regular update cycle. Unfortunately, some bugs remain and this program has some instability issues. With its open-source nature, NDS4droid supports a wide range of ROMs. The emulator comes with many features that make it one of, if not the best Nintendo 3DS emulator in the world. By saving each player’s stats, players can get back to their last checkpoint without having to repeat all the levels. Although the developers have acknowledged that the emulator is not a complete package, it will become one soon enough.
Pros:
- It supports the following file formats: .nds, .rar, .zip, & .7z
- You can save states on your SD card.
- The program is built on DeSmuME.
Cons:
- It does not have a fast-forward option
- Several performance problems
- Even on the newest devices, performance is poor sometimes.
4. Citra 3DS Emulator for Android
Price: Free
Citra 3DS Emulator is one of the best Android 3DS emulators, but it has not been officially released yet. Therefore you must use an unofficial version of the APK. Whatever the case, the emulator is regarded as the best on Android and contains a wealth of features. It can be easily downloaded and installed and it can be enhanced with more features, games, or ROMs since it is open-source. It is created using Dolphin Emulator, which means old school gamers will enjoy it. Throughout its GUI, it offers the best configuration and settings controls. It’s as simple as installing the app and loading the Nintendo 3DS ROM.
Pros:
- High-resolution gaming
- The software is open-source.
- Controls can be tweaked using a GUI.
Cons:
- It has not yet been officially released for Android.
- Lags and affects gameplay
- Wifi works locally, but not with servers.
5. Pretendo NDS Emulator
Price: Free
With the Pretendo NDS Emulator, you will be able to enjoy Nintendo 3DS games on an Android device again. This is one of the top 10 Android 3DS emulators according to the internet, so that’s why we listed it here. The app is easy to install and supports a wide range of formats, such as .zip, .rom, .ds, and .rar. Simply launch the app and load any ROM and you will be able to play old school games on your smartphone.
Self-guard is a feature of the app that saves your progress in the game to simply load it where you left off. Precision control is also available for areas with lower resolution. A dedicated option also allows you to increase the speed of the emulator by disabling graphics and sound.
Pros:
- You can use different ROM formats on it.
- Games can be automatically saved by self-guard
- A wide range of customization options
Cons:
- There are too many advertisements in the app.
- This app is no longer available on Google Play.
- Issues with stability
6. NDS Emulator
Price: Free
NDS Emulator is a great emulator except for the annoying ads, which sometimes appear three in a row. In addition to supporting Android 6.0+, it also allows you to play .nds and .zip files and caters to a large number of audiences through its support for a wide selection of games. Screen layouts are also editable, and controls can also be customized. The NDS emulator also allows players to connect external controllers to their phones.
Furthermore, the NDS emulator allows users to save and load game states, so they don’t have to wait for them to catch up to where they left off. Besides, it accepts cheat codes that put the competitor on a tougher challenge, but some of them don’t work and display an error message.
Pros:
- Compatible with Android 6.0 and above
- The screen layout and controls can be customized.
- Automatically save and load game states.
Cons:
- Ads everywhere
- There is a problem with certain cheat codes.
7. Ultimate x3DSx Gold
Price: Free
This emulator has an intriguing name and does not appear good at first glance, but it is really good. A lot of sensors are used in their faster emulation, which makes the power consumption lower compared to other emulators. It is literally the best 3DS Android Emulator available, as it supports almost all games for Gameboy Advance and Nintendo 3DS. Both external and wireless controllers are supported.
On this emulator, cheat codes can also be used or disabled while playing Nintendo 3DS games. The backend has OpenGL in order to reduce the damage done to the GPU. It also has a fast-forward feature. In addition, the emulator has a clean graphical user interface which not many emulators possess, so we recommend it.
Pros:
- Support for external controllers
- Works with GBA and 3DS games
- Emulation of gyros, tilts, soars, and rumble
- It consumes less power thanks to faster emulation
Cons:
- Bloated & slow with lots of ads
- Games must be legally purchased in order to be played.
