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 machines.

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

Enable Developer Mode on Steam Deck

Before installing EmuDeck on Steam Deck, you should enable Developer Mode and CEF Remote Debugging to ensure that Steam Deck remains compatible with EmuDeck updates.

• Start Steam Deck.
• Press the key Steam button to access the Steam menu.
• Open the System menu and start Developer mode.
• Open Developer menu.
• In the Developer menu, start CEF Remote Debugging.
• Press the Steam button and select the Power menu.
• Switch to Desktop mode.

Before installing EmuDeck on your 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 ROMs for games – DS files end with .nds.
• You can use a keyboard and mouse to facilitate installation and file transfer.

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 your Steam OS version.
• Run the installer and select Personalized.
• Click on the SD card image.
• Then select Steam Deck.
• Select RetroArch, MelonDS, Steam R OM Manager and Emulation Station. Or install all emulators for later use.
• Skip the next few screens and select Finish to initiate the installation.

Transfer 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 in Steam Manager Rom.

• Click on Dolphin File Manager.
• Click on the SD card labeled as Primary.
• Click on the share option.
• In a square, select emulation and ROMS.
• Click on the folder named NDS.
• Copy the DS files to the empty folder.

Add games with Steam ROM Manager

• In desktop mode, reopen EmuDeck.
• Open 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 Analysis.
• The Steam ROM Manager will prepare your games and their skins.

Fix missing covers for DS games on Steam Deck

Most of the time, Steam ROM Manager will find and locate all your skins and add them to your Steam Deck game mode and library. However, some obscure or imported titles may not appear. Follow these steps to fix any missing caps:

• If you have any missing covers, select Fix.
• Enter the game title in Fix artwork and title search bar.
• Select one of the game covers from the sidebar and scroll until you find a suitable cover.
• Click on the cover, it is highlighted in white.
• Then click Save and close at the top right of the Steam Rom Manager.

Add your own covers

You may be prompted to add your own covers if SRM cannot find them. Use a google image search to locate the game cover and follow the steps below.

• Instead of Fix, click Upload.
• Find and add your image.
• Then select Save and Close.
• Close SRM and switch back to Game mode.

Play your DS games in Games mode

• Press the Steam button to access the Library option.
• Select Collections.
• Select Nintendo DS folder and select the game to play.

Performance tip

• Press the QAM button when your DS game launches – the three-dot button below the right trackpad.
• Open Performance menu from QAM.
• TURN Use per-game profile.
• Then increase the frame rate to 60 FPS to fix any slowdown issues.

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