How to Run Nintendo DS Games

The Nintendo DS was a fantastic handheld console that became home to some of the most creative and entertaining games of a generation. Unfortunately, many of the console's best games are not available on modern systems, and even if you own the games, there are few viable options to play them on modern computers in the event of a console failure.

EmuDeck on the Steam deck serves as a gateway to retro gaming, allowing you to play titles from different generations, including those from the DS. This guide describes the steps to install EmuDeck and allow you to enjoy your favorite DS games on the Steam Deck.

Enable Developer Mode on the Steam Deck

Before installing EmuDeck on the Steam Deck, you should do the following Enable developer mode and CEF remote debugging to ensure the Steam Deck remains compatible with EmuDeck updates.

• Turn on the Steam Deck.
• Press the button Steam key to access the Steam menu.
• Open the system menu and turn on Developer mode.
• Open developer Menu.
• In the developer menu Turn on CEF remote debugging.
• Press the Steam button and select the power menu.
• Switch to Desktop mode.

Before installing EmuDeck on Steam Deck…

• You will need a high-speed A2 sized micro SD card to install EmuDeck and games. Format the SD card on the Steam Deck.
• DS ROMs for the games – DS files end with .nds.
• You can use a keyboard and mouse to make installing and transferring files easier.

Switch to desktop mode on Steam Deck

• Press the Steam button, select Power and switch to Desktop mode.
• Open a browser and download EmuDeck.
• Select “Download” and select the Steam OS version.
• Run the installer and select custom.
• Click on the SD card image.
• Then select the Steam Deck.
• Choose RetroArch, MelonDS, Steam ROM Manager and Emulation Station. Or install all emulators for later use.
• Skip the next screens and select “Complete” to begin the installation.

Transfer DS files and add them to the Steam Deck library

Now it's time to transfer your DS files to the correct folders so that the EmuDeck program recognizes them in the folders Steam Rom Manager.

• Click on Dolphin file manager.
• Click on the SD card labeled Primary.
• Click on the “Share” option.
• Select in a square emulation And ROMS.
• Click the folder named NDS.
• Copy your DS files to the empty folder.

Add the games using Steam ROM Manager

• In desktop mode, Reopen EmuDeck.
• Open Steam ROM Manager in the left pane and click Yes.
• Then click Next.
• Click on the two Nintendo DS windows.
• Click on Add games and then click Analyze.
• The Steam ROM Manager prepares your games and their covers.

Fix missing covers for DS games on Steam deck

Most of the time, the Steam ROM Manager finds and locates all your covers and adds them to the Steam Deck's gaming mode and library. However, some unknown or imported titles may not be displayed. Follow the steps below to repair missing covers:

• If covers are missing, select Repair.
• Enter the title of the game Fix image and title search bar.
• Select one of the game covers in the sidebar and scroll until you find a matching cover.
• Click on the cover so that it is there highlighted in white.
• Then click Save and close at the top right of the Steam Rom Manager.

Add your own covers

You may need to add your own covers if the SRM cannot find them. Use a Google image search to find your game's cover art and follow the steps below.

• Instead of clicking “Fix,” click Upload.
• Find your image and add it.
• Then select Save and Close.
• Close SRM and change back to gaming mode.

Play your DS games in gaming mode

• Press the Steam button to access the library Option.
• Select the Collections.
• Select the Nintendo DS folder and select your game.

Performance tip

• Press the QAM button when your DS game starts – the three-dot button under the right trackpad.
• Open that Performance menu from QAM.
• Turn on Use a game-specific profile.
• Then increase the frame rate to 60 FPS to address possible slowdown issues.

That's all you need to play Nintendo DS on Steam Deck and enjoy your games on another system.