8. EmuBox
Price: Free
With EmuBox, you can emulate multiple systems, such as Nintendo DS, PlayStation SNES, and more. Moreover, it is the first emulator to have multiple-platform support and a Material Design interface, which makes it look and feel superb. A fast-forward feature offers a competitive edge over its rivals, as does the ability to save and load game states with up to 20 slots per compatible ROM.
There are advertisements on the emulator, but it is totally free to use. Although we do not currently know anything about a Pro version, there could be one. Compared to other 3DS emulators for Android, EmuBox has its pros and cons, which include bugs when too many cheat codes are used.
Pros:
- Provides multiple ROMs
- Material Design has been added to an emulator for the first time.
- Fast Forward support
- A maximum of 20 game states can be stored and loaded.
Cons:
- Cheat codes can cause problems
- The transition is sometimes slow.
- Controls are not configurable.
9. AseDS
Price: Free
You might want to consider installing AseDS if you’re still not satisfied with any of the other emulators. You can download the app from the given link if you aren’t able to find it on Play Store. It has many features, including allowing users to stretch out the screen, keeping the dimensions of it in line with the resolution of a game. Portraits and landscapes can be switched easily without any hassle. Although the emulator sometimes crashes with a white screen or other screens, it is capable of running almost all Nintendo 3DS games quite quickly and has support for almost all of them. So you can ignore most of the issues associated with it.
Pros:
- Speedier gameplay
- Multi-format support
- Landscape and portrait orientations
- It supports external controllers as well as microphones.
Cons:
- Fast forward is not possible
- Accidental crashes occur occasionally.
- A lot of people find ads annoying.
10. NDS Boy!
Price: Free
The best Android 3DS emulator allows you to play any game that runs on the handheld Nintendo 3DS gaming console, such as Final Fantasy, Super Mario Bros., and Pokemon Sage. Its features are robust, with support for file formats such as .rar, .zip, .7z, and .nds, among others. Additionally, the emulator requires a large amount of RAM, as lower RAM would slow down the emulator. In addition, it includes additional configuration features such as automatic saving and loading game states, custom controls, etc.
Pros:
- Game state saving, auto-saving, and loading
- Customizable screen sizes & orientation
Cons:
- Crashes & lags occasionally
- Advertisements take up too much space.
- A quad-core or high-end CPU with RAM above 2GB is needed.
Conclusion
These are some of the best 3DS emulators that you can download and use on your android devices. Now think for a second that how it will feel to play all those classic games again on your mobile devices. You can recall your childhood memories. So, don’t waste your money buying dedicated consoles and try these emulators today. For people who play games on computer and want to save the highlights of their games, use a screen recorder to capture the screen will be a good choice. I would recommend Filmora, a powerful video recorder and editor tool to help save high quality videos on computer with ease.
Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Would you like to play the classic Nintendo 3DS games on your latest android devices? This article is meant for you if that’s the case!
The days of buying dedicated handheld consoles to fulfill entertainment needs on the go are long gone. The Gameboy, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation Vita, and Sony’s PSP were the most commonly used gaming consoles a decade ago. As times change, we increasingly rely on our smartphones for a variety of activities. Smartphones are now so powerful that they can replace laptops and desktop computers because of their chipsets. Gaming on the go is by far the most intriguing development of smartphones.
Nintendo 3DS is certainly at the top of the list of most popular handheld gaming consoles, perhaps alongside the PSP and Gameboy. It is undeniable that the Nintendo 3DS has some of the greatest classic games of all time, and one can totally understand why people might be tempted to pick one up - even in 2024. Since our smartphones are easily accessible, buying a new device just to play games that are already available would be a waste of resources. Using emulators, you are able to play games developed for other hardware on your phone.
If you search on google for the best 3DS emulators for Android, you will have limitless options, and you can easily get confused among so many choices, such as RetroArch, DraStic DS Emulator, NDS4droid, etc. We are lending you a helping hand as we have prepared a list of top 10 3ds emulators that you can use on your android smartphones and have the classic gaming experience.
A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators
Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?
