How to Play Nintendo DS Games

THE Nintendo DS it was a fantastic handheld console that became home to some of the most creative and fun games of a generation. Unfortunately, many of the best console games aren't available on modern systems, and even if you own the games, if the console fails, there are few viable options for playing them on modern machines.

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

Enable developer mode on the Steam platform

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 the Steam Deck.
• Press the Steam button to access the Steam menu.
• Open the System menu and turn on Developer mode.
• Open the 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 the games. Format the SD card on the Steam Deck.
• DS ROM for games: DS files end with .nds.
• You can use a keyboard and mouse to simplify installation and file transfer.

Switch to desktop mode on Steam Deck

• Press the Steam button, select Power and navigate to Desktop mode.
• Open a browser and download EmuDeck.
• Select download and select your Steam OS version.
• Run the installer and select Costume.
• Click on the SD card image.
• Then select the Steam deck.
• Select RetroArch, MelonDS, Steam R OM Manager and Emulation Station. Or install all emulators for later use.
• Skip the subsequent screens and select Finalize to start the installation.

Transfer DS files and add them to your Steam Deck library

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

• Click Dolphin file manager.
• Click on the SD card labeled as Primary.
• Click on the split option.
• In a square, select Emulation AND ROM.
• Click on the folder named NDS.
• Copy your 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 Add games and then click Analyze.
• Steam ROM Manager will prepare your games and their covers.

Fix missing covers for DS games on the Steam platform

In most cases, Steam ROM Manager will find and locate all of your covers and add them to your Steam Deck game mode and library. However, some obscure or imported titles may not appear. Use the following steps to fix any missing covers:

• If any covers are missing, select Fix.
• Type the game title into the file Fixed graphics and title search bar.
• Select one of the game covers on the sidebar and scroll until you find the right one.
• Click on the cover as it is highlighted in white.
• Then click Save and close at the top right of Steam Rom Manager.

Add your own covers

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

• Instead of Fix, click Loading.
• Locate and add your image.
• Then select Save and Close.
• Close SRM and change return to game mode.

Play your DS games in game mode

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

Performance tip

• Press the QAM button when starting the DS game – the three-dot button under the right trackpad.
• Open the Performance menu from the QAM.
• Turn on Use the profile for fun.
• Then, increase the frame rate to 60 FPS to resolve any slowdown issues.

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