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 aren't available on modern systems, and even if you own the games, if the console breaks, there are few viable options to play them on modern PCs.

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

Enable developer mode on board Steam

Before installing EmuDeck on Steam Deck you should enable developer mode and CEF remote debugging to ensure Steam Deck remains compatible with EmuDeck updates.

• Turn on Steam Deck.
• Press the button Steam button to access the Steam menu.
• Open the system menu and turn it on Developer mode.
• Open Developer menu.
• In the Developer menu enable 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 micro SD card to install EmuDeck and games. Format the SD card on Steam Deck.
• DS ROM for games – DS files end in .nds.
• You can use keyboard and mouse for easier installation and file transfer.

Switch to desktop mode on Steam Deck

• Press the Steam button, select Power and switch to Desktop mode.
• Open your browser and download EmuDeck.
• Select download and select your Steam operating system version.
• Run the installer and select Custom.
• Click on the SD card image.
• Then select Steam Deck.
• Choose RetroArch, MelonDS, Steam R OM Manager and Emulation Station. Or install all emulators for later use.
• Skip the next few screens and select Finalize to start the installation.

Transfer your DS files and add them to your Steam Deck library

Now it's time to transfer the DS files to their correct folders so that EmuDeck can detect them Steam Rom Manager.

• Click on Dolphin file manager.
• Click on the SD card labeled as Primary.
• Click on the split option.
• In one square select Emulation and ROM.
• Click on the folder named NDS.
• Copy the DS files to an empty folder.

Add games using the Steam ROM Manager

• In desktop mode open EmuDeck again.
• Open the Steam ROM Manager from the left panel and click Yes.
• Then click Next.
• Click on the two Nintendo DS windows.
• Click on Add games and then click on Analyze.
• Steam ROM Manager will prepare your games and their packages.

Fix missing skins for DS games on Steam

Steam ROM Manager will mostly find and find all your skins and add them to your game mode and Steam Deck library. However, some obscure or imported titles may not be displayed. Use the following steps to fix missing covers:

• If you are missing covers, select Repair.
• Enter the name of the game in the field Fix Artwork and Title search bar.
• Select one of the game's covers in the sidebar and scroll until you find a suitable cover.
• Tap the cover so that it is highlighted in white.
• Then click Save and close in the upper right corner of the Steam Rom Manager.

Add your own covers

If SRM cannot find them, you may be asked to add your own covers. Use Google Image Search to find your game cover and follow the steps below.

• Click instead of Repair Record.
• Find and add your image.
• Then select Save and Close.
• Close SRM and switch back to game mode.

Play your DS games in game mode

• Press the Steam button to open the library choice.
• Select Collections.
• Select Nintendo DS folder and select the game you want to play.

Performance tip

• Press the QAM button when your DS game starts up – button with three dots below the right trackpad.
• Open it Power supply from QAM.
• Turn on Use a per-game profile.
• Then increase the frame rate to 60 FPS to resolve any slowdown issues.

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