- 100 Million+ Users
- 150+ Countries and Regions
- 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
- 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use
* Secure Download
1. RetroArch
Price: Free
Our first choice is RetroArch - an emulator for Android that lets you play Nintendo 3DS games. Open-source and ad-free, this emulator is ideal for gamers who love being immersed in their game. The ability to emulate other systems besides the Nintendo 3DS will impress many of you, including SNES and others. RetroArch’s only drawback is that its features are a bit advanced for new users, making it a bit difficult to get used to. Those who want to experience the best Nintendo 3DS experience on their Android device with no ads will prefer this option.
Pros:
- Free and open-source
- Ability to emulate many other platforms along with 3DS.
- Ads Free gaming experience.
Cons:
- Features are very advanced for new users.
- New users can face difficulty in getting used to its interface.
2. DraStic DS Emulator
Price: $4.80
It appears that the DraStic DS Emulator is the best Nintendo 3DS emulator for Android, with one of the smoothest graphics on any emulator. When playing the video on a quad-core phone, the app doubles the resolution. It offers six different display modes in addition to two screens on Nintendo 3DS devices so users can check them out and play. The emulator runs without crashes and has top-notch graphics as compared to other emulators. This emulator makes it easier than ever for you to attach other gamepads to the emulator for an even better gaming experience. It is the best Nintendo 3DS emulator for your phone that will work flawlessly, and you won’t be dissatisfied otherwise.
Pros:
- The best possible performance.
- Allows you to use 3rd party controllers.
- The ability to access cheats
- High-quality graphics
Cons:
- Some DS games don’t work well with it.
- It doesn’t have a multiplayer mode
- Wireless networking is not supported.
- Demo not available
3. NDS4droid
Price: Free
The emulator is new to the scene but works well on Android smartphones and undergoes a regular update cycle. Unfortunately, some bugs remain and this program has some instability issues. With its open-source nature, NDS4droid supports a wide range of ROMs. The emulator comes with many features that make it one of, if not the best Nintendo 3DS emulator in the world. By saving each player’s stats, players can get back to their last checkpoint without having to repeat all the levels. Although the developers have acknowledged that the emulator is not a complete package, it will become one soon enough.
Pros:
- It supports the following file formats: .nds, .rar, .zip, & .7z
- You can save states on your SD card.
- The program is built on DeSmuME.
Cons:
- It does not have a fast-forward option
- Several performance problems
- Even on the newest devices, performance is poor sometimes.
4. Citra 3DS Emulator for Android
Price: Free
Citra 3DS Emulator is one of the best Android 3DS emulators, but it has not been officially released yet. Therefore you must use an unofficial version of the APK. Whatever the case, the emulator is regarded as the best on Android and contains a wealth of features. It can be easily downloaded and installed and it can be enhanced with more features, games, or ROMs since it is open-source. It is created using Dolphin Emulator, which means old school gamers will enjoy it. Throughout its GUI, it offers the best configuration and settings controls. It’s as simple as installing the app and loading the Nintendo 3DS ROM.
Pros:
- High-resolution gaming
- The software is open-source.
- Controls can be tweaked using a GUI.
Cons:
- It has not yet been officially released for Android.
- Lags and affects gameplay
- Wifi works locally, but not with servers.
5. Pretendo NDS Emulator
Price: Free
With the Pretendo NDS Emulator, you will be able to enjoy Nintendo 3DS games on an Android device again. This is one of the top 10 Android 3DS emulators according to the internet, so that’s why we listed it here. The app is easy to install and supports a wide range of formats, such as .zip, .rom, .ds, and .rar. Simply launch the app and load any ROM and you will be able to play old school games on your smartphone.
Self-guard is a feature of the app that saves your progress in the game to simply load it where you left off. Precision control is also available for areas with lower resolution. A dedicated option also allows you to increase the speed of the emulator by disabling graphics and sound.
Pros:
- You can use different ROM formats on it.
- Games can be automatically saved by self-guard
- A wide range of customization options
Cons:
- There are too many advertisements in the app.
- This app is no longer available on Google Play.
- Issues with stability
6. NDS Emulator
Price: Free
NDS Emulator is a great emulator except for the annoying ads, which sometimes appear three in a row. In addition to supporting Android 6.0+, it also allows you to play .nds and .zip files and caters to a large number of audiences through its support for a wide selection of games. Screen layouts are also editable, and controls can also be customized. The NDS emulator also allows players to connect external controllers to their phones.
Furthermore, the NDS emulator allows users to save and load game states, so they don’t have to wait for them to catch up to where they left off. Besides, it accepts cheat codes that put the competitor on a tougher challenge, but some of them don’t work and display an error message.
Pros:
- Compatible with Android 6.0 and above
- The screen layout and controls can be customized.
- Automatically save and load game states.
Cons:
- Ads everywhere
- There is a problem with certain cheat codes.
7. Ultimate x3DSx Gold
Price: Free
This emulator has an intriguing name and does not appear good at first glance, but it is really good. A lot of sensors are used in their faster emulation, which makes the power consumption lower compared to other emulators. It is literally the best 3DS Android Emulator available, as it supports almost all games for Gameboy Advance and Nintendo 3DS. Both external and wireless controllers are supported.
On this emulator, cheat codes can also be used or disabled while playing Nintendo 3DS games. The backend has OpenGL in order to reduce the damage done to the GPU. It also has a fast-forward feature. In addition, the emulator has a clean graphical user interface which not many emulators possess, so we recommend it.
Pros:
- Support for external controllers
- Works with GBA and 3DS games
- Emulation of gyros, tilts, soars, and rumble
- It consumes less power thanks to faster emulation
Cons:
- Bloated & slow with lots of ads
- Games must be legally purchased in order to be played.
8. EmuBox
Price: Free
With EmuBox, you can emulate multiple systems, such as Nintendo DS, PlayStation SNES, and more. Moreover, it is the first emulator to have multiple-platform support and a Material Design interface, which makes it look and feel superb. A fast-forward feature offers a competitive edge over its rivals, as does the ability to save and load game states with up to 20 slots per compatible ROM.
There are advertisements on the emulator, but it is totally free to use. Although we do not currently know anything about a Pro version, there could be one. Compared to other 3DS emulators for Android, EmuBox has its pros and cons, which include bugs when too many cheat codes are used.
Pros:
- Provides multiple ROMs
- Material Design has been added to an emulator for the first time.
- Fast Forward support
- A maximum of 20 game states can be stored and loaded.
Cons:
- Cheat codes can cause problems
- The transition is sometimes slow.
- Controls are not configurable.
9. AseDS
Price: Free
You might want to consider installing AseDS if you’re still not satisfied with any of the other emulators. You can download the app from the given link if you aren’t able to find it on Play Store. It has many features, including allowing users to stretch out the screen, keeping the dimensions of it in line with the resolution of a game. Portraits and landscapes can be switched easily without any hassle. Although the emulator sometimes crashes with a white screen or other screens, it is capable of running almost all Nintendo 3DS games quite quickly and has support for almost all of them. So you can ignore most of the issues associated with it.
Pros:
- Speedier gameplay
- Multi-format support
- Landscape and portrait orientations
- It supports external controllers as well as microphones.
Cons:
- Fast forward is not possible
- Accidental crashes occur occasionally.
- A lot of people find ads annoying.
10. NDS Boy!
Price: Free
The best Android 3DS emulator allows you to play any game that runs on the handheld Nintendo 3DS gaming console, such as Final Fantasy, Super Mario Bros., and Pokemon Sage. Its features are robust, with support for file formats such as .rar, .zip, .7z, and .nds, among others. Additionally, the emulator requires a large amount of RAM, as lower RAM would slow down the emulator. In addition, it includes additional configuration features such as automatic saving and loading game states, custom controls, etc.
Pros:
- Game state saving, auto-saving, and loading
- Customizable screen sizes & orientation
Cons:
- Crashes & lags occasionally
- Advertisements take up too much space.
- A quad-core or high-end CPU with RAM above 2GB is needed.
Conclusion
These are some of the best 3DS emulators that you can download and use on your android devices. Now think for a second that how it will feel to play all those classic games again on your mobile devices. You can recall your childhood memories. So, don’t waste your money buying dedicated consoles and try these emulators today. For people who play games on computer and want to save the highlights of their games, use a screen recorder to capture the screen will be a good choice. I would recommend Filmora, a powerful video recorder and editor tool to help save high quality videos on computer with ease.
Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Ollie Mattison
Also read:
- "\"[New] In 2024, Essential List of Top-Tier 9 Mic Recorder Apps\""
- "\"Streamlabs Vs. OBS Assessing the Leading Livestream Tools\""
- "\"In 2024, Diving Deep Into Minecraft Playback Secrets From the Pros\""
- "\"[Updated] In 2024, Ultimate Guide Vidma Replayer - Insights & Rivals\""
- "In 2024, Capturing the Essence of Sims Gaming"
- "[Updated] Navigating Through Free2X's Camera Capturing Features"
- "[Updated] In 2024, Premier Mac Programming Options Excluding Bandicam"
- "The Art of Documenting Dynamic PPT Presentations for 2024"
- "Mastering the Art of Capturing Live Hulu Content Across Platforms for 2024"
- "\"[New] In 2024, Optimizing Stardew Valley Fun A List of the Top 7 Mods\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Perfecting Speech Interpretation Using Google Tools\""
- "\"2024 Approved Essential Tactics Capturing High-Quality Sports Streams Online\""
- "[New] In 2024, Essential Strategies for YouTube & Twitch via OBS"
- "In 2024, Premier Terraria Maps to Maximize Mining Success"
- "[Updated] Master the Art of Organizing Group Conversations on Skype, Irrespective of Your System's OS."
- "\"In 2024, Live-Streaming Capture Services\""
- "[New] Unveiling the Most Effective Zoom Recording Tools for 2024"
- "\"[Updated] In 2024, Essential Guide Recording Netflix Videos on a Mac\""
- "Scrutinizing VSDC’ Writings on Its Features and Rival Software for 2024"
- "In 2024, The Ultimate Windows Capture Toolkit"
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved The Ultimate Compilation of Phone Apps Altering Sound\""
- "\"In 2024, AZ Record App Deep Dive & Alternatives Guide\""
- "\"Circuit Conquerors Ranking Your Top 5 Speed-Driven Games for 2024\""
- "[Updated] The Essential Checklist for Successful Facecam Video Production for 2024"
- "\"[New] Professional Steps for High-Quality PowerPoint Replays for 2024\""
- "The Perfect Xiaomi Device for Amateur Filmmakers"
- "\"[New] In 2024, Pitch Preservation Monitoring Microphones\""
- "[Updated] Futuristic Approaches Surpassing Traditional FBX Recorders for 2024"
- "Efficient Recording Methods for Skype Calls Using OBS for 2024"
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Effective Strategies to Capture and Save Google Voice Dialogues\""
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Streamlined Processes for Effective Apple Display Recording\""
- "\"2024 Approved Unleash Focus The Pro's Guide to Distraction-Free Google Meet Sessions\""
- "\"2024 Approved The 3 Essential Voice Logging Tactics for iPad\""
- "\"[New] Ideal Free Options 15 Best Windows & Mac Screen Recorders for 2024\""
- "[New] Navigating the World of Android Video Snapshots"
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Tips From Pros Elevating Your Twitch Video Quality\""
- "\"SplitCam's Journey to Video Excellence An Overview for 2024\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Making Every Sound Count Mac Audio Mastery in Audacity\""
- "[Updated] LensCrafters HD Capture App"
- "In 2024, Expert's Guide to the Best iPad Voice Recording Tools #3"
- "\"In 2024, Pinnacle 5-Frame Timelapse Recorder\""
- "Synchronized Device Tutorial for Efficient Movie Logging for 2024"
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved How to Screen Record on Hp Laptop\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Comprehensive Guide to iOS Screenshotting\""
- "\"In 2024, Eastern Echoes Comparable Gaming Experiences to Tsushinian Worlds\""
- "Leading Edge Screen Snapshot Software for 2024"
- "[New] Comprehensive IPTV Accessibility"
- "\"[Updated] Get Precise Audio Capturing for Your PC with X-Recorder for 2024\""
- In 2024, What Does Jailbreaking iPhone 11 i Do? Get Answers here | Dr.fone
- New Mastering MP3 Files Essential Editing Techniques for Beginners for 2024
- Can Life360 Track Or See Text Messages? What Can You Do with Life360 On Xiaomi Redmi 12? | Dr.fone
- How Can We Unlock Our Realme GT Neo 5 SE Phone Screen?
- How to Use Google Assistant on Your Lock Screen Of Samsung Galaxy A05 Phone
- A Quick Guide to Infinix Smart 8 FRP Bypass Instantly
- In 2024, Mindful Browsing A Compendium of Online Destinations to Find Tranquility and Relaxation This Year
- In 2024, How Do I Stop Someone From Tracking My Vivo Y100 5G? | Dr.fone
- Updated Blending the Tunes and Pictures A Step-by-Step Guide to Audio Video Integration in Current Technology for 2024
- 2024 Approved Shoot to Thrill The Ultimate Guide to Vertical Smartphone Video
- New Green Screen Is a Widely Used Effect in After Effects. Many Professional Photographers Use It to Make Creative Video Effects. This Guide Will Show You How to Use Green Screen to Videos in After Effects for 2024
- Undelete lost data from Xiaomi
- In 2024, List of Pokémon Go Joysticks On Honor Play 7T | Dr.fone
- Updated In 2024, Add Subtitles To Videos With Kapwing Step by Step
- Updated Upscale Video Sound Intensity Louden Your Viewing Experience
- How to Easily Hard reset my Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 | Dr.fone
- 6 Ways to Change Spotify Location On Your Vivo Y100i Power 5G | Dr.fone
- Green Screen YouTube Videos
- In 2024, Unlock Your Vivo Y28 5Gs Potential The Top 20 Lock Screen Apps You Need to Try
- Top 5 HTC Bypass FRP Tools for PC That Actually Work
- Sim Unlock Asus ROG Phone 7 Phones without Code 2 Ways to Remove Android Sim Lock
- New Unleash Your Creativity Top Online Lyric Video Making Platforms for 2024
- Updated In 2024, Perfecting the Symphony Techniques for Seamless Blending of Auditory Elements and Visuals in MP4
- In 2024, Best ZTE Nubia Z60 Ultra Pattern Lock Removal Tools Remove Android Pattern Lock Without Losing Data
- In 2024, Here are Some Pro Tips for Pokemon Go PvP Battles On Vivo Y200e 5G | Dr.fone
- 2 Ways to Transfer Text Messages from Poco C51 to iPhone 15/14/13/12/11/X/8/ | Dr.fone
- New Replace VSDC with These Top-Notch Video Editors on Mac
- New 2024 Approved Find Out What Ray Tracing Is in After Effects, How It Works, and Learn About Ray-Traced 3D Settings with Simple Instructions
- Best Android Data Recovery - Retrieve Lost Pictures from Oppo Find X6 Pro.
- In 2024, How Do You Get Sun Stone Evolutions in Pokémon For Honor 90? | Dr.fone
- 5 Best Route Generator Apps You Should Try On Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Dr.fone
- Updated In 2024, Trim and Cut MKV Files Like a Pro Top 10 Free Tools
- New 2024 Approved Top 8 Text-to-Video AI Generators to Produce Video Easily
- 2024 Approved Top Intro Creator Software for Gamers on PC and Mac
- In 2024, How to Unlock Oppo A2 Phone Password Without Factory Reset?
- Updated Video Editing Software Like VirtualDub Top Picks and Reviews for 2024
- How to Reset your Xiaomi Redmi A2 Lock Screen Password
- How to Fix iPad or iPhone XS Stuck On Activation Lock?
- In 2024, Latest Guide How To Bypass Vivo X100 Pro FRP Without Computer
- Title: "2024 Approved Affectionate Alternatives 3DS Games for Android Users"
- Author: Queen
- Created at : 2024-06-18 12:20:05
- Updated at : 2024-06-19 12:20:05
- Link: https://screen-mirroring-recording.techidaily.com/2024-approved-affectionate-alternatives-3ds-games-for-android-users/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.